This week was the big week...or at least that's what Facebook tells me. Apparently the newest American Idol was crowned this week. Our household might be the only household in the nation who didn't watch. Confession: I have watched exactly one season of American Idol. It was a few years ago. We watched to find out what all the fuss was about.
So, the AI news, along with a question posed by a Facebook friend has gotten me thinking. Her question was, essentially: do "we" (being FB world) think that media (television, movies, etc.) is basically positive or negative, and why?
Who are America's "idols"? Why? In the last few years, we have seen the demise, literally and/or figuratively, of dozens of young "stars". Actually, it is a trend that goes back decades. What happens? Does fame and fortune corrupt? Is it the environment? The expectations? Yes, I think, to all of those and more. But this isn't a post about the downfall of any "star". It is more about our response to them, and the effect on our kids.
I would challenge anyone to name 10 big name "stars" from the last 10-15 years who is stable, much less a positive role model. Even in the last 5 years. In 2006 all of our kids, at least all of our girls, were glued to High School Musical. They could sing every word and dance every dance. They were in love with Troy and wanted to be Gabrielle. Since their HSM days, Troy and Vanessa have been photographed in all sorts of compromising situations. Not exactly the wholesome pair of our kids' imaginations. And what about the great Hannah Montana? From clean, even "Christian" Miley to the striptease who is estranged from her dad...what happened? And really, is anyone surprised?
I wouldn't go so far as to ban all tv and media (although I haven't been beyond threatening from time to time), but we need to take a serious look at what we, and our kids, are watching. More importantly, we need to measure how much stock we put into it. We enjoy tv and movies in our house (not at all to the extent some others do...we are more Braves Baseball and Food Network watchers, and have never seen a single episode of Survivor). But we watch with the certain understanding that these people are just people. Often they are people with issues and problems. The world they portray is make-believe. The lives they live, sadly, are often make-believe.
And more often than not, it's just not worth watching.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Be Holy
I had a conversation with 3 seventh grade girls the other day, and I asked them this question: "Is it possible for us to be holy?" I was met, initially, with blank stares, followed by hesitant head shaking. Their answer, at last, was "No." So I led them to the following verse:
For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
Then I asked, "Would God tell us to do something that wasn't possible for us to do?"
My young friends are not any different than any of us. Most of us would probably have the same uncertain answer to the question of being holy. God is holy. We aren't God, so how in the world can we be holy?
I actually learned the answer to this question many years ago from my great friend and teacher, Randy. Recently, I had the privilege of being in a class with him again in which we studied this topic in depth. I felt it was important to pass this understanding on to my young friends. I don't want them to go through the next 20 or 30 years not understanding that they can live holy lives. If they don't realize that holiness is attainable, they won't strive for it. Our children need to know that if they are believers, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" 2 Peter 1:3.
So often, too often, our teenagers graduate and go off to college and leave behind all the spiritual teaching they have received over the years. There are many reasons for this. But the underlying reason is that they don't "own" their faith. They don't really understand what they believe or if they really believe it. Many kids, to use Lee Strobel's words, "graduate from church". Off at college, off on their own without mom and dad waking them up on Sunday morning, they fall out of the habit-because a habit is all it ever was. It is our high calling and responsibility as parents to see that our children understand what they believe and why.
I have heard the phrase "passing on our faith to our children" over the years. I would like to suggest a better idea. What if we help our children grow their own faith. After all, my children can't find eternal life in my faith.
For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
Then I asked, "Would God tell us to do something that wasn't possible for us to do?"
My young friends are not any different than any of us. Most of us would probably have the same uncertain answer to the question of being holy. God is holy. We aren't God, so how in the world can we be holy?
I actually learned the answer to this question many years ago from my great friend and teacher, Randy. Recently, I had the privilege of being in a class with him again in which we studied this topic in depth. I felt it was important to pass this understanding on to my young friends. I don't want them to go through the next 20 or 30 years not understanding that they can live holy lives. If they don't realize that holiness is attainable, they won't strive for it. Our children need to know that if they are believers, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" 2 Peter 1:3.
So often, too often, our teenagers graduate and go off to college and leave behind all the spiritual teaching they have received over the years. There are many reasons for this. But the underlying reason is that they don't "own" their faith. They don't really understand what they believe or if they really believe it. Many kids, to use Lee Strobel's words, "graduate from church". Off at college, off on their own without mom and dad waking them up on Sunday morning, they fall out of the habit-because a habit is all it ever was. It is our high calling and responsibility as parents to see that our children understand what they believe and why.
I have heard the phrase "passing on our faith to our children" over the years. I would like to suggest a better idea. What if we help our children grow their own faith. After all, my children can't find eternal life in my faith.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Does It Really Matter?
I mentioned in my last post that I am reading Already Compromised. Ken Ham and Greg Hall outline how Christian colleges, universities, and even seminaries are compromising truth in the Christian academic world. In particular, many of these schools are either unclear, or in actual denial about the literal interpretation of God's Word, particularly Genesis.
I grew up in a Christian family. I grew up in church. I became a Christian when I was 8 years old...I didn't just pray a prayer, I KNEW that Jesus was my Savior and that the Holy Spirit lived in me. I was active in my youth group. I went to a "Christian university" and I majored in Christianity. But until I was a married adult, I was never discipled. I knew what I believed, most of the time. I knew lots of information. But I had little understanding of why I believed it. And I fell victim to a lot of misinformation.
As a freshman, sitting in my first Old Testament survey class, I had a professor whom I liked and respected say something like this: "As long as we believe that Jesus lived and died and rose again, it doesn't really matter if the miracles of the Old Testament were real." I don't remember her exact words, but that was the gist of it. I remember sitting there, knowing that this woman was highly educated and respected, and I thought, "Um...well...ok." I don't believe I ever bought into her theory, but I certainly wasn't put off by it, or offended. And I do remembering wondering about the Old Testament. Did all that stuff really happen? Did it matter?
Looking back, I know two things. One, it is a miracle I finished college (and graduate school) with my faith intact. I credit some of that to a friend who consistently spoke truth into my life, some of it to the church I attended for part of my college career, and much of it to the work of the Holy Spirit. And two, YES. It absolutely matters! Every word of Scripture is true, and what we believe about that fact determines how we live our lives and how we train our children.
The Word of God is either completely true, or not true at all. There is no in between. This doesn't require "blind" or mindless faith. There are plenty of academic resources available to confirm a Biblical view of science and history. But to understand this, and to pass it on to our children, requires work on our part. Even in the most well meaning, proactive, Biblically sound churches, our children are not going to get a firm grasp on these concepts. Not because it isn't taught, but because it takes constant, consistent teaching and reteaching. It is a Deuteronomy 6, as you go along the way, kind of teaching.
The bottom line, though, is that our children know what we believe, what they believe, and why. They have to understand why God's Word-ALL of God's Word-is true. If they are taught that any part of it is not true, then they will question it all. If there was no Garden, then was there a stable? If there was no flood, then was there a resurrection? How do you choose what part is true and what part is not true. And really, isn't it easier to believe that the earth was covered by a flood (look at today's news) than to believe that a man rose from the grave after being dead for 3 days?
2 Peter 1:20-25 (New International Version)
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 119:160 (New International Version)
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
I grew up in a Christian family. I grew up in church. I became a Christian when I was 8 years old...I didn't just pray a prayer, I KNEW that Jesus was my Savior and that the Holy Spirit lived in me. I was active in my youth group. I went to a "Christian university" and I majored in Christianity. But until I was a married adult, I was never discipled. I knew what I believed, most of the time. I knew lots of information. But I had little understanding of why I believed it. And I fell victim to a lot of misinformation.
As a freshman, sitting in my first Old Testament survey class, I had a professor whom I liked and respected say something like this: "As long as we believe that Jesus lived and died and rose again, it doesn't really matter if the miracles of the Old Testament were real." I don't remember her exact words, but that was the gist of it. I remember sitting there, knowing that this woman was highly educated and respected, and I thought, "Um...well...ok." I don't believe I ever bought into her theory, but I certainly wasn't put off by it, or offended. And I do remembering wondering about the Old Testament. Did all that stuff really happen? Did it matter?
Looking back, I know two things. One, it is a miracle I finished college (and graduate school) with my faith intact. I credit some of that to a friend who consistently spoke truth into my life, some of it to the church I attended for part of my college career, and much of it to the work of the Holy Spirit. And two, YES. It absolutely matters! Every word of Scripture is true, and what we believe about that fact determines how we live our lives and how we train our children.
The Word of God is either completely true, or not true at all. There is no in between. This doesn't require "blind" or mindless faith. There are plenty of academic resources available to confirm a Biblical view of science and history. But to understand this, and to pass it on to our children, requires work on our part. Even in the most well meaning, proactive, Biblically sound churches, our children are not going to get a firm grasp on these concepts. Not because it isn't taught, but because it takes constant, consistent teaching and reteaching. It is a Deuteronomy 6, as you go along the way, kind of teaching.
The bottom line, though, is that our children know what we believe, what they believe, and why. They have to understand why God's Word-ALL of God's Word-is true. If they are taught that any part of it is not true, then they will question it all. If there was no Garden, then was there a stable? If there was no flood, then was there a resurrection? How do you choose what part is true and what part is not true. And really, isn't it easier to believe that the earth was covered by a flood (look at today's news) than to believe that a man rose from the grave after being dead for 3 days?
2 Peter 1:20-25 (New International Version)
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 119:160 (New International Version)
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Compromised
Poorly behaved kids.
The teaching of evolution, but not creation, in schools.
Immodestly dressed girls.
Increasingly anti-Christian policies in government.
What, you ask, do these things have in common? They are all evidence of a society that has compromised on it's values. I am currently reading Already Compromised, by Ken Ham and Greg Hall, and so the word compromised is on my mind. This book outlines the results of a survey of 200 Christian colleges and universities and their administrators and professors. Their results show that many of our Christian institutions are not teaching what we think they are teaching. They are compromising on God's word in favor of secular teaching.
As I am reading, I am also thinking about other areas of life that fall into this category. The problem, in schools, homes, churches and government houses is that we, as a society, have compromised. Tired moms and dads have said, "Ok" to things they don't really approve of, parents have given in to school systems who want to teach lessons contrary to God's word. Churches have shied away from "hard teaching" for fear of offending someone. Citizens have given up their responsibility to be involved in their communities, states and nation, because they are too busy or just aren't interested. It is all related.
One of the reasons? We are too polite. We are too nice. We don't want to rock the boat. We want to be our kids' friends, not their parents. We want the teachers and principles to like us and our kids. We want our kids to make the team or the grade. We don't want to offend our neighbor, or even strangers. We don't want to work too hard, think too hard, go to any trouble.
Read Ephesians 6: 10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We are in a battle that encompasses every area of our life. If we don't stand firm for God's truth, we are going to find ourselves in a world where truth is no longer welcome. We are moving there quickly, but we have time to stop that progress. My prayer is that we will raise up a generation that loves the Lord, knows what they believe, and are not afraid to stand for it.
The teaching of evolution, but not creation, in schools.
Immodestly dressed girls.
Increasingly anti-Christian policies in government.
What, you ask, do these things have in common? They are all evidence of a society that has compromised on it's values. I am currently reading Already Compromised, by Ken Ham and Greg Hall, and so the word compromised is on my mind. This book outlines the results of a survey of 200 Christian colleges and universities and their administrators and professors. Their results show that many of our Christian institutions are not teaching what we think they are teaching. They are compromising on God's word in favor of secular teaching.
As I am reading, I am also thinking about other areas of life that fall into this category. The problem, in schools, homes, churches and government houses is that we, as a society, have compromised. Tired moms and dads have said, "Ok" to things they don't really approve of, parents have given in to school systems who want to teach lessons contrary to God's word. Churches have shied away from "hard teaching" for fear of offending someone. Citizens have given up their responsibility to be involved in their communities, states and nation, because they are too busy or just aren't interested. It is all related.
One of the reasons? We are too polite. We are too nice. We don't want to rock the boat. We want to be our kids' friends, not their parents. We want the teachers and principles to like us and our kids. We want our kids to make the team or the grade. We don't want to offend our neighbor, or even strangers. We don't want to work too hard, think too hard, go to any trouble.
Read Ephesians 6: 10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We are in a battle that encompasses every area of our life. If we don't stand firm for God's truth, we are going to find ourselves in a world where truth is no longer welcome. We are moving there quickly, but we have time to stop that progress. My prayer is that we will raise up a generation that loves the Lord, knows what they believe, and are not afraid to stand for it.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Politics? Yes.
Last week's news about the killing of Usama bin Laden sparked a great deal of discussion and controversy, even among Christians. How do we deal with that kind of news when it comes to our kids? What about other news? Are politics and current events something we should discuss at home? Of course they are!
Now, I will admit, I am a political news junkie. I am "blessed" to have at least one daughter who shares my "passion", and so it is easy for the two of us to have these conversations. But my "less interested" daughter isn't off the hook. Why? Because I believe it is imperative that they have a grasp of what is going on in the world, how it fits into our belief structure, and what they can or should do about it. Otherwise, they are going to get that information somewhere else. My kids don't attend public or private school, but for those who do, they ARE going to hear this stuff. Much of it they are going to hear from their teachers. A good bit of it they are going to hear from their friends. They are going to read it online, hear it on the radio and on tv. Who do we want to help them form their ideas and beliefs?
I believe that it is vitally important for our children to understand our Biblical worldview and how it affects every aspect of our world. My husband and I had the opportunity last fall to participate in The Truth Project at our church. I would recommend this to any older teen and adult. Another great worldview source is Summit Ministries. I have been well acquainted with both of these organizations for years, and can attest that they are doctrinally sound. For parents with young children, educate yourself so that you can have appropriate conversations with your children.
Our conversations are some of my favorite times. Not every family may enjoy watching presidential debates or news conferences together. Two of us enjoy it more than the other two. But I really believe those kinds of things are important. How else are our kids going to know how to respond when a friend or a teacher challenges them? When they are confronted by a point of view that differs from ours, they need to know how to engage in the conversation, and feel secure in their understanding of events.
Now, I will admit, I am a political news junkie. I am "blessed" to have at least one daughter who shares my "passion", and so it is easy for the two of us to have these conversations. But my "less interested" daughter isn't off the hook. Why? Because I believe it is imperative that they have a grasp of what is going on in the world, how it fits into our belief structure, and what they can or should do about it. Otherwise, they are going to get that information somewhere else. My kids don't attend public or private school, but for those who do, they ARE going to hear this stuff. Much of it they are going to hear from their teachers. A good bit of it they are going to hear from their friends. They are going to read it online, hear it on the radio and on tv. Who do we want to help them form their ideas and beliefs?
I believe that it is vitally important for our children to understand our Biblical worldview and how it affects every aspect of our world. My husband and I had the opportunity last fall to participate in The Truth Project at our church. I would recommend this to any older teen and adult. Another great worldview source is Summit Ministries. I have been well acquainted with both of these organizations for years, and can attest that they are doctrinally sound. For parents with young children, educate yourself so that you can have appropriate conversations with your children.
Our conversations are some of my favorite times. Not every family may enjoy watching presidential debates or news conferences together. Two of us enjoy it more than the other two. But I really believe those kinds of things are important. How else are our kids going to know how to respond when a friend or a teacher challenges them? When they are confronted by a point of view that differs from ours, they need to know how to engage in the conversation, and feel secure in their understanding of events.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Attitude of Christ
This is not the post I was going to write tonight. I was going to write about why it is important to talk to our kids about what is going on in the world and in our country. I will get to that later. This post, while born out of that thought, is different.
There has been a unique, and sad, result of the events of Sunday evening and the news of the death of Usama Bin Laden. There has grown a debate among believers as to what our response should be to his death. Some have responded with rejoicing and excitement that an evil man, a murderer and Christ hater has met justice. Others have expressed sadness over the fact that he is, undoubtedly, now suffering eternal torment. But more troubling than the difference in perspective is the arguing among believers that is taking place as a result.
My fear is that, in his death, Bin Laden will continue to be used as an agent of Satan. If he can divide Christians, and get us distracted, get us debating each other, then he can accomplish his purpose of thwarting the Gospel. Christians who are bickering are Christians who are not witnessing, who are not living power-filled lives for Christ. Christians who are bickering look, to a lost world, just like the world.
There are verses and passages throughout the Word that say we are to love and pray for our enemies. There are also verses and passages that tell us that God punishes the wicked and that blaspheme is not tolerated by God, that His wrath is not held back upon the evil. He is a God of love and He is just and righteous, all at the same time. We may not understand all of that, but it is all true.
Yes, we are called to pray for our enemies. Yes, we can rejoice when evil is thwarted.
Mostly, though, we can not let the world see us bickering and fighting over this...in that case, Bin Laden is just as powerful as ever and Satan gets the victory.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
There has been a unique, and sad, result of the events of Sunday evening and the news of the death of Usama Bin Laden. There has grown a debate among believers as to what our response should be to his death. Some have responded with rejoicing and excitement that an evil man, a murderer and Christ hater has met justice. Others have expressed sadness over the fact that he is, undoubtedly, now suffering eternal torment. But more troubling than the difference in perspective is the arguing among believers that is taking place as a result.
My fear is that, in his death, Bin Laden will continue to be used as an agent of Satan. If he can divide Christians, and get us distracted, get us debating each other, then he can accomplish his purpose of thwarting the Gospel. Christians who are bickering are Christians who are not witnessing, who are not living power-filled lives for Christ. Christians who are bickering look, to a lost world, just like the world.
There are verses and passages throughout the Word that say we are to love and pray for our enemies. There are also verses and passages that tell us that God punishes the wicked and that blaspheme is not tolerated by God, that His wrath is not held back upon the evil. He is a God of love and He is just and righteous, all at the same time. We may not understand all of that, but it is all true.
Yes, we are called to pray for our enemies. Yes, we can rejoice when evil is thwarted.
Mostly, though, we can not let the world see us bickering and fighting over this...in that case, Bin Laden is just as powerful as ever and Satan gets the victory.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tribute to the Day the World Changed
I wrote the following in my journal on September 11, 2006. I published it a few years ago, but it seems fitting to post it again today. My daughters were 4 and 5 the day the world changed, September 11, 2001.
Five years, and watching it again today I feel the same gut level horror, the heart-racing anxiety, the overwhelming sadness…
I remember the instinct to protect my girls-to not let them see the terrifying images, to remain calm in front of them, to keep conversation normal…keep everything normal. Barney and Blue’s Clues in the den…horror and madness on the screen in my bedroom.
Even as I protected them, did I have even an inkling of the world they would grow up in? Innocence forever shattered…
A world filled with images of men and women in uniform. Flags at half mast. I don’t know how old I was when I learned what half mast meant-it certainly wasn’t 5 or 6, or 9 or 10. Terror alerts, terrorists faces on TV, war updates.
“Mama, have they found Osama Bin Laden yet? Where is he?”
“Mama, is Saddam’s trial over?”
Little girls shouldn’t know such things…or should they?
The changed world they have grown up in has taught them…
-the meaning of liberty
-the preciousness of freedom
They know the Pledge of Allegiance and the all important phrase, “One nation under God”. The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
They know what our nation was founded on, and why it is still important. They recognize the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They know what the 1st Amendment is, and what it isn’t.
They know about George Washington and John Adams and Abraham Lincoln. They recognize and know about George Bush and Dick Cheney…and Bill Clinton and John Kerry. They know why we support some but not others, and they don’t hesitate to say so. They pray, without prompting, for our nation and its leaders. They thank God for a Christian president.
They say goodbye to friends who leave to go around the world…some to protect freedom, some to preach it. They understand the absolute necessity of both. They welcome friends home from Iraq, and pray for one in Tel Aviv.
Perhaps the loss of innocence meant the birth of something greater…conviction.
Five years, and watching it again today I feel the same gut level horror, the heart-racing anxiety, the overwhelming sadness…
I remember the instinct to protect my girls-to not let them see the terrifying images, to remain calm in front of them, to keep conversation normal…keep everything normal. Barney and Blue’s Clues in the den…horror and madness on the screen in my bedroom.
Even as I protected them, did I have even an inkling of the world they would grow up in? Innocence forever shattered…
A world filled with images of men and women in uniform. Flags at half mast. I don’t know how old I was when I learned what half mast meant-it certainly wasn’t 5 or 6, or 9 or 10. Terror alerts, terrorists faces on TV, war updates.
“Mama, have they found Osama Bin Laden yet? Where is he?”
“Mama, is Saddam’s trial over?”
Little girls shouldn’t know such things…or should they?
The changed world they have grown up in has taught them…
-the meaning of liberty
-the preciousness of freedom
They know the Pledge of Allegiance and the all important phrase, “One nation under God”. The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
They know what our nation was founded on, and why it is still important. They recognize the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They know what the 1st Amendment is, and what it isn’t.
They know about George Washington and John Adams and Abraham Lincoln. They recognize and know about George Bush and Dick Cheney…and Bill Clinton and John Kerry. They know why we support some but not others, and they don’t hesitate to say so. They pray, without prompting, for our nation and its leaders. They thank God for a Christian president.
They say goodbye to friends who leave to go around the world…some to protect freedom, some to preach it. They understand the absolute necessity of both. They welcome friends home from Iraq, and pray for one in Tel Aviv.
Perhaps the loss of innocence meant the birth of something greater…conviction.
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