In the last few weeks, our country’s economy seems to have come unhinged: the government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, serious problems at several major trading houses, the bailout of AIG, and a ludicrously volatile Dow. And all of this on top of a weak dollar and absurd gas prices (although both have gotten slightly better recently).
Commentators haven’t been shy about using terms like “catastrophe,” “total meltdown,” and (my personal favorite), “economic 9/11.” Many people are feeling anxiety and fear, especially as they consider the hits their personal portfolio seems to have taken. But I see this a different way. Is God still God? Is salvation still in Christ? Is America still the land of freedom? Do we still have our families and friends? And, for perspective, even if the American economy got significantly worse, would we still live a lifestyle that is the envy of the world over all of history?
Here’s my point. Don’t look to the news or the ticker for peace and perspective. They never emphasize the right things.
Thoughts of the Day 09.18.08
Some random thoughts:
“If you can’t say anything nice, then you can probably get huge ratings in talk radio.”
“Would you be willing to pay one half of all the money you earn in order to receive all the services the government does for you?”
“The Constitution says that we formed this country ‘to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.’ What is a baby in the womb if it isn’t ‘our Posterity?’”
“A young child quickly learns either that he can get more of what he wants by crying or else he gets rebuked and learns that he’s not entitled to everything he wants. At what age is it appropriate to stop calling children brats and start calling them lobbyists?”
“Are we committing idolatry every time we complain that the world hasn’t aligned itself in every minute detail with our own will?”
“Are rhetorical questions a very effective way of making a point?”
“If you can’t say anything nice, then you can probably get huge ratings in talk radio.”
“Would you be willing to pay one half of all the money you earn in order to receive all the services the government does for you?”
“The Constitution says that we formed this country ‘to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.’ What is a baby in the womb if it isn’t ‘our Posterity?’”
“A young child quickly learns either that he can get more of what he wants by crying or else he gets rebuked and learns that he’s not entitled to everything he wants. At what age is it appropriate to stop calling children brats and start calling them lobbyists?”
“Are we committing idolatry every time we complain that the world hasn’t aligned itself in every minute detail with our own will?”
“Are rhetorical questions a very effective way of making a point?”
Thought of the Day 09.12.08
Yesterday, at dinner time, I had an unusual craving for Kraft macaroni and cheese, so I set about making some. Since I normally make dinner for the boys as well, I made an entire box. While it was cooking, I told Spencer what we were having, and he started protesting, “No, I don’t want macaroni and cheese. I want something else.” When I checked with Ethan, I got a similar response. But I told them that’s what I was making, and they could either eat it or go hungry. I wasn’t going to make a second meal just for them.
Their negative reaction surprised me, though, because I know that both of my boys love macaroni and cheese, especially the way I make it. I also knew that once they tried some, they would change their mind. Sure enough, when I gave it to them (still protesting, of course), they ate it like wolves, each demanding extra servings, in fact. In the end, I barely got enough for myself.
Still, one thing keeps bugging me. Why do we protest and complain about the things that God brings into our lives? (Matthew 7:7-12)
Their negative reaction surprised me, though, because I know that both of my boys love macaroni and cheese, especially the way I make it. I also knew that once they tried some, they would change their mind. Sure enough, when I gave it to them (still protesting, of course), they ate it like wolves, each demanding extra servings, in fact. In the end, I barely got enough for myself.
Still, one thing keeps bugging me. Why do we protest and complain about the things that God brings into our lives? (Matthew 7:7-12)
Thought of the Day 09.11.08
People in dating relationships always want to know whether this person is the one they should marry, and I say the key indicator is the willingness to change and sacrifice for each other. Unfit partners are reluctant to do either because they are only interested in the relationship so long as it’s convenient to them.
In contrast, good partners are willing to do (and give up) whatever it takes because the other person has become more important to them than themselves. When someone is essential to your life rather than just a pleasant add-on to it, such choices become simple. That’s why sacrifice is the only true music of love, and marriage requires a duet.
Yet, if sacrifice is proof of love, we can begin to see how much God loves us, since He gave up His very God-ness to be humiliated on our behalf. The only question is whether our lives demonstrate the same willingness to sacrifice and change or whether our professions of devotion are just the easy lip service of partners who aren’t really marriage material.
In contrast, good partners are willing to do (and give up) whatever it takes because the other person has become more important to them than themselves. When someone is essential to your life rather than just a pleasant add-on to it, such choices become simple. That’s why sacrifice is the only true music of love, and marriage requires a duet.
Yet, if sacrifice is proof of love, we can begin to see how much God loves us, since He gave up His very God-ness to be humiliated on our behalf. The only question is whether our lives demonstrate the same willingness to sacrifice and change or whether our professions of devotion are just the easy lip service of partners who aren’t really marriage material.
Thought of the Day 09.10.08
There are basically four kinds of people when it comes to happiness.
First, there are those who condition happiness on something impossible. “I will be happy if George Bush never was elected.” I will be happy if my parents had never mistreated me.”
Second, there are those who condition happiness on something possible but outside of their control. “I will be happy if other people don’t slow me down in traffic.” “I will be happy if abortion becomes illegal.”
Third, there are those who condition happiness on something possible but mostly within their control. “I will be happy if I am earning enough money.” “I will be happy if my marriage is strong.”
Finally, there are those who condition happiness on something that cannot fail. “I will be happy if God can be trusted.” “I will be happy if my identity is in Christ Jesus.”
Anger is the most reliable indicator of idolatry since it shows we have allowed something other than God to determine our happiness. Thus, anything that can make us angry is essentially something we worship. If so, we discover some very surprising things in our lives that we must admit we worship.
First, there are those who condition happiness on something impossible. “I will be happy if George Bush never was elected.” I will be happy if my parents had never mistreated me.”
Second, there are those who condition happiness on something possible but outside of their control. “I will be happy if other people don’t slow me down in traffic.” “I will be happy if abortion becomes illegal.”
Third, there are those who condition happiness on something possible but mostly within their control. “I will be happy if I am earning enough money.” “I will be happy if my marriage is strong.”
Finally, there are those who condition happiness on something that cannot fail. “I will be happy if God can be trusted.” “I will be happy if my identity is in Christ Jesus.”
Anger is the most reliable indicator of idolatry since it shows we have allowed something other than God to determine our happiness. Thus, anything that can make us angry is essentially something we worship. If so, we discover some very surprising things in our lives that we must admit we worship.
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