I’ve Learned Enough

In the course of their conversation at a dinner party, Albert Einstein's young neighbor asked the white-haired scientist, "What are you actually by profession?"  "I devote myself to the study of physics," Einstein replied.  The girl looked at him in astonishment. "You mean to say you study physics at your age?" she exclaimed. "I finished studying physics a year ago” (Today in the Word, September 25, 1992).

Even though most people never stop learning completely, some people get to a point where they feel they can coast on their current knowledge.  With the added pressure and strain coming from finals, students of all ages have been eagerly longing for the time when they can finish their studies.  The finish line may come in the form of a summer vacation or possibly even a degree.  While breaks are a good and much needed part of learning and keeping ourselves from being burnt out, people seem to be looking for the day when they can finally stop learning. 

This mindset is common in education, but it happens with our knowledge of the Bible as well.  Some develop great habits of Bible study but then think they are able to glide from there.  We need to remind ourselves that God commands spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:12:14;).  He calls for us to “increase in knowledge” (Colossians 1:9-10), to “grow in respect to salvation” as well as to grown in “grace and knowledge” (1 Peter 2:1-2; 3:18).

Maybe some of Einstein’s wisdom came with his age, but he seemed to understand there was still much more to learn.  Let’s never allow ourselves to get to the point, much less the arrogant mindset, where we think we have learned enough about Scripture.

When The Winds Blow

Everyone has been left shocked and heartbroken by the recent tornado in Moore, OK.  Meteorologists have said this tornado was about a mile wide, traveled 17 miles on the ground, and produced winds up to 200 mph, making this tornado an EF4 (and these numbers may increase).  From the immense damage to structures to the deaths of 24 people so far (including 9 children), this has been a horrific event.

Strangely, as I was hearing reports, seeing pictures, and watching videos of this tragedy, a specific song kept repeating in my mind.  The song is one many teens have sung called, “I Am a Sheep.”  This might seem like an odd song to be thinking of at a time like this.  However, the specific phrase that came to mind is the chorus, which says, “And when the winds blow He is my shelter, and when I’m lost and alone He rescues me.”

In Oklahoma, people took to shelters and looked for safety when the tornado sirens began to blare.  Some found protection, but at least 24 did not.  When the winds begin to blow, even if it is in the form of 200 mph winds from a tornado, faithful Christians can take comfort in the fact that they are spiritually sheltered even when physical shelter is no where to be found (Psalm 91:1-4).  Many people are lost, missing, and alone in the wake of this tornado.  Even though we might be physically lost and alone, faithful Christians can take comfort in the fact that we have been rescued spiritually (Colossians 1:13-14).

This song came to mind because it describes the wonderful feeling of comfort which comes from a relationship with God even when tragedy is happening around us.  Let’s be sure to pray for those affected by the recent tornadoes.  However, let’s also use this event as a reminder that there is no greater shelter and protection on earth than being “in Christ Jesus” and “clothing ourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).

Lashing Out!

It looked like your average Indoor Football League touchdown.  At the goal line the ball was handed to running back R.J. Rollins.  After scoring, Rollins began running over to his sideline.  Dave Brumagen, the opposing team’s coach, ran across the field to Rollins and viciously shoved him to the ground (Watch Here).

It is still unclear what drove Brumagen to attack Rollins.  It could be that he just didn’t like Rollins.  Maybe Rollins did something to anger Brumagen in the past.  It’s possible that Brumagen had been building anger against Rollins for some time.  No matter the reason, the coach clearly reached his breaking point and lashed out in childish anger.

Hopefully we never let our anger reach the point where we physically attack someone.  However, people often hold grudges and let negative feelings boil up inside.  The longer we hold on to these feelings, the more our anger and hatred can grow until we end up lashing out.

Sadly, our world often seems to turn a blind eye to anger.  Perhaps this is partly why anger is called a “work of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-20).  In Brumagen’s case, he received a little slap on the wrist in the form of a $500 fine and a 4 game suspension.  As Christians, we are called to a higher standard in regard to anger.  Jesus showed us different levels of sinful anger (Matthew 5:22-24).  Scripture elsewhere tells us to get rid of anger in our lives (Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:31-32).  We are also told not to be angry in a sinful way and not even “let the sun go down on our anger” (Ephesians 4:26).

To put it simply, we need to quickly take care of any anger and quarrels we have with others.  If not, it could lead to a multitude of other sins.  Let’s not be a people of anger, but instead be the exact opposite.  Let’s be people of patience, kindness, forgiveness, and even people who give “gentle answers” to turn away wrath in others (Proverbs 15:1).

What We Deserve

A story is told of a mother who once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.  "But I don't ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy."  "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied.  "Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for."  "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman's son (Luis Palau, Experiencing God's Forgiveness, Multnomah Press, 1984).

This story very well describes what mercy means. To put it simply, mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve for our actions.  There was a time when we were all in the son’s shoes.  As soon as we sinned we fell short of God’s glory and we stepped into a place where we deserved death.  Death was the “wages” that we earned through our poor decisions (Romans 6:23).

Thankfully, God decided to have mercy on us.  As Titus 3:5-6 says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

What an incredible blessing it is to receive mercy when we deserved death for our sins!  Let’s be all the more dedicated and diligent to live a life close to the Lord.  We owe Him our lives; it’s what He deserves from us.

The First Openly Gay NBA Player

It’s official, Jason Collins has announced he is gay.  This makes him the very first active NBA player to do so.   Collins has been in the NBA for many years and is currently playing with the Washington Wizards.  Since his announcement, Collins has received a huge amount of support and praise.  The NBA commissioner said,  “We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”  Michelle Obama exclaimed, “So proud of you, Jason Collins!  This is a huge step forward for our country.  We’ve got your back!”  Collins’ team, the Washington Wizards, stated, “We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly” (Yahoo).  TV analysts, radio anchors, announcers, and many other players have all be singing praises to Jason for his decision and lifestyle.  Many have been labeling his announcement as courageous, bold, and brave.

Is it really appropriate to call Jason Collins’ announcement “courageous”?  In other words, if someone announced to the world they were an alcoholic, a rapist, a drug addict, or a pedophile, would it be right to call that announcement courageous?  While it certainly would be difficult to make such a statement, the word “courageous” applies to something that is heroic, valiant, and admirable.  No sin has the right to claim these wonderful attributes.  And homosexuality is most definitely a sin according to God (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Leviticus 18:22, 29; 20:13; etc).  Jason Collins’ announcement may be many things, but courageous is not one of them.

Now let’s take a look at a statement that is truly courageous.  Chris Broussard is an ESPN analyst and writer.  Here was what he said on live TV about Jason Collins:  “I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle…If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin.  If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality…I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ” (ibid).

First of all, ever since Broussard made this statement, he has been heavily criticized.  Many are trashing Broussard and even calling for him to be fired.  ESPN responded to Chris’ statements by saying, “ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement” (Hollywood Reporter).  Second, and most importantly, what Chris Broussard said about homosexuality is completely accurate with Scripture (Look at the Scripture references above).

There is no telling what the repercussions will be for Chris Broussard.  He may lose his job or just some people’s respect.   No matter what happens, Christians should be applauding and supporting such a bold proclamation of God’s truth.  What Chris Broussard did can truly be labeled as courageous.  Even though so many around him disagree and have attacked him, he stood for what was right.

Let’s also have the courage to stand up and boldly speak the truth about homosexuality (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10).