One important part of our spiritual lives is the process of seeking balance. I might go so far as to say, it is the most important reason to pursue matters of the spirit. As scripture points out in the area of faith, for example, it doesn't do much good to tell someone in need to go in peace and be warm and be fed if we aren't willing to bring our good works into the equation and actually help that person by providing what they need, if it is within our power to do so. The kind of faith that wishes someone well and then walks away isn't the kind of faith Jesus had in mind.
I find myself in a similar predicament writing a column for the West Plains Daily Quill's religion page titled "A Little Good News Today" and also taking it upon myself to share my thoughts on a weekly blog, both of which sprang from my desire to encourage those who might be struggling under a heavy burden, but also because I get downright angry at how some Christians are more mean and judgmental and less giving than many of the supposed "sinners" of the world. I'm tired of bad news and tired of feeling like there's nothing to be done about the state of things.
But how do I find the balance between challenging us all to stand up to injustice, for instance, while also attempting to provide encouragement for those who might be sad or suffering? How do I remain true to my principles and also try to reach out and make a connection to someone else regardless of the beliefs we might or might not have in common? It's a bit like trying to keep my religion out of my politics and my politics out of my religion. Not easy.
Clearly, some thoughts will apply more to some people than others, and it is also true I will not be able to please everyone with my comments. (Although, as I have mentioned before, of the people who hold a wide range of beliefs who read my column and my blog, I have found there is more which unites us than that which divides.)
There are different interpretations of what we are called to do as followers of Jesus, but whatever our opinions, our denominations, our ways of doing things, we cannot let them divide us to the point of not being able to work together for the common good. If we are completely wrapped up in defending our own set of rules and traditions, we will be in danger of missing the point, and that point is love.
We must agree, above all, Jesus commanded us to love one another. There is no way around it. That does not require us to agree on every issue, but it can compel us to at least think about what others are saying and consider why they're saying it. Let us not feel threatened by differences. It is possible some of the opinions we hold dear could use a little improving by allowing someone else's point of view to influence how we look at the world. Certainly my opinions, included.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Booing the Golden Rule?
I have not been watching the GOP presidential debates, but I do see video clips from time to time of participants answering questions at the events. I am baffled by much of what goes on in politics, especially when it comes to how those claiming to be religious choose to engage in the process, but I was absolutely bewildered when I heard an audience at a recent debate boo a candidate who mentioned the "Golden Rule."
Perhaps the majority of the audience would not claim to be Christians, and I suppose that could explain their reaction, but my guess is most of those doing the booing would likely identify themselves as fans of Jesus. It is one thing to disagree with the content of what is being said, but to offer an exclamation of contempt or disapproval at the mention of the basic tenet of civility and ethical conduct, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a matter which should lead us all to spend some time reflecting on what we believe, and -- putting politics aside -- how our beliefs play out in our everyday lives.
It is not a new problem that many who claim to follow the teachings of Jesus have never really studied what he taught, and it is also not a recent development that some manage to compartmentalize Sunday morning church behavior as different from what goes on during the rest of the week. But if the Body of Christ is going to have a positive impact on the world, those attitudes must change.
I have friends who don't claim to be followers of Jesus who behave with more compassion and civility than some I've encountered who do profess to be Christians. And I know it's a question which is asked often, but why should unbelievers be curious about what Jesus says if those who say they know him are rude, unkind and sometimes even behave like thoughtless and uncaring bullies?
We all need to take time for spiritual self-examination, and in doing so, I think the question we should ask ourselves is not necessarily "What would Jesus do?" but more to the point, how should I behave to show others I have taken to heart his commandment to love my neighbor as I love myself? Christians do change our own little corners of the world every day. Let us hope and pray the difference we make is always for the better.
Perhaps the majority of the audience would not claim to be Christians, and I suppose that could explain their reaction, but my guess is most of those doing the booing would likely identify themselves as fans of Jesus. It is one thing to disagree with the content of what is being said, but to offer an exclamation of contempt or disapproval at the mention of the basic tenet of civility and ethical conduct, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a matter which should lead us all to spend some time reflecting on what we believe, and -- putting politics aside -- how our beliefs play out in our everyday lives.
It is not a new problem that many who claim to follow the teachings of Jesus have never really studied what he taught, and it is also not a recent development that some manage to compartmentalize Sunday morning church behavior as different from what goes on during the rest of the week. But if the Body of Christ is going to have a positive impact on the world, those attitudes must change.
I have friends who don't claim to be followers of Jesus who behave with more compassion and civility than some I've encountered who do profess to be Christians. And I know it's a question which is asked often, but why should unbelievers be curious about what Jesus says if those who say they know him are rude, unkind and sometimes even behave like thoughtless and uncaring bullies?
We all need to take time for spiritual self-examination, and in doing so, I think the question we should ask ourselves is not necessarily "What would Jesus do?" but more to the point, how should I behave to show others I have taken to heart his commandment to love my neighbor as I love myself? Christians do change our own little corners of the world every day. Let us hope and pray the difference we make is always for the better.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Not Knowing Why
Life is filled with questions. From the profane and mundane, to the reverent and profound thoughts of why we exist and for what purpose. Humans are questioners. You might even say we tend to be nosy. We want to know the who, when and where of what's happening around us. Most of us want to know about things which might be relevant to us, and sometimes, even more so, we are interested in situations that aren't any of our business. Usually, with some poking around we can obtain enough information, whether entirely accurate or not, to satisfy our curiosity.
But another question many of us have is, "why?" The why questions are often more difficult to answer. Why are people cruel? Why is someone we care about stricken with a debilitating or life-threatening illness? Why do some die too young? It is natural to seek answers, but it is unlikely we will find them when it comes to questions like these. Even if we were to know a reason why, it does not mean we would be satisfied. The answers to the "why" questions of life, usually lead to more questions.
The easy way out is to rely on platitudes to evade answers. Christians are notorious for offering things like, "it must be God's will" or "she's in a better place now." Not to diminish the sincerity behind such comments, but wisdom should lead to us to know when to say something and when to remain silent. None of us have all of the answers, and we should not pretend we do, especially when expressing an opinion causes more hurt than good.
It seems best not to try to tackle the why questions head on. Rather, let the whys in life lead us to become more loving and giving, more ready with a smile and a kind word. Let us be more spontaneous and show others how much we appreciate and care for them while we still have the opportunity. We should strive every day to remember some things are important and most things are not. Concentrate on what is important, not petty.
Many seek religion as a way to get answers, but religion, by itself, will fail in that area. However, reliance on God is the only thing I know which provides peace and comfort. I will accept such consolation in place of knowing the answers to all of my questions.
But another question many of us have is, "why?" The why questions are often more difficult to answer. Why are people cruel? Why is someone we care about stricken with a debilitating or life-threatening illness? Why do some die too young? It is natural to seek answers, but it is unlikely we will find them when it comes to questions like these. Even if we were to know a reason why, it does not mean we would be satisfied. The answers to the "why" questions of life, usually lead to more questions.
The easy way out is to rely on platitudes to evade answers. Christians are notorious for offering things like, "it must be God's will" or "she's in a better place now." Not to diminish the sincerity behind such comments, but wisdom should lead to us to know when to say something and when to remain silent. None of us have all of the answers, and we should not pretend we do, especially when expressing an opinion causes more hurt than good.
It seems best not to try to tackle the why questions head on. Rather, let the whys in life lead us to become more loving and giving, more ready with a smile and a kind word. Let us be more spontaneous and show others how much we appreciate and care for them while we still have the opportunity. We should strive every day to remember some things are important and most things are not. Concentrate on what is important, not petty.
Many seek religion as a way to get answers, but religion, by itself, will fail in that area. However, reliance on God is the only thing I know which provides peace and comfort. I will accept such consolation in place of knowing the answers to all of my questions.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
What the New Year Brings
The dawn of any new year is generally met with the anticipation of change. Personal resolutions to improve, whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually, are in abundance. Even though January 1 holds no true significance, it does seem a natural time to start fresh with a clean slate and make changes for the better. Sometimes, our resolutions are actually effective, we do improve in some area, and that is a good thing.
This year seems to be shaping up as one with higher expectations than most in recent memory. And one with greater chances for distractions, as well. Of course, it's election year, but then there's also a considerable number of other potentially alarming theories and observations, including how 2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar. Somehow, there's been a major leap in logic to lead many to conclude the end of one cycle on an ancient method of keeping track of time also means it's going to be the end of the world. I might be more inclined to think politics will likely to be end of us all, but that's another matter.
Let us keep level heads and remember, as people of faith, we should not be causing panic or creating tension and fear. Believers are called to live one day at a time and not let the worries of tomorrow enter into the present. We most certainly should not be inventing things to fret about. Despite the hype surrounding 2012, I have found most of my friends and acquaintances are actually excited about what the year ahead has in store.
Most everyone I know has already chosen not to think the worst, but rather to think a shake up of some sort, if it were to happen, isn't necessarily a bad thing. If the world's way of doing things shifted to look a lot more like the Way Jesus had in mind, that most certainly would be good. And that kind of change is not dependent on any calendar, old or new. That kind of change is up to each of us and the choices we make every day.
What the new year brings for our own individual lives is, largely, up to us. Our reaction to and how we deal with that which is beyond our control is entirely up to us. I think this year has the potential to be better by far than last year, don't you?
This year seems to be shaping up as one with higher expectations than most in recent memory. And one with greater chances for distractions, as well. Of course, it's election year, but then there's also a considerable number of other potentially alarming theories and observations, including how 2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar. Somehow, there's been a major leap in logic to lead many to conclude the end of one cycle on an ancient method of keeping track of time also means it's going to be the end of the world. I might be more inclined to think politics will likely to be end of us all, but that's another matter.
Let us keep level heads and remember, as people of faith, we should not be causing panic or creating tension and fear. Believers are called to live one day at a time and not let the worries of tomorrow enter into the present. We most certainly should not be inventing things to fret about. Despite the hype surrounding 2012, I have found most of my friends and acquaintances are actually excited about what the year ahead has in store.
Most everyone I know has already chosen not to think the worst, but rather to think a shake up of some sort, if it were to happen, isn't necessarily a bad thing. If the world's way of doing things shifted to look a lot more like the Way Jesus had in mind, that most certainly would be good. And that kind of change is not dependent on any calendar, old or new. That kind of change is up to each of us and the choices we make every day.
What the new year brings for our own individual lives is, largely, up to us. Our reaction to and how we deal with that which is beyond our control is entirely up to us. I think this year has the potential to be better by far than last year, don't you?
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Way and the Will to Change
Throughout the world, more than 22,000 children under the age of five die every day from preventable and curable diseases. This information is from the "Save the Children" organization, and the figures match those from other respected groups.
I share these numbers from time to time for those who have never heard them before and for those of us who have but sometimes forget. The key phrase above is "preventable and curable." These aren't complicated diseases. Many of these children could be saved with simple over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, for example. For an estimated $20 billion dollars, everyone could have access to clean drinking water and that would save most of the 1.5 million children who die each year from diarrhea even before they need medicine.
There are some who view the problems outside of our country as "not our problems." But for believers, poverty issues anywhere are our problem. Nevermind how the government is mismanaging resources, let's think about us, as individuals. I'm hearing Americans spent around $470 billion on Christmas this year. The amount of money we spend annually on things like candy, sodas and other junk food, not to mention big-ticket luxury items, is staggering. Clearly, it is not a lack of resources which is the problem. Misplaced priorities are the problem.
It is considered nearly unpatriotic to suggest we should not be doing our part to "spend our way out of recession," but if all of us would buy even one-fourth less of the things we don't really need and instead, contribute the money we save to reputable organizations who are addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor, we could fix poverty. It has been shown that money, used properly, changes the world for the better. The right kind of aid does help, because the good news is the number of children dying every day from preventable diseases is actually down in recent years because of proper use of resources. When people have clean water and are well-fed, they don't have to focus merely on day-to-day survival. They are able to be educated and productive.
I've mentioned these things before, but some things bear repeating. Jesus provided the Way. It is up to us to find the will to change the way the world works, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start. We can do it.
I share these numbers from time to time for those who have never heard them before and for those of us who have but sometimes forget. The key phrase above is "preventable and curable." These aren't complicated diseases. Many of these children could be saved with simple over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, for example. For an estimated $20 billion dollars, everyone could have access to clean drinking water and that would save most of the 1.5 million children who die each year from diarrhea even before they need medicine.
There are some who view the problems outside of our country as "not our problems." But for believers, poverty issues anywhere are our problem. Nevermind how the government is mismanaging resources, let's think about us, as individuals. I'm hearing Americans spent around $470 billion on Christmas this year. The amount of money we spend annually on things like candy, sodas and other junk food, not to mention big-ticket luxury items, is staggering. Clearly, it is not a lack of resources which is the problem. Misplaced priorities are the problem.
It is considered nearly unpatriotic to suggest we should not be doing our part to "spend our way out of recession," but if all of us would buy even one-fourth less of the things we don't really need and instead, contribute the money we save to reputable organizations who are addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor, we could fix poverty. It has been shown that money, used properly, changes the world for the better. The right kind of aid does help, because the good news is the number of children dying every day from preventable diseases is actually down in recent years because of proper use of resources. When people have clean water and are well-fed, they don't have to focus merely on day-to-day survival. They are able to be educated and productive.
I've mentioned these things before, but some things bear repeating. Jesus provided the Way. It is up to us to find the will to change the way the world works, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start. We can do it.
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