By James J Jackson
Valentine’s Day brings thoughts of love and kindness. People exchange greeting cards expressing their love for each other. Children exchange candy ‘kisses’ or heart-shaped candies with love note imprinted on them.
But, like many holidays, Valentine’s Day has become so commercial, that the true meaning is often lost. A recent email told of young children who were asked, “What is the meaning of ‘Love?’.
One five-year-old child answered, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.“ Another stated, “Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'. An eight year old warned, “You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget“.Children seem to have a way of viewing complex issues in a very simplistic manner. Their explanations often include an element of truth and clarity that adults often lack. Many grown-ups have a hard time expressing what love means to them. Perhaps adults try so hard to sound profound and bright, that they lose the simplicity of love.
Many of us know the story of St. Valentine, who sent messages of love from prison to his friends and family, always closing with, “Remember your Valentine.” Valentine’s Day is a day to remember loved one’s. Valentine’s Day really should be celebrated every day, but, sadly, it is not.
God wants us to love everyone, including our enemies and strangers. Such love was demonstrated on a daily basis by my parents, who made it a point to show Christian love to others whenever possible. I witnessed my Uncle Dave giving money to homeless people to buy food. When told that the recipient would probably buy alcohol, my uncle would state, “That’s his choice, my job is to fill a need.”
My uncle was never a ‘gawker’ when he came upon an accident or emergency scene. He was always the first one out of his car to give aid and comfort. One time he was swindled out of a large sum of money by a person who lied about his need for money. I asked if he was sorry he had helped. He told me, “When I felt prompted to give, I gave up ownership of the money. If the man lied, he will one day have to answer for that, but, when I stand before God, I will know that I helped the poor, as He commanded me to do“
My Aunt Bessie would drive elderly neighbors to the grocery store, and often would pay for their groceries. Whenever she saw a need, she would extend a helping hand. My wife and I still practice her habit of keeping spare mittens and hats in the car to hand to children at bus stops.
I was taught to love others, even when they seemed un-lovable. I learned unconditional love by example, and extending a helping hand or just showing love and concern for others is automatic in my life. The greatest human example of unconditional love in my life was when my aunt and uncle gave up their idyllic life with their only child to bring into their home ten orphans, after my parents died. The only thing they ever asked in return was that we strive for excellence and be the best we could be.
The premiere example of such love is that Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, whether we love him or not. In His Word, He tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another…”. If we all followed this command, every day would be Valentine’s Day.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Making Effective New Years Resolutions
Each new year brings with it new challenges, troubles and concerns, as well as new opportunities, new relationships, etc. One perennial activity is making New Year’s resolutions, promising to get rid of some behavior, habit, issue and so on, in an attempt to make life better.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Year’s resolution, like a 12-step program.
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person. See more of James J Jackson's columns at www.amyfound.ogr
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Year’s resolution, like a 12-step program.
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person. See more of James J Jackson's columns at www.amyfound.ogr
Conventional Wisdom Fails Every Time
On a recent TV show, a sociologist said that, since there is no ‘effective’ manual for child rearing, we must rely on “conventional wisdom” in child-rearing. When I was young, parents taught kids life-sustaining lessons and gave them a moral compass by which to live. They instilled core values and gave boundaries to help kids make sound life decisions. Honesty, integrity and the pursuit of excellence were expected. Keeping one’s word, and doing right, even when no one is looking was a consistent lesson.
Youth were taught that rights come with responsibility, and that taking an oath was a very serious matter. Today, a good reputation isn’t considered as valuable as it once was. Today, people who lie under oath and demonstrate self-defeating behavior are often viewed as icons. Kids were taught that actions have consequences. Today, conventional wisdom is to provide programs and excuses to help youth avoid consequences, which often prohibits the person from learning valuable lessons they could learn from facing the consequences of their actions.
Conventional wisdom says that everyone has the right to do as he or she pleases. When consequences arise, conventional wisdom labels the person a ‘victim’. Programs like needle exchange and free condoms are offered to avoid consequences and allow the person to continue in dangerous, self-defeating behaviors. Conventional wisdom believes so-called ’Social Promotion’ of failing students protects self-esteem, but experience shows that it only produces people with a dead-end attitude and no basic job skills.
My parents warned us that illegal, dangerous behavior would severely limit our ability to take care of ourselves, and that we would have no one to blame but ourselves. They promised they would not bail us out of consequences of our bad choice, and that bad life choices only lead to poverty, jail, poor health, and even death, so we should choose wisely. We grew up drug free and crime free.
They used old sayings to help teach us, like ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again’, Today, conventional wisdom tells us, ‘If your bad choices block your success, stop trying, and you won’t be held responsibility. Instead of a little ‘tough love’, here’s a program‘.
Today‘s flawed “new morality” creates new concepts like ‘situational ethics (which says that each person determines right and wrong for themselves), What’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me; there are no absolutes, and other such nonsense. Anyone who promotes values and standards is considered ‘intolerant’. Schools mistakenly believe they can instill self-esteem in kids without self-control, self-respect, honesty or honor.
Every person inherently knows that it is wrong to participate in self-defeating behaviors, or to fail to seek excellence in school and in life. To do so results failure, defeat and the loss of a sense of self-worth, instead of the intended increase in self-esteem. By contrast, a child who tries hard to master subjects, plays by the rules and treats others properly does not need special treatment to bring about good self-esteem. It is a by-product of hard work and achievement.
Conventional wisdom operates from our failed human perspective, which tells us that there is no effective manual available for raising good children, enjoying happy marriages and enjoying a fulfilled, happy life, but there is. It’s called The Bible, which tells us to “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from It“. It also includes precise guidelines for every area of life, and it is full of love. It works. Research it for yourself.
Youth were taught that rights come with responsibility, and that taking an oath was a very serious matter. Today, a good reputation isn’t considered as valuable as it once was. Today, people who lie under oath and demonstrate self-defeating behavior are often viewed as icons. Kids were taught that actions have consequences. Today, conventional wisdom is to provide programs and excuses to help youth avoid consequences, which often prohibits the person from learning valuable lessons they could learn from facing the consequences of their actions.
Conventional wisdom says that everyone has the right to do as he or she pleases. When consequences arise, conventional wisdom labels the person a ‘victim’. Programs like needle exchange and free condoms are offered to avoid consequences and allow the person to continue in dangerous, self-defeating behaviors. Conventional wisdom believes so-called ’Social Promotion’ of failing students protects self-esteem, but experience shows that it only produces people with a dead-end attitude and no basic job skills.
My parents warned us that illegal, dangerous behavior would severely limit our ability to take care of ourselves, and that we would have no one to blame but ourselves. They promised they would not bail us out of consequences of our bad choice, and that bad life choices only lead to poverty, jail, poor health, and even death, so we should choose wisely. We grew up drug free and crime free.
They used old sayings to help teach us, like ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again’, Today, conventional wisdom tells us, ‘If your bad choices block your success, stop trying, and you won’t be held responsibility. Instead of a little ‘tough love’, here’s a program‘.
Today‘s flawed “new morality” creates new concepts like ‘situational ethics (which says that each person determines right and wrong for themselves), What’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me; there are no absolutes, and other such nonsense. Anyone who promotes values and standards is considered ‘intolerant’. Schools mistakenly believe they can instill self-esteem in kids without self-control, self-respect, honesty or honor.
Every person inherently knows that it is wrong to participate in self-defeating behaviors, or to fail to seek excellence in school and in life. To do so results failure, defeat and the loss of a sense of self-worth, instead of the intended increase in self-esteem. By contrast, a child who tries hard to master subjects, plays by the rules and treats others properly does not need special treatment to bring about good self-esteem. It is a by-product of hard work and achievement.
Conventional wisdom operates from our failed human perspective, which tells us that there is no effective manual available for raising good children, enjoying happy marriages and enjoying a fulfilled, happy life, but there is. It’s called The Bible, which tells us to “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from It“. It also includes precise guidelines for every area of life, and it is full of love. It works. Research it for yourself.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Keeping New Years Resolutions
Each new year brings with it new challenges, troubles and concerns, as well as new opportunities, new relationships, etc. One perennial activity is making New Years resolutions, promising to get rid of some behavior, habit, issue and so on, in an attempt to make life better.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Years resolution, like a 12-step program. .
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Years resolution, like a 12-step program. .
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Atheists seeking to deny Jesus Fail again
After numerous failed attempts to take Christ out of Christmas, atheists have launched a new attack on the celebration of Christ‘s birth-a placard in state capitols with a declaration of non-faith and non-belief in God. This is intended to refute the message of Christmas. In Washington state, such a placard was placed in the state capitol with the blessings(?) of the Governor. Many people protested loudly.
This attempt dampen the celebration of Christmas is led by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (Madison, Wisconsin). The placards declare this to be a season of Winter Solstice, and that, "…There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, believes atheism deserves a place alongside the overtly religious Nativity scene. "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table.". However, his next statement seems to directly contradict the first, According to Barker, “…Christians basically stole this season from us human beings by using the hate speech of the nativity scene, which damns all of us to hell if we don't bow down before that little baby who became the dictator. What a horrible insult to what it means to be a human being!”
For some time, Washington state did not allow any religious symbolism on its capitol grounds, except a Christmas tree, or, as it is called, a “Children’s Holiday tree”. A Jewish group complained, and was allowed to place a Menorah in the Capitol, which prompted a Christian, Ron Wesselius to request that a nativity be allowed. He was denied, but sued, on the basis that a national holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. He won, and a Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again in 2008.
Dan Barker was then allowed to place the placard alongside the Nativity scene in the state capitol. Wesselius was asked whether the placement of the atheist display next to the Nativity scene bothered him. He replied, "I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.".
The atheist sign is two-sided, with their message of denial of God on the front, and "Keep State/Church Separate" on the back. But, since the U.S. Constitution does not mention such a separation or freedom from religion, but clearly protects freedom of religion in its First Amendment, this premise also fails miserably .
Conversely, Wesselius’ point that the nativity speaks for itself is most profound and true. Indeed, the quiet scene depicting the birth of a child who came to save us from our sins speaks volumes in it’s quiet, unassuming way. Yet, it angers those who hate God to the point that they believe that placing a contradictory statement next to the manger can somehow decrease the effectiveness of the Christmas story and destroy its truth. Such attempts to destroy what God has ordained are futile. None of us, (atheists included) had any hand in our creation, and our existence in human form equates to the blink of an eye, yet they defiantly shake their fists at the creator of the Universe, believing that their silly declaration can somehow silence and or diminish the power of God.
Of course, the Bible says it best, in Psalms 53, “…The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” God can use even their failed efforts for good. Tourists standing before the two displays will clearly see which one reflects ‘hate speech‘ and which on reflects truth and unconditional, underserved love!
This attempt dampen the celebration of Christmas is led by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (Madison, Wisconsin). The placards declare this to be a season of Winter Solstice, and that, "…There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, believes atheism deserves a place alongside the overtly religious Nativity scene. "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table.". However, his next statement seems to directly contradict the first, According to Barker, “…Christians basically stole this season from us human beings by using the hate speech of the nativity scene, which damns all of us to hell if we don't bow down before that little baby who became the dictator. What a horrible insult to what it means to be a human being!”
For some time, Washington state did not allow any religious symbolism on its capitol grounds, except a Christmas tree, or, as it is called, a “Children’s Holiday tree”. A Jewish group complained, and was allowed to place a Menorah in the Capitol, which prompted a Christian, Ron Wesselius to request that a nativity be allowed. He was denied, but sued, on the basis that a national holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. He won, and a Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again in 2008.
Dan Barker was then allowed to place the placard alongside the Nativity scene in the state capitol. Wesselius was asked whether the placement of the atheist display next to the Nativity scene bothered him. He replied, "I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.".
The atheist sign is two-sided, with their message of denial of God on the front, and "Keep State/Church Separate" on the back. But, since the U.S. Constitution does not mention such a separation or freedom from religion, but clearly protects freedom of religion in its First Amendment, this premise also fails miserably .
Conversely, Wesselius’ point that the nativity speaks for itself is most profound and true. Indeed, the quiet scene depicting the birth of a child who came to save us from our sins speaks volumes in it’s quiet, unassuming way. Yet, it angers those who hate God to the point that they believe that placing a contradictory statement next to the manger can somehow decrease the effectiveness of the Christmas story and destroy its truth. Such attempts to destroy what God has ordained are futile. None of us, (atheists included) had any hand in our creation, and our existence in human form equates to the blink of an eye, yet they defiantly shake their fists at the creator of the Universe, believing that their silly declaration can somehow silence and or diminish the power of God.
Of course, the Bible says it best, in Psalms 53, “…The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” God can use even their failed efforts for good. Tourists standing before the two displays will clearly see which one reflects ‘hate speech‘ and which on reflects truth and unconditional, underserved love!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Real Answers™jj134Copyright: ©2008 James J. Jackson615 words
SEEKING SAFE INVESTMENTS DURING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
By: James J. Jackson
The current economic climate has people literally worried sick. Extremely erratic world markets make investors jumpy. Some are considering withdrawing their funds and burying their money in the back yard in glass jars. In fact, the evening news recently reported a noticeable increase in the sales of glass jars.
Trillions of dollars of wealth have been lost in only a few months. The usual finger-pointing has begun, blaming one political party or the other, Big Oil, Big _____ (fill in the blank), etc. This current economic downturn, however, appears to be world-wide, and not the fault of any political party or industry giant.
The fact that no one is able to offer a viable solution is frightening to the private sector. There is much hand-wringing, as helpless investors tearfully watch their nest egg evaporate before their eyes. There is a rising fear of another Great Depression.
While in college, I worked at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of the ’old timers’ remembered the Depression. They said they had watched from the windows of the Fed building as people who had lost everything in the stock markets jumped to their deaths from the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was frightening to look at that building and imagine people committing suicide because of financial ruin.
It was disturbing to think that people loved their money to that extreme. I recall deciding right then and there that, as for me, I would never let any circumstance make me even consider such an act. A chapter in my book, ‘In All Things..’ (Tate Publishing, 2008), entitled, “Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”; I discuss the after-effects of suicide on the family left behind. I fear that, sadly, the current economy may lead to an increase of such acts of desperation.
An evangelist once stated that many people have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in their heart that they try to fill with anything but God. The truth is, only God can fill the void -- not money -- not success -- not material things. God is the only piece of the puzzle that will fit correctly, and without Him, the puzzle can never be complete. Yet, people are extremely creative in seeking other ‘pieces’ of life and trying to cram them into the space that only the Lord can fill.
There is nothing wrong with storing up wealth for the future, or setting aside a ‘nest egg’ for old age. In fact, it is admirable to be frugal and to save some of the fruits of our labor. It is good to invest, as Jesus demonstrated in at least one of His parables. It is when the mind-set becomes fixated on material wealth, and greed causes one to worship that wealth, and refuses to use some of it to help others, that it becomes an idol. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is, “…money is the root of all evil”. It actually warns that “…The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Instead of focusing upon gathering and keeping wealth, Jesus tells us in Matthew “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; …for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we think of our wealth as belonging to God, and entrust it to Him, we need not worry about losing it. Surrendering all to our loving Father will bring true peace, even in the face of such uncertainty.
SEEKING SAFE INVESTMENTS DURING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
By: James J. Jackson
The current economic climate has people literally worried sick. Extremely erratic world markets make investors jumpy. Some are considering withdrawing their funds and burying their money in the back yard in glass jars. In fact, the evening news recently reported a noticeable increase in the sales of glass jars.
Trillions of dollars of wealth have been lost in only a few months. The usual finger-pointing has begun, blaming one political party or the other, Big Oil, Big _____ (fill in the blank), etc. This current economic downturn, however, appears to be world-wide, and not the fault of any political party or industry giant.
The fact that no one is able to offer a viable solution is frightening to the private sector. There is much hand-wringing, as helpless investors tearfully watch their nest egg evaporate before their eyes. There is a rising fear of another Great Depression.
While in college, I worked at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of the ’old timers’ remembered the Depression. They said they had watched from the windows of the Fed building as people who had lost everything in the stock markets jumped to their deaths from the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was frightening to look at that building and imagine people committing suicide because of financial ruin.
It was disturbing to think that people loved their money to that extreme. I recall deciding right then and there that, as for me, I would never let any circumstance make me even consider such an act. A chapter in my book, ‘In All Things..’ (Tate Publishing, 2008), entitled, “Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”; I discuss the after-effects of suicide on the family left behind. I fear that, sadly, the current economy may lead to an increase of such acts of desperation.
An evangelist once stated that many people have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in their heart that they try to fill with anything but God. The truth is, only God can fill the void -- not money -- not success -- not material things. God is the only piece of the puzzle that will fit correctly, and without Him, the puzzle can never be complete. Yet, people are extremely creative in seeking other ‘pieces’ of life and trying to cram them into the space that only the Lord can fill.
There is nothing wrong with storing up wealth for the future, or setting aside a ‘nest egg’ for old age. In fact, it is admirable to be frugal and to save some of the fruits of our labor. It is good to invest, as Jesus demonstrated in at least one of His parables. It is when the mind-set becomes fixated on material wealth, and greed causes one to worship that wealth, and refuses to use some of it to help others, that it becomes an idol. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is, “…money is the root of all evil”. It actually warns that “…The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Instead of focusing upon gathering and keeping wealth, Jesus tells us in Matthew “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; …for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we think of our wealth as belonging to God, and entrust it to Him, we need not worry about losing it. Surrendering all to our loving Father will bring true peace, even in the face of such uncertainty.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
What Is Committment?
What Is Commitment?
By James J. Jackson
The concept of commitment has been victimized by today’s extreme focus upon self. Loyalty and dedication are considered undesirable or even laughable traits. Commitment in marriage, family, child rearing, business or politics is considered antiquated and inessential by current cultural dictates.
Pre-nuptial agreements were mostly unheard of years ago. Today, most advisors encourage such agreements to protect each partner’s rights to money, children and possessions. Had I suggested a prenuptial when I proposed to my wife, she probably would have suggested we enter into a ‘no nuptial’ agreement, and go our separate ways. Marriage was ordained as an institution that should be approached reverently, spiritually and permanently. When initiated within the proper spirit, a man and woman can enter into the ‘free fall’ of committed love. Trust is essential in marriage; the kind of trust shown in a reliance-building game in which one partner falls backward and trusts the other person to catch him or her. Today’s TV talk shows would rather the person allow their mate to collapse to the floor for the humor of it. It’s all about trust. A pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t reflect true trust and commitment. In fact, it illustrates just the opposite-mistrust and selfishness.
Many people enter into marriage with little or no commitment, focusing only upon themselves. Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, wh1ich should be enjoined only after prayerful meditation. Mark 10:7-8 says, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Society tells us that each partner should remain an individual. One young couple who insisted upon a church wedding expressed that their commitment was based upon a ‘12-24 check’, whereby they would check after one year, and again after two years to determine whether they really loved one another. If not, the marriage would end. The marriage lasted less than two years. With such lack of loyalty, failure was a foregone conclusion.
The appalling divorce rate could be greatly decreased if people would, first of all choose a mate who shares their values, who shares the same belief system, and is willing to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Some of the new practices often included in weddings today make a mockery of the love that should emanate from marriage, such as the bride and groom smashing wedding cake into each other’s face. Commitment means making a ‘bottom line’ pledge to each other that every situation, disagreement, major decision, problem, will be handled in the framework that their love for one another is the bottom line, and that no circumstance could change that. When commitment is foremost in marriage, child rearing or any sort of partnership, the probability of success is greatly enhanced. But, commitment is the one ingredient lacking in so many relationships.
For example, too many parents neglect the covenant between themselves and their children. God gives specific and frequent direction to discipline children in love, and to train, guide and protect them from harm. Especially, we are commanded to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord. Today, people abuse, neglect and harm children, in spite of Christ’s dire warning, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2; Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). Apparently, many do not realize the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Many parents allow children to make dangerous decisions and call the shots in situations where the child cannot possible have the information or cognizance to make correct choices.
God also expects us to be committed when we take on job, enter a partnership, sign an agreement, take an oath (for we are swearing before God) or promise to do something. He wants us to show the greatest measure of commitment by fulfilling His Great Commission by making disciples for Christ, and teaching them obedience to all that He has taught us. We must be committed enough to approach every relationship and every task from His perspective. His call to commitment is fulfilled when others see Christ in us.
By James J. Jackson
The concept of commitment has been victimized by today’s extreme focus upon self. Loyalty and dedication are considered undesirable or even laughable traits. Commitment in marriage, family, child rearing, business or politics is considered antiquated and inessential by current cultural dictates.
Pre-nuptial agreements were mostly unheard of years ago. Today, most advisors encourage such agreements to protect each partner’s rights to money, children and possessions. Had I suggested a prenuptial when I proposed to my wife, she probably would have suggested we enter into a ‘no nuptial’ agreement, and go our separate ways. Marriage was ordained as an institution that should be approached reverently, spiritually and permanently. When initiated within the proper spirit, a man and woman can enter into the ‘free fall’ of committed love. Trust is essential in marriage; the kind of trust shown in a reliance-building game in which one partner falls backward and trusts the other person to catch him or her. Today’s TV talk shows would rather the person allow their mate to collapse to the floor for the humor of it. It’s all about trust. A pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t reflect true trust and commitment. In fact, it illustrates just the opposite-mistrust and selfishness.
Many people enter into marriage with little or no commitment, focusing only upon themselves. Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, wh1ich should be enjoined only after prayerful meditation. Mark 10:7-8 says, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Society tells us that each partner should remain an individual. One young couple who insisted upon a church wedding expressed that their commitment was based upon a ‘12-24 check’, whereby they would check after one year, and again after two years to determine whether they really loved one another. If not, the marriage would end. The marriage lasted less than two years. With such lack of loyalty, failure was a foregone conclusion.
The appalling divorce rate could be greatly decreased if people would, first of all choose a mate who shares their values, who shares the same belief system, and is willing to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Some of the new practices often included in weddings today make a mockery of the love that should emanate from marriage, such as the bride and groom smashing wedding cake into each other’s face. Commitment means making a ‘bottom line’ pledge to each other that every situation, disagreement, major decision, problem, will be handled in the framework that their love for one another is the bottom line, and that no circumstance could change that. When commitment is foremost in marriage, child rearing or any sort of partnership, the probability of success is greatly enhanced. But, commitment is the one ingredient lacking in so many relationships.
For example, too many parents neglect the covenant between themselves and their children. God gives specific and frequent direction to discipline children in love, and to train, guide and protect them from harm. Especially, we are commanded to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord. Today, people abuse, neglect and harm children, in spite of Christ’s dire warning, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2; Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). Apparently, many do not realize the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Many parents allow children to make dangerous decisions and call the shots in situations where the child cannot possible have the information or cognizance to make correct choices.
God also expects us to be committed when we take on job, enter a partnership, sign an agreement, take an oath (for we are swearing before God) or promise to do something. He wants us to show the greatest measure of commitment by fulfilling His Great Commission by making disciples for Christ, and teaching them obedience to all that He has taught us. We must be committed enough to approach every relationship and every task from His perspective. His call to commitment is fulfilled when others see Christ in us.
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