You Just Have to 'Stop'

No, I am not waxing philosophical; but have you ever thought about thinking? (Perhaps I could get you to consider it for just a moment.)

Have you ever been talking with someone and something they said forces a pause in the conversation, “I’ll have to think about that”?

People think about things in different ways. Some look up at the sky and tap or rub their chin and just think, think, think. Others look down at the ground and scratch their head and think, think, think. Some might prefer to talk it out; brainstorming ideas (with another person or even a wall). Others like a visual approach using pencil and paper, whiteboard and marker, or something similar. Whatever the case, two things are common to all: Pause...and ideas turning over and over in the mind.

James wrote, “Consider it all joy when you face various trials…” (James 1:2) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and then think about what he was writing.

When Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air… and observe the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:24, 26) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the birds; to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the flowers.

Paul wrote:

   Finally, brethren, whatever is true,

      whatever is honorable,

      whatever is right,

      whatever is pure,

      whatever is lovely,

      whatever is of good repute,

   if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,

   dwell on these things.

                                                 --Philippians 4:8

What do you think Paul expected his readers to do???

Do you know why God's word is difficult to understand for some people? Do you know why some folks never find peace or comfort or help from God's word even though they read and read and read?

They never...stop! They never...think.

I know it sounds silly, but I'll leave you extra room at the end of this blog to give you 'extra time' to...stop...and think about the things Paul wrote...
stop...

and think...

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Seriously...you need to STOP…
And...think…

Sheetrock and Social Injustice

My friend, Jeremy, and I were finishing sheetrock in a new room in his basement. After a little chit-chat I asked him, “How do you answer your generation concerning current social ills, the election, and clear misunderstandings of reality?” He asked for clarification.

Earlier that day I had gotten sidetracked on Facebook reading messages (rants) about politics, the environment, social concerns, etc.

I caught myself yelling in my mind, “Can you not see how you have contradicted yourself!” “Surely you are young; otherwise you would see things differently!”

I read posts by professed Christians on different issues, silently brooding: “Have you ever read your Bible! What kind of reasoning is that!?”

I had to back away and take a breath. Their unique vocabulary gave them away; they were Millennials or Gen X’ers.

Ok. Step back from that thought too. That was really judgmental.

I settled down and asked myself: “How can I, a preacher, effectively communicate to those who are from my parents’ generation, my own baby boomer generation, and Gen X, Gen Y, and the Millennials...not to mention my 10th grader who speaks ‘mumblage’?” (She will grow out of it, I'm sure.)

It was a good question, but that was not really what was bothering me. I wanted to know how I could convince ‘them’ of ‘my’ understanding of things. I was so sure I was right.

My young friend snapped me back to reality. He actually reminded me of some recent comments I had made in Bible lessons and sermons.

“Why do you think you need to answer them?” he asked, “Isn’t that what you have been teaching us?” (We both laughed heartily; I was a little embarrassed.)

WHAM! The teacher had not been listening.

Here’s the lesson I had forgotten:

Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. ²And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? ³I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

                                                                                                 —Luke 13:1-3 NASB

The people, were reacting to the front page headline news: “The Galileans!” “Pilate!” “What about all this, Jesus!?” (I was doing the same thing: reacting.)

Jesus was making the simple point that the people were losing themselves in the injustices of their society. As a result they were not focusing on their relationship with God. They could not do anything about the injustice against the Galileans...and what if they could!? More important than social justice and stewing over it and getting all bent out of shape...and being distracted; more important was whether they were righteous before God.

Whatsoever things are...right [just]…

dwell on these things.

                              —Philippians 4:8 NASB

It sure is easy to get caught up in all the injustices in our world (nation, state, city, workplace, family). There are many and they are real. However, nothing good comes from the tension and anger of dwelling on injustices. We should learn to let go of the injustices of life. (When we do, we might even find that people enjoy being around us more.) Then, in the spare time that it creates, think about things that are right/just.