You know that speech they give at the beginning of the flight where they talk about how to fasten the seat belts and how to operate the oxygen masks, and that the seat cushion can serve as a flotation device?
It's a marvel to look around the cabin as she gives that speech. People are reading, gabbing, ipodding, resting. Definitely not listening to the stewardess. Why not?
Problem #1: Defective Message
1. The message is stale. There's exactly one way to fasten a seat belt. It's a skill we've all mastered long ago.
2. The message is unbelievable. Who really believes that if we crash, we'll have a chance to use our seat cushions for a flotation device?
3. The message is irrelevant. Don't need to listen because what she's describing will never happen.
Problem #2: Defective Listeners
A lot of people will be completely surprised one day, and they'll wish they had paid attention.
Problem #3: Defective Presenter
Sometimes I think they try to make their presentation as perfunctory as humanly possible.
This is a parable. He who has ears, let him hear.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
What does personal holiness look like?
Holiness isn't just an option. The Creator and King of kings commands: "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matt. 6:33). (Also see Eph. 1:4; 1Pet 1:16.)
What does holiness look like? As it applies to God, holiness means being extremely different, absolutely pure. For a human, holiness means being set apart to God.
One way holiness is evident is when someone is touched by what touches God. Not stoic, but compassionate. Moved to tears (and action!) at the plight of those suffering around him. (James 1:27 "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.")
To be set apart to God, a holy person doubtless spends quality and quantity time reading the Bible and meditating, in order that he may better know God and understand what God wants of him; and secondarily, how to be successful at being and doing what God wants.
A holy person is someone who literally loves God foremost. That love will show, no less than a sports fanatic's loyalties are known. Devotion to God shows in how he prioritizes his time, and where he spends his money.
A holy person is able both to enjoy earthly pleasures as a gift from God (1 Tim. 6:17) and, when appropriate, to deny himself of those very same pleasures (Philippians 4:12). (Can someone be self-indulgent and holy at the same time?)
Holiness really shows up when life is hard. A holy person demonstrates love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith, self control (Gal. 5:22) even while undergoing a trial of life.
What are your thoughts? Do you know a person whom you could consider a spiritual role model? What is it about him or her?
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