As mentioned in my profile, I am a university professor. Recently, one of the senior members in my department came to me to tell me that one of our students had complained that I talk about my Christian beliefs in class too much. This was especially interesting, since I teach at a Christian university! But, I was glad my colleague talked to me - it was her intention to give me some helpful input to help me become a better teacher. After all, the Bible says:
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."-Proverbs 27:5
So, we should not be offended when someone offers us constructive criticism given in the spirit of helpfulness.
But, is it possible for one to talk about their Christian beliefs too much?
I think so. For one, even in a Christian school, a teacher must maintain a level of professionalism, so it's possible for a teacher to reveal too much personal information that is not relevant to the material. Secondly, one must show respect for others' right to form their own opinion. (Notice that I said the "right to form their own opinion." That doesn't mean that one opinion is good as the next!) Finally, people who are not Christians can be turned off if we Christians are too aggressive in our witnessing.
However, under the guidelines mentioned in the previous paragraph, Christians should be unafraid to be open and honest about their beliefs. As Peter and John said in the book of Acts
"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." -Acts 4:20
And I think that all Christians should feel this way. In particular, I feel that I have the Christian responsibility to talk about Christianity to my students for two reasons:
1. Many young people in the U. S. have been told that truth is relative, and that religious beliefs are a personal matter - a matter of individual choice. But, the fact is that there is either a God or not, it's not our choice. And if there is a God (which we Christians believe), He has certain characteristics - we don't get to choose those characteristics. He either has them or he doesn't, whether we like them or not. So, truth is not relative, it's absolute, and our young people need to be taught that they have been misled on this.
2. Many young people have also been taught to "compartmentalize" their lives: "Religion is fine for Sunday mornings, but don't talk about it the rest of the week." But, we know from the Bible that God wants all of our life, not just some segment of it. All of our activities should be about serving and glorifying God, including work, family, recreation, rest, nourishment, etc. I want to show my students that everything relates to God, whether it's history, psychology, math, finances, electronics or whatever!
I'd appreciate your prayers helping me to have good judgment on when and how to express my Christianity in my classes!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
prayer
Today I received an e-mail message from a former student of mine. It means a lot to me when my students from the past take the time to reconnect with me. This particular student has had nothing but bad luck. He was an outstanding student, with an unusual amount of creativity and motivation. But, his people skills are terrible, and have run him into trouble at every turn.
I feel like this person needs a lot of prayer. God gave him his special skills for a reason, and he just needs to find the right situation in which patient and caring people can mentor him in the social skills, and provide a shield for him when he makes mistakes.
From the Bible, we know that God wants us to pray, and we know that God wants to answer prayer and give us good things.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:7-11
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." -James 5:16-18
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18
God has promised to answer prayers and he has the power to do so. Please pray with me for this young man, and let's watch the results of God's power and mercy!
While I am talking about prayer, I want to give God praise for two recently answered prayers:
A young lady I worked with gave birth to twins recently, but one was born with a serious heart defect. He needed a heart transplant. After many prayers, God provided a heart for this little one, and his body has accepted the heart and it is functioning well!
A friend of mine for 37 years runs a mortgage business here in town. He worked very hard to build this business up, and then lost almost everything in a divorce, in which he was dealt with unfairly by the legal system. Then the housing crisis hit, and his business, which I understand supports five families, was in danger of going under. But, recently, business has picked up, and I happy to say he is having to stay in his office until late in the evening to get his work done!
Isn't God good!
I feel like this person needs a lot of prayer. God gave him his special skills for a reason, and he just needs to find the right situation in which patient and caring people can mentor him in the social skills, and provide a shield for him when he makes mistakes.
From the Bible, we know that God wants us to pray, and we know that God wants to answer prayer and give us good things.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:7-11
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." -James 5:16-18
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18
God has promised to answer prayers and he has the power to do so. Please pray with me for this young man, and let's watch the results of God's power and mercy!
While I am talking about prayer, I want to give God praise for two recently answered prayers:
A young lady I worked with gave birth to twins recently, but one was born with a serious heart defect. He needed a heart transplant. After many prayers, God provided a heart for this little one, and his body has accepted the heart and it is functioning well!
A friend of mine for 37 years runs a mortgage business here in town. He worked very hard to build this business up, and then lost almost everything in a divorce, in which he was dealt with unfairly by the legal system. Then the housing crisis hit, and his business, which I understand supports five families, was in danger of going under. But, recently, business has picked up, and I happy to say he is having to stay in his office until late in the evening to get his work done!
Isn't God good!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
fresh starts
It just crossed my mind that there are a lot of fresh starts/new beginnings this time of year:
January 1, New Year's Day, the start of a new year,
School is starting back after Christmas break for a large number of students and teachers - tomorrow is the start of the spring semester at the university where I teach,
January 20 is the day the next U. S. President takes office and begins a possible new direction for our nation,
And, hopefully it won't be TOO long until spring starts and then baseball season begins!
These things make me think of the well-known passage in the gospel of John:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.' In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again....For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.' " -John 3:1-3, 16-17
God gives us a new beginning through baptism - we are born again. Our sins are wiped clean, and we have a fresh start.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - II Corinthians 5:17
"...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:43b
I remember a student of mine once telling me that she had a debt that she needed to pay. She had worried about this debt for a long time, but did not have the means to pay it off. When she finally had collected enough money to pay it back, she was told that she no longer owed the money! She told me that at that point, she really understood what Jesus has done for us - he has wiped the slate completely clean for us, and has given us a fresh start, a chance to be a new person dedicated to the Lord!
January 1, New Year's Day, the start of a new year,
School is starting back after Christmas break for a large number of students and teachers - tomorrow is the start of the spring semester at the university where I teach,
January 20 is the day the next U. S. President takes office and begins a possible new direction for our nation,
And, hopefully it won't be TOO long until spring starts and then baseball season begins!
These things make me think of the well-known passage in the gospel of John:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.' In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again....For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.' " -John 3:1-3, 16-17
God gives us a new beginning through baptism - we are born again. Our sins are wiped clean, and we have a fresh start.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - II Corinthians 5:17
"...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:43b
I remember a student of mine once telling me that she had a debt that she needed to pay. She had worried about this debt for a long time, but did not have the means to pay it off. When she finally had collected enough money to pay it back, she was told that she no longer owed the money! She told me that at that point, she really understood what Jesus has done for us - he has wiped the slate completely clean for us, and has given us a fresh start, a chance to be a new person dedicated to the Lord!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Marriage: Partnership or Dictatorship?
One of the biggest sources of difficulty in a marriage is decision making. How should decisions be made regarding finances, children, religion, vacations, where to live, etc., etc.?
Remember, the Bible is the answer key, so we can find the correct answer by looking there:
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." -Ephesians 5:22-24
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." -Colossians 3:18
So, it looks pretty clear what the answer is, so I guess I'm finished...
But, wait, I think it's a little bit more complicated. Here in the U. S., we live in a time of equal rights for men and women (whether or not we have an amendment to the Constitution that says so). Women today are well-educated, and are taught to be self-sufficient and have opinions of their own.
I think the Bible says that the husband has the right to make the decisions regarding the family and household, but I don't see that it says that he must exercise that right. In this day and age, I think decisions are best made when the husband and wife work together. You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one!"
I think there is a time and place when a husband and wife cannot arrive at a decision, for example, if no compromise is possible. (For example, do we send the kids to private school or public school?) In a case like this, the husband has the Biblically-based right to make the decision, and the wife should submit. (And no "cold shoulders" or "silent treatments" - wives, do you really think that's what the Lord means when he says submit?) However, husbands, please listen to this: I would only play that ace very infrequently, maybe only once or twice in a lifetime. You should only play that ace if the decision is extremely important - do not abuse this God-given right.
And, when possible, involve the kids too. For example, if you're buying a new car, the parents could choose the make and model, and you could let the kids choose the color! Don't you think that if they are involved, the kids are more likely to support the family's activities and responsibilities, such as...washing the car?
Remember, the Bible is the answer key, so we can find the correct answer by looking there:
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." -Ephesians 5:22-24
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." -Colossians 3:18
So, it looks pretty clear what the answer is, so I guess I'm finished...
But, wait, I think it's a little bit more complicated. Here in the U. S., we live in a time of equal rights for men and women (whether or not we have an amendment to the Constitution that says so). Women today are well-educated, and are taught to be self-sufficient and have opinions of their own.
I think the Bible says that the husband has the right to make the decisions regarding the family and household, but I don't see that it says that he must exercise that right. In this day and age, I think decisions are best made when the husband and wife work together. You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one!"
I think there is a time and place when a husband and wife cannot arrive at a decision, for example, if no compromise is possible. (For example, do we send the kids to private school or public school?) In a case like this, the husband has the Biblically-based right to make the decision, and the wife should submit. (And no "cold shoulders" or "silent treatments" - wives, do you really think that's what the Lord means when he says submit?) However, husbands, please listen to this: I would only play that ace very infrequently, maybe only once or twice in a lifetime. You should only play that ace if the decision is extremely important - do not abuse this God-given right.
And, when possible, involve the kids too. For example, if you're buying a new car, the parents could choose the make and model, and you could let the kids choose the color! Don't you think that if they are involved, the kids are more likely to support the family's activities and responsibilities, such as...washing the car?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christian divisions
After all of the years I've spent on this earth, I'm still surprised and dismayed at the extreme allegiance that some Christians have for their particular denomination!
Some of the reasons for these "divisions" into Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc. are not harmful. Some of them are simply historical in basis. Some people feel more comfortable worshipping in one style than another. Some people might feel more that a particular denomination's doctrinal stance is more consistent with their beliefs. Some people feel fulfillment in worshipping the same way that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did. I have no quibble with people who choose to attend church services of a particular denomination for these reasons.
But, I take issue with those whose denominational allegiance is so strong that they are convinced that their denomination has perfect doctine, and that all other groups are in serious error. Some take their over-the-top zeal so far that they believe that people in other Christian groups must be converted to their own personal church group.
There are a number of problems with the attitudes mentioned in the previous paragraph. For one, it does not reflect the humility that Jesus preached and that is taught elsewhere in the Bible. Second, it ignores the fact that only God is perfect. Third, it causes animosity between denominations, while the Bible teaches unity. Fourth, these contententious divisions are an obstacle to evangelism. I remember talking to someone from the Middle East about Christianity, and one of his biggest problems with Christianity was all of the in-fighting that Christians do. Fifth, the extreme allegiance some have to their particular denomination is not all that different from idolatry, something which the Bible especially warns us about.
Consider the following passages from the Bible:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" - I Corinthians 1:10-13
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." -Titus 3:9-11
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." -Acts 4:32
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:20-23
The Bible sends a clear message of God's believers working together in love, humility and unity. Let's all strive with prayer and with God's help toward that goal!
Some of the reasons for these "divisions" into Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc. are not harmful. Some of them are simply historical in basis. Some people feel more comfortable worshipping in one style than another. Some people might feel more that a particular denomination's doctrinal stance is more consistent with their beliefs. Some people feel fulfillment in worshipping the same way that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did. I have no quibble with people who choose to attend church services of a particular denomination for these reasons.
But, I take issue with those whose denominational allegiance is so strong that they are convinced that their denomination has perfect doctine, and that all other groups are in serious error. Some take their over-the-top zeal so far that they believe that people in other Christian groups must be converted to their own personal church group.
There are a number of problems with the attitudes mentioned in the previous paragraph. For one, it does not reflect the humility that Jesus preached and that is taught elsewhere in the Bible. Second, it ignores the fact that only God is perfect. Third, it causes animosity between denominations, while the Bible teaches unity. Fourth, these contententious divisions are an obstacle to evangelism. I remember talking to someone from the Middle East about Christianity, and one of his biggest problems with Christianity was all of the in-fighting that Christians do. Fifth, the extreme allegiance some have to their particular denomination is not all that different from idolatry, something which the Bible especially warns us about.
Consider the following passages from the Bible:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" - I Corinthians 1:10-13
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." -Titus 3:9-11
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." -Acts 4:32
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:20-23
The Bible sends a clear message of God's believers working together in love, humility and unity. Let's all strive with prayer and with God's help toward that goal!
Monday, November 24, 2008
materialism and the U. S. economy
The media are telling us that the U. S. economy is in bad shape, and there is good reason to believe that things will get worse. Since the various parts of the U. S. economy are so interdependent, the problems with the real estate bubble bursting and the problems with the banking industry are being spread throughout all commerce in the nation. A great number of layoffs have been made, and many more will probably occur as the problems continue spreading throughout business in the U. S. and the rest of the world.
As a result, many Americans are spending less money - including those who still have jobs, even those whose jobs are at least fairly secure. They're hoping to save money, or at least not obtain more financial obligations, so that they can weather the tough times to come. This is very wise, although it will result in fewer purchases being made, which will slow down the U. S. economy even further.
I'm not an economics expert, although I have a great deal of training in mathematics and have published mathematics related to economics. But, as someone who is mostly an amateur in these areas, I believe the days of the U. S. being the only financial superpower in the world are over. This factor, along with the items mentioned in the paragraphs above, I think is going to cause American citizens to need to get used to having less.
But, I believe this is a blessing in disguise! We've gotten too attached to our money and possessions, and gotten away from the things that are really important. We need to go back to what the Bible teaches about materialism:
"And he [Jesus] told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." -Luke 12:16-21
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -I Timothy 6:6-10
"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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:11a-12
God would not mislead you. You really will be happier with less stuff. Don't think about what you want - be thankful to God for what you have. And concentrate on the things that are really important: love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, friendship, prayer, Bible study, nature - they're all free!
As a result, many Americans are spending less money - including those who still have jobs, even those whose jobs are at least fairly secure. They're hoping to save money, or at least not obtain more financial obligations, so that they can weather the tough times to come. This is very wise, although it will result in fewer purchases being made, which will slow down the U. S. economy even further.
I'm not an economics expert, although I have a great deal of training in mathematics and have published mathematics related to economics. But, as someone who is mostly an amateur in these areas, I believe the days of the U. S. being the only financial superpower in the world are over. This factor, along with the items mentioned in the paragraphs above, I think is going to cause American citizens to need to get used to having less.
But, I believe this is a blessing in disguise! We've gotten too attached to our money and possessions, and gotten away from the things that are really important. We need to go back to what the Bible teaches about materialism:
"And he [Jesus] told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." -Luke 12:16-21
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -I Timothy 6:6-10
"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 moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:11a-12
God would not mislead you. You really will be happier with less stuff. Don't think about what you want - be thankful to God for what you have. And concentrate on the things that are really important: love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, friendship, prayer, Bible study, nature - they're all free!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
President-Elect Obama
The United States will have a new president in January (if you haven't heard already...). One of the things that makes our nation great is that we have peaceful elections in which American citizens choose their own leader, and President-elect Obama has emerged as the choice of the American people. Another thing that makes our nation great is the peaceful change of governments. President Bush and his staff will depart quietly, and graciously hand the reins to the people's new choice.
You might not have supported Obama in the Presidential election. Almost half of the voters voted for McCain, including me. But, now that the decision has been made, all Americans should rally behind Obama and give him our full support. He will be our President, the President of the U. S. A., and no longer simply a leader of the Democratic party. He's intelligent and full of energy, and from all reports, a moral, Christian family man. I think he has some special skills to bring to the nation's current needs:
1. It's becoming increasingly clear that there is a great disparity between the rich and poor in the U. S., and also becoming clear that some of the richest have taken unreasonable advantage of their good fortune. CEO's continue to draw exorbitant salaries, even when their companies are doing poorly and laying off their long-time employees. Sports figures and entertainers draw huge salaries disproportionate to their contribution to society. Elderly people are having to do without medications to make ends meet. I think Obama realizes these things and will address these problems.
2. As the rest of the world continues to catch up with the United States in economic power, we will find that we will no longer be able to use our might to force other countries to do the right thing. An alternate approach is needed, and I think Obama might be able to find it.
3. Despite huge strides toward racial equality in this nation, there is still a great deal of racial resentment. I think Obama will help heal that. Hopefully, as a result, crime rates will go down.
The Bible makes it clear that God wants us to submit to our government leaders:
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." -Hebrews 13:17
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." -Titus 3:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." -Romans 13:1
Pray for President-elect Obama. He has a tough job in front of him, probably the most stressful job in the world. If he is successful, all of the U. S. will reap the benefits.
You might not have supported Obama in the Presidential election. Almost half of the voters voted for McCain, including me. But, now that the decision has been made, all Americans should rally behind Obama and give him our full support. He will be our President, the President of the U. S. A., and no longer simply a leader of the Democratic party. He's intelligent and full of energy, and from all reports, a moral, Christian family man. I think he has some special skills to bring to the nation's current needs:
1. It's becoming increasingly clear that there is a great disparity between the rich and poor in the U. S., and also becoming clear that some of the richest have taken unreasonable advantage of their good fortune. CEO's continue to draw exorbitant salaries, even when their companies are doing poorly and laying off their long-time employees. Sports figures and entertainers draw huge salaries disproportionate to their contribution to society. Elderly people are having to do without medications to make ends meet. I think Obama realizes these things and will address these problems.
2. As the rest of the world continues to catch up with the United States in economic power, we will find that we will no longer be able to use our might to force other countries to do the right thing. An alternate approach is needed, and I think Obama might be able to find it.
3. Despite huge strides toward racial equality in this nation, there is still a great deal of racial resentment. I think Obama will help heal that. Hopefully, as a result, crime rates will go down.
The Bible makes it clear that God wants us to submit to our government leaders:
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." -Hebrews 13:17
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." -Titus 3:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." -Romans 13:1
Pray for President-elect Obama. He has a tough job in front of him, probably the most stressful job in the world. If he is successful, all of the U. S. will reap the benefits.
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