Axioms…from my perspective

i’ve decided to dedicate thursdays to giving some of my personal life axioms…truth that, from my perspective, is self-evident. sometimes practical. sometimes philosophical. sometimes whimsical. but truth, no less.

“the measure of our love for god and commitment to his kingdom should be defined more by what we do, that by what we don’t do“

the bible is pretty clear that we are to avoid the appearance of evil and be very careful about the company we keep and the choices we make and to be salt and light in a fallen world.  but i think we have this tendency to get things out of whack.

i think there are a whole lot of things we would be better off saying “no” to, but those things seem to become less of an issue  when we are boldly saying “yes” to the things of god.  unfortunately, in our world, christianity has become identified with certain behaviors, certain moral issues, certain political agendas, certain public figures…rather than the person and power of jesus.  consequently, the watching world struggles to gain a accurate sight line to the things that are most important when it comes to the real agenda of the kingdom.  sad.

this week, the cover story of newsweek is titled:  the decline and fall of american christianity. you can buy it or read it online.  it is disheartening and challenging at the same time.  it discourages me to realize that the picture our world sees of the greatness and majesty of jesus is seen through the lens of a messed up church.

it heartens me to know that when people meet the real jesus, there is power and freedom and grace and love and order and transformation and hope and meaning and answers.  too bad all they’re seeing is judgment and intolerance and hypocrisy and rules and empty, hollow, pious religious activity.

anyway, here’s a link to another guy’s take on this whole issue.  if you have the time, read some of the comments by other readers.  there’s a lot of give and take…different opinions…alternative views of the same subject by good-hearted people who desire to end up at the same spot.

you’ll be better for taking the time to read it.

Axioms…from my perspective

i’ve decided to dedicate thursdays to giving some of my personal life axioms…truth that, from my perspective, is self-evident. sometimes practical. sometimes philosophical. sometimes whimsical. but truth, no less.

“this, too, shall pass”

this is a truth that i have held on to for years and years.  i first heard of it when i visited an alcoholics anonymous location and saw it posted on a wall.  i was struck by it’s genius and it’s simplicity.

it has a mysterious origin…one steeped in jewish folklore…attributed to king solomon.  abraham lincoln summed up the story the best in an address to the wisconsin state agricultural society in 1859:

It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this, too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!

by constantly having something to look forward to, he found himself content.  what he previously thought was satisfaction was only a superficial feeling that was brought on by his great wealth…which was only temporary…thus, his satisfaction could not last forever.  true satisfaction could only be found when he recognized his wealth for what is was.

wealth, poverty, health, sickness, good times, bad, injustice, fairness, right, wrong…it’s all with us.  and it all inevitably passes.  this sobering reality can bring freedom or apathy…take your pick.  for me, i prefer freedom.

the apostle paul put it this way:

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:11-13

I love Spring…

my favorite time of the year.  the smell of baseball is in the air and the padres are tied for first place.

hope…where would we be without it?