Month: February 2018

When is the right time? In my last post I wrote about chameleons who have the ability to change colors in order to blend into their environments. The unfortunate truth is that we cannot as humans stay behind the scenes. When we see horrific events that could possibly be avoided, do we step forward and offer help? When is the right time to offer help and can we keep a secret when it is not the correct time? These are questions that have provoked my thoughts recently. With the disturbing news of more violence at the hands of one person with a gun, do we step up to offer solutions based on intelligence or emotions? The solution seems clear depending one’s opinion but where was the clarity before the event?

In 2 Corinthians 4:3, Paul explains that the good news is hidden to those on the road to destruction. If that is the case then how do we find the right time to share the knowledge of God’s glory. The secret is in clear sight. But the secret is hidden to those who refuse to see. So as believers, we have a challenge. To share or not to share. It is all about timing. What if we open up our hearts and let the force within us share at the opportune time? But there lies the challenge most of us have. We refuse to let go of our control. In Mark 9, Peter, James and John wanted to build shrines but were cautioned not to say anything until the opportune time. When is the right time? Can we keep a secret until the time is revealed? The news is full of experts after the fact but where is the intelligence before the reveal?

T

Chameleons have an ability to change color. It is all in their special cells within their skin. Can you imagine being able to change according to your environment? This is not how us humans are put together. We are different and that is what makes us unique. Is that wrong? No, but does it put pressure on us to conform? Yes! This week has been something. It started out with celebrations in the streets for Mardi Gras, loving Valentine gifts, then total breakdown of law and order. The tragedy of yet another mass shooting in a school negates the happiness of simply enjoying one another. Joy continues with the birth of new babies, marriages and all things nice. But in the midst of joy, their continues to be tragic events. I heard one news reporter nearly breaking down saying why can’t politicians fix this problem as if the problem can be magically legislated into a solution. I wanted to scream at the person to say you stupid idiot. What do you expect when God is so far removed from the public. Over the years, we have systematically removed the solution in an effort to become chameleons.

We spend all of our time on being a social media expert yet we refuse to look each other in the eye to become more social to one another. We do not know our neighbors because we are afraid to get too close to them as they look or act weird. We blame the FBI for not recognizing threats yet we look at a person each day with contempt and avoidance instead of compassion and acceptance. How many times have we seen the same scenario? A person is different and not accepted in our social circles so he or she becomes a chameleon that blends into the environment and we see with our brains but not with our hearts. We say well we need to get rid of the guns or we say well we need more guns as if the solution is so easy. Yet we refuse to accept the reality of hurt we inflict on people who reach out for help. Terrorist attacks from an ideological difference in my opinion need to be handled with harsh solutions to protect our freedom but I am not suggesting this was a terrorist attack. I am suggesting this act of violence could be mitigated by a kinder approach without political fanfare. Here goes….

Jesus came to become the good news or the gospel. Paul spoke in 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 that he preached the gospel not to brag but because he felt obligated. He felt he was in trouble if he did not speak the truth. He was not looking for pay instead made himself into a slave to all people in order to bring more people to know the truth. He was a Jew for the Jews, a lawmaker for the lawmakers, an outlaw for the outlaws in order to become all things to all people. He wanted to be all things in order to save some by all possible means and partner with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

What if the next time we see a person a bit colored as if trying to disguise themselves in the crowd, we stand along them and reach out in kindness? Could that possibly make a more lasting impact on that person? The person may receive the help needed well in advance of tragic events in the future. Don’t just ignore the person in hope they go away but reach out and be the solution in partnership with a higher power.

T

 

 

My wife and I recently cruised to Key West and the Bahamas. I was fascinated by Hemingway, his house and his original 6 toed cat called a polydactyl cat. The whole house is full of these unusual descendants and are now a protected group in their little paradise home.

Earnest Hemingway was a brilliant writer that some of us aspire to become but he was also a tormented soul. Why? Mood swings and his obsession to be the best, from my limited understanding, was the cause. Mood swings may be just one symptom of a bipolar disorder. I encourage the reader to research for yourself bipolar disorder. It appears Ernest Hemingway had similar symptoms. Yet, it was a different time and the medical solutions available at the time were limited. Do you consider me an expert since I have offered this limited amount of knowledge? I hope not!

Knowledge is power. Right? Yes, but knowledge can make people arrogant. Knowledge does not have to lead to arrogance but all too often it is an unfortunate result. A little knowledge can lead to total misconception of the fact. Take global warming for example. Everyone seems to have the answer but is their answer correct? It seems to me many form opinions not on scientific facts but on political correctness. Okay, you may be already forming an opinion on me so please stop! This is just an example to consider. All of us have opinions. In the political environment we live in today, perhaps we should keep some of our opinions to ourselves. Is that too much to ask?

In 1 Corinthians 8, we are cautioned not to let a little bit of knowledge make us unworthy to share the truth of Christ. Verse 1b, states that, “Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds people up.” I encourage you to lead by examples as set forth in the scripture, use knowledge as a tool for a deeper understanding and above all apply empathy in all you do so that others will find the truth within themselves.

T

 

Some of you may have missed my last post was about human relations and the difference between a free will versus bondage.  If you want to read more on that topic, go to www.alookintot.com and search for the post labeled HR.

Continuing on the topic of human relations, our success is in our ability to relate with one another recognizing we all have a God given free will. Adaptation to new situations and our ability to relate to our new environment could make the difference between failure and success. As the song goes, “It’s all about the base.” Well I say its all about the change. I believe this world in its present form is passing away. Sound familiar?

1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 suggest that we should look at things with a different mindset. If you are sad, act happy. If you are rich, act poor. If you are married, act single. Stop! Get your mind out of the gutter as I am not recommending promiscuity. The message is that we should change our hearts and lives. John baptized those so that they would change their hearts and lives. Jesus said, “here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives and trust the good news”. So I say again, it’s all about the change. Are you willing to accept a good change and live for a brighter future?

T