Wisdom Is Better Than Strength

"In her new book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, author Susan Cain ... argues that over the past century there has been a  shift in society, from a culture of character to a culture of personality."*

It reminds me of a story in Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 NIV  "Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded."

Even today it seems like wisdom is more welcome coming from wealthy people. We listen to celebrities, for example, because of their fame and success. What a relief that God not only loves the popular, but delights to give character to any who seek Him.

* excerpt from "Introverts No Longer the Quiet Followers of Extroverts", by Carl Moore and Rebecca Black, www.forbes.com, 8/22/2012

I Am By Design

A study showed that people could be identified when they were just 4 months old as extroverts or introverts with a high degree of accuracy. This, and other research done with identical twins, suggests a genetic component to the development of temperament.*
At times, I lied to myself about about my own temperament. I thought people were essentially the same other than size and gender. I liked 'rugged' as a description, wore a leather coat and work boots. I sought active jobs that required little concentration, but I wore out and eventually gave them up. Choosing unsuitable jobs led to limited success! I despised myself and envied others. 
Now, I believe differently. According to Romans 9:20-21 NIV ^{20 "}But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” ²¹ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" So I must learn to accept myself and choose suitable work. For God is kind to us, “God is mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose." (Job 36:5).

* from "Quiet", Susan Cain, Crown Publishers, 2012, pg. 99-100, 104-105.

Self Worth Begins

Many people give up on their dreams. They yearn to do what they love, but compromise to "earn a living". But doing what we love can be empty too if it doesn't benefit others, and many know that a job that pays well doesn't necessarily bring satisfaction. We are each designed to make a contribution to society in our own way, a satisfying way that builds self-worth. Just like glasses help us to see, God helps us to clearly envision the unique contributions each of us make.

1 Samuel 26:24 (NIV) "As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble."

"Pathway"

A Three Letter Word for Discernment: "And"

I once asked a neighbour, who happened to be a pastor, about how to discern false religions that refer to the Bible. He said to be wary of those who claim to follow the Bible AND also 'something else', such as another book or leader. I have since seen examples of religions that believe they encompass the Bible's teachings along with other texts they believe supersede it. That small word "and" can help one discern these false religions.

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Energy: A Word Widely Misused

Energy is appealing for many reasons: it is invisible but we understand how it feels, it relates to strength and power, and it is desirable to have it. People use the word "energy" in many contexts, such as the way 'it' flows around a room, or the way someone makes them feel when they are nearby. Sometimes people use this concept as a substitute for God. Like God, energy is powerful, invisible but present, felt more at certain times than others, and desirable to have within us. But it lacks personality, unlike God who exercises choice, feels emotion, and wants a relationship with us*. God is never described merely as energy in the Bible.


*Psalm 4:3a (CEB) "Know this: the Lord takes personal care of the faithful."

"Listeners"

Medium: Gel pen/paper

Taming Predators

Here is more to consider about taming animals. After the flood in Genesis, animals were filled with the fear of humans*. Their fear protects them, and also protects us from predators because animals (like humans) will be accountable for shedding human blood**. Once we remove their natural fear by taming a predator, we remove the protection afforded us from attack, and it would be foolish to believe their predatory nature would fully change as a result of our efforts to tame them. Their fear may be removed (and perhaps ours), but not necessarily their instinct to hunt. Consider even the predatory behaviour of our domestic pets, less apt to hurt us because of their size, but still instinctive nonetheless. Consequently, I think we share responsibility when we remove the fear and dread from an animal that can hurt us, and it subsequently does. Pride can lead us to believe we can succeed where others have failed.


* Genesis 9:2-3 (NIV) ² The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. ³ Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.


**Genesis 9:5⁵ And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.

Not Feeling Good Enough to Pray?

Sometimes life leads us down roads we never expected. Have you ever started something you felt bad about, but didn't want to stop? When I was younger, I was surprised to discover that some of the things people warned me about were ... well, fun. How could this be - if sin is bad, shouldn't it hurt? The simple answer is, it can feel good and hurt you (or others) at the same time. That is why it is so hard to stop, and why people warn us not to begin.


When I find myself on the 'wrong side' of this dilemma, I still maintain my relationship with God. People may judge me, and I need not convince anyone I am right or wrong. I pray about what I have done, or am about to do. Why kid myself, God knows my intentions? And I invite him to intervene, and confess my inability to stop. We don't have to be perfect to come before God, or no one would qualify. But thanks to Jesus' work on the cross, we still have access to communicate with God.


Romans 7:19 NIV "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."

The Word

Communication is so important. One means of oppression is to limit communication with others. This occurs when abusers alienate individuals from their friends and families, or authorities isolate nations from the rest of the world, restricting access to media and controlling what is published and broadcast *. Conversely, when people freely communicate they can solve problems and share knowledge, information, wisdom and truth.


* The following verse reminds me of the situation in Cuba (2012): Job 20:19 NIV "For he [the wicked] has oppressed the poor and left them destitute; he has seized houses he did not build."
Per Wikipedia "Cuba had the second-highest number of imprisoned journalists of any nation in 2008 (the People's Republic of China had the highest) according to various sources, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international NGO, and Human Rights Watch."

Anonymity

Anonymity is a concept used at "anonymous" recovery meetings. Christian anonymity is sometimes viewed as being ashamed of one's faith. Don't be a 'secret soldier' we are admonished! A biblical basis for these concerns may be Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." 
But anonymity is not necessarily disowning who you are or your beliefs, it is putting them forward without connection to one's name. This can be for safety, or to present the message apart from the messenger. At times Jesus himself hid for safety, or instructed people not to tell who He was.*


* At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:59 NIV)
* Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. (Mark 3:11-12)

Freedom 55 ( or 45...35...25)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). The things referred to are those needed for your life and your body, such as food, water, and clothing. Many pursue and worry about these things, and I confess to having little faith about provision at times. It was unclear to me how physical needs could be met if I turned my attention elsewhere. 
Then, I considered my garden. I choose seedlings, plant them with fertilizer and water, then wait. Apart from my efforts the sun, soil, rain and air help them grow. The grass and trees in my yard were even planted before me by someone else. Likewise, in response to our small efforts, the Lord can abundantly provide growth and harvest in our life to provide for us.

I Do

The bible speaks favourably about marriage, using this intimate relationship to illustrate the love between the Lord and His church. "...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5 b). The early stages of love can be exhilarating, but marriage vows are meant to be for life. Many problems and temptations cannot be overcome unless the Lord enables us. Circumstances can test anyone, so marriages can break down without the grace of God. Consequently, I think the taking of such vows should consider "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15 CEB) just as we submit other plans to God - not as an excuse for failure, but as acknowledgement of our own limitations.

Fair and Just

Peoples' lives can vary - for example one may have a great experience of work, marriage or health, while someone else's life experiences are fraught with difficulties. We comfort ourselves saying 'everyone has problems' - which is true, but I believe some people face more challenges than others*. Like a child, we may protest "it's not fair!"
Justice is another story. While I'm not sure life is fair, there seems little doubt that justice is impartial. During this lifetime, we may not always get what we deserve for harm done, but down the road a penalty will be due. Will we accept Jesus' payment of our penalty, and enjoy mercy, or will we pay for it ourselves?
*But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, ...' (Luke 16:25a NIV)

I Want -> You.

After Paul identifies his calling in Romans, he adds "And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:6 NIV). Finally, a team I can join! I remember times in school when I was among the last chosen for sports teams. How humiliating that was! And I didn't fair much better with the debate team either... "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Cor 1:27 NIV). And we are all weak in some way, even strong athletes. As an adult, I once was appointed team leader for a slow pitch game, and chose the players. What a moment that was, when someone decided to make the last (me) be first! As spiritual ambassadors, we too will have opportunities to turn the world on its head, to help the foolish and weak things be wise and strong.

Work It!

Years ago a friend told me a priority guideline was: self, family (those under your roof), work, other people, other activities - and I struggled for a long time on the work area. What I defined as work was that which requires effort, or earns money. I identified my strengths and interests to seek a good way to earn a living. I also learned that relationships are key on every level, especially our relationship with God.  But work success eluded me.
What if work, as God defines it, is broader than work as I defined it? Jesus' disciples left their regular jobs to follow Him, and later again to spread the gospel. Paul earned his keep along the way, but his main priority was to carry the message. Learning and sharing about God, in whatever way we do it (singing, writing, speaking, acting, etc.) may be the 'work' focus the Lord ultimately wants for us.


*All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. (Colossians 1:6 b)

Walking Through Fire

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."* Sometimes losses, homelessness, financial crisis, illness or serious injury happen or are imminent. These events seem like walking through fire because dangers abound, and outcomes are unclear. When in the midst of a difficult time, I pray (if I can), sometimes cry, take care of myself, and wait as things unfold. Afterward, I find that God has not let me down. Help was provided, and many of the possibilities did not come to pass. And those that did, have not consumed me.


* Isaiah 43:2 b NIV

A Bitter Taste

It seems like Christianity has fallen out of favour with many people. Although we enjoy the fruits of a Christian heritage in Canada, it seems like some take our privileges for granted. Is it because we no longer sense our need for God? It could be, but I also notice that people who speak strongly against religion were often soured by a personal incident that happened to them (or to a parent). It's a tragic misunderstanding, because although they have a legitimate grievance it is not against God or Christianity, but against that person* or institution who represented religion to them at the time when they were more open. 


*Luke 17:2 (NIV) "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin."

What You Were Made For

Heaven, what a lovely topic to consider. C.S. Lewis points out that the uniqueness of each individual will enable them to appreciate specific aspects of God like no one else. He writes, "if all experienced God in the same way and returned Him an identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be like an orchestra in which all the instruments played the same note." In describing our innate desire for heaven he writes, "All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness." "... God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love. Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it - made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand." "Beyond all possibility of doubt you would say 'Here at last is the thing I was made for.'"*

"You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6 b NIV


* Quotes from 'Heaven' in "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis, pgs. 640 and 641 in The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics