Media Myopia

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The notion that "Ignorance is bliss!" is a misnomer at best. When it comes to the Media, perhaps the adage, "None are as blind as those who will not see!" is more appropriate.

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In the recent exchanges regarding a person's faith, some media have been both dismissive in their assertion that Candidate A is wrong, and lazy in not doing some basic research to determine exactly what the Church of Candidate B states.

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Regarding the question of whether or not Jesus and Lucifer are thought to be brothers, the following from the official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints answers that question:

How can Jesus and Lucifer be spirit brothers when their characters and purposes are so utterly opposed? [Jess L. Christensen, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1986, 25–26 Jess L. Christensen, Institute of Religion director at Utah State University, Logan, Utah.]
On first hearing, the doctrine that Lucifer and our Lord, Jesus Christ, are brothers may seem surprising to some—especially to those unacquainted with latter-day revelations. But both the scriptures and the prophets affirm that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel “who was in authority in the presence of God,” a “son of the morning.” (See Isaiah 14:12; D&C 76:25–27.) Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. But as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer’s older brother. (See Colossians 1:15; D&C 93:21.)
How could two such great spirits become so totally opposite? The answer lies in the principle of agency, which has existed from all eternity. (See D&C 93:30–31.) Of Lucifer, the scripture says that because of rebellion “he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies.” (Moses 4:4.) Note that he was not created evil, but became Satan by his own choice.
When our Father in Heaven presented his plan of salvation, Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it, giving the glory to God, to whom it properly belonged. Lucifer, on the other hand, sought power, honor, and glory only for himself. (See Isaiah 14:13–14; Moses 4:1–2.) When his modification of the Father’s plan was rejected, he rebelled against God and was subsequently cast out of heaven with those who had sided with him. (See Revelation 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–37.)

That brothers would make dramatically different choices is not unusual. It has happened time and again, as the scriptures attest: Cain chose to serve Satan; Abel chose to serve God. (See Moses 5:16–18.) Esau “despised his birthright”; Jacob wanted to honor it. (Genesis 25:29–34.) Joseph’s brothers sought to kill him; he sought to preserve them. (Genesis 37:12–24; Genesis 45:3–11.)

While the official answer is clear from a Mormon point of view, it should not factor into whether or not Candidate A is more qualified than Candidate B to hold the office of President of the United States.

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Character, Moral Values and Sound Judgment should be the focus. I doubt the electorate will ever find an ideal and perfect candidate to hold office. We should cease majoring on minors and deal with the basics of who has the Character, Commitment, Integrity and Fortitude to lead this nation. Whoever it is will have a huge task and responsibility and is one for whom our prayers must be ceaseless.

A Proper Heading

I was just thinking about....

In one's approach to life, a good starting point would be to ask oneself: "Where am I going, and How do I expect to get there?" The adage has real merit when it states - "If you aim at nothing, you will always hit your target."

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I love to observe people! The ebb and flow of a life is revelatory. Some display great ambition while others demonstrate almost complete apathy. Some have ability to go along with their ambition, whereas others stumble along with their apathetic approach to life.

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Some years ago, a film - Mr. Holland's Opus - gained some acclaim as it focused on the lives of different ones in a High School setting. An aspiring musician, Mr. Holland, reluctantly accepts a position in the school to teach Music. He has always wanted to write a Musical Composition and Symphony, but has not been successful. The Principal of the school challenges this reluctant teacher in terms of the difference he can make in the student's lives. At one point, the Principal is going to retire and she takes the time to give this Music Teacher a gift. It is a Compass! Her point was simple! It's important to know your own heading so you can lead the young people in the right direction. And then she gives a word of encouragement, "Mr. Holland, of all the Teachers I have known and worked with, you are my favorite."

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When adjustments have to be made in the school curriculum because of budget priorities, the Music Department and Arts is discontinued. The man who reluctantly came to teach music has now been motivated and is reluctant for the Music and Arts to be discontinued. He fails in his effort to continue the programs. At a surprise "pep rally" farewell, Mr. Holland is to be honored. One of his former students has gone on to become the Governor of the State. In her tribute to Mr. Holland, she states: "I'm sure that Mr. Holland feels he has failed...but look around you Mr. Holland at the lives you've touched...We are your Opus, Mr. Holland."

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It would be good to know the heading of one's Compass. It is good to be challenged and motivated by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind...I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." The Goal...Compass Heading...Knowing where you're going, and Knowing how you're going to get there - I hope I don't try to tamper with The only valid Compass Heading!

Political Verbiage

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The language of politics reminds one of the old baseball manager, Leo Durocher, who was known to echo the words that "nice guys finish last"! It is said that he would coach his players to slide into a base with spikes high to gain the strategic advantage and to cause fear in the opponent. His philosophy regarding the "game" of baseball was to do whatever it took to win!

It seems we find a similar philosophy in politics as it unfolds today. A phrase in our discourse is "The Politics of Personal Destruction." Lower tier politicians and presidential "wanna-be-types" hurl all kinds of charges at the upper tier. They do so with the hope they may dislodge the front-runner and move up in the Polls themselves. It means that the public is somewhat cheated when charges and accusations are bandied about and meaningful dialogue about major issues in the country and world are ignored and/or bypassed altogether. The modern politician appears to follow a course where it appears that throwing jello at a wall is valid because some of it may stick and cause some injury to a political opponent.

One wonders if the prophet Jeremiah might have had American politics in mind when he stated in Jeremiah 9:5, "Everyone deceives his neighbor and does not speak the truth. They have taught their tongues to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity." On the other hand, the admonition of The Apostle Paul declares, "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another."

Is it any wonder that cynicism prevails with many? The philosophical argument abounds in terms of who can actually define "truth"! To expect people to think syllogistically and to formulate a premise in a concise statement is difficult at best, and unlikely at worst. It borders on the old humorous statement, "don't confuse me with the facts!" And so, we proceed down the path that Robert Bork referred to in the title of his book, "Slouching Toward Gomorrah"! If that was a valid premise in 1997 when he authored his tome, how much further have we come on that road in 2007.

Self-examination is a risky business because it is almost impossible for one to be in disagreement with oneself. Introspection just cannot be objective. However, being open to the evaluations by others is also remote. In a "politically correct" environment and our tendency toward narcissism, we just continue along on the slippery slope of self-indulgence and and personal gratification.

There is a fascinating Biblical account in I Kings 22:16. King Ahab wants full participation by all the prophets so he can have justification for engaging an enemy. When Micaiah agrees with the false prophets, King Ahab says to him, "How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?" The King will ignore the "truth" spoken by the true prophet of the Lord and confine Micaiah in his cell with bread and water for his sustenance. King Ahab never would return from the battle. The truth had been spoken - and - ignored!

It is incumbent upon all of us to sort through the waves of political verbiage in order to seek and find the truth. It would be wise to compare what is said with the historical records and documents that prove or disprove what people have said and done during their political journey. Ask yourself - and those addressing the nation in their pursuit of office - what was meant by their previous declarations and actions. Also, why they have suddenly and conveniently changed positions on major concerns in our nation. Is it just a matter of doing anything that it takes to get elected? Is it based on the philosophy that "nice guys finish last"?

May God help us to see through and beyond the "smoke, mirrors, vagaries and deliberate misrepresentations" of those who will do whatever it takes to win!

Defining Moment

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In life, we all face a defining moment - sometimes several throughout an active lifetime. Some defining moments are more routine and focus on education, employment, marriage, purchases, geography, etc. Most of us have wrestled through these times and can discern the merit to the process and the ultimate decision.

Politics has become a very strange business. The media helps fuel situations that result in some of these defining moments, as well as confrontations with one's past. Some would call it muckraking - and so much of it is. Others shrug and see it as business as usual.

This makes the address by one of the candidates regarding his religious persuasion and practice an interesting and defining moment. In terms of the speech presentation, it was done masterfully. In terms of the content and substance, those who embrace their beliefs (or lack of the same) will not be significantly persuaded. Possibly, the key section of the 25 minute speech is in these words:

I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith, nor should he be rejected because of his faith. No authorities of my church or any church, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of the church, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law. I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. My faith is the faith of my fathers. I will be true to them and to my beliefs.

He and others have shared they are running to be President - not Pastor of this nation. But one thought remains. This particular candidate indicated that "my faith does not define me"! That is a fascinating concept for one who also indicated that he believes Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. Just a question or two - (a) If Jesus Christ is one's Savior, does that not in fact define who that person is? Born again? A new creation? Crucified with Christ?, and (b) Is there not a commitment demand and requirement for one in relationship with Jesus Christ to be conformed to Him in wisdom, holiness and righteousness?

We have really gotten onto dangerous ground in our politically correct world. A person should be considered for political office on the basis of the content of his/her character; his/her ability to think clearly and rationally; his/her demonstrated quality of leadership; and clear and verifiable indication that one can have confidence in the sound and valid judgments of the one seeking the political office.

There ought not to be a litmus test in terms of one's Biblical, Theological or Religious Persuasions. One would hope that when the elected official places his/her hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office and states - "So help me God!" - there is a genuine belief in a Divine Creator Who must be revered, honored and consulted. Regardless of public posture, the one elected will resort to prayer and seeking divine wisdom while holding the Office of President. One will be awed by the duties and demands of The Office. One will realize that after all the rhetoric and claimed ability, etc. - there is the need to cast oneself upon the Lord in order to be sustained (Psalm 55:22), as well as to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55). We need to pray for our nation and those who govern us now, and who will be elected to govern us in the near future.

Me, Myself and "I"

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Some people have both a preoccupation with and a bad habit of utilizing the personal pronoun "I" in whatever discourse is occurring. A recent example of this was in Iowa this past week when a 10 minute speech was given to support one's spouse in the caucus. In the course of that speech, the pronoun "I" was mentioned 94 times, whereas the candidates name was mentioned only 7 times. This type thing occurs with many egocentric types and those who have a great sense of self-importance. It requires considerable discipline and commitment to bring about correction in this area.
From both a personal development in one's physical interaction, to one's spiritual nurture, the subject of "I" needs to be minimized and less apparent.
There is an old Hymn of the Church that captures this idea. The first Stanza of that Hymn is:

Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

From a Christian perspective, there is a twofold example:
First, is John the Baptist - -
In John 3:30, John the Baptist makes this distinction: He must Increase, but "I" must decrease. And in Luke 3:16, he also states: "...I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie..." John the Baptist understood his role and calling, primarily that of a fore-runner. Could he have drawn attention to himself? Of course, he could but he lived humbly and came into the public arena only reluctantly.
Second is the Apostle Paul - -
Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Very simply, Paul was indicating the importance of "I" being minimized and eliminated as the focus and/or subject. The third stanza of the above mentioned Hymn is:

Christ, only Christ! no idle words e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ; no self important bearing;
Christ, only Christ; no trace of “I” be found.

This is an achievable goal and should be sought and striven toward. We can and will have greater acceptance and impact if we discipline ourselves to get the focus off of "I". The contribution we are attempting to share in human discourse will be more readily received, considered and debated if and when the "I" is not the prominent point of discussion. It surely suggests, maybe demands, that at the very least we Think About It.

Holiday Hearts

I was just thinking about....

WSB Radio News reported today there is a connection between the holidays and heart attacks. The following was stated in the report:

• Death rates tend to go up around the holidays, and some researchers have started calling the trend the merry Christmas coronary and happy New Year heart attack. Cardiologist Keith Churchwell of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute said hospitals often see heavier traffic at those times.

• "A national database on the 53 million deaths that occurred in the U.S. between 1973 and 2001 showed that deaths from heart disease peak in December and January, with spikes on Christmas and New Year's Day."

Several reasons are given in terms of the spike in heart issues - (a) the stress of preparation; (b) delaying medical attention so as not to interfere with family plans and activities; (c) the increase in alcohol consumption; etc. The opinion of Dr. Churchwell in terms of alcohol consumption is:

• "Alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscle in a number of different ways, but in particular it can lead to an irritation of the heart muscle, This can lead to atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that is a classic finding of holiday heart."

Are there things one can do and principles one should apply? Two Biblical passages give one a clue in this regard...

• Psalm 37:7 - ""Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." The idea of "rest" is one should learn to relax. Pacing oneself is vital. It might be better to have dust on the furniture rather than have a Minister intoning, "dust to dust, ashes to ashes"!

• John 14:27 is a declaration of a Gift than is given and a Legacy to be received. Jesus is speaking and says: "Peace, I leave with you. My Peace, I give to you..."

There is a strange irony with family gatherings. The host home is readied as the Homemaker cleans, and dusts, and waxes, and polishes, and prepares, and buys, etc. Then the family arrives and they begin to bring in their luggage, children's toys, food and snacks, beverages, gifts, etc. Within a fraction of time, one can hardly recognize all the cleaning, and dusting and waxing, etc. And after the family leaves, the entire cycle begins again as laundry must be done, and sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, re-arranging, doing something with leftovers, etc. dictates the pace for the next couple of days.

The significance and wisdom in the embrace of learning to relax and enjoying the peace of Christ are found within the guideline list of a holiday habit: "Eat slowly and engage in conversation to slow down the process of eating. It takes your brain about 20 minutes to get the signal that it's full."

I hope that you will remember God's Gift in Christ as you act upon His gift of Peace, and as you Relax in Him. It is the solution and pathway for ones healthy enjoyment of family and friends, and having a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Souls In Anguish

I was just thinking about…

Yesterday, a man in Rochester, New Hampshire held several people hostage in a Political Campaign Office. It was commendable that no physical harm was done to anyone. What caused this man to take this drastic action? Why did he indicate he would blow himself up? What issues provoked his behavior? In a telephone call to CNN, he indicated he had Mental Health needs that required attention and he wasn’t able to get the help he needed. In this strange incident, this depressed man seems to have been crying our for help – and – was being ignored by those who could give it. Thus – his threatening and menacing behavior.

Mental health matters impact many people, especially during the holidays. Such times may evoke loneliness; failures of the past; loss of loved ones; missed opportunities. Even within the professional ranks, depression is a reality. A study by the Mental Health Administration (2004-2006) found that nearly two out of ten who serve in the personal care and service profession reported being depressed. Major depression strikes 17 percent of Americans and government figures show about 30,000 a year commit suicide, according to USAToday.

I remember my Grandmother using a phrase often with us about people of different walks and backgrounds. She would say: “They are more to be pitied than laughed at!” In the rush of our lives and the multitude of our activities, we need to notice others around us and give due consideration to those we might deem to be dysfunctional, or even a bit “weird”! Those who honor Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord would do well to remember the Scriptures that touch on these areas that impacts different ones:

· "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

· "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

· "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed: perplexed but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Whether we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”, for some of our acquaintances and neighbors it is anything but a merry or happy time. We need to be deliberate in doing our part to lift up the troubled spirit and to help bear the burden of the troubled soul. Sometimes, those who need the assistance and help the most will reject your effort and offer. But – keep on trying! You may be the only one who demonstrates care! Don’t give up! Do what you can to have a positive thrust into another’s life. It could be a life or death struggle that you have helped to avert.