Upon reading Titus 2:1-15, the words respect, decency and dignity come to mind. In our schools, no matter what the grade level, respect for others is stressed. Yet, it becomes more and more difficult to instill this in children, with any kind of real understanding about being “civilized” and how a world should operate, when there is so little respect, decency and dignity portrayed in our world through the media and even through adult examples.
There are many reasons and sources for the loss of integrity in our culture. I am sure much of it started with my generation—you know-- the baby boomer, flower power, sexual revolution, hippie generation, anti-establishment, don’t trust anyone over 30, question all authority, protesting, liberal, anti-established religion generation who is now approaching retirement or is retired. Yes, we were the ones who dumped a lot of things upside down and opened a Pandora’s box of many other things that now we can wonder about, especially as we see that family life as we knew it growing up, is no more. As we liberated our culture, liberal views of sexuality led us to abortion, rampant and accepted promiscuity, live-in relationships with no marriage, and then, children who come out of these relationships (often devoid of any healthy family situation), divorce, sexual exhibitionism, acceptable foul language, homosexuality, and pornography availability anywhere and everywhere and stemming from this, an onslaught of sex crimes in our paper on a daily basis right here in little old Eau Claire. Quite a mouthful, but all true.
And where are we influenced the most by all of these things? Of course, it is our TV set and our cable or satellite systems that continuously provide us with what they consider to be really cool stuff—like say, the Dance Off, Pants Off Show, where people dance and take off all their clothing as they dance. How charming! Or Jerry Springer who has brought us one of the most vile shows on the air. And can we leave out Girls Gone Wild? Yikes!
But what has this to do with respect, decency and dignity, you may be asking yourself? The answer is seen in Titus 2:2-6 where Paul tells us: “ Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.”
When I read this, it sounds like the hopes of most parents that their child would grow up to be an honest, trusted, person, who understands that character counts. Yet, here we are in a culture where character is less and less emphasized, but outward appearances seem to have been given all the meaning. Take for instance the admonition to women that Paul makes about living in the way that honors God. When he chastises women for drinking heavily, I can only think of the latest trend of women such as, the mother of Lindsey Lohan, who stopped being a mom, and became a party-girl pal, attending parties with her dysfunctional daughter. Then, there are the ‘cougar women,” a new trend, so called because they are older women on the prowl, seeking very young men. This seems to indicate that women, the more gentle of the human race, no longer seek dignity, grace, honorability, and being a lady, even at an age when grace and being dignified should be their gift to younger women. Do children really want a flamboyant grandmother, who dresses and behaves like she is sixteen? How can we model grace and wisdom when we do not practice it? Indeed, the whole concept of being a lady seems to have disappeared in our culture. You have to go back to old movies to find women who portrayed lady-like behavior. How charming Grace Kelly was in her day. Would she be as charming in current movies, looking tough, brazen, and speaking profanity?
In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” It makes so much sense. But it is not what we are doing. We have crammed our culture with garbage. The literature that we teach today, is more often about current trends in the culture, then it is about a time-held great piece of writing. Most movies and TV commonly portray parents as dolts, especially fathers. Too often women are portrayed as mini-dictators in high-heals with little heart. How many characters on TV in the most popular shows would you like to have for a mother? Families often portray children who have no boundaries, no respect and who are all about materialism, fashion, and sexuality without character and conscience.
We have lost our way. In our attempt to ‘seek ourselves,’ as we used to say in the good old 1960’s, we have found that a lot of what we were seeking did not hold up. The ways of the righteous are just that—they are right. The good old ways work and the new ways are fraught with the very thing that we said that we hated the most in 1969- the lack of truth and honesty. Respect comes out of earning respect and being respectful, not in the childish demand that it be given to us, as commonly practiced in today’s culture.
Laurie Erdman
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sent
Titus 1:1-16
As I read Titus 1 this morning, I was challenged to think about many things, but I am most struck by the thought of being sent. Although Paul was called and sent in a unique way, he describes all of us as Christ's ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), meaning God has sent each believer out on His behalf.
Karen said it well yesterday; we all share the privilege of sharing the gospel. We may not all preach to large crowds or shout it out on street corners, but we are all sent. To whom have been you sent? What's your style, your method?
I just finished reading two books about our role as evangelists. Both authors highlighted the significance of community in a person's journey to saving faith in Jesus. Most often, people need to see our faith played out, as they wrestle with who Jesus is and what He means to them. They need to be in relationship with people who have been saved and transformed by God's grace. They need to hear us talk about our faith, talk about our lives as followers of Christ, and they want to hear our stories of how God has worked and continues to work in our lives. (Often they want to hear us talk about the questions we still have, too.)
As believers in Jesus, saved by God's grace, we have been sent to our families, our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, etc. to bring the gospel (with the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us) everywhere we go. To whom have you been sent? Who do you know with spiritual questions? Where can God use you as His witness and ambassador?
As I read Titus 1 this morning, I was challenged to think about many things, but I am most struck by the thought of being sent. Although Paul was called and sent in a unique way, he describes all of us as Christ's ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), meaning God has sent each believer out on His behalf.
Karen said it well yesterday; we all share the privilege of sharing the gospel. We may not all preach to large crowds or shout it out on street corners, but we are all sent. To whom have been you sent? What's your style, your method?
I just finished reading two books about our role as evangelists. Both authors highlighted the significance of community in a person's journey to saving faith in Jesus. Most often, people need to see our faith played out, as they wrestle with who Jesus is and what He means to them. They need to be in relationship with people who have been saved and transformed by God's grace. They need to hear us talk about our faith, talk about our lives as followers of Christ, and they want to hear our stories of how God has worked and continues to work in our lives. (Often they want to hear us talk about the questions we still have, too.)
As believers in Jesus, saved by God's grace, we have been sent to our families, our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, etc. to bring the gospel (with the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us) everywhere we go. To whom have you been sent? Who do you know with spiritual questions? Where can God use you as His witness and ambassador?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Who Me?
My husband says I skim a lot when I read. Though I preferred to think of myself as a speed-reader, the Daily Life readings have taught me otherwise.
You see, I usually passed over the personal parts of Paul's letters. "Come as soon as you can. Bring my coat. Don't forget my books and my papers. Everyone abandoned me. Trophimus was sick in Miletus."
In my own selfish way, I would skim over scripture, looking for what might be relevant to me. Today's reading, with its many personal references, made me wonder about which parts of this letter are personal instructions for Timothy, and which are universal - meant for all of us.
You see, I usually passed over the personal parts of Paul's letters. "Come as soon as you can. Bring my coat. Don't forget my books and my papers. Everyone abandoned me. Trophimus was sick in Miletus."
In my own selfish way, I would skim over scripture, looking for what might be relevant to me. Today's reading, with its many personal references, made me wonder about which parts of this letter are personal instructions for Timothy, and which are universal - meant for all of us.
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
Are those instructions only for Timothy and those with the gift of teaching? Or is it a message for all of us?
I think most of us prefer the St. Francis of Assisi method of evangelism: "Preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words." It's easier that way, isn't it? If preachers, like Timothy, are the only ones who correct, rebuke and encourage with good teaching, then "all" the rest of us would need to do is live the Christian life. (As if it were that easy!)
Though this letter is personal to Timothy, it feels today like these instructions are for me. So, what if we are all called to preach?
We would need to be prepared - familiar with the truth of Christ and able to speak of Him in an accessible, relevant and personal way. We could not simply look for times that are favorable. (Do you know how much easier it is to profess Christ in front of hundreds of people at our church as a worship leader than it is to speak to my neighbors?) And we would need to identify our people - the ones to whom we are called to patiently lead to Christ with good teaching.
I think most of us prefer the St. Francis of Assisi method of evangelism: "Preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words." It's easier that way, isn't it? If preachers, like Timothy, are the only ones who correct, rebuke and encourage with good teaching, then "all" the rest of us would need to do is live the Christian life. (As if it were that easy!)
Though this letter is personal to Timothy, it feels today like these instructions are for me. So, what if we are all called to preach?
We would need to be prepared - familiar with the truth of Christ and able to speak of Him in an accessible, relevant and personal way. We could not simply look for times that are favorable. (Do you know how much easier it is to profess Christ in front of hundreds of people at our church as a worship leader than it is to speak to my neighbors?) And we would need to identify our people - the ones to whom we are called to patiently lead to Christ with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after lies.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
2 Timothy 4:3-4
The time, described above, has already come. People shop for "personal truth" like they do for a new pair of shoes. And what of me? Am I waiting for the modern-day Timothy's to preach to them because I am ill-prepared, waiting for the right moment and don't know who my people are? What about you?
Lord Jesus, you know how hard it is for some of us to witness to the truth of Your power in our lives. We confess the many times that we waited for a favorable moment which simply never came. Please give us the patience, courage and conviction to preach the gospel not only with our lives, but also with our words. Amen.
Lord Jesus, you know how hard it is for some of us to witness to the truth of Your power in our lives. We confess the many times that we waited for a favorable moment which simply never came. Please give us the patience, courage and conviction to preach the gospel not only with our lives, but also with our words. Amen.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Foolish Arguments
V. 23 – Foolish, ignorant arguments. Have you ever heard such? Have you ever engaged in such yourself? Working with people (even Christian people) can be a challenge. We are to be patient with each other. How many people (not counting yourself) do you know who like to argue, like to quarrel, and seem to enjoy being difficult? V. 3:1 – The last days, difficult times. Read these verses slowly, and then ask this question: Is it possible that indeed the time is near? Though none of us have the final answer, should not it cause us to live in a spirit of expectancy and with sincere dedication to the Lord and His work? Notice that Paul suggest that his life has been a good example for folks as to how one ought to live. Could I say that of my life? V. 14 – Remain faithful. In what ways might I improve my life in this area of faithfulness? V. 16 – A good verse to remind us that Scripture is God breathed; inspired. V. 17 – The Scriptures are to prepare and equip God’s people for living life as it should be lived. A final emphasis – the importance of getting to know the message of our Bible better, and then to live accordingly.
Donald E. Pardun
Monday, October 22, 2007
Entrusted & Unashamed
2 Timothy 1
Entrusted & Unashamed.
The two words or concepts seem to dominate the landscape of this text. I hope to focus on the latter mostly this weekend in my sermon, and reflect on the former one here today in this blog. (I think I'll be mulling all day the intrigue of the possible relationship between the two.) Someday, if I ever am asked to speak at a student conference again, I think I'd request to speak on this chapter and this twin theme.
At any rate, I recall being a 15 year old sophomore at Clearbrook High School, and the photo-editor of the weekly school newspaper. (We were the mighty Clearbook 'Hornets', and yes, sadly, the name of the weekly pub was "The Buzz".) What I recall most, though, is the awed sense of privilege and responsibility I felt when I was entrusted as keeper of the key to the door of the dark room lab in the back of Mr. Nelson's chemistry classroom. (For photog newbies out there needing explanation, a 'dark room' was a room of impressive photofilm&paper-processing machines, gadgets, trays & the mystique of wafting chemicals -- all made relic and extinct by the advent of digital cameras!) I remember the key I was entrusted with was official school issue -- just the same as the hefty ring of keys the custodians toted around. Who knew what other capabilities this key given to me might hold -- of power and potential to open other doors, forbidden doors at the school?! I would not betray what was entrusted to me.
But, I do recall that from time to time Mr. Nelson also used that back room for prep and storage for his science courses. Sometimes, when after school I unlocked the dark room lab door and entered, there were stacks of photocopied tests or quizzes on the counters for the following day's bio and chem classes, WITH the answer key lying on top the stack. (And, I was a chemistry student!) When I protested this to my teacher (who knew me to be a Jesus-believer and follower), he would just wryly smile and say that he trusted me, and something like, "It'll develop your character." I never once betrayed that trust.
Entrusted. The privilege and awed responsibility of it. There seems far more ways to mess entrusted things up, than to keep them well. Our scripture reading today is strewn with example of spiritual privilege entrusted. The text begins with the entrustments of friends and family. The elder mentor Paul demonstrates his keep of his entrusted friendship with Timothy; his letters and constant prayers and remembrances and eager anticipation of the next time he would see his friend put many to shame in our age where friendships are often transient and readily abandoned then replaced.
The strong message is implied that we are also entrusted with our families, as the effect of Timothy's grandmother and mother are recalled. There is even the sense of how we are entrusted with faith to pass along within our extended family. The impact of a parent and a grandparent to pass along generational faith is presented almost as some kind of paranormal genetic hereditary trait, passed along like the 'Force' in a family of Jedi knights! Now, we know that faith is a personal thing to be received and held, but, oh, can't you feel it in these verses?: We are entrusted with faith in our family generations!
The 'Entrusted' theme persists. Verse 12 tells me that I can entrust myself to Him -- all of me, past sins, current circumstance, future aspiration, matters of life and death and eternity, to the One who is my Savior. Verse 14 reminds me of the 'precious truth' entrusted to me. We can only keep this trust, keep the truth true 'through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us'. And, stealing into tomorrow's text (2:2), I am entrusted to pass along these truths to others entrusted to pass along the same.
And then (backing up to verse 6), I think my favorite of the day, I am entrusted with gifts, spiritual gifts to serve the Body and minister to a broken and lost society. I have been prayed for, prayed over, and been affirmed by mentors over these entrusted gifts. Yet a gift can be muted or neutralized by a different indwelling spirit (my own old human spirit) that foments within gift-numbing fear or timidity. (I think it's interesting that busyness or apathy are typically the assumed culprit for disuse of gift, but God lays gift-atrophy more at the feet of 'fear and timidity'!)
Part of the entrustment is our charge to periodically (how often is that for you?) 'fan into flame' the spiritual gift set we have been given. (I haven't given full thought yet today to just all that is involved in self-fanning into flame one's spiritual gift -- thoughts anyone?) But, it is clear that fanning into flame is part of what we are entrusted with, not only entrusted with the gift, but also the stoking of it. Else, I have not kept was has been entrusted to me, and those gifts will lie dusty and dormant, or perhaps even disappear.
"Jesus, today let me by the power of your indwelling Spirit remember, revel in the privilege, and rise to the responsibilities of what You have entrusted to me: friends, family, faith, truth, mission & gift."
-Pastor Paul
Entrusted & Unashamed.
The two words or concepts seem to dominate the landscape of this text. I hope to focus on the latter mostly this weekend in my sermon, and reflect on the former one here today in this blog. (I think I'll be mulling all day the intrigue of the possible relationship between the two.) Someday, if I ever am asked to speak at a student conference again, I think I'd request to speak on this chapter and this twin theme.
At any rate, I recall being a 15 year old sophomore at Clearbrook High School, and the photo-editor of the weekly school newspaper. (We were the mighty Clearbook 'Hornets', and yes, sadly, the name of the weekly pub was "The Buzz".) What I recall most, though, is the awed sense of privilege and responsibility I felt when I was entrusted as keeper of the key to the door of the dark room lab in the back of Mr. Nelson's chemistry classroom. (For photog newbies out there needing explanation, a 'dark room' was a room of impressive photofilm&paper-processing machines, gadgets, trays & the mystique of wafting chemicals -- all made relic and extinct by the advent of digital cameras!) I remember the key I was entrusted with was official school issue -- just the same as the hefty ring of keys the custodians toted around. Who knew what other capabilities this key given to me might hold -- of power and potential to open other doors, forbidden doors at the school?! I would not betray what was entrusted to me.
But, I do recall that from time to time Mr. Nelson also used that back room for prep and storage for his science courses. Sometimes, when after school I unlocked the dark room lab door and entered, there were stacks of photocopied tests or quizzes on the counters for the following day's bio and chem classes, WITH the answer key lying on top the stack. (And, I was a chemistry student!) When I protested this to my teacher (who knew me to be a Jesus-believer and follower), he would just wryly smile and say that he trusted me, and something like, "It'll develop your character." I never once betrayed that trust.
Entrusted. The privilege and awed responsibility of it. There seems far more ways to mess entrusted things up, than to keep them well. Our scripture reading today is strewn with example of spiritual privilege entrusted. The text begins with the entrustments of friends and family. The elder mentor Paul demonstrates his keep of his entrusted friendship with Timothy; his letters and constant prayers and remembrances and eager anticipation of the next time he would see his friend put many to shame in our age where friendships are often transient and readily abandoned then replaced.
The strong message is implied that we are also entrusted with our families, as the effect of Timothy's grandmother and mother are recalled. There is even the sense of how we are entrusted with faith to pass along within our extended family. The impact of a parent and a grandparent to pass along generational faith is presented almost as some kind of paranormal genetic hereditary trait, passed along like the 'Force' in a family of Jedi knights! Now, we know that faith is a personal thing to be received and held, but, oh, can't you feel it in these verses?: We are entrusted with faith in our family generations!
The 'Entrusted' theme persists. Verse 12 tells me that I can entrust myself to Him -- all of me, past sins, current circumstance, future aspiration, matters of life and death and eternity, to the One who is my Savior. Verse 14 reminds me of the 'precious truth' entrusted to me. We can only keep this trust, keep the truth true 'through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us'. And, stealing into tomorrow's text (2:2), I am entrusted to pass along these truths to others entrusted to pass along the same.
And then (backing up to verse 6), I think my favorite of the day, I am entrusted with gifts, spiritual gifts to serve the Body and minister to a broken and lost society. I have been prayed for, prayed over, and been affirmed by mentors over these entrusted gifts. Yet a gift can be muted or neutralized by a different indwelling spirit (my own old human spirit) that foments within gift-numbing fear or timidity. (I think it's interesting that busyness or apathy are typically the assumed culprit for disuse of gift, but God lays gift-atrophy more at the feet of 'fear and timidity'!)
Part of the entrustment is our charge to periodically (how often is that for you?) 'fan into flame' the spiritual gift set we have been given. (I haven't given full thought yet today to just all that is involved in self-fanning into flame one's spiritual gift -- thoughts anyone?) But, it is clear that fanning into flame is part of what we are entrusted with, not only entrusted with the gift, but also the stoking of it. Else, I have not kept was has been entrusted to me, and those gifts will lie dusty and dormant, or perhaps even disappear.
"Jesus, today let me by the power of your indwelling Spirit remember, revel in the privilege, and rise to the responsibilities of what You have entrusted to me: friends, family, faith, truth, mission & gift."
-Pastor Paul
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Contentment
1 Timothy 6:1-21
Content: happy enough with what one has or is; not desiring something more or different; satisfied. (Webster)
This sounds almost un-American—satisfied with my house, car, job, clothing, church, and belongings. Think of the recession this would cause!
§ Do your thoughts focus on people’s weakness and faults or on their strengths?
§ Do you consider yourself to be wealthy?
§ Are you thankful for what you have or do you find yourself dreaming about having more?
§ Do you find yourself feeling uncomfortable when around people of considerable more wealth than you? Less?
§ If you could change your physical appearance, what would you change? Does the desire to have these changes made make you feel insecure or uncomfortable around others?
§ With God s leading could you be content in your current work situation for the rest of your life?
§ Do you tend to celebrate the victories in your life as much as you grieve the disappointments (failures) in your life?
§ When you observe a fellow Christian experiencing their spiritual gift(s) with great ease, do you find yourself enjoying the situation or are you uncomfortable; perhaps focusing on your own inadequacies?
§ What is the thing that ticks you off most about living in the U.S.?
§ How would you teach contentment to someone?
§ What is the relationship between contentment and thankfulness?
Lord, let my heart be satisfied in you alone.
Steve Louden
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