The Creator made this earth in such a wonderful way. During those days of creation, he saw the need for seasonal changes: “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years….” (Genesis 1:14, ESV). As we look upon the wonders of creation and appreciate nature’s beauty, we can thank God for good things. In addition, the continued renewal of the seasons reminds us that God is alive and well (Psalm 90:2).
As you look over the list below, you may think of other things that you appreciate about fall. Think on those and give thanks to God for your ability to see, hear, touch, smell and taste. “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:26, ESV).
It’s harvest time.
There are crisp mornings and cool nights.
Hayrides!
The leaves change colors.
Football weather!
The days are shorter.
Thanksgiving Day!
Grass does not have to be mowed.
The kids are in back in school!
It is a forewarning of winter.
We get a break from summer’s heat.
You can smell the smoke from neighbors’ chimneys.
The soil is allowed to “rest” for the next growing season.
Apple Cider!
Fallen leaves nourish the soil.
Pumpkin pie!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Power of an R.A.K.
No, an R.A.K. is not a rifle. In fact, it is not a even a weapon—not a physical weapon, anyway. I experienced the power of an R.A.K. this past week during a routine part of my day. I believe the combination of many of them would have an awesome impact on our world.
Let me show you what I mean . . . .
I was driving to my office on a Monday morning and just happened to have my radio tuned to a station in Clarksville, TN. It is normal for the hosts to run a trivia contest at about that time of morning. On that particular morning, the contest was between a man and a woman. I cannot remember the man’s name, but I will call him “Roger.” The woman’s name was Melissa. Melissa just happened to mention during the segment that she had a two-week-old baby.
The contest began with, of all things, a question about the average weight of a newborn baby. Of course, Melissa answered that question well and received several points because of it. Roger laughingly commented on how that question “just happened to come up.” The next question was given and it was about the average cost of a fast food meal. Roger was more attuned to this type of question and quickly suggested “$5.00.” That was the number one answer and pushed Roger well ahead of Melissa.
Then Roger did a completely unexpected thing. He passed and told the hosts that he was going to do something probably no one else had ever done: He was going to forfeit the game to Melissa because he thought she, as a new mother, could use the prize (a free massage from a local spa). The hosts (a man and a woman), were stunned. They went on and on about how nice Roger was and about how his kind act was such a good thing. They decided, on the spur of the moment, to give “Roger” a gift certificate to a local restaurant. A positive atmosphere prevailed on the set following the contest. That act of kindness stayed with me all day—and I was seventy miles away.
You have probably guessed the meaning of R.A.K. by now: a “random act of kindness.” You probably also heard that terminology a few years ago when people were trying to counter the random acts of violence (road rage, for example) in our world. I think, however, it is time to begin weaving “R.A.K.’s” into the fabric of our lives. Those acts will enrich our lives as well as the lives of others around us. “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21, ESV).
Let me show you what I mean . . . .
I was driving to my office on a Monday morning and just happened to have my radio tuned to a station in Clarksville, TN. It is normal for the hosts to run a trivia contest at about that time of morning. On that particular morning, the contest was between a man and a woman. I cannot remember the man’s name, but I will call him “Roger.” The woman’s name was Melissa. Melissa just happened to mention during the segment that she had a two-week-old baby.
The contest began with, of all things, a question about the average weight of a newborn baby. Of course, Melissa answered that question well and received several points because of it. Roger laughingly commented on how that question “just happened to come up.” The next question was given and it was about the average cost of a fast food meal. Roger was more attuned to this type of question and quickly suggested “$5.00.” That was the number one answer and pushed Roger well ahead of Melissa.
Then Roger did a completely unexpected thing. He passed and told the hosts that he was going to do something probably no one else had ever done: He was going to forfeit the game to Melissa because he thought she, as a new mother, could use the prize (a free massage from a local spa). The hosts (a man and a woman), were stunned. They went on and on about how nice Roger was and about how his kind act was such a good thing. They decided, on the spur of the moment, to give “Roger” a gift certificate to a local restaurant. A positive atmosphere prevailed on the set following the contest. That act of kindness stayed with me all day—and I was seventy miles away.
You have probably guessed the meaning of R.A.K. by now: a “random act of kindness.” You probably also heard that terminology a few years ago when people were trying to counter the random acts of violence (road rage, for example) in our world. I think, however, it is time to begin weaving “R.A.K.’s” into the fabric of our lives. Those acts will enrich our lives as well as the lives of others around us. “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21, ESV).
Is It Possible to Live Consistently?
A man known for his conservative stance is seen to be guilty of the very acts which he has publicly condemned. It has happened at least three times in the last few months (a preacher and two congressmen) and I am not so naïve as to think it won’t happen again. What’s more is that the instances were not one-time lapses of judgment, but cases of men who had patterns of behavior that were direct contradictions of the men’s public professions.
Unfortunately, it appears that the American public is about to become extremely cynical (actually, they already are) and assume that most conservative thinkers and religious people are hypocrites. While you may rightly say such an assumption is unfair, do not be surprised to see this trend continue. Some praise those who blatantly live in sin for not being hypocritical. While we may “appreciate” the consistency of someone who does not pretend to be something they are not, we should never admire a sinner for sinning.
There is another problem as well. You and I see ourselves and know that there are areas in our lives in which we struggle. We may thus feel reluctant to speak out about sin, fearful that someone might bring our shortcomings to light—even if those shortcomings are not patterns of willful behavior. We ask ourselves, “How can I live in such a way as to be consistent with my profession of faith in God?” Here are some answers:
1. Humble yourself before God and pray that you will be kept from a spirit of pride (James 4:10). Remember that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
2. Beware of saying things like “I would never…” or “No one in my family would ever…” Peter told Jesus that he would never deny him (Matthew 26:35), yet just a few hours later, he did. None of us know what we might do in a moment of weakness. We would like to think we would not give in to temptation, but we cannot say for sure that we would not. Our best course of action would be to avoid situations that we know would exploit our weaknesses and to get out of them as quickly as possible if we inadvertently stumble into them.
3. If you correct someone, do so in a spirit of humility (Galatians 6:1,2) letting them know that you are not “above” them, but one who is trying to help them. In condemnation of behavior, let the Bible speak and let your behavior reflect the Bible (2 Peter 3:11, 12). “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
4. Remember that consistent living is not perfection, but a pattern of godliness. We can live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) before God.
Unfortunately, it appears that the American public is about to become extremely cynical (actually, they already are) and assume that most conservative thinkers and religious people are hypocrites. While you may rightly say such an assumption is unfair, do not be surprised to see this trend continue. Some praise those who blatantly live in sin for not being hypocritical. While we may “appreciate” the consistency of someone who does not pretend to be something they are not, we should never admire a sinner for sinning.
There is another problem as well. You and I see ourselves and know that there are areas in our lives in which we struggle. We may thus feel reluctant to speak out about sin, fearful that someone might bring our shortcomings to light—even if those shortcomings are not patterns of willful behavior. We ask ourselves, “How can I live in such a way as to be consistent with my profession of faith in God?” Here are some answers:
1. Humble yourself before God and pray that you will be kept from a spirit of pride (James 4:10). Remember that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
2. Beware of saying things like “I would never…” or “No one in my family would ever…” Peter told Jesus that he would never deny him (Matthew 26:35), yet just a few hours later, he did. None of us know what we might do in a moment of weakness. We would like to think we would not give in to temptation, but we cannot say for sure that we would not. Our best course of action would be to avoid situations that we know would exploit our weaknesses and to get out of them as quickly as possible if we inadvertently stumble into them.
3. If you correct someone, do so in a spirit of humility (Galatians 6:1,2) letting them know that you are not “above” them, but one who is trying to help them. In condemnation of behavior, let the Bible speak and let your behavior reflect the Bible (2 Peter 3:11, 12). “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
4. Remember that consistent living is not perfection, but a pattern of godliness. We can live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) before God.
Trying Again
I am sorry that I have not kept up with my blog-posts. I let my fall schedule get me away from it. So, I am going to try and make up some ground in the next couple of days. I will be adding bulletin articles and a couple of person posts, hopefully.
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