Golf vs. Motherhood

http://www.boundlessline.org/2010/07/golf-vs-motherhood.html
1) Just to counter Zusanne’s post, my experience in training and dealing with youth is quite the opposite of Zusanne's (by and large, I don't think either she or I would say one or the other as a blanket statement for all homeschool kiddos), particularly in the area of respect for authority. Perhaps I live in an area that (for some reason) has a strong homeschooling (I am not personally homeschooled, mind you) community. The admonition is well worth keeping in mind, though*!
2) Dr. Mohler had an article this morning about this subject (more or less). His ending quote:

And when it comes to happiness, we must aim for something higher. Christians are called to joy and satisfaction in Christ, and to find joy in the duties and privileges of this earthly life. Every parent will know moments of honest unhappiness, but the Christian parent settles for nothing less than joy.

Why Are Parents So Unhappy? And Who Would Settle for Happiness, Anyway?

* - And our homeschooled brothers and sisters might see post 12 as a tacit condemnation of homeschoolers in general.

Read actual comments.

Are We Making Men the "Bad Guys"?

http://www.boundlessline.org/2010/06/are-we-making-men-the-bad-guys.html
This is one of those things that simultaneously drives me crazy and (as a daddy) makes me feel a tad safer for the kiddo. I coached a little girls soccer team. One thing that those little sweeties loved was hugs. I couldn't help but be a tad aloof (essentially) at times. The parents were great and I worked hard up front to gain their trust first and foremost. I put lots of precautions in place (never alone with any of the girls ever, etc.), too. It’s sad, but, I think, necessary. There are plenty of stories to say why we are as paranoid as we are, though. As fathers, this is where we work hard to model biblical lives and, when possible, be around other biblical men as well for kids to see (I am so blest that my daughter has been around some wonderful men in my church).

Read actual comments.

Episode 88: Biblical Divorce and Remarriage

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/09/episode-88-biblical-divorce-and-remarriage.html
Louise:
I’m sorry to go a tad off topic, but I’ve “heard” you make the comment similar to:
“In my opinion, the situation isn't really any of your business.”
Writing about an issue is just not as easy as speaking in person, so I’m trying very hard not to write anything that could be taken as bombastic. In a nutshell, you don’t feel this comment demonstrates a negligence of the body of believers? I completely understand a desire to stay away from a nanny state (and, as we all know, you never badger anyone to Godly deeds, then they are not of the heart), but we are to encourage one another, to go to your brother, to restore one caught in a trespass with a spirit of gentleness. I take the bible as promoting proactive ministry rather than reactive or a ministry of ignoring.
I know in our westernized societies we have this great tendency to favor individualism* above all other things (often at the expense of our own spiritual health), so I guess to me it seems that is precisely what that comment exhibits. Maybe I’m off base or completely misunderstanding you.
* - and, in the church, anonymity as that better breeds the ability to hide ones sin.

---

New Comment
Leah:

The way that I’ve seen it treated is that the church treats it in a church discipline manner. Approach (as indicated by the bible) the offending spouse. If they refuse, then they are being recalcitrant. An unrepentant Christian is not truly one of God’s (doesn’t actually exist, actually). Thus, Paul’s words would be applicable (if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave, let them). The key that you state is that the injured spouse follows a biblical course of trying to reconcile (as opposed to encouragement to go, etc.).

But others may see that differently.

---

New Comment
Louise:

I missed a crucial word. It should have been I’ve heard you make similar comments before. Sorry for the lack of clarity (I know I was using a line from your comment.).

I suppose my question is do you think that such a lack of accountability is biblical (or even warranted)?

---

New Comment
Louise:

Thanks for the response. Contrary, perhaps, to what you might expect, I have no whispers of thinking I can change your mind. As you have read here, I may be used as a tool for God’s purpose in that, but I, alone, by what I say, cannot change your heart. You are right, though, in that many of the folks around me who read this blog are beneficiaries of mutual accountability. We do see the rich reward from the “wounds” of a friend (Prov 27).

Those might be things that point in our direction, but I don’t see that they would ever convince.

Thanks again for the answer, I appreciate it!

Read actual comments.

At the End of the Day...

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/07/at-the-end-of-the-day.html
Coinciding with the cessation of the sun's light rays directly impacting our part of the earth......no?

How about "When the lion lays down with the lamb...." Or "When the streaker finally jettisons his last shred of dignity and steps onto the field..." or even "when the tea kettle whistles....."

Read actual comments.

The Living-Together Lie

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/07/the-livingtogether-lie.html
Adam:

There is the emotional attachment that isn't proper for someone who isn't your wife or husband. I know boundless has had more about it than this, but here are a couple of links:
http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001505.cfm
http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0000302.cfm
and related, but not explicitly:
http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0000277.cfm

---

New Comment
I find this to be a telling statement:

I'm not bothered at all by which view is correct since it won't change my personal actions one bit.

I don't care what the truth is, I'm going to do what I want anyway. The fact that one person (or which particular one) said it is irrelevant. It's a recurring mindset that has permeated the Church from culture.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth....

---

New Comment
I thought it important to include the preceding comment (to the above comment) to which my comment was related.

Really, I'm not invested in this issue at all, but I'm just not 100% sure that there's a clear distinction between sex and marriage in spiritual terms. in the passage you quoted there is - but you could argue that that's a cultural distinction, ie in that woman's culture marriage existed but she was not married - does Jesus condemn this behaviour, or is His mentioning it simply a sign to the woman that He knows all about her?

Again, I'm totally open to persuasion and I'm not bothered at all by which view is correct since it won't change my personal actions one bit. It's just something I wonder about.


To which I responded above. I then received the following constructive feedback:
Brian K, 52:
It was me who posted the 'telling statement' that you quoted, and you totally misunderstood what I meant. You summarised my view as:
"I don't care what the truth is, I'm going to do what I want anyway."

In fact if you'd read my earlier post, you'd know that I fully intend to remain a virgin 'til I'm married. The answer to this particular question of mine (whether having unmarried sex and staying together is sin or not) will not affect my actions whatsoever because that isn't something I plan to do anyway, not because I don't care about following God.
.
.
.
Brian,
Actually to be honest I'm quite offended by your characterisation of me. Please don't assume motives like that without even reading what someone has written before. I would like to think that my posts across all topics demonstrate that I do in fact care what God thinks and aim to align my actions with His will.

Thus I respond:

Comment:
Jo:

First, I just wanted to say that I had read your comment, I was really trying to chew on what you said (I know, you were waiting on pins and needles ;-). I apologize for offending. I don’t purposefully write to offend. I should have stated your position on premarital sex as a construct.

I do, however, still stand by what I said (perhaps I should simply have broadened it to state that you do not believe in premarital sex….yes, I did read what you wrote prior). I purposefully didn’t include you stating it for that reason, and also that’s why I said it’s irrelevant who wrote it. It’s a mindset that you specifically state and it does define the culture in which we live. It’s stated often even on this blog (there was another statement similar to it on another post shortly after). After reading your clarification, I suppose I more or less see your line of reason, though, what I quoted makes a very absolute statement. I guess I think of it this way. Assuming that you are or eventually will be discipling/teaching/counseling someone (hey, counseling!). Someone says “I had sex with my boyfriend” or thinking about it. Now it matters what is correct and not. Truth is truth never mind what your personal motives may be. I think what you are saying, though, is that you will remain a virgin and won’t sleep with anyone prior to marriage, so it doesn’t matter about what is viewed as “marriage”. I guess I would just say that you should consider what the biblical construct (what is correct) for it may be prior to that discipling relationship (something to which we are commanded). Personal motives don’t cut it if they are divorced from God.

---

New Comment
Lola:

1) I see dating (in a form) in Ruth and again in Song of Solomon.
2) as a general rule, people who date--Christian or not, cohabiting or not--are going to be having sex. This wasn’t (and isn’t) always the case (of course it also With cohabitating (not missionary/transient housing) have, as a general rule, always been. Dating can be a wonderful tool to get to know someone’s character given the culture we are in currently (since people move out of their parents home quickly and tend to resist getting rooted in a church), but can easily lead to sexual immorality. Mostly that’s due to the fact that we have a tendency to be fiercely independent and don’t want to admit that there should be boundaries on behavior, then act surprised when it happens (“golly, we just kind of fell into it!”). To me, when dating is seen as a tool to glorify God that leads to determine marriage (but not getting there), it’s great. It goes awry when we let our heart go unrestrained. There’s a lot on this site especially that codifies Godly dating, I’m just trying to be brief.
3) Just to be clear, the Bible is my authority for arranged marriages and not your family heritage. Just as I wouldn’t (nor did the author) make an absolute prohibition against men and women living under the same roof, be careful about making a statement of the bible being your authority for arranged marriages. Arranged marriages are not prescriptive, they’re descriptive. And dating (getting to know your partner) is seen in the bible also (see SoS and Ruth).
4) I think there is a great case for the concept of arranged marriages (especially in the modified version mentioned here, but I scanned and didn’t see it). I think this can get just as problematic in a different way, too (parents arranging based on monetary reasons).
5) Also, regarding Can you say for a fact that a couple that lives together are more likely to engage in premarital sex than those who don’t…”, if people approach dating the way FotF/Boundless does, then yes, I can say that.

---

New Comment
Jo:

It makes sense.

Amir:

I agree, especially with #1.



Read actual comments.

Grateful For Meat

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/06/grateful-for-meat.html
I really enjoyed the article (actually, I didn’t like since it convicted me ;-). It brought a great sense of conviction in just an overall idea of why don’t I just eat less? But for me, it was an overall consumption, not relegated to just meat. I get very caught up in God’s bounty that I forget it is just that. A bounty from God. And just because I don’t vomit just so I can eat some more doesn’t mean I’m not being a glutton or, as she highlights, not giving thanks to God when it is due.

I do have one minor disagreement. In the article, she says

…animals would live longer, more productive lives when they were given plenty of grazing room and time to rest.

I just am not sure how you would measure a productive life for a cow or a chicken. It smack of the elevation of nature, which sounds just beneath the surface. Definitely not to the stereotypical PETA extremes (stereotypical, not necessarily typical), mind you. From that she states, in essence, that we should think about eating more veggies. That is also fraught with peril, just different application (how are farms treating their land, etc.).

I am grateful for the reminder of how I should be thankful to God for what He provides. Which is another extremely small point in that a) all good things come through God and b) there is no conscious act the animal does for which (a point simply to contrast thankfulness towards a person), hence thanks to the chicken sounds absurd. Regardless, though, giving thanks for God’s blessing is very often lost in the middle of reaching for that second….third…..OK, fourth helping of potatoes or brats.

---

New Comment:

BDB:

I had read something interesting about eating Crickets. If I understand it correctly, it’s based in the days of the Killing Fields. People ate whatever they could to survive. That meant crickets, too. The crickets wound up being a carryover from a horrible time period for them. Very sad.

Read actual comments.

Seek to Be Known

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/06/seek-to-be-known.html
Louise said:
Comment 11, if Mr. Brown wants to help his friend, that is a good thing.

I guess I just don't recognize that level of accountability in one's private life.


I think that is a perfect illustration of the mentality of hiding. We often sin and hide it citing "that's personal" or private. Not to say that everything we do is discussed in detail out in the open (I think my wife would rather me not). I have trouble sharing those things in my “private” life that others can and should call out. I too often value my comfort and whatever veneer I can over serving God. Integrity is doing what is right when no one is looking. Hiding gives us a false sense of integrity.

---

New Comment
Louise (#19):

I don’t mean to sound rebarbative, but yes, I know, and that is exactly my point. We want to do what we want and we don’t want anyone telling us any different. Sin (perhaps just for me, who knows?) is easier to justify when no one sees it or when we have no fear of being noticed. Again, that doesn’t mean that I share every graphic detail of my life and those around me are free to push for that level of detail. But with outworking actions in particular, we must remember to sharpen one another (Pr 27:17), we don’t get to hide our sin (Pr 28:13) and gently restore (Gal 6:1). And I think that is where we depart. My prayer is that I have men like Motte in my life (I believe I do). Otherwise, I would be a fool who spurned discipline.

Read actual comments.

What's Your Line?

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/05/whats-your-line.html
that he was in fact married.

Yikes! is right. IMVHO, I would say that the "pickup line" (which is a competitor to boundlessline, I think) foisted upon some random anonymous girl is foolish. I am a huge believer in observation and conversation. The crux, to me, about the fly-by pickup line is that it embodies the values that are so wrong for a relationship. In essence, that guy is saying "hey, you’re cute enough to date". So, in my mind, that would be a red flag to begin with (for a woman).

That being said, almost anything that a man says to a woman can, in fact, somehow be construed as a "pickup line". Innocent as a statement may be, sometimes a frame of mind on one party doesn’t match the other. When you’re in a group of friends and, as a man, you try to strike up that conversation, that may be considered a pickup line. But at that point, one would hope you have watched this woman (in a very non-stalkerish manner) demonstrate her love for the Lord, gentleness, etc. as opposed to the "she’s got a hot bod" mentality (which is seemingly the reson of the fly-by pickup line).

BTW, Lisa, you have the most beautiful black and white eyes I’ve ever seen, too.....oh, wait...

Read actual comments.

Rob Bell Twittering the Gospel, Sort of

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/05/rob-bell-twittering-the-gospel-sort-of.html
Bell is really good at talking (or twitting/writing) long enough to a) sound like he said something and b) say it in a nice way even if it was empty. I think Bell sums up his philosophy with this:

If there is a God, some sort of Divine Being, Mind, Spirit, and all of this is not just some random chance thing, and history has some sort of movement to it, and you have a connection with Whatever—that is awesome.

The splinter for me seems to be that many refer to relegating to an emotion and a feeling rather than the power of Christ and His message (e.g. we feel bad about things we do, not that it’s sin).

Several others had already said it on other sites (and, by the time this comment gets posted, probably here), but a slightly modified version of 1 Cor 15:3 – 4:

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

And why didn’t they call them twits ;-)?

---

New Comment
Texas Craig:

I’ll stick with two things. First, in a nutshell, we don’t rely on something like twitter, but it can certainly be utilized. Twitter (and facebook and e-mail and blog comments) can and should be used as tools, but the Gospel is not about how we state it or where. It’s not about us but about Hiim. Erik Raymond has a great post about making Christ appealing that is not exactly that subject, but that same thought and is spot on.

Second, I think that being concerned about the definition of “sin” and “spirit”, etc. is right. But if someone needs help with sin, salvation, etc., listening to Bell would be far more confusing (although, you would never hear Bell mention those words) since the answer to those questions aren’t in his statements. Bell has a doctrine, and holds to a theology, but never speaks of it or rather, speaks in hidden terms and unending questions (it seems Paul mentioned this to Timothy), is there really a doctrine there? And, while I am not the expert in Bell’s writings and sermons as you are, (in what I’ve read) his aversion to answering questions about beliefs seems to lean more towards shame of stating an absolute as opposed to questioning that, I would hope, is supposed to stimulate defense of the truth.

---

New Comment

Erik Raymond had a great post today about the message of the gospel. I modified for twitter format:

Not a call for us to get busy doing the best we can to please God but a call to realize our sinfulness, to trust one who truly pleases God

I just thought it was a good punch in the arm for me and possibly for others, too.

---

New Comment
My daughter sings a song and it’s a tweet (ha ha):

1 My God is savior
2 His name is Jesus
3 I’m gonna praise him 4 more more more…
1 My God is savior…..etc.

Anyone who knows that song and just sang it will now have it stuck in their heads hopefully :-).

I saw these at 9Marks and found them to be good:


Gospel Haiku

Pure God, sinful man.
Jesus took the penalty.
Trust him or face wrath.

Jesus never sinned, was punished for sin, came to life, and is returning to judge. Eternal life with him is given to all who repent.

By the substitutionary, atoning death of Jesus, God has begun the new creation by forgiving and regenerating all those who through faith repent and submit to Jesus.

I told God: go to Hell.
He did. And brought me out of it.
Knowing Jesus changes everything.

God is the maker, Sin be the plight
The creature is nothing, The Cross be sight
Fly to Christ, Believe and be contrite.

Because you have violated God's law(Rom3:23)you must repent of your sin(Luke13:5)and believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone(Rom10:9).


And, in the spirit of Mr. Bell, the tail end of one of the posts ended this way (note Christ is still woven into the generated conversation):

Also, I find that Twittering a question, about the Gospel, is more effective.
For example, "Do you think that that there is really only one way to heaven, through Jesus Christ?
This would invite a conversation.


Read actual comments.

Classicly Convicted: Episode 62

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/03/classicly-convicted-episode-62.html
Yesterday afternoon I saw three guys ski down my street.
Stupid global warming ;-)!

I'm looking forward to the Challies interview since I've joined on the last couple (Real Christianity is a tough read for me. Both convicting and just solid writing!). I would recommend anyone who ventures here to check out his work and join in (and in the memorizing scripture, too!).

Read actual comments.

Nudity in Art

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/03/nudity-in-art.html
Brian:

Great name and comment. I agree that, as William Wilberforce said, we need to cease to be deceived by superficial appearances, and to confound the Gospel of Christ with the systems of philosophers.* I’m sure this comment will be rife with men claiming the opposite of what you say, but life, interactions and just plain statistics concur with what you state. And there will be many counters to Ted’s post (well, they may have tired-head now, but on previous ones) and a lot of "yea, but’s" and "well what about’s". Overall, though, I find it sad that we (and, as with you, Brian, I’ve been down that path so I find myself in that “we”) too often work more diligently at how we can call dark light than finding what is truly light. Unfortunately, that last line of thinking is just not progressive enough.

Dr. Mohler had an article recently with the quote "...contemporary Americans increasingly see religious faith as ‘more like a fashion statement, not a deep personal commitment.’". I think that is exactly what we all do at times (esp. with media) is to take faith, what should be that which defines our life and we let everything else in our life define our faith.

Just a question for anyone, when justifying various films, shouldn’t we ask if we’d watch the movie knowing that Christ was sitting next to us (in a physical sense)? I know we strive for being able to converse, but haven’t we lost some great part of our witness when an aspect of our lives as front-and-center as media plays these days looks like everyone else’s?

* - for anyone who isn’t familiar, Tim Challies and anyone willing is going through Real Christianity which has started out as a great book.

Read actual comments.

Willful Ignorance, Uninformed Opinions

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/02/willful-ignorance-uninformed-opinions.html
Solomon answered this one:

Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
…
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
…
A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.
…
The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.

And, to second (/third/fourth/wherever) the Farmer (in a way), I am sometimes the fool speaking.

If anyone didn’t read it, Tim Challies’ a-la-carte had a blip on the possible harm stemming from facebook/twitter/myspace obsessed youth.

Read actual comments.

Eating Less Equals Losing Weight

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/02/eating-less-equals-losing-weight.html
Ironically, I was listening to an infomercial the other day (not a normal habit of mine). The setup was interview-style. The guy hocking the product said “with today’s go-go-go attitude, it’s not your fault you’re fat”. That intrigued me. I listened further and the “interviewer” finally said “yeh, yeh, you know, you’re right. It’s not our fault. I mean the larger portions, the high fat meals, the fast food and lack of exercise, I mean we can’t help that. It’s not our fault we’re getting fat.”

As Dave Barry would say, I am not making this up. Apparently eating out, too many calories and no exercise is definitely not my fault. Phew, I’m glad I got that off my back*.

My daughter asked me why I was laughing. The commercial was for a “carb and fat blocker” with a slogan “eat whatever you want and never gain weight”. Symptomatic of our current times of wanting what we want right now without any responsibility or consequences (to tie in to that with which you started, Motte, a product of the McDonalds mentality…..no slight intended).

* - This is not to say everyone is overweight for these reasons, everyone has plenty of time to exercise 2 hours per day, etc.

---

New Comment
To further the mild nerdiness here, if I remember correctly from my Thermo days, we are actually speaking of kilocalories (1,000's).

See, Dr. Holman, I was really listening!

Read actual comments.

Freedom of Choice Act: 101, Part 3

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/02/freedom-of-choice-act-101-part-3.html
Just before reading your part 3, Suzanne, I read Dr. Burk's post:

http://www.dennyburk.com/?p=3621

Quite sad. You very rightly highlight that we (OK, I'll say I, can't speak for others) do let our guards down during other administrations. As Dr. Burk says:
I aim to win hearts and minds to stand in defense of the unborn. The only way to do this to keep the humanity of the unborn in plain view. This tragic story does that. How can anyone with an ounce of decency remain indifferent to this?


Thanks, Suzanne!

Read actual comments.

Stimulus Package Takes Aim at Babies

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/01/the-pill-will-save-our-economy.html1) Sorry to see edits having to occur. It seems odd, but as they say, oh, well.
2) I heard a quote from Dr. Russell Moore identifying the thinking read above:
“The abortion culture is downstream from many things that are going on in our churches. Because before we aborted children in the womb, we aborted them in our minds…..We began to see children as a burden. Children as an obstacle.”--Russell More
3) Along that lines, it was nice to hear Steve on the Dr. Mohler radio program. He had some great advice for your young marrieds here.

---

New Comment
Craig M. (#19): astute...that is Dr. Moore (if you've ever listened to him much)!

Tiffany (#20): I agree that is a question that has weighed heavily on me, as well. Not that I've figured the answer, though. It's (bc) something that I've had a tendency to "just accept", but rarely even thought it through. It is a heart issue, and no one knows this except ourselves (that sounds like terrible grammar) and God (and sometimes we like to delude ourselves into thinking it one way, but deep down we really know the answer is different). Funny thing. Candice answered almost exactly our question.

PS: Dr. Mohler had a radio program on this, but I couldn't find it. But I did find his commentary on it.

---

New Comment

Adam (#23): Interesting. I love Albert Mohler and Russell Moore, but their views on marriage and children are not Biblical. Quite an accusation. To what specifically do you refer?

And regarding the population concern, many times, when some speak on the declining population, it is in reference to the 1.3 children per household, not that the population needs to increase each generation, but it shouldn’t almost ½ in one generation.

The problem is our society only thinks about themselves - I believe that is exactly the point of Dr. Moore.

I would say that Dr. Moore and Dr. Mohler (and many others) favor a thoughtful consideration of contraception. It is a rightful warning against the thought that we should have a McDonalds life (what I want, when I want and anything short of that is a right to complain).

Read actual comments.

Young Married Readers?

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/01/young-married-readers.htmlAs a non-young-but-young-married, but I have been involved in a group that went through a book that was an excellent combination of theology, application and winsome empirical data (stories). For anyone interested, it's The Most Important Year In a Man's/Woman's Life. I would be interested in the same blend here. In our group (and the other young marrieds I know), it is always an isolating event (leave your father and mother…..and often your singles group, rearranging your schedule pulls us away from time with friends, etc.). So I would say:

Encouragement (we’re not alone, it can be done)
Theological Admonition (The bible is clear for so many things)
Practical Admonition (older couples have been there, what is their practical advice)
Helpful resources (though the FotF site is replete with these!)

Read actual comments.

Good Luck, Mr. President

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/01/good-luck-mr-president.htmlI’m struck by a few things

* - Mr. Slater, I agree with your post, but it would have been better to have said this during the campaign (I think it was highlighted back then…..or so I’m told). Or at least a day or two after the inauguration.
* - For people who say (or imply) “lighten up”, folks sure do take things seriously.

When first read, I thought the intent of the post was light. Just a raised eyebrow of “hmm, how odd”. Then I read the furor that returned. Thus,

* - I think the comments do highlight a lack of “take every thought captive”.

I think the main thrust is the cavalier attitude towards a just God who will judge all. I think we should find idol worship abhorrent. From bowing down literally to Gautama to forgoing a relationship with God to sacrifice at the altar of greed (see our credit card bills). Each is offensive to God. Every one of us (beginning with me) at one time or another enjoys putting God on the shelf and minimizing who He is and exactly what He thinks. And (given satan’s help) we are really good at justifying and minimizing things. Acting that something isn’t really a big deal. As far as this goes, I don’t know what President Obama thinks when he reaches for and grasps that chit or that little statue. I (very fortunately) do not know his heart. I wish that he would tell us. As a fellow believer, it seems that he should be accountable for something as conspicuous as this. First, since he was the one who opened this dialog (so to speak) with the picture (this isn’t a telephoto look onto a private secluded beach, folks). But second because we are to be accountable to our body (the Church). We enjoy thinking things not as sin but as a preference and that it’s nobody’s business anyway. We Christians in America in particular delude ourselves this way. I get to conceal my life because it’s private and nobody’s business. But that which is spoken in the dark will be brought to the light. Sometimes that will happen to us before Christ returns. Am I happy when that happens to me? Not at first. But it is a necessary process that demonstrates patience by a supreme God with a self-centered, me-first sinner.

Unlike Mr. Slater’s post, mine was more of a rant.

---

New Comment
Charlotte C (#57): Well put, I wish my browser updated and I could have read it before my original post (to avoid the redundancies).

---

New Comment
Michelle (#74) (in addition to the 1 Cor 9), were you thinking of 1 Cor 4 –

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

And yes, an excellent thing to remember.

Read actual comments.

The Cost of Education

http://www.boundlessline.org/2009/01/the-cost-of-education.htmlYou know, I’m so torn by the education system these days. This discussion has brought several thoughts to my mind.

1) Why do we just “accept” that it’s OK to think well, it’s government, inefficiencies are the norm? Shouldn’t we expect a little more out of those who lead our country?
2) We should care about the education of others.
a. It nearly always leads to better things.
b. It is a great way to get out (of the cycle of poverty) for those who want to put into it.
c. We should care about the education of, but we should never rely on gov’t to be our giving source (Support is fine, I’d say, but never rely). I read it here, I think, that we, as Christians, should be embarrassed by every dollar spent by the government providing for those in need (as we should). While a bit over-the-top, it’s spot on to highlight this fact.
3) Render to Ceasar gives me some comfort here, however, the state of much of the education system is flowing freely against the grain of Christian thought and is growing increasingly hostile towards Christian thought.
4) But that doesn’t matter since we do live in a democratic society (though some of the recent laws (mandating accredited schooling) rendering homeschooling a non-option puts that at odds, too).
5) If the statistics were true (75% of Americans are Christian), it would make sense that their “cheerful giving” (ala 2 Cor 9) would far surpass that and would likely be a more charitable environment to boot.
6) I’ve heard it argued that government programs (public education being one of them in a sense) tend to impart sluggard tendencies. Can it also be said that we (as Christians) also fall into a trap of not giving because “we gave at the office” (through taxes?)?

Even if you don’t agree with Ted, he brings up a thought-provoking subject.

Read actual comments.

eHarmony to Precipitate Same-Sex Relationships

http://www.boundlessline.org/2008/11/gayharmony.html
I had read the comment here as well as the previous thread on the subject. Varying takes on it, but essentially the comment is “This is a business, so what Dr. NCW did was business-related.” There are varying levels and takes on that, but that’s the gist. That’s a very disheartening view. This isn’t simply a professing Christian who provides a product (service, company, etc.) that another person is then using to purposefully sin*. This is someone now providing a service to promote that sin. It’s the equivalent of a Christian movie distributor settling and agreeing to distribute pornographic films. I can’t help but think of Daniel putting his job with Darius on the line (oh, and his life, too) in a similar situation.

Actually, it never is strictly a business decision. God is always involved and at the center.


* - To that end, if it were, the person would have to at least take measure of what they were doing. That wouldn’t be so cut and dry.
Read actual comments.

Ted Slater on Biblical Divorce

http://www.boundlessline.org/2008/11/biblical-divorc.html
Ted:

Thanks for posting this. The singles pastor at my church covered Matthew 5 (on divorce) and, of course, expanded it to include Paul’s letter. I am divorced myself and thought he spoke very well on it, but it occurred to me how different we can all be affected by this issue. When he and I were meeting, he made a mention about a divorced person coming up to him afterward and saying how relieved the person was. Until then that individual truly felt there was a scarlet “D” on them. The pastor was very firm on the exact points you make in this short response. He was very clear. I was surprised to hear that response (from that person). That individual was very clearly a part of that allowance and yet still felt stigmatized. It was heart wrenching to hear. I suppose I had been counseled all along (differently, perhaps?) and just hadn’t been exposed to that.

The difficulties are many when dealing with divorce. They are tragic. And after witnessing life overall, it surprises me how flippantly divorce is treated by professing Christians. It’s a core travesty in the fabric of America and yet it’s all too often simply accepted without thinking. All that said, it saddens me how uncompassionate folks can be.

Great response!

Read actual comments.