It's my little brother's (I almost wrote "bother" by accident, but decided against leaving it, though it was a tough battle in my head for a few moments) birthday today!
He is sixteen. I don't suppose he is little by some standards, anymore, but he is little to me.
Don't mistake me: he is taller than I am. He is stronger than I am. His voice is lower than mine (good thing).
But, he is and always will be my little brother. The one who rants at me and waits for me to answer calmly, or to tell him he is a dork and shouldn't worry about such things.
He talks a lot. It fills in for the silence coming from me all the time.
Happy birthday, my dear little bro! Stop being a dork.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Maybe a Little More Ranting...
"Christians, we're all afraid of fire.
We prefer to suck on pacifiers. Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.
We're cannibals. We watch our brothers fall. We eat our own, the bones and all.
Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake up and see we're going down in flames.
We're going down, down, down in flames. We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.
We see the problem and the risk, but nothing's solved. We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk." and "Shame, shame, shame." Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake to see we're going down in flames.
Christians, we mourn, the thorn is stuck in the side of the body. Watch it self-destruct.
The enemy is much ignored when we fight this Christian civil war. We're cannibals, We watch our brothers fall. We eat our own, the bones and all. Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake to see we're going down in flames. Let me pause to clarify ('cause I'm sure you're asking, "Why?").
I stand before you, and proudly claim to belong to what this song complains. I'm part of the problem I confess, but I got to get this off my chest.
Let's extinguish the anguish for which we're to blame, and save the world from going down in flames."
~ Relient K
You know what the saddest thing in the world is, to me?
There are a lot of sad things in the world: hunger; pain...but there is something far sadder, in my humble opinion, and that is when Christians fight their brothers and sisters in Christ.
This goes on all too often. I have heard of people all my life (and I have sometimes been a part of that people) who are bickering over some small, personal issue. (By personal I mean something that is not specifically outlined in the Bible - like levels of modesty and education, etc.)
It is heartbreaking to see Christian people attack others over some small issue such as this.
What is wrong with us? Are we so blind to our Lord and Saviour that we immediately turn from what He has commanded and attack? We are supposed to be SHEEP! We are supposed to meekly follow our Shepherd, knowing that without Him we would be goners.
John 15:11-14: "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."
Yikes. Does this not make you shiver? Jesus commands us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER as HE LOVED US!! And how did He love us?
Christ loved us so much He gave Himself for us - completely, unto death.
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
1 John 4:9-11: "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Christ tells us to love one another as He loved us. We had better be careful when we come to the point where we feel the need to speak out about someone's wrongs.
I am not saying a Christian should never seek to correct another Christian's wrong behaviour. This is of course necessary. What I am saying is, we had better be absolutely certain that they ARE wrong.
1 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
Ephesians 4:29-31: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."
When we seek to correct, we ought to do it in a way that "fits the occasion" and "gives grace to those who hear" even while being for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness!
This is not something people in general come by easily. We all absolutely know that we are in the right. We all carry the "Holier Than Thou" disease. It is so easy for pride to take over!
Jude 1:19-21: "It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
People who know they do not deserve mercy and yet receive it are less likely to "bicker and argue" about superfluous things than those whose eyes are turned away from all the grace they've received. Too often we look instead to what we've done for ourselves - how many great books we've read - how often we do good works - how many hours we read our Bible in a day. We need to get a huge sign that we can stick on our foreheads that says :
"God did it all, and you are a horrible, horrible sinner saved by His grace, and only by His grace. What right have you to take any step up the ladder of Pride? Of Righteousness? Whose garment are you wearing, anyway? Did you forget so quickly Who it was that suffered for your sake? Don't forget. Ever."
We can only hope that the Shepherd is slowly filing them away, but in order for Him to do so we must stand quietly, without bleating, and keep our mouths open for Him to reach in.
I'm sure there is one thing every Christian can agree with every other Christian about: That Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, Who died for sinners and saved them by His grace. Every part of our lives belongs to Him. He has a right to it as our Redeemer. He sanctifies us, and gives us meekness and patience, and wisdom.
I think that if we all began on this point, there would be a lot less arguing among ourselves. There would be less "Christian Civil War." And I think that is something that ought to be done, if we are to shine as Lights in the World.
File away my fangs, Lord!
We prefer to suck on pacifiers. Baby pacifists, we're throwing fits.
We don't shake hands, we shake our fists.
We're cannibals. We watch our brothers fall. We eat our own, the bones and all.
Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake up and see we're going down in flames.
We're going down, down, down in flames. We're gonna drown, drown, drown insane.
We see the problem and the risk, but nothing's solved. We just say, "Tisk, tisk, tisk." and "Shame, shame, shame." Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake to see we're going down in flames.
Christians, we mourn, the thorn is stuck in the side of the body. Watch it self-destruct.
The enemy is much ignored when we fight this Christian civil war. We're cannibals, We watch our brothers fall. We eat our own, the bones and all. Finally fell asleep on the plane. To wake to see we're going down in flames. Let me pause to clarify ('cause I'm sure you're asking, "Why?").
I stand before you, and proudly claim to belong to what this song complains. I'm part of the problem I confess, but I got to get this off my chest.
Let's extinguish the anguish for which we're to blame, and save the world from going down in flames."
~ Relient K
You know what the saddest thing in the world is, to me?
There are a lot of sad things in the world: hunger; pain...but there is something far sadder, in my humble opinion, and that is when Christians fight their brothers and sisters in Christ.
This goes on all too often. I have heard of people all my life (and I have sometimes been a part of that people) who are bickering over some small, personal issue. (By personal I mean something that is not specifically outlined in the Bible - like levels of modesty and education, etc.)
It is heartbreaking to see Christian people attack others over some small issue such as this.
What is wrong with us? Are we so blind to our Lord and Saviour that we immediately turn from what He has commanded and attack? We are supposed to be SHEEP! We are supposed to meekly follow our Shepherd, knowing that without Him we would be goners.
John 15:11-14: "
Yikes. Does this not make you shiver? Jesus commands us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER as HE LOVED US!! And how did He love us?
Christ loved us so much He gave Himself for us - completely, unto death.
John 3:16: "
1 John 4:9-11: "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Christ tells us to love one another as He loved us. We had better be careful when we come to the point where we feel the need to speak out about someone's wrongs.
I am not saying a Christian should never seek to correct another Christian's wrong behaviour. This is of course necessary. What I am saying is, we had better be absolutely certain that they ARE wrong.
1 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
Ephesians 4:29-31: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."
When we seek to correct, we ought to do it in a way that "fits the occasion" and "gives grace to those who hear" even while being for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness!
This is not something people in general come by easily. We all absolutely know that we are in the right. We all carry the "Holier Than Thou" disease. It is so easy for pride to take over!
Jude 1:19-21: "It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
People who know they do not deserve mercy and yet receive it are less likely to "bicker and argue" about superfluous things than those whose eyes are turned away from all the grace they've received. Too often we look instead to what we've done for ourselves - how many great books we've read - how often we do good works - how many hours we read our Bible in a day. We need to get a huge sign that we can stick on our foreheads that says :
"God did it all, and you are a horrible, horrible sinner saved by His grace, and only by His grace. What right have you to take any step up the ladder of Pride? Of Righteousness? Whose garment are you wearing, anyway? Did you forget so quickly Who it was that suffered for your sake? Don't forget. Ever."
We can only hope that the Shepherd is slowly filing them away, but in order for Him to do so we must stand quietly, without bleating, and keep our mouths open for Him to reach in.
I'm sure there is one thing every Christian can agree with every other Christian about: That Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, Who died for sinners and saved them by His grace. Every part of our lives belongs to Him. He has a right to it as our Redeemer. He sanctifies us, and gives us meekness and patience, and wisdom.
I think that if we all began on this point, there would be a lot less arguing among ourselves. There would be less "Christian Civil War." And I think that is something that ought to be done, if we are to shine as Lights in the World.
File away my fangs, Lord!
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Yep. Family
You know what's always been a huge thing for me?
Every once in a while I get up in the morning, sit up in my bed, stretch, and stop. My eyes open wide, and a shocking realization runs through my brain.
"I am big??? When did this happen???"
I realize in these moments that I have a hard time accepting that I am a responsible young woman now, instead of a carefree little child who spent her days finishing easy schoolwork and then going outside to play. (It wasn't always easy - but when it was, I got outside quicker. And the memories were made as a child, and these were the memories kept - more time to run under the sun! To climb the trees! To play tag with siblings and dogs! To lie in the grass and watch the fluffy clouds go by, herded like sheep by the shepherding wind.)
And, in these moments, two feelings come up:
1) I feel sorry for losing my childhood - time really does go by fast. Too fast to keep all the memories, but the ones I do have, I cherish even more.
2) I feel happy that I've made it to here, with a loving family and a wonderful Saviour.
That's the best part about all these years going by. I've grown in the relationships that matter to me. Every one of my family members is necessary. (And I don't mean that in a bad way, because I know it sounds a little bit mean to say it like that.)
What I really mean is, each one inspires, loves, and helps me. All the time. I'm very thankful for all of them. (Yes, ALL of you - even YOU. ;p)
Every once in a while I get up in the morning, sit up in my bed, stretch, and stop. My eyes open wide, and a shocking realization runs through my brain.
"I am big??? When did this happen???"
I realize in these moments that I have a hard time accepting that I am a responsible young woman now, instead of a carefree little child who spent her days finishing easy schoolwork and then going outside to play. (It wasn't always easy - but when it was, I got outside quicker. And the memories were made as a child, and these were the memories kept - more time to run under the sun! To climb the trees! To play tag with siblings and dogs! To lie in the grass and watch the fluffy clouds go by, herded like sheep by the shepherding wind.)
And, in these moments, two feelings come up:
1) I feel sorry for losing my childhood - time really does go by fast. Too fast to keep all the memories, but the ones I do have, I cherish even more.
2) I feel happy that I've made it to here, with a loving family and a wonderful Saviour.
That's the best part about all these years going by. I've grown in the relationships that matter to me. Every one of my family members is necessary. (And I don't mean that in a bad way, because I know it sounds a little bit mean to say it like that.)
What I really mean is, each one inspires, loves, and helps me. All the time. I'm very thankful for all of them. (Yes, ALL of you - even YOU. ;p)
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Jesus Did the Work
People were created to work. It's in our nature to do things for ourselves and for those we care about. We toil all day in the hope of changing our lives for the better - we work in the fields or in the office, or at home; we study, we toil, we scrimp and save. All this because working is what people do. We work for our bread, for our clothes, for the roof over our heads. A family unit is a unit working together. A business unit is a unit working together.
Naturally this leads us to believe that we have to work towards Heaven. We work for everything else, right? We each, in our wicked natures, develop our own little "checklist" of things we have to do, things we absolutely without question must not do, things we have done, and things we have not done (but should).
Lists for house chores are fine. It's when it comes to the matter of salvation that a checklist is a huge problem. What we don't realize is we often have a list inside of our heart, placed there at some point, perhaps added to as the years go by. Oftentimes we don't even realize it's there.
We can easily say, "It's all of grace." But then we turn around and leave the conversation, saying to ourselves "My skirt isn't as long as that girl's; she must be overly modest." Ding! Ding! Warning! False pride moving in for the goal!
A checklist for salvation does one of two things: either it builds us up, or brings us down. Both of these is sinful in the eyes of our Beautiful Saviour.
Pride controls each and every one of us. Pride is pride, and so is shame. When you are ashamed because of your idea of some other sinner, your pride is saying "come on, now! Dress better! Sing better! Speak better! Don't make a fool of yourself! Look at how great so-and-so is. You are just as smart/pretty/etc. as they are."
We constantly compare the image we have of ourselves to the image we have of other people. What we need to do is hold up the looking glass that reveals who we really are: SINNERS. Ugly, corrupt, worthless. The Bible is a pure, clear mirror that we can use to look into the deepest recesses of our souls. There we see that we could not possibly "work" our way to Heaven, because we can't even do good works on our own. Each of us is the "chief of sinners".
And this is where God's remarkable grace comes in. Because our perfect Jesus did the work, living a sinless life and dying a spotless, sacrificial death, all we have to do is rely upon the Grace now freely offered, without a catch.
So, is work involved in salvation? Yes, but not by us. We are dead in trespasses and sins; that means no moving, no thinking, and definitely no working on our part. God, by His great and merciful grace, redeems us, because He loves us. When He redeems us, we become then something to be admired; because we are given Christ's righteousness, we are clothed in His spotless robes. We are no longer worthless, but redeemed, and valued. We are cherished children in the eyes of a Perfect Father.
Romans 5:8-11: "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
When we keep this in mind, Pride loses its grip and crumbles. And when Pride crumbles, our minds are cleared and we can focus on what really matters: serving Christ Jesus, and loving Him.
John 17:20-26: "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Naturally this leads us to believe that we have to work towards Heaven. We work for everything else, right? We each, in our wicked natures, develop our own little "checklist" of things we have to do, things we absolutely without question must not do, things we have done, and things we have not done (but should).
Lists for house chores are fine. It's when it comes to the matter of salvation that a checklist is a huge problem. What we don't realize is we often have a list inside of our heart, placed there at some point, perhaps added to as the years go by. Oftentimes we don't even realize it's there.
We can easily say, "It's all of grace." But then we turn around and leave the conversation, saying to ourselves "My skirt isn't as long as that girl's; she must be overly modest." Ding! Ding! Warning! False pride moving in for the goal!
A checklist for salvation does one of two things: either it builds us up, or brings us down. Both of these is sinful in the eyes of our Beautiful Saviour.
Pride controls each and every one of us. Pride is pride, and so is shame. When you are ashamed because of your idea of some other sinner, your pride is saying "come on, now! Dress better! Sing better! Speak better! Don't make a fool of yourself! Look at how great so-and-so is. You are just as smart/pretty/etc. as they are."
We constantly compare the image we have of ourselves to the image we have of other people. What we need to do is hold up the looking glass that reveals who we really are: SINNERS. Ugly, corrupt, worthless. The Bible is a pure, clear mirror that we can use to look into the deepest recesses of our souls. There we see that we could not possibly "work" our way to Heaven, because we can't even do good works on our own. Each of us is the "chief of sinners".
And this is where God's remarkable grace comes in. Because our perfect Jesus did the work, living a sinless life and dying a spotless, sacrificial death, all we have to do is rely upon the Grace now freely offered, without a catch.
So, is work involved in salvation? Yes, but not by us. We are dead in trespasses and sins; that means no moving, no thinking, and definitely no working on our part. God, by His great and merciful grace, redeems us, because He loves us. When He redeems us, we become then something to be admired; because we are given Christ's righteousness, we are clothed in His spotless robes. We are no longer worthless, but redeemed, and valued. We are cherished children in the eyes of a Perfect Father.
Romans 5:8-11: "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
When we keep this in mind, Pride loses its grip and crumbles. And when Pride crumbles, our minds are cleared and we can focus on what really matters: serving Christ Jesus, and loving Him.
John 17:20-26: "
Reflecting at Easter-time
I am standing in the midst of many others. I do not know them; I cannot even see their faces. They all cover themselves with grime and filth - they like doing it. They are black with darkness that they keep heaping upon themselves.
I am the same. My hands dig deep into the pool of Selfish Desires, even as I sit there ready to jump in completely. I am only waiting my turn. I hear the laughter of the Prince of the power of the air, who owns my soul. I gave it to him.
A sudden bright light hurts my eyes, and I look down into the darkness, seeking to escape it. The light shines brighter, and curiosity compels me to look upward - I do so, and see Him standing over me. His hand is outstretched. "Come to me." He says.
I do not move, but His reach is long enough. He begins to pull me up. Those beside me, who ignored me while I was standing in the mire, now reach up and grip my legs with their dirty, vice-like hands - they want me to stay, to be as miserable and filthy as they are. I grip their hands too; I want to stay with them. I want to stay in the muck. It's comfortable.
I look up and see a hill before my eyes: it seems dead, the grass withered and stones littering the place. But that is not what caught my eye. Something far more sad, and yet far more beautiful in a way I cannot describe.
There is a cross upon the hill, and He is there. O, the pain He must feel! My heart winces with every weakened beat of His. He looks up and meets my gaze. "For you."
The Innocent dies. The dirty hands release me with howls of rage. They can do nothing. He Who held my hand still holds it; it is He! He lives! He is saving me from myself! The one Who was strung on the cross is the living conqueror. I look back over my shoulder, expecting the Prince to catch me and bring me back; he also howls with impotent rage - he can do nothing.
The one who holds the victory holds my soul; He will never let it go.
Now I stand at the pool of Grace and Salvation, placed there by my lovely Father, who never let me go, even when I wished Him to. I see that there are places where my sin still covers my body; but slowly these spots are being washed away by the blood of the Lamb.
What a glorious Saviour!
I am the same. My hands dig deep into the pool of Selfish Desires, even as I sit there ready to jump in completely. I am only waiting my turn. I hear the laughter of the Prince of the power of the air, who owns my soul. I gave it to him.
A sudden bright light hurts my eyes, and I look down into the darkness, seeking to escape it. The light shines brighter, and curiosity compels me to look upward - I do so, and see Him standing over me. His hand is outstretched. "Come to me." He says.
I do not move, but His reach is long enough. He begins to pull me up. Those beside me, who ignored me while I was standing in the mire, now reach up and grip my legs with their dirty, vice-like hands - they want me to stay, to be as miserable and filthy as they are. I grip their hands too; I want to stay with them. I want to stay in the muck. It's comfortable.
I look up and see a hill before my eyes: it seems dead, the grass withered and stones littering the place. But that is not what caught my eye. Something far more sad, and yet far more beautiful in a way I cannot describe.
There is a cross upon the hill, and He is there. O, the pain He must feel! My heart winces with every weakened beat of His. He looks up and meets my gaze. "For you."
The Innocent dies. The dirty hands release me with howls of rage. They can do nothing. He Who held my hand still holds it; it is He! He lives! He is saving me from myself! The one Who was strung on the cross is the living conqueror. I look back over my shoulder, expecting the Prince to catch me and bring me back; he also howls with impotent rage - he can do nothing.
The one who holds the victory holds my soul; He will never let it go.
Now I stand at the pool of Grace and Salvation, placed there by my lovely Father, who never let me go, even when I wished Him to. I see that there are places where my sin still covers my body; but slowly these spots are being washed away by the blood of the Lamb.
What a glorious Saviour!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Enjoyment of Beauty is Natural To All
I came across a good quote today:
"Who can doubt it? Even the uneducated will admire a natural scene or be sensitive to the colour of the day or to the character of the season. The remarks of the rudest peasant about the weather have an aesthetic side. As for the capacity of simple people to notice the essentials of artistic beauty, it is a commonplace." ~ Ernest Dimnet
I do not know who Ernest Dimnet was. I do not know what he was famous for, what he believed, or what he thought every day as he got out of bed.
What I do know is that he was correct in one thing: people, no matter who they are or where they are, love beauty. People can relate to one another through a picture they see; through a marvelous sunset which stretches across the sky, bathing it in unbelievably gorgeous hues; through the simple life found in Spring, the promise found in Winter, the glory of being alive.
New Life. There is beauty in this, and everyone feels it. No matter who they are.
"Who can doubt it? Even the uneducated will admire a natural scene or be sensitive to the colour of the day or to the character of the season. The remarks of the rudest peasant about the weather have an aesthetic side. As for the capacity of simple people to notice the essentials of artistic beauty, it is a commonplace." ~ Ernest Dimnet
I do not know who Ernest Dimnet was. I do not know what he was famous for, what he believed, or what he thought every day as he got out of bed.
What I do know is that he was correct in one thing: people, no matter who they are or where they are, love beauty. People can relate to one another through a picture they see; through a marvelous sunset which stretches across the sky, bathing it in unbelievably gorgeous hues; through the simple life found in Spring, the promise found in Winter, the glory of being alive.
New Life. There is beauty in this, and everyone feels it. No matter who they are.
Friday, 14 March 2008
Common and Uncommon Morality
The entire world, no matter what country, will agree on one thing: "be fair."
"Do right by me, and I'll do right by you," is the promise on every man's heart. We hear in this day and age, "Peace! Let's have world peace! Let's all get along!"
A marvelous thought, but I'm afraid that's as far as it goes: it is wishful thinking through ignorance which rests on a foundation of false hope.
The reason for this is plain: the "fairness" motto has one fatal flaw. It is a tit for tat deal. There is no promise without a promise in return. There is no real gift; only exchange. This is selfishness at its subtlest.
So long as selfishness thrives in the heart of man, there will never be hope for change. This brings the question, Is there hope, then? Can we ever rid ourselves of selfishness? As long as we try to do it by ourselves, no. There is no hope. We can't.
But, there is One way. The way which can only come from a Divine Being, One Who is heavenly and perfect, without selfishness, without sin.
We are born with a sense of "common morality". People live with people, generally getting along alright. We help one another. This is how societies are built. This is how nations thrive: living under a common purpose, usually Life. We choose Life, and we help others to choose this as well. This is why we care for the sick; why we help the wounded. It's only moral, right?
But is that the end of things? No, for being moral isn't the be all and end all. We are not ALWAYS moral toward one another; our morality, no matter how noble and just it may sometimes be, is flawed.
Uncommon morality is not inlaid in us from the start; it is rather set in us by Holy hands. It is what makes us search for the Truth, and keep it sacred; it is what causes us to hold ourselves to a higher standard than the world, even if that means persecution and harm.
We are not born "good". We are reborn that way. "Uncommon morality" is being godly, following the best example of holiness.
The greatest example I have heard of is Christ. He is the epitome of Uncommon morality, of agape love. He showed the world that their standard was too low; not only that, but He then provided the Way to raise it.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
The greatest thing about that is, He also made Himself accessible. This Most Holy God, this Perfect, Awesome, Powerful God came to earth - for me! For you! Is that not the most amazing grace you have ever heard of? We can reach Him. He is there. And He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
Being "fair" is not enough. It wasn't "fair" that Christ suffered on the cross for us. It wasn't fair that He was beaten with fists that should have been aimed at us. This is what we must - yes, must - aspire to: Christ-likeness. To give ourselves completely and wholly over to the One Who gave Himself up completely and wholly to death for our sake.
How could we possibly not?
"We are not begotten by God, we are only made by Him: in our natural state we are not sons of God, only (so to speak) statues. We have not got Zoe or spiritual life: only Bios or biological life which is presently going to run down and die. Now the whole offer which Christianity makes is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of Christ. If we do, we shall then be sharing a life which was begotten, not made, which always has existed and always will exist. Christ is the Son of God. If we share in this kind of life we also shall be sons of God. We shall love the Father as He does and the Holy Ghost will arise in us. He came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has - by what I call "good infection". Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else." ~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
"Do right by me, and I'll do right by you," is the promise on every man's heart. We hear in this day and age, "Peace! Let's have world peace! Let's all get along!"
A marvelous thought, but I'm afraid that's as far as it goes: it is wishful thinking through ignorance which rests on a foundation of false hope.
The reason for this is plain: the "fairness" motto has one fatal flaw. It is a tit for tat deal. There is no promise without a promise in return. There is no real gift; only exchange. This is selfishness at its subtlest.
So long as selfishness thrives in the heart of man, there will never be hope for change. This brings the question, Is there hope, then? Can we ever rid ourselves of selfishness? As long as we try to do it by ourselves, no. There is no hope. We can't.
But, there is One way. The way which can only come from a Divine Being, One Who is heavenly and perfect, without selfishness, without sin.
We are born with a sense of "common morality". People live with people, generally getting along alright. We help one another. This is how societies are built. This is how nations thrive: living under a common purpose, usually Life. We choose Life, and we help others to choose this as well. This is why we care for the sick; why we help the wounded. It's only moral, right?
But is that the end of things? No, for being moral isn't the be all and end all. We are not ALWAYS moral toward one another; our morality, no matter how noble and just it may sometimes be, is flawed.
Uncommon morality is not inlaid in us from the start; it is rather set in us by Holy hands. It is what makes us search for the Truth, and keep it sacred; it is what causes us to hold ourselves to a higher standard than the world, even if that means persecution and harm.
We are not born "good". We are reborn that way. "Uncommon morality" is being godly, following the best example of holiness.
The greatest example I have heard of is Christ. He is the epitome of Uncommon morality, of agape love. He showed the world that their standard was too low; not only that, but He then provided the Way to raise it.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:9-12)
The greatest thing about that is, He also made Himself accessible. This Most Holy God, this Perfect, Awesome, Powerful God came to earth - for me! For you! Is that not the most amazing grace you have ever heard of? We can reach Him. He is there. And He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
Being "fair" is not enough. It wasn't "fair" that Christ suffered on the cross for us. It wasn't fair that He was beaten with fists that should have been aimed at us. This is what we must - yes, must - aspire to: Christ-likeness. To give ourselves completely and wholly over to the One Who gave Himself up completely and wholly to death for our sake.
How could we possibly not?
"We are not begotten by God, we are only made by Him: in our natural state we are not sons of God, only (so to speak) statues. We have not got Zoe or spiritual life: only Bios or biological life which is presently going to run down and die. Now the whole offer which Christianity makes is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of Christ. If we do, we shall then be sharing a life which was begotten, not made, which always has existed and always will exist. Christ is the Son of God. If we share in this kind of life we also shall be sons of God. We shall love the Father as He does and the Holy Ghost will arise in us. He came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has - by what I call "good infection". Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else." ~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Slightly Exaggerated Tale
Well, we have high speed. We just got it today.
This is a huge deal. Let me explain.
Imagine this scenario: six computers in one room. Six people, (maybe five...) all wanting to check their email or search for documents on Tertullian or a biography on G.A. Henty at the same time. Now, this normally wouldn't be so bad. I mean, they have places where people are collectively and simultaneously checking their email at the same time, right? No biggie. Well...
When I say we had slow speed, I do not mean turtle slow. I mean dead, legless, without-hope-of-moving-unless-a-very-strong-wind-picks-up turtle. And how often does a very strong wind pick up? Never, when six people want it all at once, each calling for it to blow in their direction, please!
None of us in this family can go very long without voicing our complaints. So this is what you'd hear on a particular morning or evening: "Come on!" "This takes FOREVER!" "I quit!" "DIE, SLOW SPEED DIAL UP!" And this final one would be followed by five people stopping the sixth from taking the wood ax to our only hope of internet, however small that hope was.
On a general day you'd hear teeth grinding, toes tapping, and heads banging against walls. On rainy days you might have found one of us in the corner, rocking to and fro with our arms around our knees, whispering "Patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue..."
But, NO MORE! We are now free! We are released from the bondage to dial-up! We have thrown off the chains that so long chafed our brains. No more do we play card games while waiting for a page to load. Now we do it because it's fun to beat the computer players! Ha! No more do we co-ordinate computer times to be sure each of us has a chance! Now we can all check at the same time with no hassle whatsoever!
So, a final word. All you people who never experience dial-up, you should count yourselves blessed. I would suggest that you go visit someone who has it (not us anymore, I'm afraid), just so you appreciate how little time you have to spend. You know how many years of my life I wasted waiting for things to load?
Probably none, but still...
This is a huge deal. Let me explain.
Imagine this scenario: six computers in one room. Six people, (maybe five...) all wanting to check their email or search for documents on Tertullian or a biography on G.A. Henty at the same time. Now, this normally wouldn't be so bad. I mean, they have places where people are collectively and simultaneously checking their email at the same time, right? No biggie. Well...
When I say we had slow speed, I do not mean turtle slow. I mean dead, legless, without-hope-of-moving-unless-a-very-strong-wind-picks-up turtle. And how often does a very strong wind pick up? Never, when six people want it all at once, each calling for it to blow in their direction, please!
None of us in this family can go very long without voicing our complaints. So this is what you'd hear on a particular morning or evening: "Come on!" "This takes FOREVER!" "I quit!" "DIE, SLOW SPEED DIAL UP!" And this final one would be followed by five people stopping the sixth from taking the wood ax to our only hope of internet, however small that hope was.
On a general day you'd hear teeth grinding, toes tapping, and heads banging against walls. On rainy days you might have found one of us in the corner, rocking to and fro with our arms around our knees, whispering "Patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue; patience is a virtue..."
But, NO MORE! We are now free! We are released from the bondage to dial-up! We have thrown off the chains that so long chafed our brains. No more do we play card games while waiting for a page to load. Now we do it because it's fun to beat the computer players! Ha! No more do we co-ordinate computer times to be sure each of us has a chance! Now we can all check at the same time with no hassle whatsoever!
So, a final word. All you people who never experience dial-up, you should count yourselves blessed. I would suggest that you go visit someone who has it (not us anymore, I'm afraid), just so you appreciate how little time you have to spend. You know how many years of my life I wasted waiting for things to load?
Probably none, but still...
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Ranting
You know what's wrong with the thinking of the world? It is not complete. Things are not thought through. Questions are left unanswered, swept under the rug of time and ignorance. There are things going on right now in every country that, if people actually thought about them, would cause a great big "What?" to sound from one pole to the other.
The biggest mind-boggler is the big controversy going on in public schools where they no longer allow books that mention "mommy and daddy", because that is discriminatory toward those who do not have a mommy and daddy. Does this not bring the question, "Um...well, what about the kids WITH a mommy and daddy?"
People say chivalry is dead. Well, they should throw logic on the compost pile too.
You cannot do something for one side without displeasing the other. And the truth is, no matter what subject you're on there will always be sides. There will be those for and against it.
How did countries solve this in the past? The answer is simple: the whole society followed one law that encompassed all subjects, giving the right view. What was this? The Bible. That's right. The Bible. Even those who did not believe in God followed the rules, because they helped the whole society to get along together.
Even today there are laws, but nobody really knows what we have them for. If they thought it through, they'd realize that of course we have to punish murderers, because what they do is wrong. Why is it wrong? Who knows? They used to know. Some people STILL know. But the knowledge is fast dying under "equal rights" and "do what feels good".
Common morality is still within us. We as human beings generally feel the need to give a helping hand to others. Most people would say it's because of the goodness within us. I say it's because there's a Law that says "do unto others..."
Again I say, the problem is that people no longer think. They only wish to live their lives their way, ignorant of what is really going on around them. And, they're fine with you living your life your way, too...as long as you aren't practicing anything that makes them uncomfortable. Well, what about you? What if you're making ME uncomfortable? Who's a hypocrite? Ten points for the correct answer.
The truth is, as long as each of us lives for ourself, we will all be hypocrites. There is good news, though: there is Something that is a perfect guide. Something that has all the answers. And Someone who paid the price for all us hypocrites. Jesus, the Son of God, died so that we could throw off our selfishness and sin, and follow Him while He continued His work upon us, to make us more like Himself.
The Real Answer to every question is found in the Bible. All other answers are just temporary fragrances that cover the stink of folly for a fleeting moment, soon revealing the rotten stench for what it really is.
The biggest mind-boggler is the big controversy going on in public schools where they no longer allow books that mention "mommy and daddy", because that is discriminatory toward those who do not have a mommy and daddy. Does this not bring the question, "Um...well, what about the kids WITH a mommy and daddy?"
People say chivalry is dead. Well, they should throw logic on the compost pile too.
You cannot do something for one side without displeasing the other. And the truth is, no matter what subject you're on there will always be sides. There will be those for and against it.
How did countries solve this in the past? The answer is simple: the whole society followed one law that encompassed all subjects, giving the right view. What was this? The Bible. That's right. The Bible. Even those who did not believe in God followed the rules, because they helped the whole society to get along together.
Even today there are laws, but nobody really knows what we have them for. If they thought it through, they'd realize that of course we have to punish murderers, because what they do is wrong. Why is it wrong? Who knows? They used to know. Some people STILL know. But the knowledge is fast dying under "equal rights" and "do what feels good".
Common morality is still within us. We as human beings generally feel the need to give a helping hand to others. Most people would say it's because of the goodness within us. I say it's because there's a Law that says "do unto others..."
Again I say, the problem is that people no longer think. They only wish to live their lives their way, ignorant of what is really going on around them. And, they're fine with you living your life your way, too...as long as you aren't practicing anything that makes them uncomfortable. Well, what about you? What if you're making ME uncomfortable? Who's a hypocrite? Ten points for the correct answer.
The truth is, as long as each of us lives for ourself, we will all be hypocrites. There is good news, though: there is Something that is a perfect guide. Something that has all the answers. And Someone who paid the price for all us hypocrites. Jesus, the Son of God, died so that we could throw off our selfishness and sin, and follow Him while He continued His work upon us, to make us more like Himself.
The Real Answer to every question is found in the Bible. All other answers are just temporary fragrances that cover the stink of folly for a fleeting moment, soon revealing the rotten stench for what it really is.
Friday, 7 March 2008
Our Poor Old Dog - God's Blessings
Well, it seems that we have to face reality.
Our dog, Fatty, is old.
This shouldn't be a sudden realization, because we've had him since he was born. We've watched him grow up, even as most of us grew up too. We watched as his face turned gray.
But none of this really mattered, because he was the same old dog - a puppy when playing outside, no matter what age. He would run about and leap and mock fight with anyone who was willing to stop and growl back.
What brought the sudden realization came a few days ago. Fatty fell from the couch in a seizure. It was the most surprising thing, because his face bore such an expression of fear and rage. His face was curled in a snarl which he never showed while people were around. He shook and ran on his side while we held him down and soothed him with calm words. Finally the shaking stopped, and he seemed to recover enough to sit up. He was dizzy, and his eyes had a cloudy look. He was nervous, and he hung around us, where normally he was fairly independent. He didn't always have to be with his people.
He had another seizure not too long afterward, and the dreaded thought began to creep into our heads: what if it is finally his time? What if we have to say goodbye?
It seemed that that would be the case. Mom phoned the vet, and scheduled an appointment to have him put down. As much as we loved him and wanted him with us, Fatty would be better off if he no longer endured these seizures that seemed to be coming more frequently as the minutes ticked by.
We woke up that morning with heavy hearts. We would have to say goodbye to our good old dog, who had always been there, a quiet fellow, but more than willing to show his love. There was not a mean, defiant bone in his body. He lived to serve and love us. Every one of us was heartsick.
And then came lunchtime. Fatty slept most of the afternoon, and at about 3:00 in the afternoon - his meeting with death was less than an hour away - he went outside. And he played, like he had never played before. His tail was wagging, his usual smile was back, he was hopping and racing around like a puppy, like he used to do. Mom and I watched him from inside, wondering if it was just some fluke. Could he really be feeling better? He hadn't had a seizure since before lunch - was he really going to be alright?
Well, now it's been a day and a half. Mom decided to cancel the appointment, and Fatty is still here with us. He hasn't had a seizure since Thursday before lunch. He seems a little bit dizzy still, almost as if he is losing his sight. But a blind dog is easy to handle. A seizing dog is not.
So, what can we get from this?
First of all, God is Good. He blesses us so much - with a dog that, for over nine years, has been a constant and loving companion to the entire family. Such memories we have, and not one of them bitter. Fatty has been an excellent dog.
Second, God answers prayer. Tiana prayed for Fatty as she lay in bed Wednesday night. She truly believes that this is why Fatty recovered. We all do - God has promised us that He will answer our prayers.
Third, God sends us trials to refine us - to test us. Will we trust Him in the tough times as well as the good times? All we can say is "the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; BLESSED be the name of the Lord!" What more do we have the right to say? Can we argue with God? No! We can only praise him continually!
I am so very thankful that Fatty is doing better. Hopefully he will stick around a few more years, so we can continue to enjoy him as the blessing he is.
Our dog, Fatty, is old.
This shouldn't be a sudden realization, because we've had him since he was born. We've watched him grow up, even as most of us grew up too. We watched as his face turned gray.
But none of this really mattered, because he was the same old dog - a puppy when playing outside, no matter what age. He would run about and leap and mock fight with anyone who was willing to stop and growl back.
What brought the sudden realization came a few days ago. Fatty fell from the couch in a seizure. It was the most surprising thing, because his face bore such an expression of fear and rage. His face was curled in a snarl which he never showed while people were around. He shook and ran on his side while we held him down and soothed him with calm words. Finally the shaking stopped, and he seemed to recover enough to sit up. He was dizzy, and his eyes had a cloudy look. He was nervous, and he hung around us, where normally he was fairly independent. He didn't always have to be with his people.
He had another seizure not too long afterward, and the dreaded thought began to creep into our heads: what if it is finally his time? What if we have to say goodbye?
It seemed that that would be the case. Mom phoned the vet, and scheduled an appointment to have him put down. As much as we loved him and wanted him with us, Fatty would be better off if he no longer endured these seizures that seemed to be coming more frequently as the minutes ticked by.
We woke up that morning with heavy hearts. We would have to say goodbye to our good old dog, who had always been there, a quiet fellow, but more than willing to show his love. There was not a mean, defiant bone in his body. He lived to serve and love us. Every one of us was heartsick.
And then came lunchtime. Fatty slept most of the afternoon, and at about 3:00 in the afternoon - his meeting with death was less than an hour away - he went outside. And he played, like he had never played before. His tail was wagging, his usual smile was back, he was hopping and racing around like a puppy, like he used to do. Mom and I watched him from inside, wondering if it was just some fluke. Could he really be feeling better? He hadn't had a seizure since before lunch - was he really going to be alright?
Well, now it's been a day and a half. Mom decided to cancel the appointment, and Fatty is still here with us. He hasn't had a seizure since Thursday before lunch. He seems a little bit dizzy still, almost as if he is losing his sight. But a blind dog is easy to handle. A seizing dog is not.
So, what can we get from this?
First of all, God is Good. He blesses us so much - with a dog that, for over nine years, has been a constant and loving companion to the entire family. Such memories we have, and not one of them bitter. Fatty has been an excellent dog.
Second, God answers prayer. Tiana prayed for Fatty as she lay in bed Wednesday night. She truly believes that this is why Fatty recovered. We all do - God has promised us that He will answer our prayers.
Third, God sends us trials to refine us - to test us. Will we trust Him in the tough times as well as the good times? All we can say is "the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; BLESSED be the name of the Lord!" What more do we have the right to say? Can we argue with God? No! We can only praise him continually!
I am so very thankful that Fatty is doing better. Hopefully he will stick around a few more years, so we can continue to enjoy him as the blessing he is.
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