The Cross and the Resurrection -- A Reflection

With Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday this week, I think it is a good time to reflect on what the cross and the empty grave mean. I am spending time this week focusing on these events and reading Scripture to direct my contemplation of Christ. There are so many things to distract us this week from spending time considering the most significant events to ever take place. What happens in the news this week pales in comparison to the magnificent news acted out 2,000 years ago.

            I need to be reminded regularly of the importance of Jesus’ death on the cross. He died for my sins, which are numerous. He died so that this finite being, who was at war with the Creator of the universe, could be forgiven of that rebellion and called a child of God. It gives me great pause to consider the cost Christ paid for me. I am so unworthy of His great mercy.

            As I read the Gospel accounts, I am always intrigued that the writers slow down the narrative during the Passion Week. Think about it. Much of the three years of ministry prior to the cross is written about with breakneck speed in a few chapters. But, when the Passion Week is written about, the narrative slows to a snail’s pace. And so much emphasis is given to the events of the week. From the triumphal entry, to the meal in the upper room, to the agony of the cross, the Gospel writers take time to deliberately set the scene. Should we not also take time to reflect on the scenes and consider their import? I try, as best as I am able, to set aside time for prayer and reflection on these events.

            When I look at the scene in the upper room, I consider the words of Jesus. Did he really have me in mind when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you”? Am I humble like Jesus, who washed the feet of His disciples? How would I have felt if the Lord of the Universe bowed down and washed my feet? What must it have felt like to be present in the room as Judas makes the final decision to betray the one he has followed for all this time?

            I turn to look at the events in the Garden of Gethsemane. How often am I like those trusted disciples who cannot stay awake for a short time while Jesus goes to pray? Am I, like those disciples, so oblivious to the enormity of what is happening near them? Would I be able to recognize as the weight of the world and the forces of evil become centralized in this one location? I begin to see the agony that Jesus will soon experience in his prayer that the wrath of God be taken away from him. I wonder if, knowing what Jesus knows will soon happen, I would be able or willing to take on such a burden for my friends or my Lord. I consider the raw emotion that must have been there when Judas and the guards arrest Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God.

            The clandestine, late night trials fill me with despair and anger at the injustice displayed on that night. I try to hear the mocking words that are directed at Jesus. And I think about the fact that he would soon die for some of those who were mocking him. I see the many times I betray Jesus in the actions of Peter, who fearfully denies knowing or walking with the Messiah. How many times, and in how many ways, do I too deny allegiance to Jesus? Yet, he journeyed to the cross and suffered physical death to bring Peter and me freedom and forgiveness! I hear the scoffing of King Herod. I see the confusion of Pilate, and sense his conflict with keeping peace in the region and his position within the Roman Empire.

            I hear the loud shouts of the crowd, “Crucify, crucify him!” If I were in that crowd, would I have said those same words? There is great injustice in the fact that Barabbas is set free and Jesus is condemned to die. But, is that not true of me as well? It is a great injustice that I am absolved of my sin and released from its penalty. When Jesus looked into the eyes of Barabbas, did he see me? Was there a passing moment in which Jesus let Barabbas know that he was doing this willingly for Barabbas? For me?

            While the narrative slows down at this point, the following events are also stated simply. Jesus is scourged. He is made to carry the cross to Golgotha. He is crucified. The words are simple, but the pain experienced in those simple words is so real. Honestly, I cannot comprehend the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain that would have taken place in those events. Can I know what that torture would have felt like? Can I know what it would feel like for all the force of Evil to be present in that one place in those hours? Can I grasp what the perfect unity of Father and Son felt like when it was severed at that time? And then Jesus offers pardon to a thief. I see myself in that thief, because I have stolen from Jesus the freedom that was rightfully his.

            “Father, forgive them.” Thank you, Jesus. Your words and action on the cross brings forgiveness to me and all who trust in Christ. “It is finished.” Silence. And then the earth shakes, the veil is torn, and the complete focus of all time and history is in this one moment.

            Yet, it seems so anticlimactic. He is placed in a tomb and guards are set before the place of burial. If that were the end, it would be so hopeless. But, that is not the end. After the silence and emptiness of the Saturday, the tomb is opened and the slaughtered Lamb is raised to life by God. It is now truly finished. Death no longer holds the trump card. Evil no longer claims victory. The path to forgiveness and reconciliation is now available through the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. The elect need not fear the second death. The atonement is complete; the forgiveness is complete; the reconciliation is whole and sweet. Jesus is exalted and lifted high and his name is glorified. 

Discussion Questions for 1 Timothy 1:12-17

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Discussion Questions

1)      How does Paul describe his experience with Jesus? How is this comparable to other Scripture in which Paul describes the same experiences?

2)      In what ways does Paul lay out justification by faith in this passage? In what ways does Paul lay out salvation by grace in this passage?

3)      How does Paul’s walk with the Lord contrast with the false teachers, according to what we have already read in the first part of chapter 1?

4)      Paul has, up to this point, been directing Timothy how to handle the false teachers. Why is it important that Paul now pauses to tell his own story?

5)      In the previous passage (verses 8-11), Paul spoke about the law. How does this current passage relate to the previous passage? What is the link between the two passages?

6)      Paul says he acted ignorantly in unbelief (verse 13). Would this describe how all unbelievers act? How so?

7)      In what ways have you walked ignorantly? How did God work through your ignorance or unbelief to make Himself known to you?

8)      How does Paul contrast his character with the character of Jesus?

9)      Why does Paul explain that God has used him for God’s service? Is this how God uses everyone? How so?

10)  In what ways has Christ appointed you to service?

11)  Do you find it easy or difficult to submit to Christ and the service He has called you to? Why or why not? Do you see your story as similar to the story Paul presents here?

12)  Tell how Jesus has changed your life.

13)  What does verse 17 say about Jesus? How do you respond to what the verse says about Jesus?

Discussion Questions for 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Following are discussion questions for our Wednesday Bible study on 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:8-11

Discussion Questions

1)      Paul claims that the law is good. In what ways has the law been instructive and good in your life?

2)      Paul also claims that the law must be used lawfully. What does he mean by this? How does a passage like Romans 7:7-12 help us understand what he means here?

3)      What is the relationship between the law and the gospel? How are they in accordance with each other (verse 11)?

4)      What are the pitfalls of relying on the law to the exclusion of the gospel? What are the pitfalls of relying on the gospel to the exclusion of the law?

5)      Does Paul give more credence to the gospel or the law in this passage? How so?

6)      For whom is the law written? Do you see a progression in Paul’s statement that the law is for the lawless and disobedient, the ungodly and sinners, the unholy and profane? Is there intentionality is using these descriptions?

7)      Is Paul making a case that there are some who are above the law or beyond the reach of the law?

8)      Paul uses more general descriptions (lawless and ungodly) followed by more specific descriptions (liars, perjurers). What is his purpose for using these descriptions?

9)      In what ways is the law laid down for you? Can you see your past in the descriptions of lawlessness Paul names? How has the gospel freed you from this past?

10)  What is contrary to sound doctrine? How is sound doctrine linked to the “glorious gospel” (verse 11)?

11)  Paul states that he has been entrusted with the gospel. Has God entrusted you with the gospel? How so? How do you proclaim the gospel?

Hey, Christian, Get That Pouty Look Off Your Face

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

            Have you noticed all of the negative comments people are making today? It seems as if nobody has a pleasant thing to say. We gripe about anything and everything. We are unhappy about everything, and we let the world know about it.

            Recently, I posted this comment on Facebook: “Ever wonder why nothing goes right and the world is always against you? Take a look at your Facebook wall. If you consistently make personal posts that are negative, then you might be the one with the bad attitude and wrong perspective. It might be that those other people are feeding off of your sour (or sour grapes) disposition.”

            It is troubling to see all of the negative comments swirling around social media. There are times when I take breaks from social media. Sometimes I do this to spend more time with my family. Sometimes I do this because I feel I am spending too much time checking my Facebook or Twitter accounts (and I will likely take a tech break after posting this blog. You may enter your chosen emoticon here). But, sometimes I do this to escape the negative comments on those platforms. I am troubled that professing Christians often are the most negative.

            I can understand negative comments coming from someone who does not have a hope in Jesus. After all, some think that this is all there is to life, and after your last breath, you simply cease to exist. That sounds hopeless, and I can see a need for pessimism in that belief. But, the Christian is supposed to have his or her hope in Christ. He will raise you to be with Him eternally. So, if you truly believe that, why do you spew out so much pessimism and negativity?

            Christians will post beautiful wall photos or quotes that speak of the goodness of God. The photos speak of  hope and assurance found in Jesus. The quotes promise that God will lift up the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Those are wonderful, uplifting things to share. But, when those quotes are followed by the personal sour posts, then your well-meaning and beautiful quotes prove meaningless. What you tell the world is, “Yeah, this is what I say I believe, but the truth is, I don’t really put my faith in this.” Is Jesus’ name uplifted when all people hear come from your mouth (or your posts) is despair, or finger-pointing?

            So, must be positive at all times? I don’t think so. There is a time and a platform for speaking of pain, or heartbreak, or fears. I even think that it is healthy to honestly address concerns and worries. I even appreciate a crusty old curmudgeon, or a lovable cynic. However, when our entire perspective is negative, then we need to seriously address what is going on in our lives and what we present to others. I know many people who experience great tragedy or chronic pain. Yes, they cry and wonder why. Many of these people also refuse to let that tragedy or pain rule them and define who they are. They choose to speak of the hope they have despite their present affliction.

It would be simple to say, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” meaning put a smile on your face and be positive until you don’t have to exert effort to do so. But, that is a simplistic approach. What we really need to is to look deeply into the recesses of our hearts and minds and ask tough questions. Why am I so negative? Do I honestly believe what I say I believe? If so, then why do I not trust in Jesus? Am I presenting hope or hopelessness to those around me? What is troubling me so much that I present a negative attitude? Is my witness tarnished by my negativity? These are real gut-check questions that you must consider.

            Hey, Christian, it’s time to take that pout off your face. Share the hope found in you. Be patient in affliction and joyful in hope. You are redeemed. 

Discussion question for 1 Timothy 1:1-7

I am beginning a new Bible study in the book of 1 Timothy. Here are some of the discussion questions we will be considering during our Wednesday study.

1 Timothy 1:1-7

Discussion Questions

1)      What is significant about Paul referring to God as Savior and Jesus as our hope in verse 1?

2)      In verse 2, Paul greets Timothy with grace, mercy, and peace. The addition of mercy is different from other greetings Paul makes. Why do you think he mentions mercy, and why might it be important in this letter?

3)      Who has authority to confront teachers of false doctrine? From where does Paul and Timothy’s authority to fight error come?

4)      What are some false doctrines or teachings we find in today’s church?

5)      What myths and genealogies are prevalent in today’s world? What myths and genealogies are found in today’s church?

6)      If we do not confront false doctrine directly and quickly, are we able to confront it later? How so?

7)      Is there a “time limit” in which to instruct someone in doctrinal error, or must we always confront with immediacy?

8)      When do we or when can we show love in the face of doctrinal error? When do we confront? Are there times to confront in love and other times when we must adopt a harder line?

9)      How do our actions/morals affect our doctrine?

10)  Is there a balance between right thought (orthodoxy) and right living (orthopraxy)? If so, what does that balance look like?

11)  Should we be concerned with false doctrine only if a teacher is teaching that error?

12)  If someone holds a false doctrine, but is not a teacher, do we allow time and instruction for that person to revise his/her doctrine?

13)  What does Paul mean by meaningless talk? How do we see meaningless talk in the church today?

14)  What false doctrine have you wrestled with in your Christian walk?

15)  How does your life exemplify a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (verse 5)?

Stewardship of My Body

“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? … Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

            Potlucks. Ice cream socials. Sunday brunches. Fish fry. Does it ever end? One of the hallmarks of North American Christianity is fellowship over meals. In the movie “Field of Dreams” Kevin Costner’s character may have heard, “If you build it, they will come,” but in the North American church, we often hear, “If you feed them, they will come.”

            Like many people, I have seasons in which I eat well, and seasons in which I eat poorly. I have seasons in which I am physically active, and seasons in which I am sedentary. I have seasons in which I get proper rest and care for my body, and seasons when I don’t. Yet, as I have been considering stewardship issues, one of the concerns that I raise over and over again is one that we rarely consider – stewardship of our bodies.

            Yes, we know that our bodies are gifts of God. We know that we should treat them well and not misuse them. And we feel guilt or obligation to eat right, exercise, lose weight, etc. But why? That is a question that often is left unanswered. I recently heard Gary Thomas give an explanation for why on a Focus on the Family broadcast. Thomas said that we must be stewards of our bodies because if we add years to the body we have, we can add time to our ministries. I thought that was revealing and on point. We don’t want to lose weight just for sole purpose of feeling better about ourselves, do we?

            There are times when I feel like one of the Jews taken into captivity by the Babylonian king. You remember the story. Daniel and his friends are taken captive and led to Babylon. There, all of the Jewish young men, except for Daniel and his three friends, eat the king’s diet, which violated the Jewish food laws. Daniel and his friends ask to eat a different meal plan for seven days, at which time they are judges to be healthier than the rest of the group. It would be great to be Daniel. Instead, I feel like the rest of the group, sickly and unhealthy. I too often eat the king’s menu (sugars, processed food, soda, and other convenience foods). And, when the time comes to perform at peak levels, I am tired and unwell. What would my life and my ministry be like if I chose the more difficult path rather than the convenient path? How would I become a better steward of my time, talents, and body if I filled my physical body with the good foods God has provided?

            Last summer, I started the process of eating healthier. I decided that I would severely cut the amount of processed and refined sugars I consumed. Since that date, I have been more conscious of those foods I eat. I admit that I have not been as successful as I had hoped, but changing years of poor eating does take time. I have met some success, and I have for the most part greatly decreased my processed sugar intake. I have been able to limit sodas, and really, I can easily cut soda out of my diet. At times it has been difficult (and let’s be honest, costly) to find substitutes, but I think the effort has been worth it. I have felt more energy and I have, in general, felt healthier.

            Now it’s time for my next step. In addition to continuing to eliminate processed sugars from my diet, I also will start eliminating processed foods from my diet. That does mean that I have to wisely plan meals. That does mean that I will have to prepare some things beforehand. But, it is something that I feel compelled to do for a number of reasons. 1) I do want a healthy body to help further my ministry. 2) I want to set an example for my children that you can chose to eat and be healthy for the Lord. I also hope they learn that you can do difficult things with resolve. 3) I do want to be healthier so that I have more opportunity to watch my children grow up, get married (if they so choose), and start families of their own. I know that my life and the years of my life are not guaranteed. I know that changing eating habits will not guarantee a long life. But, it does increase the likelihood for a longer life in order to watch my children grow up, and launch their own lives.

            Now, if I could just tackle that exercise component. 

Rest in Christ the Fourth Commandment

The Stewardship of Time

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21

            As Christians, we are called to be stewards. We have been entrusted with the care of the planet (Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15), our finances, our resources, our bodies, the Word of God, the church of Christ, and our time. Jesus told the parable of the talents, explaining that those who properly use the resources given to them will receive the commendation, “good and faithful servant.”  I have been thinking a lot about the stewardship the Lord has entrusted to me. In doing so, I have been convicted about those ways in which I have squandered the “talents” entrusted to me, like the wicked and slothful servant Jesus describes further in the parable (Matthew 25:24-28). I want to spend some time considering some of the areas of stewardship God has placed in our hands, and also consider how I have failed to meet the call of stewardship, and suggest ways to best utilize the gifts God has given to us.

            I start with the stewardship of time, because it is possibly the easiest thing to squander. Today, we have so many things competing for our attention. And, we thus have so many things competing to take our attention away from the ministry God has set before us. I know that it is easy for me to become a servant to the urgent (or those things that may be perceived as urgent) and avoid doing those things which are best (or those things God has called me to do).

As a pastor, I have a lot of things vying for my attention. As the only staff member at my church, that can mean that a lot of things (many of them helpful things) fall into my lap. Sometimes, I allow too many of these to overwhelm me, waste my time, or strip me of doing my best. I also have a responsibility for a number of things that I cannot neglect. I must prepare and preach a sermon weekly. I must prepare a weekly Bible study. I must prepare a children’s Sunday school lesson. All of these tasks require preparation and concentrated study. However, it is easy to over prepare in these areas, to the neglect of other responsibilities. There are times when hospital calls, home visits, and phone calls are necessary. There are times when I must attend to counseling, sending e-mails, or cast vision. Add to these, the responsibilities I have to my family, and one can see how easy it would to get off track. Are there times when I spend too much time in one area, at the expense of others? Yes.

I find that I have one of two responses when the burdens of the pastorate are many. One, I try to do too much, and I succeed in doing everything, but not doing anything very well. Or two, I retreat from the responsibilities and create my own “to-do list” which includes those things I am inclined to enjoy or prefer. As I was preparing for a study on spiritual disciplines, I started thinking about how much time I waste in a given day. That time is wasted either by not being adequately prepared, or by being so overwhelmed by obligation, that I waste time considering  what thing I have to do at this moment. I realized that if I were a better steward of my time that I would be able to accomplish a significant amount more than I did. And I prayed that those things that I did accomplish would be the best things to do at that time.

This year, I determined to be far more proactive in planning out my work week. Yes, there will still be emergencies that call for immediate attention. But, as I better plan my work week, I should – in theory at least – have more time to devote to the emergencies as they arise. I also determined some of those things I would devote time to, and determined how much time I should devote to them. Once again, this should free me up to do more things, and more effectively. I have started planning (and writing down) the two main things I want to achieve each day. Some of these require great amounts of time, others are things I avoid because I don’t want to do them, but know I should. I have also tried to create a theme for each day. With this idea, I will not divide my time each day into a number of tasks, such as administrative, sermon prep, vision casting, home visits, working on technology, etc. Instead, each day is devoted to one of these areas.

            Here are some other things I am doing this year.

1)      I am limiting the number of books I read each month. I do need to read for professional enrichment. However, since I enjoy reading, I could avoid other important tasks by burying myself in one book after another. Once I have read my limit of books for the month, I will not read another until the next month comes. This frees my schedule to do many other things.

2)      I am setting aside scheduled time to read my Bible and to pray. I also have a structured plan to read through the Bible this year. This does not mean that I cannot read my Bible or pray at non-scheduled times, but it also means that I will be able to do both each day. Without a scheduled time, I found it too easy to skip one or the other. Or, I would let my other reading (which can be about biblical stuff) take the place of reading the Word.

3)      I am putting things in writing. Yes, it does take time to write. But, if I do not write things, I either think the same thoughts over and over, or I have to explain the same thing over and over. I often rehash thoughts because they have not been put into writing, thus misusing my time. I have found that if I write it in some form, I am able to let that matter rest. Also, I am writing more frequently so that I have an established forum to answer an issue. In the past, I would have to explain an issue more than once, often telling any number of people at different times, how I felt or what I believed was the way to pursue a concern. Doing this, I would often tell one person something that I neglected to tell someone else, or I just felt exhausted by the constant interaction. By writing it all down, I think my overall communication is better, and I should be able to make all the points I need to make at once.

4)      I am filtering out the time wasters. If it is something that has caused me distraction in the past, then I am limiting it or avoiding it altogether. Television, that means you. Worrying-about-things-outside-of-my-control, you’re also in my crosshairs. Facebook and Twitter, I apologize in advance for not checking on updates hourly (in fact, some days I may not look at you at all).

I already feel that I have accomplished more in the past month than I did in the three or four months that ended last year. And that is a good thing, because there are a great number of things I want to do with my time. And there are a great number of ways I want God to be able to use me for His ministry. One day, I pray He will say, “well, done my good and faithful servant. You have used the time I have given to you wisely.”

What's in a Name?

            We have all read Romeo and Juliet. In Shakespeare’s play, Juliet laments that her newly found love, Romeo, is a Montague, her family’s rival. In that famous scene, Juliet says, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, is that true? Doesn’t our name mean something?

            Last night, much of America watched as cyclist Lance Armstrong admitted in an interview to Oprah Winfrey that he had knowingly taken performance enhancing drugs. This follows months of discussion in which Armstrong has been stripped of cycling titles and awards after evidence suggested that he did indeed take these drugs during his racing career. Armstrong has vehemently denied the charges, until last night.

            Although I did not watch the interview, I followed the comments and Armstrong quotes on Twitter. I am not a cyclist. But, I do feel invested in the story since Armstrong and I share a first name. We share little other than that name. We’re both Americans, and we’ve both been married to Sheryl Crow (well, maybe we only share a name and a national identity). But, in sharing a name, I am struck by the shame I feel carrying that name today. It used to be when someone would ask me my name, or how to spell my name, I would say, “My name is Lance, spelled like Lance Armstrong.” I doubt I will ask people to make the connection in future.

            As a Christian, I also have responsibility for the name I hold. As I identify myself as a Christian, I am identifying myself with Jesus the Christ. I am telling the world that I am a follower of Jesus, and the things I say and do must reflect that allegiance. When I act or speak in a way contrary to how a Christian should act or speak, I have maligned the name of my Lord.

            In the third commandment that God gave to the Hebrew people, God says, “You shall not take the name of your Lord in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Many people misunderstand or misinterpret this commandment to mean simply that we should not use the name of God as a curse word. But, God is calling us to have deepest respect and honor for who He is. And one of the greatest ways I can honor my God is by bringing honor to His name as I live my life with integrity daily. That means that I must do what is right, even when it hurts.

            Am I perfect in leading a life of integrity? Of course not. I slip and I do not always bring glory to God. But, living a life of truthfulness is one of the best ways to live a life of intentional integrity. I would guess the agony of years of deception weighed heavily on Armstrong’s mind and heart.

Last year, I experienced a similar weight. After attending the funeral of my wife’s grandfather, we were headed back to the airport to fly home. We were running short on time, but my wife wanted to quickly visit her great aunt. As we visited her and quickly went to the airport, I was unaware of the speed limit. Yes, a camera caught me speeding, and a couple of weeks later, we received a traffic ticket in the mail. No big deal. At the time, however, our finances were tight and there wasn’t a lot in our bank account. So I worried about paying the ticket. Unwisely, I told my wife I had paid the ticket when I had not. A little while later, we received another letter from the court, with my fine raised because of inaction. Unfortunately, I continued to deceive my wife. I don’t know why. It troubled me. Eventually, I paid the ticket at the higher fine. I had to come clean with my wife, telling her of my stupid action, and unable to really explain why I had acted in such a way. What hurt her most was a broken trust. And I could do nothing to assuage that hurt. The situation taught me a couple of great lessons. First, our choices are often misguided, and there is no clear reason why we act as we do. Second, it made me painfully aware that my integrity is easily damaged and, when it is, it takes a lot of time to repair that damage. And, finally, it taught me that I cannot take time off from being a person of integrity. There is too much at stake. Often, what is at stake is the sacred name of God.

            As difficult as it was to come clean with my wife, it was also freeing. I carried the burden of that lie for too long. I can imagine that Armstrong also feels the burden of deceit somewhat lifted from his shoulders this morning. I don’t want to stand above Lance Armstrong in judgment. He has made mistakes as I have made mistakes. His story, however, does offer me another example of how important it is to live with integrity and to honor Jesus as I carry His name with me daily. 

Hope in an Age of Hopelessness

I woke up this morning to news of yet another fatal shooting in our country, this time at the Empire State Building in New York City. In the past few weeks, there have been horrific shootings in Colorado, Wisconsin, Texas, Washington D.C., and now New York. Within the past year, there was also a mass shooting in my hometown of Carson City, Nevada. Every time these unfortunate events take place, we ask the question, “Why?”

            I cannot answer that why question, other than to reaffirm that the Bible says that humankind’s sin has brought disorder into our world. I also know that the Bible states that these events will continue until Jesus comes again. In fact, it seems probable that the “wars and rumors or wars,” and violence will intensify as time goes on.

            Many will ask the question, “What is the cause of this increased violence, and how can we stop it?” People will point to many culprits. It’s worry over a troubled economy. It’s hopelessness over our political landscape. It’s the result of callous, dehumanizing violence in video games, cartoons, and movies. It’s the result of a de-sensitzing media. It’s the result of incivility in our culture. All of these answers could be explanations to the shootings. We may never know.

            I am raising two young children in today’s world. I worry about the world in which they will live in twenty or thirty years. What world will my grandkids, or great grandkids live in? Will it be a world in which violence is commonplace? Will people become so de-sensitized to violence that news of shootings like we hear now will be ignored or treated with disdain? Will they avoid speaking to neighbors for fear of violence, or ridicule, or uncivil speech?

            I know that God is sovereign. He has knowledge of all things, and knows the future, and what our world will look like in the years ahead. And He is in complete control. He is all powerful. He is not the author of evil, and He will even work through the present evil for ultimate good (see Genesis 50:19-20, Isaiah 10, Acts 2:22-34).

            We, though, are responsible for our actions. We are accountable for those things we do that are just and unjust. As such, we can make a difference in our present world.  I am just one person. It is unlikely that I can change the world. But, I can change the dynamic of my family. You, too, are just one person. But, if we choose to make positive changes in our lives and the lives of our families, we could leave this world a somewhat better place. How can we change our speech so that what we say is exhorting, rather than crippling? How can we leave a legacy of hope in an age of hopelessness? How can we change the tenor of incivility in our cultural rhetoric? It’s worth contemplating answers to these questions, and it’s worth making real efforts to change the dynamic in our lives.

The Place of Honor

It seems that the American woman has been called every name in the book over the past several weeks. It also seems that much of the recent American political debate is focused on womens issues. However, at the same time, there has been a lot of verbal rhetoric and disparaging remarks made about women, from conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh and liberal television personality Bill Maher (to name the most notorious personalities of recent days). We are rightly appalled as we hear the toxic language used when describing women in our society.

            There has been an ongoing battle in this country about the role of women. Our media inundates us with images of women that should make most people blush. Our commecials, our television programs, our magazines, our music, and our news media outlets create an image of today’s woman that is often demeaning and belittling. We criticize female executives. We caricature female politicians. We devalue the stay-at-home mother. Our daughters are told that their role in this world must either be as a opinionless prude or as a radically outspoken loose woman. Our little girls are presented with indecent clothing options in retail stores that make them look and feel like there are at the mercy of men.

            As a Christian man (who has a wife, a sister, a mother, a daughter, a mother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and many female friends), I am alarmed by the objectification of women in our society. When a radio host, a television pundit, or a musicican calls a woman a four- or five-letter ephithet, he is allowing for my wife, my daughter, or my mother to be called the same name. There used to be boundaries of decency which humorists or artists did not cross. Not so anymore, and it is at the expense of our women. Now please do not misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that those persons should be prohibited their constitutional right of free speech. The American government and judicial system have firmly established a right to free speech. However, as a consumer of the media, I can make a choice to take to task those people who say and do things that are clearly wrong. I can call for an end to their vitriolic words. On this issue they are wrong. Do female politicians like Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Palin, and Hillary Clinton open themselves up to more scrutiny because of their public roles? Certainly. But, do they deserve derogatory name-calling because of their public roles? Certainly not. We must be wary of those that would say it is acceptable to subject these women to toxic words, because soon, it will be acceptable to call any woman a derogatory name.

            What can we do? We can stand up and object to the continued use of this type of language. Yes, stop listening, stop buying, stop watching. Let those people who promote such language know how much we dislike the choices they are making. We can counteract the negative influence with a positive influence. Make a pledge to treat and speak of women with respect.

            Looking at the issue from a biblical perspective, I would argue that the language and objectification of women in our culture is contrary to God’s design. From the beginning, God created man and woman in His image. In the garden, God tested Adam in order for Adam to recognize his need for a soulmate. As Adam watched the animals pass by him in pairs, he realized that there was not a suitable helper for him, at which point God created Eve. She was not created as an afterthought. And she was not created as a lesser person. She was created to be the soulmate and companion of Adam. In fact, you could say that in Eve, Adam found the one who “completed” him. She was his complement. In another Old Testament text, the noble wife of Proverbs 31 is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a teacher, a mother, and one who is wise.

            In the New Testament, we see many indications that women are to be treated with respect and honor. Jesus was a friend to Mary and Martha and was supported during his ministry by many women. Jesus also heals many women (including Peter’s mother-in-law) and speaks to many women with compassion (including the woman at the well who was in an adulteress relationship). Paul writes that gender is not a deciding factor in who may receive the salvation and favor of God. Paul also writes that men and women are to be subject to each other (Ephesians 5:21), that the husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25) and that he is not to be harsh with her (Colossians 3:19). Peter tells men to be considerate and respectful of their wives (1 Peter 3:7) since they are the weaker partner. Some misunderstand what Peter is saying when he calls a woman the weaker partner. His language and imagery is beautiful. He is not saying that the woman is weak and less than a man, but that she is precious. His imagery suggests that she is the prized possession of the house that deserves the place of greatest respect and honor. We might say that Peter says the woman is the finest china that we place in our curio cabinets and take out for the most special of occasions. She is not common. She is not our everyday dinnerware, she is the most special thing in the household. God tells us clearly to honor the women in our lives.

            There is no denying that the genders are different. Men have more physical strength but women have a stronger threshold for pain. Men are more driven by performance and work, but women are more driven by relationship and connection. As a result, men’s brains physiologically operate in ways different from women’s brains. Scientific research has shown more interconnectedness in a woman’s brain than in a man’s brain, resulting in women being more intuitive and aware of danger and dishonesty. This is how we are designed by God. However, our society has shamefully disparaged the differences in women and inappropriately demeaned the value and worth of women with disparaging remarks and course jesting. Let’s rise above this inappropriateness.

Please Hear Me

            There has been a lot of discussion lately concerning the White House policy requiring religious organizations to supply birth control to employees, even if this requirement violates that religious organization’s basic doctrine. I have remained silent on this issue, although it is an issue that is very near to my heart. I have seen and heard many of my friends make comments regarding the unsophisticated stance of those religious leaders. I have heard the jokes that a bunch of middle age white men are making decisions regarding a woman’s body. At the risk of sounding like one more neanderthal middle-aged white man, may I be given an opportunity to express my opinions on this subject? You do not have to agree with me, but I ask that you listen to me.

            First, I think we must be very clear that the White House strategically chose when and how to announce the mandate to religious organizations. While they claim that they were surprised by the reaction of religious leaders, I find those statement duplicitious. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Helath and Human Services, made the initial announcement on January 20, 2012. That is the anniversary date of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade  decision that leglaized abortion in this country. It is highly suspect to suggest that the announcement was made innocently on that date. The Obama administration has used that date more than once to announce decisions that upset the pro-life proponents in this country.

            Second, let me state that in my mind, this is not a Democrat versus Republican, or a liberal versus conservative issue. By choice, I do not speak publically about political issues. But, this is not a political issue. This is an issue in which the Federal Government is legislating people to perform in ways that directly violate their conscious and religious sensibilities. This is an issue regarding my core beliefs regarding the sanctity of life in all its forms. I would find this decision objectionable no matter who was in office. Our government is asking people to violate core beliefs and religious convictions. The government should in no way be allowed to force a person to violate basic beliefs. Don’t we object when the North Korean government forces its citizenry to violate their core beliefs?

            Third, the issue is not about birth control. While many religious leaders who are objecting to the law are opposed to all forms of birth control, that is not the case of all Christians. There are many Christians who do object to all forms of birth control. As a whole, all Christians do not find contraception to be wrong. The issue, is however, about some forms of birth control, and the facts regarding their use as an abortifacient (which is any method used to terminate a pregnancy after conception). While some may argue that woman should have access to birth control, the fact is that some of those forms of birth control the government would ask religious organizations to provide, include abortifacients. Yes, the Morning After Pill (RU 486) would be one of the forms of birth control covered under the policy. While the media has labelled this as a simple argument about birth control, it is much more than that. We are not debating who is for or against birth control. We are not debating whether birth control is right or wrong. The issue is about certain forms of birth control that are abortifacients.

            Fourth, I am not trying to legislate a woman’s sexuality or sexual practice. I think Christians are quickly depicted as anti-sex and prude. While I may not agree with all of your choices, include sexual choices, this is not an issue about legislating sexual practices.

            Fifth, many forms of birth control, including “the Pill” and others can be abortifacient. The scientific evidence is inconclusive in this area. While it is likely that most forms of birth control prevent conception, it cannot be proven scientifically that the Pill and other birth control methods prevent conception every time. One of the other purposes of these birth control pills is to thin the lining in the uteran wall so that if an egg is fertilized, it will not be able to implant in the uteran wall. That means, that one can conceive, but because of the birth control method, be unable to sustain that pregnancy. This is what is at issue in this debate.

            Let me tell you what I believe fundamentally, in the core of my soul. I believe that life begins at the moment of conception. I believe this because of my religious beliefs and I believe it to be true at every level of my being. So, I find it unconscionable that a life may be formed and then prevented from maturing because it cannot grow in the mother’s womb. It is a life, and taking away the environment for that life to survive is murder. It is, in my conscious, no different than the killing fields Cambodia, the mass exterminations of people in Nazi Germany, the Cultural Revolution of Maoist China, or the genocide in Rwanda. I believe that, at a fundemantal level, we all know that life begins at conception. That is why we celebrate the announcement of a pregnancy, looking forward to the baby to be born. That is why nobody ever tells someone grieving a miscarriage that they should not be emotional because they were carrying a mass of tissues rather than a life. That is why people have been convicted of double murder for killing a pregnant woman. But, my government is now telling me that I must provide something that violates my beliefs and conscious at the most base level. How is that right? How is that admirable? Most religious organizations and leaders in this country will share a similar view and stance on conception and abortion. That is why they have objected so vehemently to this government mandate.

            But, you say, that woman working for a religious orgnaization does have a right to birth control. I can truly understand that position and belief. And I do know that there are some women who receive medical benefits from birth control, including a elimination of ovarian cysts, etc. In fact, some dear women in my life have been prescribed the Pill in their early teens to prevent medical complications. So, shouldn’t they have access to those medical benefits? Certainly. But why does it have to be provided through a religious organization? Couldn’t the federal government provide a way for drug manufacturers to provide these medically necessary prescriptions at low cost, or no cost, to women who need them? If people can receive blood pressure medicine at next to no cost, couldn’t the same be provided to women without those birth control pills being provided through the religious organization?

            The government is mandating that religious leaders like me and many of my comrades do something that is morally objectionable to us. Why is that acceptable? The government does not mandate that someone who objects to the public education system place their children in that same system. The government does not require a pacifist to put on army fatigues. The government does not mandate that one opposed to hunting buy deer tags for a hunter.

            This is a personal issue for me. My wife and I have used various methods of birth control, including the Pill. However, when we read and were told by her OBGYN that we could not be completely confident that the pill prevented conception, we chose other forms of birth control based on our conscious. God forgive us if our uninformed choices destroyed a life. Ultimately, when we realized the toll taken on my wife’s body during her two pregnancies, we knew that we needed an effective form of birth control because I was unwilling to have my wife go through the pain she experienced with pregnancy. So we chose for me to have a vasectomy. I know that some Christians would find our decision objectionable, stating that we should not prevent the possibility of conception. It was a decision that best met with our consciences. If for some reason, God blesses us with another conception, then we will go through the process again. But, I could not morally face the possibility that conception occurred and that our child was lost through a method of birth control.

            I realize that I do not speak for all Christians. Also understand that all Christian voices in this debate do not speak for me. Rush Limbaugh does not speak for me, nor does any other radio personality (conservative of liberal). Hear my voice, and please do not label me as a religious fanatic, or misogynist, or bigot, or puritan, or any other moniker you might be tempted to place on me. This is a serious issue that requires serious thought and discussion. I am disappointed that we are so quick to label someone and thus dispel their argument. I do not condemn those who use birth control. I do not hate those who have had abortions. I am, however, troubled that those who have beliefs similar to mine are ridiculed and discounted as backward and a threat to national welfare. Please hear me, and respect what I feel is a violation of my core beliefs and morality.