It’s that time when we make New Year resolutions. Not just the one, but a few, or even several. We need to change and we know it. We could do better, and we know it. We should be a nicer person, and we know it. A simple question: If we already know where we need to change for the better, why wait until now?
New Year is the time of new beginnings we tell ourselves, and we believe that when we make these life improving gestures now, they will mean more. In fact, we might even complete some of them? But for how long??
It doesn’t have the new year ring about it, but why don’t we do something about our shortcomings when we see them during the year, and not wait until there are a few at the end? Do we think they won’t be as meaningful? Hmm.. I’m not sure about that logic. After all, how often have you heard the words, “I’m making a few resolutions, but I know I won’t keep them”. We need something more than a wish to do things better.
Since God is the source of all creation, that must include us! So, next time you need some resolution wisdom, don’t look in the Christmas cracker, or the Chinese fortune cookie. Check out God’s Word and what He says about doing and being better, because it all begins with His wisdom, and it’s there for the asking. That, my friend, is a revolution and not just a resolution! How about this for a New Year starter then?
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James1:5NIV
The aim is to provide a stimulating mix of personal opinions (from a mainstream Christian worldview), and associated comments, which will be accepted and published if they comply with the usual courtesy and decency.
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 January 2019
Saturday, 1 December 2018
The Pendulum
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James1:5-8NIV
A double-minded person is unreliable, unhelpful, or as James puts it, ‘unstable’. Jesus’ half brother links that unstable mind to doubt, and warns that they should not expect God to work on their behalf. It would be a sad curse indeed if we could not expect to receive anything from the Lord because we doubted that He was capable of help.
In the same way, a pendulum will swing from one side to the other, never finding the truth in the middle, or rest long enough to sense or feel it. When the pendulum in my living room clock stops swinging, the clock stops too and becomes useless. Who needs a clock that doesn’t tell the time?
I am old enough to remember society having a set of moral and ethical values which were considered as ‘normal’. It wasn’t that we walked around with a set of rules in our pockets, we seemed to be wise enough to know right from wrong. Fast forward a short two generations, and that pendulum has swung to the other extreme. We are double-minded and unstable, but the leadership of our western civilised nations don’t, or can’t, see it. Surely we have been here before though?
It has been said, correctly I think, that “the one thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”. Cast your mind back to your high school history lessons and ask yourself what came just before the fall of every great nation, country, or civilisation? In every case, the moral compass of the people collapsed into a level of evil and debased living which was not accepted or practiced previously. The pendulum had indeed swung, and the populations in general had become double-minded and unstable.
I hope, trust, and pray that the pendulum of our nation’s sinful practices has reached its extreme, and will soon start the return swing back towards the God fearing country we once knew. As christians we know that God hates double minded people, but loves it when we follow His law. Lord, help us to be single minded with our focus on You.
I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. Psalms119:113NIV
A double-minded person is unreliable, unhelpful, or as James puts it, ‘unstable’. Jesus’ half brother links that unstable mind to doubt, and warns that they should not expect God to work on their behalf. It would be a sad curse indeed if we could not expect to receive anything from the Lord because we doubted that He was capable of help.
In the same way, a pendulum will swing from one side to the other, never finding the truth in the middle, or rest long enough to sense or feel it. When the pendulum in my living room clock stops swinging, the clock stops too and becomes useless. Who needs a clock that doesn’t tell the time?
I am old enough to remember society having a set of moral and ethical values which were considered as ‘normal’. It wasn’t that we walked around with a set of rules in our pockets, we seemed to be wise enough to know right from wrong. Fast forward a short two generations, and that pendulum has swung to the other extreme. We are double-minded and unstable, but the leadership of our western civilised nations don’t, or can’t, see it. Surely we have been here before though?
It has been said, correctly I think, that “the one thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”. Cast your mind back to your high school history lessons and ask yourself what came just before the fall of every great nation, country, or civilisation? In every case, the moral compass of the people collapsed into a level of evil and debased living which was not accepted or practiced previously. The pendulum had indeed swung, and the populations in general had become double-minded and unstable.
I hope, trust, and pray that the pendulum of our nation’s sinful practices has reached its extreme, and will soon start the return swing back towards the God fearing country we once knew. As christians we know that God hates double minded people, but loves it when we follow His law. Lord, help us to be single minded with our focus on You.
I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. Psalms119:113NIV
Monday, 23 July 2018
What, Nothing?
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV
Words written centuries ago by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, but surely it’s different these days? We have advanced in so many ways that Solomon wouldn’t recognise. Technology, medicine, science, education, air and space travel, but are these the kinds of things Solomon was talking about? Obviously not. One thing is the same, and that is human nature. We haven’t advanced any in the things that make us ‘tick’ since the days in the garden of Eden.
The heart of men and women need something that our advanced civilisation cannot provide. How do you measure love, hate, sympathy, and all the feelings that come from within? The simple answer is that you cannot figure out these emotions using advanced science. Having said the obvious, it follows that the truth and morality of the Bible still holds today, just as it did in Solomon’s time.
We look for ways to make church more attractive, so that we can bring those ‘outside the fold’ inside. Once they are inside, we must take the next step to provide the only answer to life’s ills and disappointments and it’s the Gospel. We cannot afford to get sidetracked into spending all our time in new programs, which can be a good thing, only to fail at the most important part. The possible outcome could be a busy church, full of half hearted attenders, or a half full church of sincere Christians loving and living the Gospel in open outreach. No prizes for guessing where my vote would lie. Finally, if you say you would rather have a full church of completely committed believers, I would too, but realistically we know that would not be the likely outcome. I refer you back to the verse at the top. There is nothing new under the sun that’s going to happen to change some things, no matter what we think, hope, or trust would be for the good in our human opinion. So, who do you trust more, old Solomon or the modern day Christian psychologist?
Words written centuries ago by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, but surely it’s different these days? We have advanced in so many ways that Solomon wouldn’t recognise. Technology, medicine, science, education, air and space travel, but are these the kinds of things Solomon was talking about? Obviously not. One thing is the same, and that is human nature. We haven’t advanced any in the things that make us ‘tick’ since the days in the garden of Eden.
The heart of men and women need something that our advanced civilisation cannot provide. How do you measure love, hate, sympathy, and all the feelings that come from within? The simple answer is that you cannot figure out these emotions using advanced science. Having said the obvious, it follows that the truth and morality of the Bible still holds today, just as it did in Solomon’s time.
We look for ways to make church more attractive, so that we can bring those ‘outside the fold’ inside. Once they are inside, we must take the next step to provide the only answer to life’s ills and disappointments and it’s the Gospel. We cannot afford to get sidetracked into spending all our time in new programs, which can be a good thing, only to fail at the most important part. The possible outcome could be a busy church, full of half hearted attenders, or a half full church of sincere Christians loving and living the Gospel in open outreach. No prizes for guessing where my vote would lie. Finally, if you say you would rather have a full church of completely committed believers, I would too, but realistically we know that would not be the likely outcome. I refer you back to the verse at the top. There is nothing new under the sun that’s going to happen to change some things, no matter what we think, hope, or trust would be for the good in our human opinion. So, who do you trust more, old Solomon or the modern day Christian psychologist?
Monday, 9 July 2018
Speak Up or Shut Up?
Speak up, or shut up? It’s not always clear what we should do. Something is weighing on your mind, but saying it out loud could be risky, so the better choice might be to stay quiet. At least for the time being, or maybe always. In one sense the issue justifies and warrants being said, but you know there will be collateral damage as a result. No one likes personal damage, especially if it affects other innocent bystanders who are your friends.
Taking the Bible at face value doesn’t always hold the answer. After all we are told to: Speak the truth in love, confront the false teachers, and yet speak gently, we have a warning in Proverbs 17:28 “Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent” and in Ecclesiastes 3:7b “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak”. So what to do?
I think God gave us a heart and a head to use in balance for each individual situation because every case is different, just as every person is different. The wisdom of Solomon is needed, and we get encouraged in James 1:5 with the promise: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. The crux of the matter lies in this verse. Asking means praying, so we pray for guidance each and every time we need to know whether to speak up or shut up.
Other than getting closer to our loving Father, guess what happens when you are praying about the thing that’s weighing on your mind? Nothing! Yes nothing, because when you are in prayer you are not shouting, or shooting from the hip. You are not even trying to make excuses or give reasons for your dilemma. As the old phrase says, “silence is golden”, so now you have some much needed time to think carefully about the ripple effect of your words if you still decide to speak up. Up until this point, there has been no speaking harshly, or awkward deliberate silence. Only then I believe we will be in the right position to finally decide whether to speak up, or shut up!
Taking the Bible at face value doesn’t always hold the answer. After all we are told to: Speak the truth in love, confront the false teachers, and yet speak gently, we have a warning in Proverbs 17:28 “Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent” and in Ecclesiastes 3:7b “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak”. So what to do?
I think God gave us a heart and a head to use in balance for each individual situation because every case is different, just as every person is different. The wisdom of Solomon is needed, and we get encouraged in James 1:5 with the promise: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. The crux of the matter lies in this verse. Asking means praying, so we pray for guidance each and every time we need to know whether to speak up or shut up.
Other than getting closer to our loving Father, guess what happens when you are praying about the thing that’s weighing on your mind? Nothing! Yes nothing, because when you are in prayer you are not shouting, or shooting from the hip. You are not even trying to make excuses or give reasons for your dilemma. As the old phrase says, “silence is golden”, so now you have some much needed time to think carefully about the ripple effect of your words if you still decide to speak up. Up until this point, there has been no speaking harshly, or awkward deliberate silence. Only then I believe we will be in the right position to finally decide whether to speak up, or shut up!
Saturday, 27 August 2016
Every Thing
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... He hath made every thing beautiful in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:1,11
The writer of this old book was wise, very wise, and he makes the point over again, that ‘every thing’ has it’s time in our life and also that He makes everything beautiful. It doesn’t always feel like it, but we are talking about the inspired Word of God, so it must be true.
The word ‘purpose’ is forgotten or missed, but it is important to remember that in God’s work nothing is by chance. Everything has a purpose, and it is part of a God ordained plan that only He can see at that time. We do not always like what’s happening, but in the months or years to come, it can become obvious. For that reason, God’s will is always best.
There is an old and well worn phrase which we might not always like to accept that says: “God is good all the time. All the time God is good”. When the going gets rough and tough, it is worth keeping in mind that God IS good, and His ways are perfect. I love the way this same wise man expresses the theme in one of my favourite passages in Scripture…..
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5,6 Msg
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
What Else?
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15,16 NKJV
“Circumspectly” is a word not often used, but simply means “Heedful of circumstances and potential consequences”. Oh dear it’s that word ‘consequences’ again, and we don’t like to think of that, even as Christians.
The UK news is filled with the story of horsemeat finding its way into the food chain, when it is never listed on the label. I don’t think the problem is with horsemeat itself, just that we are misled into thinking the main ingredient is beef. So the question I hear being asked is, “What else is going on in the food industry that we don’t know about”? Then there was the fiasco of our elected parliamentary officials fleecing the public purse by abusing their expenses. Then the same question is asked, “What else is going on”? When there is a scandal in any church involving priests, ministers, or pastors (yes it does happen) then the non church population asks the relevant question, “If they are doing THAT, what else are they doing”? What a good question, and one we should not try to sidestep. It comes down to a question of trust.
Back to the wisdom of the verse in Ephesians. Only a fool ignores the consequences of their actions, and that holds true for everyone whether inside or outside the church. The trouble comes when Christians fall prey to their own misdeeds, and the onlooking world is first to say... “What else”? Can you blame them? I can’t, because none of us are in the clear of doing things which are stupid, and where we don’t look ahead, but and it is a BIG BUT, we do untold damage when the children of the most High, behave in a way that brings disrepute to the Holy Name of God. I trust no one will be able to look at our lives and say, if they are doing THAT,“what else are they doing”?
But let me try to end on a positive note. Some consequences of our actions are good. When we do a good service, even in a small way, in Jesus name, we lay up for ourselves a treasure, although it comes with a warning. Paul said to Timothy, but it applies to us too:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. 1 Timothy 6:18-20 NIV
“Circumspectly” is a word not often used, but simply means “Heedful of circumstances and potential consequences”. Oh dear it’s that word ‘consequences’ again, and we don’t like to think of that, even as Christians.
The UK news is filled with the story of horsemeat finding its way into the food chain, when it is never listed on the label. I don’t think the problem is with horsemeat itself, just that we are misled into thinking the main ingredient is beef. So the question I hear being asked is, “What else is going on in the food industry that we don’t know about”? Then there was the fiasco of our elected parliamentary officials fleecing the public purse by abusing their expenses. Then the same question is asked, “What else is going on”? When there is a scandal in any church involving priests, ministers, or pastors (yes it does happen) then the non church population asks the relevant question, “If they are doing THAT, what else are they doing”? What a good question, and one we should not try to sidestep. It comes down to a question of trust.
Back to the wisdom of the verse in Ephesians. Only a fool ignores the consequences of their actions, and that holds true for everyone whether inside or outside the church. The trouble comes when Christians fall prey to their own misdeeds, and the onlooking world is first to say... “What else”? Can you blame them? I can’t, because none of us are in the clear of doing things which are stupid, and where we don’t look ahead, but and it is a BIG BUT, we do untold damage when the children of the most High, behave in a way that brings disrepute to the Holy Name of God. I trust no one will be able to look at our lives and say, if they are doing THAT,“what else are they doing”?
But let me try to end on a positive note. Some consequences of our actions are good. When we do a good service, even in a small way, in Jesus name, we lay up for ourselves a treasure, although it comes with a warning. Paul said to Timothy, but it applies to us too:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge. 1 Timothy 6:18-20 NIV
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