I Need Wisdom

Jesus' brother James wrote to first century disciples: "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." James 1:5 (NLT) Another translation put it this way: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5 (ESV) I look to and rely heavily upon the truth and promise of James' statement. It is one of the foundation stones that I've tried to build my life on. Our world, nation, communities, and families grow more complex each week. Questions are being asked that we've never had to answer before. New conflicts arise daily. Many of these issues can be paralyzing. I feel a greater need for wisdom today than ever. If I don't receive wisdom and understanding, I can't lead like I know I need to. I need wisdom to respond to circumstances and situations appropriately. The good news is that God gives wisdom! I've experienced it over the years. You've experienced it. The moments when wisdom was needed and God gave it, taught us about ourselves, others, and life. Where do you need wisdom? Wisdom is available for the asking. The times I decided, reacted, or acted inappropriately are times when I didn't ask for wisdom. Because I didn't ask, I didn't receive it. If any of you lack wisdom … ask our generous God, and He will give it to you! Lord, I need wisdom! I need it as a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and community member. Thank you for being generous and never hesitating to give wisdom. Bring it on Jesus!

Perception, Reality and the Truth

Earlier this week I heard someone say, “the first casualty of the continual spiritual battle between good and evil, light and dark, God and the Devil is truth.” I can’t get that idea out of my mind. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We battle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces.” (Ephesians 6) The battle is real, but it is not what we usually think it is. The battle is a battle for truth and the truth. When an angry confrontation occurs, it is not just a battle of wills; it is a battle for truth. It’s possible that I’m angry because I believe something that is not true. It’s possible that the other person is angry because they believe something that is not true. Most likely, we both believe things that are not true. The untruth, deception, or distortion we believe leads us to take up an adversarial position. In an angry moment, the appropriate response is to check the story I’m telling myself. Do I have the right story or do I have something out of place. I need to check the story I’m believing before I worry about the story the other person is telling themselves. Often, we’ve told ourselves stories about situations and people that were distorted, imagined or simply not true. The battle is not with the other person. The battle is about perception, reality and truth. None of us can compromise the truth. We can’t back down, give in, or to surrender lies. Jesus’ brother Jude encouraged the early believers to “defend the faith.” “Dear friends, … now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.” Jude 1:3-4 (NLT) Jude’s words illustrate that the battle for moral purity and integrity is not a battle against flesh and blood but for truth. Stick up for the truth, don’t back down, and don’t give in. Stand firm in the faith. BUT IN EVERY INTERACTION, RESPOND WITH KINDNESS! We can “defend the faith” and stick up for truth without being ugly or unkind! That’s the Jesus way.

A Time For Compassion And Prayer

By now, you are aware of the historic ruling by the Supreme Court overturning the 50-year-old Roe vs. Wade law that legalized abortion. The justices split 6-3 on the ruling. Like many of you, I’m gratified with the decision. I’ve prayed to end abortion. I’ve given money, signed petitions and supported the work of the local Pregnancy Care Center. I believe the Author of life is the only one who can determine when life should end. My conviction is not only about abortion but “end of life” decisions and capital punishment. I believe it is naïve to think that people on the “Right to Choose” side of the issue have evil intent. I believe most are concerned about women who find themselves in a kaleidoscope of issues when they discover they are pregnant. The issues can be overwhelming. I disagree with their conclusion about the best course of action to help women. I refuse to take a gloating posture at the court’s ruling. I will not brag about winning or taunt others as having lost. The court’s ruling will have a significant ripple effect on American culture. It will further alienate parties. Families will fracture over the issue. On the last day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, he stopped at a spot overlooking the city. As he looked over the city he prayed and wept. “As he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41–42 (NLT) Jesus’ response to the condition of the world was compassion and prayer. I believe that is the correct attitude and response of Jesus’ followers, who are “keeping in step with the Spirit.” “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:25–26 (NLT) The needs of humanity require every follower to respond in compassion and prayer.

Prayer Changes Me

I have been thinking more about the mystery of prayer. As I wrote last week, Jesus said, “Your Heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask,” and then directs us to pray. He knows, yet He tells me to pray. That is head scratching! One thing I’ve learned over the years of praying is that my perspective changes when I pray. The circumstances may not change, but my outlook and attitude experience a transformation. People often describe the change saying praying “lifted a weight from my shoulders,” or when I prayed, “my fear melted away.” King David wrote is Psalms “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalms 34:4-8 (NLT) King David doesn’t describe changes in his circumstances or situation. He describes a change of heart. “He freed me from all my fears.” Those who pray “will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” I’ve had instances and episodes where God answered very specific prayers. He has answered prayers for provision, direction, wisdom, comfort, deliverance from troubling circumstances, resolution to broken relationships, and more. I’ve also had times when I’ve “prayed without ceasing.” I’ve prayed while awake and in the middle of the night when I wish I was sleeping. I’ve prayed desperate, almost frantic prayers. I’ve prayed in the quiet of my heart and out loud, LOUDLY! God did not answer some of those prayers the way I had hoped. What will I do? I will pray and “keep on praying and not stop praying!” Prayer might not always change things, but prayer always changes ME!

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Twice in the Apostle Paul’s letters, he gave instructions regarding living a life of faith among those who lack faith. Embedded in a longer set of instructions, he used the same phrase. “Make the most of every opportunity.” His directive, “Make the most of every opportunity” is amid a description of attitudes, words, and actions that describe his directive. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT) “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) Making the most of every opportunity requires several things. Every believer must have their eyes, ears, and hearts open to sense “every opportunity.” It is easy in our fast-paced, divisive, mind your own business, to miss opportunities. Seeing, hearing and sensing” every opportunity often requires slowing down, listening, observing and empathy. Here is a list of the other attributes, attitudes, and characteristics necessary to “make the most of every opportunity.” Carefulness is living. Wisdom. Acting thoughtfully towards others. Understanding what the Lord wants. Gracious and attractive speech. Understanding the right response in each situation. Making the most of every opportunity is an enormous calling. It is not something I can do in my strength. When I try to make the most of every opportunity in my strength or thinking, I fall far short of “making the most.” Making the most of every opportunity requires dependence on the Spirit. In another of Paul’s letters, he gave instructions about relying on the Spirit. “I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:16, 25 (NLT) Holy Spirit, teach us, lead us and empower us to see, hear, sense and “make the most of every opportunity.” AMEN

Time

In preparation for teaching during the Christmas Season, I have been studying TIME. One of the common tools sailors used through the centuries was an hourglass. Hourglasses were reliable for measuring time during the day and night, in stormy and fair weather. Hourglasses come in different sizes and “time” measurements. Some hourglasses are 12 hour, some 6 hour and others 1 hour. The time measured is dependent on the amount of sand and the flow between the upper and lower chambers of the hourglass. The hourglass is a great picture of life. No two people have the same amount of “sand” in their hourglass, and the flow from the upper chamber and lower chamber of their hourglass varies in each individual. Moses in Psalm 90 wrote, from his observation and experience, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” Psalms 90:10 (NLT) Of course many live less than 70 years and some live more than 80 years. (My Mom is 91 and we have a woman in our church that will be 103 in February 2022) The writers of the books and letters in the Bible encouraged people to handle “time”and life wisely. Moses prayed “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NLT) Jesus’ brother James wrote: “Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’ Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16 (NLT) Solomon wrote: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.” Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) Jesus help us to trust you with every minute, hour, day, week, month and year. Help us trust you with the “sand” in our hourglass.

Discernment in the Information Age

I have been giving a lot of thought to the practice of “discernment” the last while. We live in the “information age.” Each of us has at our fingertips more information in a day than our grandparents had in their entire life. The trouble with information is it isn’t always accurate. Information does not equal knowledge. People can have a wealth of information but, it is just a wealth of information. Information is easily confused with knowledge, expertise, or skill. Researchers at MIT studied 126,000 news stories tweeted 3 million times from 2006 – 2017. The researchers discovered that “false news” or misinformation traveled 6 times faster than truthful news or accurate information. Accurate news rarely reached more than 1,000 people. False news or misinformation regularly reached 1,000 to 100,000 people. One reason for the speed of misinformation is people’s desire to be “first” with novel information researchers concluded. People want to be “in the know” sooner than others and often are rewarded by people’s likes and retweets. “It’s easier to be novel and surprising when you’re not bound by reality,” commented Deb Roy of MIT. Frequently fake news and misinformation is “spicier” than accurate news and information. Unfortunately, unsensationalized news doesn’t spread very fast. Paul told the followers of Jesus that Satan is “the commander of the powers in the unseen world,” and “He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:2 (NLT) Jesus told his disciples that Satan “is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 (NLT) Knowing that Satan is the father and perpetrator of lies, the people of God should be the most cautious of all when swallowing information and passing it on. We are instructed to sift through everything, keeping what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) Discernment is to be the believer’s way of life! “Be on guard.” “Test everything.” “Cling to what is good.” (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1Thessalonians 5:21; Romans 12:8) That includes what I just wrote!

Do Everything with Love

Many of you are aware of my love of basketball and the annual March Madness. This year the “Cinderella Team” is Oral Roberts University. ORU is only the second No. 15 seed team to advance to the Sweet 16. Everything is not rosy for ORU athletics, though. Some in the media and culture recently labeled ORU homophobic and out of step with the new thinking regarding all things queer. They are calling for ORU and other schools like them to be excluded from post-season play. The school holds a traditional Biblical view of gender, marriage and sexuality that are now culturally unacceptable. ORU is not the only school feeling the pressure. Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons, Muslims and many other groups hold traditional views. Last winter I read George Orwell’s “1984.” The similarities between the description of the future and our current cultural realities continue to intrigue me. The depiction of the “Thought Police” in the superstate of Oceania and the authority to investigate and punish thinking not approved of by the state is prophetic of our current “cancel culture.” The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, the leader of the church in Ephesus, that “in the last days there will be very difficult times … people will scoff at God … they will consider nothing sacred. … They will be cruel and hate what is good.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT) The pressure to agree with the views of “cancel culture” and adopt culture’s thinking will continue to mount. Those who disagree with current thinking will experience pressure and exclusion. How to respond to this cultural thinking will require great wisdom, leading of the Holy Spirit and courage. One of the most powerful quotes from “1984,” speaks to the bravery necessary to disagree with popular thinking and values. “Your worst enemy, [Winston] reflected, was your nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate into some visible symptom.” Winston’s thoughts accurately describe the tension experienced by those who are unwilling to bend to culture’s transient thinking. Paul encouraged Jesus’ followers to “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)

Take Responsibility

King Solomon noted an attitude that continues to control some people’s lives today. We can find the attitude in every age group, gender, nationality, political leanings, economic status, or educational experience. The attitude flourishes in proud hearts, unbelieving hearts, combative hearts, hearts that don’t take responsibility. “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3 (NLT) “People's own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3 (NCV) “People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does GOD always get blamed?” Proverbs 19:3 (MSG) King Solomon’s statement makes some people angry. The truth puts squarely on them responsibility for life’s consequence. Not all pitfalls, curveballs, struggles and suffering are self-induced. We’ve all experienced undeserved pain in life. But we’ve also all experienced self-inflicted pain through poor financial decisions, relational decisions, and misplaced priorities. We’ve failed to end certain habits and start other habits. Often, those who acknowledge their self-inflicted struggles are slowest to become angry at God and others. Those who will not recognize their responsibility are quick to become angry at God and others. Those who will not take responsibility for their lives plant a seed of bondage. While those who take responsibility for their life releases emotional freedom. Healthy Action Steps: Take responsibility for your life. Don’t blame God for your struggles. Release emotional freedom!

Wisdom

Years ago, a family in the church gave me a needlework wall-hanging with the following Abraham Lincoln quote embroidered on it: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” Abraham Lincoln In recent months, I have found myself overwhelmed by the sentiment that Lincoln expressed. I find myself in dire need of wisdom. My own thinking is insufficient to respond to life’s challenges. The world is shifting so fast, life is approaching, what feels like “warp speed.” Ideas, philosophies, truth, error, conflict, confusion, regulations, mandates and challenges are flying in all directions and in no particular order. Things come so fast; I feel like I’m swatting at a swarm of flies! People have regularly referred to “new” circumstances and challenges as “unprecedented.” We are living in another one of those times when almost everything about life is different. Jesus told his disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NIrV) Followers of Jesus have always needed wisdom. I desperately need wisdom to respond and not react. I need wisdom to respond or not, depending on the situation. As a follower of Jesus, I am to respond the way Jesus would. I need wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, when to change and when to stand firm. It will take every bit of wisdom that God provides for His followers to “love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength” and to “love your neighbors.” “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.” James 1:5-6 (NLT) If you are like me, the request for wisdom is constant. I’m leaning on the promise of God that He will provide it.

The Otherness of God

In my personal Bible time, I’ve been reading through the book of Job. Job’s story has been an example and an encouragement throughout the centuries for millions. There are some tough events in the book of Job. Losing loved ones to calamity, losing life, property and health rock Job to the core. If you’ve never read slowly through the account of Jobs life, do so as soon as you can. Through the events and the subsequent wrestling with others and God, he gained a new understanding of the incomparable nature of God. There are no comparisons that clarify the otherness of God. Some have suggested that the otherness of God is like the difference between a person and an ant. Though a brilliant contrast, it falls infinitely short of the difference between God and people. Theologians use the word “transcendence” to describe God’s otherness. Transcendence describes the truth that God is not restrained by time, space, or physical laws. God is separate from His creation. He is not dependent on creation. God’s transcendence doesn’t mean that He is removed from creation. Theologians use the word “immanence” to describe God’s involvement in the lives of people. Though God is completely “other.” He is intimately involved in every aspect of His creation. He does not sleep, he knows the hairs on every one of the 7.5 billion people on the planet and He knows when a sparrow falls from the sky. As Job wrestled with the hardships of life and attempted to understand God’s actions, some of what he learned left him shaking. Job told a friend attempting to console him, “The Almighty terrifies me.” (Job 23:16 NCV) To a friend attempting to console him, he said, “I know that my Defender lives, and in the end I will stand upon the earth. … I will see him myself; I will see him with my very own eyes. How my heart wants that to happen.” (Job 19:25-27 NCV) Job was describing the tension of the “transcendence” and the “immanence” of God. He is completely “other” yet personally involved in our lives. God “transcendence” and His “immanence,” His otherness and personal involvement in His creation enables me to trust Him completely. As you read the Scripture in 2021, look for God’s otherness and His intimacy.

Wisdom in the Middle of Trials

One of the last books in the New Testament is a letter written by Jesus’ brother James. He wrote to a group of Jesus’ followers who were experiencing the spectrum of life’s hardships. The Jesus followers had scattered to the corners of the Roman world because of ongoing conflict in Israel. The second sentence of James’ letter sets the tone for the rest of the letter. “Count it all joy, … when you meet trials of various kinds,” and “blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials.” I don’t know about you, but I feel that “counting it all joy,” and “remaining steadfast,” are MUCH easier read about than done! There are a variety of trials addressed in the letter. Some were relationship trials such as partiality and preferential treatment. Some trials were rooted in disobedience to the principles laid out. Some had to do with the interchange between faith and “works.” Misuse of the tongue, fighting, not praying, or praying with wrong motives, jealousy, boasting about plans, and the behavior of the wealthy, round out the roster of trials. How does a Jesus follower “count it all joy” and “remain steadfast” under trials? One word – WISDOM. James encourages those who he commands to “count it all joy” and “remain steadfast” under trial to ask for WISDOM. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV) Every one of us is “UNDER” a litany of trials. “Trial” could be the 2020 word of the year. James encourages and commands those under trial to ASK GOD FOR WISDOM. Start today, start right now, while you are reading this - ASK GOD FOR WISDOM. You might have heard me or someone else say, “Each of us is either just coming out of a trial, in the middle of a trial or headed into a trial.” That is the nature of life! ASK GOD FOR WISDOM.

What is the Target in Relationship Struggles?

The last few weeks, I have been reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Titus. Paul visited Titus in Crete after a brief visit. He sent Titus instructions to help him establish and strengthen a community of disciples on the island. Crete, like many other places where churches started and sought to take root, was a target of teachers presenting an array of “lies and heresies.” Paul wrote strong, even harsh words about some who were causing trouble in the community. “There are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers ... They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:10-12 ESV) Paul coached Titus and commanded him about how to manage oneself during conflict and strife. He commanded Titus to pass on the coaching to the community. Paul understood that self-control is difficult in relationship struggles. He also understood how difficult it is to coach toward godly living when relationship storms are brewing. The verse I’ve been contemplating is Titus 3:2. What Paul commands is, as we say, “Easier said than done!” “Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2 ESV) WOW! Really! Can that be done? No one? Avoid quarreling? Gentle? Show perfect courtesy toward ALL people? Give me a break! Get real! It may be way out there --- BUT IT IS OUR TARGET!

Is it Possible to Please God and People?

Every person has wrestled with “people pleasing.” Adam was interested in pleasing Eve. The Apostle Paul, describing the average husband and wife, said, “A married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:33 NLT) and “A married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:34 NLT) Paul describes the reality of married life. The husband or wife who doesn’t care about pleasing their spouse will be miserable, and their spouse will be even more miserable. “Happy Marriages” comprise husbands and wives who seek to please each other. People pleasing is not a bad thing. Parenting is often about people pleasing. A doctor’s “bedside manner” is likewise about people pleasing. Customer service is about people pleasing. People pleasing is not bad, but it can go too far and slip into fearing people. King Solomon wrote, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25 NLT) People pleasing, when it goes too far, slips into fearing people and fearing people is a NO WIN proposition. When I wrestle with “fearing people,” I ask myself “Who am I going to please? Which group am I going to please?” For example, When I started pastoring, the dress code for pastors was a jacket and tie. A pastor didn’t need to worry about “people pleasing.” As society became more casual and “casual Fridays” became the trend, pastors wrestled with pleasing the jacket and tie people or the casual Friday people. “It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.” [Marcus Aurelius] Why do we care so much about other people’s opinions? Jesus’ follower’s primary aim must be to please God. Pleasing people is often also pleasing God, but sometimes “displeasing people” equals pleasing God. Paul stated it this way: “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 ESV) Here’s the principle: Please people when it pleases God, displease people when pleasing them, would displease God. Stated another way: Always please God, even when it displeases people.

Quick to Listen - Slow to Speak

A couple of months ago, I wrote about trying to “listen” more. I have been trying to listen to the various sides of the issues that are plaguing society. One reason I’ve been trying to listen is because I know so little. The professor in the first class I took at NWU started his lecture saying: “When you are done with this class, you’ll know how much you don’t know. You might not know much else.” My immediate thought was, “What am I paying all this money for? I’m not here to learn ‘how much I don’t know.’ I’m here to learn, so I know more!” The professor was correct, then and correct now. Every month that passes, I realize how much I don’t know. I realize how much I don’t know about what has occurred in history. I realize how little I know about science, relationships, and communication. I realize how little I know about God and His ways. I must admit I am constantly humbled by my ignorance. I have often said, “there are too many books and too little time!” I recently heard someone describe taking the position of a juror instead of an attorney. The idea struck a cord, and the light went on. Too often I slip into attorney mode and argue my point with vigor. What if instead of slipping into attorney mode, I sat in the jury box and listened to all the facts and both sides before coming to a conclusion? A few years ago, I served on a jury for an assault case. When the prosecution was done with questioning, it was apparent that the assailant was guilty. That is, until the defense was done with their case. The assailant had clearly acted in self-defense and the jury found him innocent. King Solomon put it this way “The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.” Proverbs 18:17 (NLT) Jesus’ brother James instructed disciples to listen first and speak second. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NLT) I’m striving to sit on the jury more and wear the suit of an accusing and defending attorney less. I confess, I know so little about what is actually going on in the world BUT I do know the one who knows everything about everything!

Spiritual Face Covering and Spiritual Social Distancing

I bet you are tired of social distancing and face coverings! Social distancing and face coverings are not natural. At times, both seem pointless and contradictory. I’ve been thinking about “information and idea viruses” and I’ve been thinking about “spiritual, emotional, psychological and mental social distancing” and “face coverings.”

“Information viruses”, or ideas or posts that aren’t true, or the veracity of which isn’t verifiable, originate with “liberals”, “conservatives”, people of “faith” and “atheist” and they thrive on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram and other social media posts. Information viruses discuss COVID-19, BLM, Blue Lives Matter, face coverings, restrictions on churches, should school open, should school be remote or a hybrid, do children spread COVID-19, etc., etc.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT) Paul’s instruction describes “spiritual, psychological, mental and emotional, social distancing.” Too often people social distance their thinking but do not socially distance what they adopt. Too often if something is “viral” and emotionally tugs at the heart the post gets shared. Discerning what is true and false is a missing practice in people’s lives.

Discernment is asking the questions, “Is this true? Is this honorable? Is this right and pure? Spiritual, emotional, psychological, and mental social distancing should be the response to information viruses. Keep your distance from non-sense! Research the source of the post. Sift through the post. Accept what is acceptable and reject what is questionable, or that comes from a questionable source.

We are also directed to use face coverings, or filters, for our speech. Face coverings protect the other person from my germs; they are not for my protection. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT) Spiritual, emotional, psychological, and mental face coverings on my speech are for protecting the other person.

Put on your “spiritual face covering,” and practice “spiritual social distancing.”

Quick To Listen and Slow to Speak

I’ve spent hours listening over the last few weeks. Listening to preachers, politicians, reporters, farmers, athletes, and many others concerning the protests and race issues our country is swimming through. I’ve been looking over my shoulder, both left and right, because I realize I have “blind spots.” I only see what I see, and I only understand what I understand.

By listening, I’ve learned about the “red line,” “Juan Crow Laws,” “In-groups” and “out-groups.” I’ve learned about the difference between bias, racism and discrimination. I am in elementary school about these issues. I’m learning about “espoused theory” and “theory in use.” I’m listening to descriptions of “white girl hair,” and learning that every person is 99.5 percent identical in genetic makeup. I’ve learned that saying “I don’t see color” is divisive, even when said with or from the motive of inclusiveness and love.

Jesus’ brother James wrote: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT) Too often when I face trials and struggles, I am quick to speak and too slow to listen. In the struggle our society is facing, I am intentionally closing my mouth, opening my heart and listening intently. I have an incredible amount to learn about the issues we are all facing.

Micah, the prophet who spoke for God 700 years before Jesus said: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV)

What is good? What does the Lord require? Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Jesus, teach me. I want to live justly, practice kindness and walk humbly with you.

Serious Times Require God's Wisdom

In July 1813, John Adams, the 2nd President of the nation, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the nation, wrote, “My Friend! You and I have passed our Lives, in Serious Times. I know not whether We have ever Seen any moments more Serious than the present .” [sic]

Two phrases in that statement caught my attention. “Serious times” and “any moments more serious than the present” could easily describe the tumultuous times we are in. Conflict and division abound. Natural calamities and significant challenges face our country and the world. There are no simple answers to the challenges mankind faces. Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

I’m reminded of words written by King David in Psalm 20, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalms 20:7 (NIV) These are times to trust in the Lord and not chariots and horses. God gives creative solutions and the wisdom needed to solve the problems of the world. Serious times require serious wisdom and serious solutions!

Another great leader, Abraham Lincoln, said; “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”