Friday, June 29, 2012

We have a Playoff, part 1

Playoffs. If you just heard this in the voice of Jim Mora, you are assuredly not alone. Playoffs seem like the essence of pressure here in the United States. We like to amp up the pressure in a system to determine a champion. We've been craving a college football playoff to such a degree that we've added one.

Now, I am as excited as the next guy that College Football has added a playoff, mostly because college sports innately are imbalanced. You play your own conference in a balanced way, sure. However, when you aren't playing an equal cross section, how certain can we be that the best team is the team we think is the best team. But I wrote about that in the past, and my opinion hasn't really changed.

The question is why do we even do playoffs at all. The English League of Football (what we call soccer) doesn't have a playoff. The winner is crowned at the end of the season. After a completely even schedule, the team with the best record is the winner. That is just it, and there are no claims coming out of the UK that a playoff is needed.

Before the World Series, baseball champions were determined by the best record after playing every other team several times in a round robin of sorts. The World Series was added to determine which league was better. The World Cup used a round robin to determine the champion for most events between 1950 and 1982. Men's Basketball at the Olympics did so in 1980. Tiebreakers in many sports (baseball, NBA, World Cup) were at one time a full game to determine who the better team was, but if there was not a tie in the standings, teams were eliminated based on their performance.

I think we like playoffs because it presents a known thing. We know there will be a Super Bowl for us to attend. So we devise a system where we get there by rewarding teams based on unbalanced schedules fueled by our desire to assert rivalries. Then we choose the best from among these rivalries and put them in a playoff with teams who were the best in their rivalry-based divisions.

I think it is easy to see that the best baseball teams can be determined best by having them play a similar schedule over 162 games and then the results are very telling. Nevertheless, there is something cultural about us that we like to see rivals play each other 18 times, because the extra hatred ratchets up the pressure in those games. Then we put the winner of those concentrated match-ups through a series of pressure-filled series the winner in a much smaller sample size determines who is the champion.

This doesn't necessarily mean the best team will always win, but it does guarantee that the team who responds the best to pressure will win. Maybe this is why, as Americans, we see elevated numbers in heart disease, ulcers, and other stress-related diseases. We know that stress will deliver something. We have incessant arguments about who is more "clutch." The reality is that we desire this, because we think there is a value to performing well when the spotlights are on.

What we have done, however, is to devalue consistency over time. We have taken away the Cal Ripken mentality as award-worthy. We are not a culture who values the guy who shows up every day for sixty years, but instead we value the guy that when things are at their worst, can pull it together the most. It's acceptable to have this mindset, but it isn't essential.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Am I an Optimist?

This time of year is usually one where I fancy myself an optimist more-so than normal. I kind of enjoy life a little more than normal. I am mostly excited because God saw fit to give me two children within four days of each other (well, four years apart too). Their birthdays start nine days after my anniversary. Not to mention there is usually a father's day in there. I love these celebrations!

As a sports fan, I love the coinciding of all the Sports right now. The NBA Finals are quite possibly my favorite sports event. Because of the nature of basketball games, we are almost guaranteed to have the best teams in the finals, and good basketball is always entertaining! Then the College World Series is quite possibly the most under-rated sports event.

The French Open and Wimbledon make it the best month and a half of tennis. The US Open in golf is happening. And every four years we get Olympic trials (usually succeeded by the actual Olympics). We also get to see the EUFA Euro Cup and many of the top soccer teams in the world every four years. The Stanley Cup Finals and NASCAR heating up are thrown in for good measure.

People begin to make arguments about politics around this time, as the Presidential election begins heating up. Sea World is open later. This year, in particular, I am attending a church which is just now moving in to a new building. We are excited as some of the giddiness is rubbing off. Similarly, things are getting very exciting for the Bible Quiz season, and life just seems to be looking up. Work is going well, and I am reveling in this time of year once again.

Then, the pessimist in me stands up. He shouts that if I look back just one year, life seemed incredible, but little did I know that life, as I knew it, was coming to an end. You see, right about the time we start to get excited about where we are is the very time that we, as humans, begin to get growth opportunities.

So, I hope that you are enjoying your life right now. But I hope you do not let it allow you to become complacent. "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." So, I must ask myself, should I be excited about how awesome this period of the year is or be looking for the boom? Or, am I an optimist or a pessimist?

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Just Friends

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, or so I've heard. Of course, if you take this to its logical conclusion and include all permutations, I must end up being a friend of all those who are my friend. This sounds fair enough, but then we get to the bad part, where I must end up being an enemy of any and all who end up at odds with my friends, who are (again, by extension) now included an endless array of all those that happen to be friends with my friends.

If we are, in fact, within six degrees of separation of everyone on the planet, I fear that means that at some point, I have either a friend/enemy relationship with everyone on the planet, and it would start some sort of war. And while some people might like to view life as a game of Cosmic Playground wars, I fear what might happen if I slip into this mindset.

There are several people who view a phase or two of life in this way. Don't believe me? Think how irritated you were at the last election where your candidate lost. Immediately thereafter, you find out a friend, whom you previously respected, believed a different way than you did on that election. At that point, the black and white nature of your political feelings may make you disgruntled. Nevertheless, consider that whatever historical period you feel made the most progress, it was colored with heroes on both sides of the political debate.

Let's say that politics are not your bailey-wick. Recently, almost everywhere I go, people are talking about the NBA Finals. Most seem to want the Miami Heat to lose. Now, not to turn into too much of a LeBron James apologist, but I never have understood why people dislike the man. His main criticism within the game is that he passes too much; his main criticism outside the game is that he turned down more money for a greater chance to win. Neither of those seem like things to villainize, and yet, most people that I run into just don't like him.

So, as I watch the game between the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder and know that many people will be livid with the result going one way or the other. I have friends on both side of the situation. This is why I am hesitant to hinge any of my hopes on any singular activity and align against another set of people who are cheering the other way.

Most of all, I watch the basketball game, and I see a man named LeBron who just is coming to life at the proper time. I watch Kevin Durant, and I see a man who is approximately on the same pace as LeBron was several years ago. I realize that I can look at both, and not really cheer against either. I am coming to the point where I realize that timing is important in these things.

Timing is really important. Much of life involves just having things come into place at the right time. Therefore, I think the important thing to do in life is to recognize the proper timing. When is the correct time to leave a job? When is the proper time to move? When is the proper time to call an expert? When is the proper time to make that big purchase? When is the correct time to let a disagreement become a test of fellowship?

Is there ever a time to take into account someone's differences and allow it to shape the friendship (or rather, make them an enemy)? There's the rub. We know that differences will come. We know that disagreements will come. But when do we allow those differences to make a sharp division? And, if you can answer that, you deserve to be my friend (and I guess I'll adopt all your enemies)!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

I'm Married!

Today (June 20) is the day that we celebrate the anniversary of our marriage. I have been known to say that things turn on a trifle, meaning that a small occurrence can change things dramatically. This happens in sports, it also happens in life. A few years ago, before I set out to work for myself, I came exceedingly close to accepting a job offer in Tallahassee that would have moved our little family there. Knowing we were about to have Jacob and had just found a new church, we felt we should stay here.

Now, the ramifications of that decision are undeniable. Everyone I work with, most of my friends, and my church are all located here, and they would likely be in Tallahassee had I moved. I am not naïve enough to believe that the changes stop there. For example, I am not sure my sister would have moved to Tallahassee if we lived there (or maybe she would have moved sooner). That seemingly small decision turned the course of my life and many with whom I have come into contact.

So, occasionally, I play the "what-if" game and think about what would have happened had things been just a smidgen different and we made a different decision. If my mood on a given day would have changed something that could have drastically altered my life, I like to think about the alternatives. I enjoy thinking about what would have happened had I not missed one free thrown in 1983 or if I never would have tried cross country or decided to go to a different college.

I think these things are quite fun to do, but there is one decision that I really can't even imagine the opposite conclusion. Marrying Kelly was not only the best thing for me at that time, it is so defining of who I am that I cannot even imagine what life would be like separately. It is so formative of my decision-making and thought processes that I really cannot fathom what it would be like if I were not.

Having said this, not only is it almost impossible to fathom life without Kelly, those who know me are happy that I don't. In so many ways, she makes me better and in the ways she doesn't, she helps those who know me feel better about me. So, on this celebration of anniversary, I am very happy to be married, and I believe I will get an amen from anyone who knows us!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Can a Speechless Man Help?

Some say that life is best when you can see the triumph of the human spirit. So what do you do when triumph is, at least on some level, impossible because they have passed away? What can you say when life deals someone a terrible hand like that? What can you even talk about with someone who has gone through that situation?

I can talk about how I believe that death is a blessing or that I am so thankful to be part of a church family that handles it with the appropriate decorum, encouragement, focus, and reaction. I can talk about how some specific deaths have affected my life. I can talk about how some people have overcome traumatic situations to live better lives. I can even talk about how I know God has a wonderful plan that someday will turn out for the best. But the truth is I normally am just speechless.

This all comes up, because I've recently had friends who have suffered this unthinkable tragedy. Words fail me, when I attempt to give them a word of encouragement. Their children were friends with my children, and my whole family has sat around wondering what they must be going through. The reality is that life is difficult often, but it is never more difficult than when a parent outlives his child.

As I read the Bible, I learn the character of God, but I also see how God worked through an entire situation. While that doesn't always help completely, it is a very nice thing to have. As I live life, I don't have that running commentary to know how God will use it to accomplish His purposes. What I do know is that sometimes we are saddled with tough Providences.

There isn't really a way to tie a nice bow on this, and there isn't really anything I can say. What I believe I can do is pray for them and just let them know that I am willing to be physically present. Beyond that, I don't believe there is anything that can be done. I am very glad that my friends are incredible in their faith in God. I do know that they are encouraging me, and I hope that in some small way, I can find a way to possibly repay them.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Obedience is Very Important

Earlier this week, I was conversing with my son and joking around with him. I began to see him get frustrated, to which my first response, I must confess, was that I wish he would not be so easily frustrated and that he would be tougher mentally. Then, as if God himself wanted to make a point directly to me, I remembered a verse I memorized as a young lad, Ephesians 6:4.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I immediately changed my thought process and began to think about how I need to make sure the things I do in fun when trying to play with my children are not provoking them. This has become something on which I am primarily focused throughout the day. My poor parenting skills aside, I am determined that the things I do will not contribute to the provocation of my children's wrath.

As crazy as it sounds and despite my desire to be committed to such a task, I am realizing how all encompassing this is. You see, Ephesians 6:4 is not written in a vacuum, but it comes in the midst of an entire discourse on familial order. And as every parenting curriculum is quick to point out to our children, obedience is for their protection. It is so that it may be well with them and they can live long on earth. As parents (or even just adults), I think we understand that order and its direct association with the "reward" easily.

The reality is that there are a number of familial order situations that we may choose to obey or we may choose to ignore. It's easy to just tell children they don't need understand what we tell them, but they must obey because we said so, and dog-gone it, God confirms it. While that may be true to a point, it may fly in the face of our responsibility to not provoke them. As I have found, that can be done without even intending to do so, from time to time. And as the children cease to be children, those who were not brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord will certainly struggle to find the loving God, as the whole point of familial order is to point us back to God.

In last week's blog, I talked about how great it is that the elders of Orlando Grace Church are committed to keeping our commitment to doctrine. One of these was “We will consistently fulfill our roles in society by embracing God’s design for functioning in each of the ordained spheres – home, church, and state.”

Obviously, this post is focused on the home order, but home order is enhanced, even if we, as children have from time-to-time, question God's order. I had a discussion with a fellow Christian earlier this week whose church discounted some of this familial order by adopting an egalitarian position. Of course, if there are no distinct gender roles in marriage, why do we even care if there distinct genders. This is why our discussion led to a discovery that usually acceptance of homosexuality is just one theological generation from egalitarianism.

While we could certainly look in depth at every thing, I am exceedingly glad that our church takes a strong theological stand on many issues. The slippery slope that normally follows is evidence of the problem, but the reality is that the slope itself is a problem. Just as the fact that my son's future rejection of my fathering may be evidence that I did not do well, the sin is in being a provoking father. That is why the action needs to be cut off from the very beginning. And thankfully, I, by God's grace, am working on weeding out my issues at the root, just like my church!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Gimme a Break

As I sit in my office wondering how a three hour span can be filled with sunshine, the most ominous storm I have ever seen, and then a calm, almost windless, cloudy environment, I think that Florida is kind of incredible. This, however, gets me to thinking about our lives. Isn't this odd Florida weather kind of a picture of our lives?

Before anyone envisions our bodies flying across the sky for an hour inbetween the calm stretches, I should assert that I am largely referring to the spiritual sense. Though as I think about it, it might be sort of awesome to be carried about a storm for an hour. Sort of like being bounced about on a trampoline by a person weighing ten times as much you, I can imagine a feeling of awesomeness. Of course, the cold reality of gravity makes this impossible and the foreboding reality of debris in the air, makes it undesirable.

So, what is possible (and even inevitable) is that from time to time we seem to have periods in our lives of tremendously harrowing circumstances. Despite the fact that we'd like it to be this way, it doesn't typically happen to us one small issue at a time. Our lives usually have a plethora of things all attacking us at once and we feel as if we are being tossed to and fro and carried about by our problems.

Thankfully, though, these periods are often followed up by periods of wonderful calm. Some choose to look at this as the calm before the next storm, but I choose to look at it as God's rehabilitative process. God is giving us the gift of a vacation from our problems, and that is wonderful.

When people ask the inevitable question, "Why do bad things happen to good people," my first thought is these times of calm. And I realize that we have good things happening to bad people. As I become more and more aware of the depravity which envelopes my life and the lives of those that share the planet with me, I am more and more aware that it is a gracious thing that God spares any of us.

The violent, tormenting storms happen all the time. I can easily see how we could be continually tested like Job was. Yet, fortunately, we get a break every now and again. For that, I am exceedingly grateful. So the next time you have an agonizing, difficult time, just be thankful that you recognize the pain and suffering, as it is not the norm. I, for one, am thankful for the break after excruciating, tortuous storms of life!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Don't Be Stupid

I have a given set of beliefs. I don't mean beliefs that have an effect on my eternal soul, but rather beliefs about everyday items. For example, I believe beef is better than pork, chicken, fish, or turkey. I believe that it is better to be a little cold than a little hot. I believe that PC's are vastly superior to Macs. I would be happy to support any and all of these things, though I realize that the conclusions are negotiable and not really that important.

I also try to consider myself to be relatively objective. Clearly I have some subjectivity (I am human, after all), but I do my best. I think that the times where I lack objectivity is when what I see begins to show a stark contrast with these aforementioned beliefs. This can definitely become a real problem, so I try to remain objective.

Sometimes the petulance of children is quite the site to behold. Despite evidence to the contrary, they will stick with their initial thought. I notice this in my children from time to time. For example, Jacob desires to be frustrated at Emily. So, Julia takes something of his, and he blames Emily for not stopping her from doing so. In his case, it is likable and even kind of fun (well, maybe not for Emily).

When the offending party is me, it isn't nearly as endearing. Similarly, when I see another adult completely ignore logic, that adult, like I would, becomes a loathsome debater. This is largely mentionable because recently I have become a witness to someone who exercises such reality escapism with regularity. That man is Skip Bayless and the subject matter is LeBron James.

Now, this isn't yet supposed to be a defense of LeBron James, because unless you are Skip (and, who am I kidding, there is no way he'll read my material), you don't need any defense. Admittedly, he has shown up a little lacking a few times in the past. He, also, is not the best player in the last ten seconds of a game. He is the most scrutinized basketball player in the history of the NBA.

This is a man who came out of high school to immediately become an NBA team leader. From the age of 16, people have looked at everything he has done. He took an otherwise very poor team in Cleveland to both the NBA Finals and the NBA's best regular season record. But after giving everything he had from the age of 18-25, he decided he needed more help. Like it or not, he decided that winning a championship was more important than any individual stats (something we say we like). He made millions of dollars for charity in announcing he was going to Miami (while sacrificing millions he could have made elsewhere). But the nature of that announcement is considered stupid. But what is the statute of limitations on stupid?

Stupidity aside, he has been an incredible player. He has been the best player in the world. He is still human, but recently, he has had two different games against two different teams that have each only been duplicated one other time in the last 50 years! Yet, Skip continues to poo-poo his accomplishments. His continual efforts to twist the facts to take away from LeBron's greatness make him act more stupid than the man over 30 years his junior, whose only stupid act was to not change jobs well!

What this means to me is that despite my presuppositions, I need to allow myself to be open to changing my mind when facts get in the way of what my initial set of thoughts are. Though trust me, it will be difficult to get me to discuss it with you over a meat other than beef!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Let my Words Live on!

This week I taught a real estate class that was challenging for different reasons than classes are normally challenging. While I believe no individual is really desirous of hearing about the quirks of my week, I do think that it is interesting in at least one way. I finished writing a book this week.

Now before anyone runs to the bookstore or Kindle, you must realize that it is essentially a textbook. While textbooks are not my favorite writings, I do notice (even with text books) that there is something great to writing. While I don't think any of us (at least the normal people who aren't Curt Heffelfinger or Al Mohler) are talented enough to do it every day, I do think that there are definite benefits to writing just about anything.

Recently, my sister talked about taking down her blog (which, if you actually read my blog, you should upgrade to read hers and encourage her to continue the good work). The actual great thing about writing, however, is that if she never touches her blog again, there is always good stuff there that future generations can go back, read, and be wowed by.

There is just something permanent about writing. I've tried to do a radio show (if you're REALLY bored, waste some time here) and that is really cool. But that is a more difficult media to perpetuate. I remember spending hours in the library at law school (not studying, just not having anywhere to be and being upset that someone else hogged all the internet). I found an old book that I would skim through (reading just isn't all that fun, so I did what every lazy American should, I pretended to read and actually just picked sentences that had bold words). This book quickly became a favorite of mine.

It is amazing how reading can be so incredibly moving. Years later, the words are just as fresh, yellow pages notwithstanding. Almost eight years ago, I heard a sermon by my pastor, where he mentioned a treatise by C.S. Lewis on the value of reading, especially old books (If you go there, make sure you read the last paragraph on page 1, it is literally life changing).

The truth is that even though the book I wrote will be read by single digits of people (hey, if you wanna become a real estate agent, you too can read it, just contact me and sign up for the class) that gratification that I now have a piece of material that I can just send to people is awesome!

A well-written piece is something that can live beyond you. While our individual impact will probably not be much, the reality is there are certain things we can do to extend our reach to future generations, and few, if any, are as easily accomplished, yet so difficult to recognize as our writing. Which, I guess, is the entire reason I write this blog!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I know where I'll be on Sunday!

I have heard that it is official that Orlando Grace Church will be meeting at a new place this Sunday! The truth is that we are so excited about this move that it has consumed our conversations over the last several weeks and months. And, to be sure, there probably is not a more exciting time in a church's history than seeing God bless you with a physical presence in the community He has given you to minister to.

We know that our new home, however great the opportunities it allows God to open for us, will not change who we are at our core. This is a great thought for me, as I know that at big times in life, character is revealed. Many say that it is made, but I feel it is made during the mundane times and revealed when the big events come around. I think this will certainly reveal who we already are, and while we clearly are not perfect, I am excited.

Those who have not done so already, should take the time to read the new location covenant of our church, presented by Pastor Curt. I am so excited that our church's leadership finds it essential to not waste this strategic opportunity. While I am sure that someone more talented than I will unpack these items in a more strategic, thorough, and theologically deep way, I do think before we engage in this opening Sunday Event of General Giddiness, we should look at what our leadership team feels is an important reflection of who we are that will be revealed with our move into a new building.

“We will relentlessly pursue our joy in God by abiding in Christ through the practice of the means of grace that are the spiritual disciplines (John 15:1-11).” I can't help but think God's sovereign timing in putting us in the new building in the midst of Pastor Curt teaching us about “Something Else for Which Jesus Cares Greatly” through these very verses. To whet your appetite, click here, then here.

“We will consistently fulfill our roles in society by embracing God’s design for functioning in each of the ordained spheres – home, church, and state (Colossians 1:18-21; 1 Peter 5:5; Romans 13:1).” I've seen many recent articles where people seem to dispute the God-given roles as a society. Our culture clearly wants to reject the Scriptures and make emotional arguments as to why we don't want to continue to follow the clear mandates. I am so excited that from the very first class of Discover OGC, we promote a Godly view of our ordained spheres. In the very prayers of our worship service, we promote a Godly view of how we relate to the state. I am glad that this is something we value!

“We will strategically do our part in global missions by maximizing our investment through praying, sending, and/or going (Matthew 28:18-20).” We have a church that spends time each year to step aside and emphasize missions. And that one month may be the only time we dedicate our entire Equipping Hour to the Subject Matter, it certainly is not the only time we focus on missions. Our commitment can be seen by the families we send out, the tremendous work that our missions committee does, and the commitment we have to praying for our brothers and sisters around the globe. I am glad this is something we are continuing to value!

“We will faithfully manage our resources from God by utilizing them according to the principles of biblical stewardship (1 Timothy 6:17-19).” This will be put to the test now more than ever. We have had resources and we have used them well, but I know that the resource we are about to take on is the biggest physical resource with which we will be blessed. God is good (all the time)! This very visible reminder we are seeing will also be the biggest test of our stewardship. I also know that God doesn't entrust us with more than we can handle with His help. So, we are overflowing with excitement as our church is being tested in a greater way on one of our core beliefs!

So, as this excitement continues to bubble over, continue to consider our leadership team's challenge to not waste an opportunity. Consider intentionally allowing this big event to reveal our character and sharpen our focus. In the areas they accent in our covenant, we are striving to improve ourselves by furthering and re-assessing our commitment. Join us as we dedicate our building and everything God has given us to him through a program and this covenant on July 29 (if not before).

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Dealing with Life's Surprises

I recently wrote about how my life hasn't turned out exactly how I planned. While that is definitely a poignant thought, the reality is that the thought doesn't really tell the entire story. Life is, in fact, full of surprises, but the question is "What kind of trail do we leave for those little abrupt differentiation from expectation?"

Sometimes, leaving a trail of carnage becomes something we will need to deal with several years later. Sometimes, having a positive exodus is something that will preserve us into the future. It is my belief that almost everyone prefers a lack of change and a maintenance of normalcy, and therefore, everyone would prefer to leave well.

There was a time in my life, where I believed that I would never again see The Master's Academy and I was completely fine with that. Nevertheless, last year, we needed to find a school for Jacob, as Kelly was struggling from some of the effects of Lyme Disease. When we came back, it was almost like going home. It turned out to be a wonderful homecoming!

I recently left Investors Real Estate in a move that was not fun for me. Yet, this week specifically, I am reaping the benefits of leaving well. One of their clients has decided to get a real estate license and they recommended my school.

The class seems to be going well, and ironically, I also have a student who is from a church that I left about eight years ago. I am excited that I do not have to sit around during this class and apologize for my past, and I am able to rest on the fact that while I made mistakes, those mistakes are not prohibiting me from relationships.

On the other hand, this week, I also had a relationship blow up, at least in part, because I over-reacted. One thing my wife has been telling me throughout the process is that I am only answerable for my actions and to take ownership of those. As long as I conduct myself the way I should, I do not have to answer for how everyone else handles the situation.

So, I am still learning that as life sends me surprise after surprise, I need to handle myself properly, regardless of what I perceive to be the issues anyone else has. When I do, I have already seen that the benefits come back to me. When I don't, I find that I need to take ownership of that, and then I feel much better.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

What Would You Do?

What Would you do? The latest television craze Is probably more accurately described as a show that very few people have ever seen. It puts people in the midst of confrontation and sees if they will intervene. I saw a portion of an episode recently during the commercials of the NBA playoffs. It makes me think of a situation I've seen countless times in movies.

You see, I've seen many a movie where the protagonist is chasing some bad guy down the road. As the audience, we sit there and wonder how all those arbitrary people can just let them run by without throwing some assistance. Why would anyone not assist our hero who is seemingly fighting against the world?

Now let me offer an answer to the just-written question. Have you ever seen a movie where our protagonist, possibly falsely accused, is being chased by some menacing bad guy? In these situations, we often find ourselves wanting the unknowing crowd to stop the person torturing our narrowly-escaping hero.

I guess this is the problem with the people in the movie—they are not sure which of the categories of movie we are watching. I've frequently attempted to come up with something I could do to help the appropriate party either way, but unless the character breaks the fourth wall, it just isn't possible.

This is the problem with real life also. There are some things that are universally bad, and when we see them, we should step in. But the list of innately bad things is much shorter than the list of things we see. I've seen a parent yelling correction at his kids in a way I thought was a bit harsh, but at the same time, I know sometimes I need to speak harshly to keep my kids out of trouble.

I've heard people talking about things that are criminal, but I also am aware that I have participated in a conversation that could have been construed as such to those not realizing we were reviewing some old diamond heist movie.

Honestly, this is the tough thing about the show (and real life). I guess it is somewhat similar to any other situation in life. We have to make decisions based on only partial facts. And the question remains, “What Should We Do?”

Friday, June 1, 2012

Forgiveness is not the End!

To pull yourself up by your own bootstraps is an expression that is prevalent in our society. Nevertheless, it is physically impossible for a variety of reasons. Of course, everyone understands enough physics to get that concept. What I believe many discount is that the condition for which it is used is also impossible.

It is completely impossible for someone to dust himself and improve his life on his own. That is what we realize as Christians, we cannot improve ourselves on our own. (Or, maybe, I should say that any "improvement" we can achieve on our own is still vastly short of what is actually good). We can only improve with the saving grace of Christ. Our own good works are as filthy rags. We cannot, of our own accord, do anything to earn our forgiveness. Excitingly enough, we have another means.

My grace is sufficient for you! There is power at The cross! Your sins have been forgiven! These promises and others like them are so encouraging to us as Christians that we tend to revel in them. And the more we discover our own depravity, the more we appreciate the wonder of God's forgiveness of those he loves.

I think one of the major reasons that this is so appealing to us is that we are incapable of such complete forgiveness. The way we are forgiven makes our own inability to do so even more appaling. Then again, it almost seems like it is human nature to not value those things which we achieve without effort.

Therefore as we realize our own inability to do anything to earn This forgiveness and grace, do we then naturally feel less inclined to walk worthy of that calling? While that may be a "logical" conclusion, it is certainly not the way we know that we should live. Yet, as we know, we cannot do it ourselves.

Well this leaves us in quite a predicament. We know that we cannot achieve righteousness on our own, yet we also know that we are supposed to strive to attain it. And this is where most people stop. Those who find themselves on the unsaved side of the argument tend to come to conclusions like this. They say it is just inconsistent.

This is not (at least not yet) the forum to discuss how poor of an idea atheism is, but we can sometimes understand their point of view. We often find the total inability to do good on our own difficult to reconcile mentally with the requirement to attempt to do good. So, where does that leave us?

At the cross, of course. You see forgiveness is not the only thing the cross grants us. It also grants us the ability to become more like God in our actions. And when we fail, as we inevitably will on our own, coming back to the God of cross is where we can acquire the strength to actually accomplish great things for the Kingdom.