Slowing down
“In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that thou wilt slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live, time to get acquainted with thee, time to enjoy thy blessings, and time to know each other. Amen”
Jim Gordon
Christian Power
As Christians seek to use their liberty to influence those in power (or to win power themselves), it’s incumbent that we understand that lost power is not an injustice— only lost liberty breaks the American social compact. Our liberty is unalienable. By contrast, we must constantly demonstrate that we’re worthy of power.
David French
Stupidity
Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed—in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical—and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self-satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “After Ten Years” (Letters and Papers from Prison)
Job’s friends
Job’s religious friends and advisers have correct theory but no experience; thoughts about God, but no love of God. They believe in their theology; Job believes in the God of their theology. It is a big difference. The first is information; the second is wisdom.
Richard Rohr
Loss of Faith
The loss of faith isn’t a loss of belief, but a display of contempt. Contempt is another honor/shame word from ancient patronage. Rejecting the gift of the patron (in this case God’s gift of his Son upon the cross) brings dishonor upon the patron. It’s the greatest affront and insult, the worst thing a client could to to a generous and loving patron. Especially when you weren’t worthy of the gift in the first place!
Richard Beck
One Friend
One friend, one person who is truly understanding, who takes the trouble to listen to us as we consider our problems, can change our whole outlook on the world. —Dr. Elton Mayo
Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a most powerful yet humble means of the grace of God through the remembrance of Jesus Christ by the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.
…in the act of celebrating the Lord’s Supper we witness the saving grace and miraculous mystery of the cross in the bread and cup: the one who was whole became broken so that the ones who were broken could become whole, and the one who was full became empty so that the ones who were empty could become full.
J D Walt
What I’m thinking
It has become our custom when we have something to give away we put in on the curb with a free sign. Normally, items are gone within minutes. Yesterday after cleaning out my storage area, I placed a very usable mop bucket on the curb. Nearly a day later it remains. I am thinking its rejection is a commentary on our society. I haven’t yet decided exactly what it says. Perhaps no one knows what it is? What do you think?
SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT