This summer Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, was asked what she thought about the town hall attendees who were voicing their opposition to the health care reform proposals. Her response was, “They are Astroturf.” While watching video of some of the town halls I saw one man standing nearly face to face to his U.S. Senator. He was looking him squarely in the eye, waiving his finger and angrily yelling his message.
The name calling of Pelosi and the disrespectful attitude of the man were both equally wrong and shouldn’t be championed or rationalized. There is no justification based on the person who said it, the position they hold or where it was said. There is also no justification based on the issue or group it’s aimed at. It’s wrong for the left and right, democrats and republicans and for liberals and conservatives.
I know there is admirable intent in the passions we have and causes for which we stand. We want to do what is right, stand up for others and speak out against those who do otherwise. No doubt, the message we have is important. We want it to be heard. However, the reason our message may not be getting through could be that our manner of delivery is offensive.
When Jesus lived on this earth He faced strong opposition to His life changing message. Yet, He successfully communicated it without compromising His godly character. What can we learn from Jesus? First, his own heart was pure and conscious clear before God His Father and others. Second, he was empty of any bitterness or unforgiveness towards his critics. Third, He never tried to exalt Himself by cutting down others. Fourth, He truly loved His opposition. The honest intent of His heart was to see them changed versus destroyed. It is written, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (The Bible, Romans 12:21, ESV)
Jesus was truthful, firm, humble, forgiving and loving in the midst of a fierce battle over the message He brought. May the example of Jesus Christ give us hope for today as we passionately stand up for what we believe.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
God and Socialism
Socialism. I have never heard the word used so much in the news from the presidential campaign to the present. It is being used often in the health care debate by opponents of the President’s plan. Republican National Committee Chairperson, Michael Steele, while taking questions before the National Press Club in July agreed that the president’s healthcare plan was socialistic.
What is socialism? The word was coined by Henri De Saint Simon in the early 1800s. Then in the mid to late 1800s German Philosopher, Karl Marx, co-wrote the Communist Manifesto which laid a philosophical ground work to socialism that evolved into a movement influencing many governments of the world.
There is wide range of definitions, but many experts say socialism is an economic system at its root. According to the writings of many early socialist fathers their system was suppose to combat the inequalities and unfairness that they saw in the industrial revolution. The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer.
On the surface, the principles seem noble. Beneath the surface, the history of socialism has meant government control of private capital (property, wages, and trade) and the administration of production and distribution of goods in a society.
God is the Creator and King over His universe. How does He govern? First, He governs from a position of selflessness. He does not seek to forcibly control for selfish gain. Second, He governs with compassion and personal sacrifice giving of Himself to His creation. Then God teaches those who have received from Him to do the same. Third, He governs by distributing His greatest gift, the forgiveness of sins, equally to all only if they meet His standard. If a person chooses to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, repent from their sinful behavior and are willing to confess Jesus Christ publicly, then they can receive God’s gift of forgiveness. If they don’t, then they willingly choose suffer the consequences of that decision.
God is the example of how to govern a society. He is a wise King. He governs with justice and compassion and He patiently waits for you. Will you make Him your hope for today?
What is socialism? The word was coined by Henri De Saint Simon in the early 1800s. Then in the mid to late 1800s German Philosopher, Karl Marx, co-wrote the Communist Manifesto which laid a philosophical ground work to socialism that evolved into a movement influencing many governments of the world.
There is wide range of definitions, but many experts say socialism is an economic system at its root. According to the writings of many early socialist fathers their system was suppose to combat the inequalities and unfairness that they saw in the industrial revolution. The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer.
On the surface, the principles seem noble. Beneath the surface, the history of socialism has meant government control of private capital (property, wages, and trade) and the administration of production and distribution of goods in a society.
God is the Creator and King over His universe. How does He govern? First, He governs from a position of selflessness. He does not seek to forcibly control for selfish gain. Second, He governs with compassion and personal sacrifice giving of Himself to His creation. Then God teaches those who have received from Him to do the same. Third, He governs by distributing His greatest gift, the forgiveness of sins, equally to all only if they meet His standard. If a person chooses to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, repent from their sinful behavior and are willing to confess Jesus Christ publicly, then they can receive God’s gift of forgiveness. If they don’t, then they willingly choose suffer the consequences of that decision.
God is the example of how to govern a society. He is a wise King. He governs with justice and compassion and He patiently waits for you. Will you make Him your hope for today?
Monday, August 10, 2009
Worrying About The Future
Huge job losses are a primary symptom of the critical condition of our economy. Nationally, the unemployment rate is approaching 10% at the time. Michigan is nearing 16% and Oregon 13%.
The good news is that no matter how you slice the numbers a majority of Americans are still employed. The numbers show employers are still hiring and people starting up new businesses. In July, businesses in North Carolina hired 4,700 people while Mississippi hired 4,500.
Even though 90% of Americans continue working, some might be worried about job security when they watch the nightly news. The reports on proposed congressional legislation dealing with healthcare and the environment are costly. Some experts warn of a higher federal deficit and more private sector job losses.
How should the majority of Americans live who still have their job, but wonder where things are headed?
1. Be aware. Know what is happening in your industry and company.
2. Be financially prepared. Start saving up emergency funds and paying down your debts.
3. Be the best employee. Do not give the boss a reason to let you go.
4. Be not a worrier.
It is so easy to worry when we feel like we are losing control at events swirling around us. However, worrying is a choice and you do not have to choose it. The God-Man, Jesus Christ, has given us a better way. He once said, “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (The Bible, John 14:1, ESV).
Jesus is the antidote to a life filled with selfish worry. Yes, worry is selfish. You are usually the primary subject of your worries. Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway. When we turn from self-focused life to a Jesus-focused life, He is able to bring abiding peace in a worry-worn heart. May you find hope for today in the peace of Christ.
The good news is that no matter how you slice the numbers a majority of Americans are still employed. The numbers show employers are still hiring and people starting up new businesses. In July, businesses in North Carolina hired 4,700 people while Mississippi hired 4,500.
Even though 90% of Americans continue working, some might be worried about job security when they watch the nightly news. The reports on proposed congressional legislation dealing with healthcare and the environment are costly. Some experts warn of a higher federal deficit and more private sector job losses.
How should the majority of Americans live who still have their job, but wonder where things are headed?
1. Be aware. Know what is happening in your industry and company.
2. Be financially prepared. Start saving up emergency funds and paying down your debts.
3. Be the best employee. Do not give the boss a reason to let you go.
4. Be not a worrier.
It is so easy to worry when we feel like we are losing control at events swirling around us. However, worrying is a choice and you do not have to choose it. The God-Man, Jesus Christ, has given us a better way. He once said, “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (The Bible, John 14:1, ESV).
Jesus is the antidote to a life filled with selfish worry. Yes, worry is selfish. You are usually the primary subject of your worries. Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway. When we turn from self-focused life to a Jesus-focused life, He is able to bring abiding peace in a worry-worn heart. May you find hope for today in the peace of Christ.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Supreme Examination
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is the first female Hispanic nominee to the court in American history. Her Senate confirmation hearings begin this month. If confirmed she will not only make the history books, but receive a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. It is the highest court in the United States and a powerful seat in the U.S. Government.
U.S. Senators are presently combing through thousands of documents going over speeches, court rulings and almost every area of her life trying to determine how she might execute her duties as a Justice. How would she rule on potential cases? How does she interpret the U.S. Constitution? Does she believe the court has the power to make policy?
The position she will potentially hold is influential in literally shaping America's future. On account of that, the process is brutal in making sure our nation places the best person on the bench.
One day I will actually go through something like a senate confirmation hearing. It will be much different though. There will not be any republicans or democrats and it will actually be an honest and fair hearing.
According to the Bible, the most accurate book ever written, there will be a day when every human being will be personally examined by God, the creator of all humanity. Prior to the meeting, God will dissect every area of our life, public and private, from the moment of our birth. His examination will go further then the confirmation hearings. It will also include our thought life and inner motives.
As I anticipate that day, I am not worried. I have confidence and peace. Why? Because God exams without partiality and favoritism. God says, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (The Bible, Romans 9:15, ESV). I have peace today because He has helped me to turn from my sins and brought me total forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
You may not have peace. The thought of being examined by God may leave you with a feeling of uncertainty.
One day we all will be personally examined by God to determine our destination for eternity. Followers of Christ can ponder the implications of that day with a sense of confident hope and abiding peace. May you turn to Him and find your hope for today.
U.S. Senators are presently combing through thousands of documents going over speeches, court rulings and almost every area of her life trying to determine how she might execute her duties as a Justice. How would she rule on potential cases? How does she interpret the U.S. Constitution? Does she believe the court has the power to make policy?
The position she will potentially hold is influential in literally shaping America's future. On account of that, the process is brutal in making sure our nation places the best person on the bench.
One day I will actually go through something like a senate confirmation hearing. It will be much different though. There will not be any republicans or democrats and it will actually be an honest and fair hearing.
According to the Bible, the most accurate book ever written, there will be a day when every human being will be personally examined by God, the creator of all humanity. Prior to the meeting, God will dissect every area of our life, public and private, from the moment of our birth. His examination will go further then the confirmation hearings. It will also include our thought life and inner motives.
As I anticipate that day, I am not worried. I have confidence and peace. Why? Because God exams without partiality and favoritism. God says, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (The Bible, Romans 9:15, ESV). I have peace today because He has helped me to turn from my sins and brought me total forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
You may not have peace. The thought of being examined by God may leave you with a feeling of uncertainty.
One day we all will be personally examined by God to determine our destination for eternity. Followers of Christ can ponder the implications of that day with a sense of confident hope and abiding peace. May you turn to Him and find your hope for today.
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