“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 14:34-35
“You are the salt of the earth,
but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It
is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled
under people's feet.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." Matthew 5:13-14
I have been thinking about these verses a lot today. But not in the usual way.
Last night, I found myself in a discussion that really challenged how Christians are "supposed" to behave. A friend had made a comment supporting a particular political position. Or, more accurately, he had supported the political opinion that had been voiced by another person. My friend was promptly bashed for his support. What was it that was so offensive? It wasn't his political opinion per-se (although I suspect this was the root of it). It wasn't his tone or his words, he wasn't rude or crude or obnoxious. No, the thing that was so offensive to his basher was this: He is a minister. According to the offending party, ministers are not allowed to have political opinions. Her complaint? That his opinion was "divisive" and not becoming of a pastor.
Before I go off on a tangent here, let me get to the point of this post. It isn't about political opinions, although I believe pastors have a right and a duty to be politically involved. It is, rather, about Christianity in general and how we as Christians are to influence the world. This person who was so offended obviously believes Christians are to be kind and gentle and peacemaking at all times. They are never to engage in debate or in any conversation that might be perceived as "divisive. I beg to differ. This is where salt and light come in. Most Christians should be familiar with the verses above and with the teachings on salt and light. But today, God revealed something new to me.
Salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer and a preservative. The comparison to the Christian life is obvious. We are to enhance the world around us for Christ. We are to make the world around us better. But here is the thing about salt. Salt on bland food brings out it's flavor. Salt on meat will keep it good. But what about salt on a wound? Ouch. It stings. Salt on the open wound of sin is not going to be well received. It hurts. And salt is, well, salty. It isn't sweet. Salt is also useful as a cleaner because it is...abrasive. Sometimes as the salt of the earth Christians are going to have to share truth that stings, truth that doesn't seem "sweet", truth that may seem abrasive.
Light: Light dispels the darkness. Light brings life. Light is healing and warming and good. But have you ever been in a dark room, sleeping perhaps, and had someone suddenly switch on the lights? It hurts your eyes. Or have you stepped out of a darkened theater into the bright sunlight? You draw back and cover your eyes because the brightness of the light is too much. People who are hiding in the darkness, concealing their sin, are not going to be thrilled to have the Light shined on them-at least not initially.
And so, as salt and light, it is important to remember that the Christian life is not always easy. It is not always pleasant. And it is not always going to be met with enthusiasm by the world. In fact, it is rarely met with enthusiasm. But we are still called to be salty. We are still called to shine the Light.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Lessons from Legion
Fifteen minutes of watching the news will convince you that in today's world, truth and freedom have both become relative terms. I find myself surprised over and over. Shocked, even. Has our world really gone so far away from what is right?
But then this morning I was reading in Luke 8, and I realized that things haven't changed all that much. I was reading the account of Jesus' encounter with the demon possessed man, where the demons identified themselves as Legion, meaning many. Although I know this passage well, I noticed something today I really haven't noticed before. In verses 34-39, after the man has been released from bondage, Scripture describes the reaction of the people in the area. Verse 35 says, "Then the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid."
What? He was dressed, in his right mind, and the people were afraid?? Were they not afraid when he was naked and demon possessed; screaming and ranting insanity? They were okay with him when he was crazy but afraid of him when he was in his right mind? That doesn't even make sense. I used to work in a psychiatric hospital. I have seen people who are not "in their right mind". I have seen people completely out of their minds, out of control. It is a scary sight. It is enough to make someone afraid. But someone calm, rational, acting appropriately is certainly not a frightening thing.
The account goes on to say in verse 37, "Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Him (Jesus) to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned."
Here is where the connection comes in. The Truth has always been frightening and offensive to the world. People who are of the world would rather be in bondage, living in insanity, than be confronted by the Truth of God. Satan has so blinded them that they believe their insanity and bondage is really truth and freedom. The call of Jesus doesn't make sense to a lost world, outside the intervention of the Holy Spirit...
"And He said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.' " Luke 9:23-24
But then this morning I was reading in Luke 8, and I realized that things haven't changed all that much. I was reading the account of Jesus' encounter with the demon possessed man, where the demons identified themselves as Legion, meaning many. Although I know this passage well, I noticed something today I really haven't noticed before. In verses 34-39, after the man has been released from bondage, Scripture describes the reaction of the people in the area. Verse 35 says, "Then the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid."
What? He was dressed, in his right mind, and the people were afraid?? Were they not afraid when he was naked and demon possessed; screaming and ranting insanity? They were okay with him when he was crazy but afraid of him when he was in his right mind? That doesn't even make sense. I used to work in a psychiatric hospital. I have seen people who are not "in their right mind". I have seen people completely out of their minds, out of control. It is a scary sight. It is enough to make someone afraid. But someone calm, rational, acting appropriately is certainly not a frightening thing.
The account goes on to say in verse 37, "Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Him (Jesus) to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned."
Here is where the connection comes in. The Truth has always been frightening and offensive to the world. People who are of the world would rather be in bondage, living in insanity, than be confronted by the Truth of God. Satan has so blinded them that they believe their insanity and bondage is really truth and freedom. The call of Jesus doesn't make sense to a lost world, outside the intervention of the Holy Spirit...
"And He said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.' " Luke 9:23-24
Saturday, March 17, 2012
My Way Of Saying Thanks
Many years ago I had a conversation that I have never forgotten. It impacted my life more than the other person probably ever dreamed it would. It was a quick conversation, almost held in passing. But it changed the way I have viewed my role as a mother, and this week I have fully experienced the implications of that conversation.
Many years ago, a sweet friend was serving as a journeyman missionary in Tanzania, Africa. Her mom (also a dear friend) had recently been for a visit. On the Sunday after her mom returned home from the visit, I saw her at church. I asked her about the visit and about the well-being of her daughter. Then I said, "Wasn't it hard to leave her? Didn't you want to pack her up and bring her back with you?" Her answer stunned me, and it opened my eyes in a huge way. She answered something like this: "No. She is exactly where the Lord wants her to be, doing exactly what He wants her to do. She is right in the middle of His will. How could I want anything less?"
In that moment, my understanding of my responsibility as a mother changed. Suddenly, I understood that my job is to prepare my daughters to be who Christ has called them to be, to do what Christ is calling them to do. I love my daughters with all my heart, fiercely. I love nothing more than being with them. For years, when they would go away to children's camp for 5 days with our church, I would cry almost daily. I would hate every day that they were gone. But that was the day I started learning to let go. It suddenly dawned on me in a real way that they aren't mine anyway. They are His.
Then, a couple of years ago, I started having moments of panic when I would realize that they were getting closer and closer to being "grown". I would wake up at night and be unable to go back to sleep because all I could think of was how many years I had left with them at home. I would count how many more "first days of school" we had left. That was not who I wanted to be. I didn't want to be that mother who spent my children's high school years crying over every "last" thing. I didn't want to be the mother who mourned the past. I wanted to cherish every moment and look forward to the future with excitement. So I began to pray and ask God to give me joy in the expectation. As always, He is faithful.
This week, my oldest has been on the other side of the world, in a time zone almost opposite of ours, doing things I can only imagine. As the time approached for her to leave, I was filled with excitement about what she was about to experience. But I wondered what would happen once we got to the airport. Would I crumble? Would I cry when we drove away? Would I lay awake that night, worrying while her plane was crossing the Atlantic?
I am here to tell you I did none of those things! We spent our time at the airport joyfully anticipating her week. We drove away and I smiled at the excitement she and her team members had exhibited. That night, and every night since, I slept soundly (unusual in itself for me, since I regularly experience insomnia). My prayers were fruitful. The lesson learned so many years ago had taken root. My girl was doing what she was born to do. She was where God had placed her, doing the things He has created her to do. She was right in the middle of His will. How in the world could I want anything else for her?
She will be home in a little more than 48 hours. I have to say I can't wait to see her. I can't wait to hear about everything she did and everything she experienced. I can't wait to hear about everything God taught her. The girl I put on that plane won't be the girl who comes back. She will have grown and changed. I can't wait to see what God has done!
I am forever grateful for that conversation all those years ago. This is my thank you to my teacher. She knows who she is.
Many years ago, a sweet friend was serving as a journeyman missionary in Tanzania, Africa. Her mom (also a dear friend) had recently been for a visit. On the Sunday after her mom returned home from the visit, I saw her at church. I asked her about the visit and about the well-being of her daughter. Then I said, "Wasn't it hard to leave her? Didn't you want to pack her up and bring her back with you?" Her answer stunned me, and it opened my eyes in a huge way. She answered something like this: "No. She is exactly where the Lord wants her to be, doing exactly what He wants her to do. She is right in the middle of His will. How could I want anything less?"
In that moment, my understanding of my responsibility as a mother changed. Suddenly, I understood that my job is to prepare my daughters to be who Christ has called them to be, to do what Christ is calling them to do. I love my daughters with all my heart, fiercely. I love nothing more than being with them. For years, when they would go away to children's camp for 5 days with our church, I would cry almost daily. I would hate every day that they were gone. But that was the day I started learning to let go. It suddenly dawned on me in a real way that they aren't mine anyway. They are His.
Then, a couple of years ago, I started having moments of panic when I would realize that they were getting closer and closer to being "grown". I would wake up at night and be unable to go back to sleep because all I could think of was how many years I had left with them at home. I would count how many more "first days of school" we had left. That was not who I wanted to be. I didn't want to be that mother who spent my children's high school years crying over every "last" thing. I didn't want to be the mother who mourned the past. I wanted to cherish every moment and look forward to the future with excitement. So I began to pray and ask God to give me joy in the expectation. As always, He is faithful.
This week, my oldest has been on the other side of the world, in a time zone almost opposite of ours, doing things I can only imagine. As the time approached for her to leave, I was filled with excitement about what she was about to experience. But I wondered what would happen once we got to the airport. Would I crumble? Would I cry when we drove away? Would I lay awake that night, worrying while her plane was crossing the Atlantic?
I am here to tell you I did none of those things! We spent our time at the airport joyfully anticipating her week. We drove away and I smiled at the excitement she and her team members had exhibited. That night, and every night since, I slept soundly (unusual in itself for me, since I regularly experience insomnia). My prayers were fruitful. The lesson learned so many years ago had taken root. My girl was doing what she was born to do. She was where God had placed her, doing the things He has created her to do. She was right in the middle of His will. How in the world could I want anything else for her?
She will be home in a little more than 48 hours. I have to say I can't wait to see her. I can't wait to hear about everything she did and everything she experienced. I can't wait to hear about everything God taught her. The girl I put on that plane won't be the girl who comes back. She will have grown and changed. I can't wait to see what God has done!
I am forever grateful for that conversation all those years ago. This is my thank you to my teacher. She knows who she is.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Chance Encounters
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of
Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and
Rufus, to carry his cross. Mark 15:21
From all I can tell, that is all that God's Word tells us about the chance encounter Simon of Cyrene had with the Son of God. This encounter has been depicted in film, in song, and in Easter and Christmas pageants. But, in truth, this is all we know of Simon, except that he was the father of two sons. I can't help but wonder, though, what impact this chance encounter had on him.
Was he changed? Did he know whose cross he was bearing? What must his sons have thought? Simon is one of a very few people who are forever memorialized by a brief encounter with Jesus Christ in His earthly lifetime.
What about the people who encounter me? I bear the image of the Creator, and the mark of the Holy Spirit. I bear the name of Christ. People cross my path every day. Strangers, whom I may never see again. People who may be lost, hurting, wandering. Believers who may be suffering silently. Are they changed by our encounter? Do I reflect Christ well enough to make a difference? Do they know they have been in the presence of the Holy One?
That is my prayer.
And as I think about it, it is my prayer for my daughter and the team she is serving with in Latvia this week. I pray that the people they encounter this week will be changed for eternity. I pray they will know that they have been introduced to the Savior of their souls. May their futures be forever changed. May the name of Jesus be forever memorialized in that little corner of the world because 13 people decided to travel around the world to share Him.
From all I can tell, that is all that God's Word tells us about the chance encounter Simon of Cyrene had with the Son of God. This encounter has been depicted in film, in song, and in Easter and Christmas pageants. But, in truth, this is all we know of Simon, except that he was the father of two sons. I can't help but wonder, though, what impact this chance encounter had on him.
Was he changed? Did he know whose cross he was bearing? What must his sons have thought? Simon is one of a very few people who are forever memorialized by a brief encounter with Jesus Christ in His earthly lifetime.
What about the people who encounter me? I bear the image of the Creator, and the mark of the Holy Spirit. I bear the name of Christ. People cross my path every day. Strangers, whom I may never see again. People who may be lost, hurting, wandering. Believers who may be suffering silently. Are they changed by our encounter? Do I reflect Christ well enough to make a difference? Do they know they have been in the presence of the Holy One?
That is my prayer.
And as I think about it, it is my prayer for my daughter and the team she is serving with in Latvia this week. I pray that the people they encounter this week will be changed for eternity. I pray they will know that they have been introduced to the Savior of their souls. May their futures be forever changed. May the name of Jesus be forever memorialized in that little corner of the world because 13 people decided to travel around the world to share Him.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Little Faith, Big God
This morning I read the accounts in Mark of Jesus' encounters with Jairus and with the woman who touched His garment to be healed. Both were familiar to me, but I asked the Holy Spirit to teach me something new.
Jesus was not too busy to notice the woman who touched Him. Even in the crowd, He knew her touch was different. Even though He was on his way to heal (raise from the dead) the daughter of Jairus, He had time to give the woman his personal attention. He isn't bound by time. Stopping on His way meant nothing to Him. The woman was healed, however, simply by her faith. She accessed His power before Jesus even saw her or spoke to her!
Our faith can access the power of God. Believing in that power gives us access. There is no formal program or formula or activity necessary. Our relationship to Christ and our standing as a child of God gives us complete access to His power. And His power is as sufficient for a smaller need (the woman's healing) as it is for a huge issue (raising the dead). The power is the same, and it is equally available.
So here is my confession. I don't always live like I believe that. I tend to think my need isn't big enough, or important enough to warrant God's attention or power. God has recently used my daughter to show me how wrong I am about that. When she was presented with the opportunity to go on this mission trip to Latvia, we all knew it was of God. There was no hesitation on her part, or on ours, that this was God's will. We knew that it would be expensive, and we knew that God would provide. But in my own mind, that provision meant that He would help us work our finances and make the sacrifices necessary to pay for her trip.
I didn't think our need was important enough for his provision. Truly, I didn't. I had heard the stories of people in our church who had been called to go on mission and wanted to obey that call but knew that they could never pay for the trip. I had heard how God had provided supernaturally for those needs. But for some reason, I didn't think we "met the criteria". After all, my husband has a good job. He knew that by the time the trip came around, he would be able to manipulate our budget to pay for her trip. I knew my parents had offered to help. And they have helped tremendously, but even with their help, we would have had a huge amount to cover. I figured that God would provide by allowing us to work it out.
But God provided in ways we never imagined. He has provided through people we would have never expected. He has provided though people whose names we don't even know. As of today, a $1700+ trip is almost completely covered. We have not paid a penny of it. God did not allow us to adjust our finances. He provided completely outside of our finances.
See, I didn't think we were worthy of His miraculous provision. I didn't think our smaller need was as worthy of His notice as someone's bigger need. I didn't think He would notice our "touch" in the crowd. I didn't think He would take the time to stop for our need when He was on His way to take care of much bigger needs. But Jesus isn't bound by time. He doesn't measure our "need" the way we do. And His desire is to provide for us beyond what we can ask or imagine. My faith is not nearly big enough, but it is much bigger today than it was a couple of months ago. My God, however, is as big as ever.
Jesus was not too busy to notice the woman who touched Him. Even in the crowd, He knew her touch was different. Even though He was on his way to heal (raise from the dead) the daughter of Jairus, He had time to give the woman his personal attention. He isn't bound by time. Stopping on His way meant nothing to Him. The woman was healed, however, simply by her faith. She accessed His power before Jesus even saw her or spoke to her!
Our faith can access the power of God. Believing in that power gives us access. There is no formal program or formula or activity necessary. Our relationship to Christ and our standing as a child of God gives us complete access to His power. And His power is as sufficient for a smaller need (the woman's healing) as it is for a huge issue (raising the dead). The power is the same, and it is equally available.
So here is my confession. I don't always live like I believe that. I tend to think my need isn't big enough, or important enough to warrant God's attention or power. God has recently used my daughter to show me how wrong I am about that. When she was presented with the opportunity to go on this mission trip to Latvia, we all knew it was of God. There was no hesitation on her part, or on ours, that this was God's will. We knew that it would be expensive, and we knew that God would provide. But in my own mind, that provision meant that He would help us work our finances and make the sacrifices necessary to pay for her trip.
I didn't think our need was important enough for his provision. Truly, I didn't. I had heard the stories of people in our church who had been called to go on mission and wanted to obey that call but knew that they could never pay for the trip. I had heard how God had provided supernaturally for those needs. But for some reason, I didn't think we "met the criteria". After all, my husband has a good job. He knew that by the time the trip came around, he would be able to manipulate our budget to pay for her trip. I knew my parents had offered to help. And they have helped tremendously, but even with their help, we would have had a huge amount to cover. I figured that God would provide by allowing us to work it out.
But God provided in ways we never imagined. He has provided through people we would have never expected. He has provided though people whose names we don't even know. As of today, a $1700+ trip is almost completely covered. We have not paid a penny of it. God did not allow us to adjust our finances. He provided completely outside of our finances.
See, I didn't think we were worthy of His miraculous provision. I didn't think our smaller need was as worthy of His notice as someone's bigger need. I didn't think He would notice our "touch" in the crowd. I didn't think He would take the time to stop for our need when He was on His way to take care of much bigger needs. But Jesus isn't bound by time. He doesn't measure our "need" the way we do. And His desire is to provide for us beyond what we can ask or imagine. My faith is not nearly big enough, but it is much bigger today than it was a couple of months ago. My God, however, is as big as ever.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Good Enough?
I have a question for my sisters...believers, moms, wives, friends. Do you struggle with being "good enough"? Do you find yourself measuring your worth according to another person's standards? Surely I am not the only one. Don't we all let the words and actions of other people raise and lower our well-being thermostat? I'm not asking if we should...of course we shouldn't. But we do. I do. Don't you?
Why is that? Why are we so connected to the opinion of others? Why do we have that innate need for approval, need to be liked, need to be accepted? And why, when one person withdraws their approval or acceptance, does it rock our world? What are we looking for?
The "right" answer might be that we are trying to fill that "God shaped hole". But if we are believers, then hasn't that hole already been filled? I say yes. So what's with the need for approval? I don't think I have an answer. But I heard David Jeremiah say something last night that resonated with me. He was preaching on loneliness. He referenced the end of 2 Timothy, when Paul asked Timothy to "come quickly". Paul was lonely. Paul. The world's greatest missionary. The unstoppable, bold proclaimer of truth.The one who stood up against kings. He was lonely. Dr. Jeremiah said that his loneliness was not a sin. He said that many of us hide our loneliness, or our insecurity, behind a false smile and spout "church answers" to others. "Of course I am not lonely. God says He is always with me." "Of course I am secure, God is my security." "Of course I'm good enough. God says I am perfect and complete in Him." All of those things are true. I believe all of them. But I don't always feel them. I am pretty sure you don't either.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that it's ok to experience those feelings. But it's not ok to stay there. Whether it is seeking out prayer support, or burying yourself in the Word, or moving on and getting outside of yourself to serve others (yes, all three), there comes a point where we just have to believe what we know, cling to what God's Word tells us, and trust that we can live bold, powerful lives for the Lord. Because He is always with us. He is our security. We are perfect and complete in Him.
What say you?
Why is that? Why are we so connected to the opinion of others? Why do we have that innate need for approval, need to be liked, need to be accepted? And why, when one person withdraws their approval or acceptance, does it rock our world? What are we looking for?
The "right" answer might be that we are trying to fill that "God shaped hole". But if we are believers, then hasn't that hole already been filled? I say yes. So what's with the need for approval? I don't think I have an answer. But I heard David Jeremiah say something last night that resonated with me. He was preaching on loneliness. He referenced the end of 2 Timothy, when Paul asked Timothy to "come quickly". Paul was lonely. Paul. The world's greatest missionary. The unstoppable, bold proclaimer of truth.The one who stood up against kings. He was lonely. Dr. Jeremiah said that his loneliness was not a sin. He said that many of us hide our loneliness, or our insecurity, behind a false smile and spout "church answers" to others. "Of course I am not lonely. God says He is always with me." "Of course I am secure, God is my security." "Of course I'm good enough. God says I am perfect and complete in Him." All of those things are true. I believe all of them. But I don't always feel them. I am pretty sure you don't either.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that it's ok to experience those feelings. But it's not ok to stay there. Whether it is seeking out prayer support, or burying yourself in the Word, or moving on and getting outside of yourself to serve others (yes, all three), there comes a point where we just have to believe what we know, cling to what God's Word tells us, and trust that we can live bold, powerful lives for the Lord. Because He is always with us. He is our security. We are perfect and complete in Him.
What say you?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A Godly View of Dating - Sermon Recommendation
I had never heard of Paul Washer before a couple of weeks ago. I was "introduced" to him by a couple of friends via a Facebook conversation. Intrigued, I went to the Granted Ministries website . There, I found a sermon/series entitled A Godly View of Dating . Having already been convinced that Washer was someone I wanted to listen to, I figured this was a good place to start. After all, we have two teenaged girls. This has been a topic of discussion at our house for several years now. Not dating, per se, but our view of dating. I ordered the cds for just a little over $6 including shipping. A pretty good deal, I thought. My sweet, observant husband later informed me that I could have downloaded the mp3 version for free.
The girls and I have spent our time together in the car this week listening to this series of messages. As a result, I have to recommend that EVERY parent listen to them and every parent of teens listen to them with their teenagers. This is a powerful series. Paul Washer has what might be considered a radical view of dating...not so radical for us, but probably radical for many others. Even so, I urge any parent to take the time and listen. Listen from the perspective of taking something useful away, even if you don't swallow the whole thing. There is some valuable stuff in there. It will make you think, maybe rethink, your opinions and convictions. It will definitely challenge you.
The one issue he continually goes back to is the issue of Biblical Manhood. This was really timely in that our church is currently offering the Honor Begins at Home Bible Study based on the Courageous movie. We are participating in this study. My understanding is that the men discussed this very issue last week. I really think parents of boys, particularly fathers of boys, need to hear these messages. But they aren't just for boys/men. My girls were very impressed with his message, his thoughts on Godly womanhood, and-interestingly enough-his thoughts on Biblical Manhood. They told me that he put into words the thoughts they had about what kind of man they will look for some day.
He also has some pretty pointed things to say about the church and youth groups. I admit that I could have found myself offended, had I not recognized that the church we are involved in is not the norm. Sadly, churches that stand unapologetically on God's Word are fewer than one would like to think. Youth ministries that challenge students to grow deeper in God's Word are not as prevalent as those created for entertainment. Your church may also be "abnormal", so don't take offense at his assessment. I think he is correct that there are a lot of churches and youth ministries out there who are leading families astray. The church isn't perfect, but some are closer to God's plan than others. All that to say, listen with a heart that is open to being challenged.
If nothing else, I think these messages are valuable from the viewpoint of challenging the way we think about raising teenagers to become Godly adults. Some of us will be closer to his view than others, but if you are interested in seeing your boy become a Godly man, or your girl become a Godly woman, Paul Washer has some excellent thoughts on the matter.
The girls and I have spent our time together in the car this week listening to this series of messages. As a result, I have to recommend that EVERY parent listen to them and every parent of teens listen to them with their teenagers. This is a powerful series. Paul Washer has what might be considered a radical view of dating...not so radical for us, but probably radical for many others. Even so, I urge any parent to take the time and listen. Listen from the perspective of taking something useful away, even if you don't swallow the whole thing. There is some valuable stuff in there. It will make you think, maybe rethink, your opinions and convictions. It will definitely challenge you.
The one issue he continually goes back to is the issue of Biblical Manhood. This was really timely in that our church is currently offering the Honor Begins at Home Bible Study based on the Courageous movie. We are participating in this study. My understanding is that the men discussed this very issue last week. I really think parents of boys, particularly fathers of boys, need to hear these messages. But they aren't just for boys/men. My girls were very impressed with his message, his thoughts on Godly womanhood, and-interestingly enough-his thoughts on Biblical Manhood. They told me that he put into words the thoughts they had about what kind of man they will look for some day.
He also has some pretty pointed things to say about the church and youth groups. I admit that I could have found myself offended, had I not recognized that the church we are involved in is not the norm. Sadly, churches that stand unapologetically on God's Word are fewer than one would like to think. Youth ministries that challenge students to grow deeper in God's Word are not as prevalent as those created for entertainment. Your church may also be "abnormal", so don't take offense at his assessment. I think he is correct that there are a lot of churches and youth ministries out there who are leading families astray. The church isn't perfect, but some are closer to God's plan than others. All that to say, listen with a heart that is open to being challenged.
If nothing else, I think these messages are valuable from the viewpoint of challenging the way we think about raising teenagers to become Godly adults. Some of us will be closer to his view than others, but if you are interested in seeing your boy become a Godly man, or your girl become a Godly woman, Paul Washer has some excellent thoughts on the matter.
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