America: A nation of Wimps?

Wimps, wuss, weenie---those are just some of the terms I have heard to describe men and boys through the years who are not "manly" or whatever that means.
But lets look at this subject and you decide for yourself how true it is. Hara Marano wrote in "Psychology Today" that America is turning into a "nation of wimps." The author went on to say it is maybe the cyclist complete with blue helmet riding along a designated dirt path---not too fast---on his tricycle. Or maybe it is the all cushioned surface where kids used to skin their knees and now they are not allowed to play alone. The author wrote, "Their mommies and daddies are playing with them, making sure that the little darlings don't experience even the slightest scrape, scratch, or scare." There is no such thing as allowing kids to figure some things out for themselves. Marano describes this as an attempt for parents to sanitize their children's childhood. Which is described as, "Our kids are growing up to be pampered wimps who are incapable of assuming adult responsibility and have no idea how to handle the routine challenges of life.
David Elkind, a child psychologist, says that "kids need to feel badly sometimes...We learn through experience and we learn through bad experiences. Through failure we learn how to cope."
Steven Hyman, Harvard University's provost and former director of the National Institute of Mental Health described the problem of pampering is so great it is affecting the education of students even in college. He took note that Harvard once graduated 94% of the class of 2001 with honors. How do you say grade inflation? Caused from pressure from parents (donors).
One writer says parents turn to doctors and teachers to make their children into the people that parents want to believe their kids are. Interesting.
I even read where some blame this on cell phones and even things like "twitter". The reason is all kids are in contact with every little thing with their parents. They cannot stub their toe or experience a breakup or make a C without parents rushing to their defence.
I find this interesting and have a tendency to agree. I have dealt with far too many parents who seem to invent reasons why their child cannot make perfect grades or start on Friday night. Instead of learning through the experience, we want them to find fault in whoever made the decision that caused their heartache.
I think it might go further than that. We as christian parents need to pay attention and not seek the world's standards. Al Mohler wrote that, '"We must push our children toward excellence, but we must define excellence consistent with the Christian gospel."
Maybe we need to thankful for the lessons learn from skinned knees, other disappointments and the blessing of hard work.
Maybe, just maybe, this could be one reason for so many churches springing up and preaching a gospel centered around what somebody might want instead of what they need.
Jim

Singing too Loud

A story as told by an elderly gentleman who was having difficulty sleeping....
"I lived in Germany during the Nazi holocaust. I considered mys elf a Christian. I attended church since I was a small boy. We had heard the stories of what was happening to the Jews, but like most people today in this country, we tried to distance ourselves from the reality of what was really taking place. What could anyone do to stop it?

A railroad track ran behind our small church, and each Sunday morning we would hear the whistle from a distance and then the clacking of the wheels moving over the track. We became disturbed when on Sunday we noticed cries coming from the train as it passed by. We grimly realized that the train was carrying Jews. They were like cattle in those cars!

Week after week that train whistle would blow. We would dread to hear the sound of those old wheels because we knew that the Jews would begin to cry out to us as they passed our church. It was so terribly disturbing! We could do nothing to help these poor miserable people, yet their screams tormented us. We knew exactly at what time that whistle would blow, and we decided the only way to keep from being so disturbed by the cries was to start singing our hymns. By the time the train came rumbling past the church yard, we were singing at the top of our voices. If some of the screams reached our ears, we'd just sing a little Louder until we could hear them no more. Years have passed and no one talks about it much anymore, but I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians, yet did nothing to intervene.

Wow. What a story! What a memory!

There are several levels of application here so I will try to mention only one. You see, I do not think church people are any different today than then. As long as no one bothers us, we just sing a little louder and let the needs of the world go by. The challenges of our city and state are great, yet we will not act until it affects us personally. We cannot solve all the problems, but we can take one step at time to make a difference. The difference begins in me. Then goes to you. So I encourage you today to turn down the volume and open your eyes. And then, take the step God wants you to.
Jim

The Immorality of the new American Dream

I must admit that I liked the old American Dream. You remember it don't you? You know the old dream was based on the Judeo-Christian work ethic. We were taught and believed that if you were educated and worked hard, then success would be your reward. There was no public challenge to a belief in God---in other words, it was fine to be a believer! Your reward would be a good life, white picket fence around your house, great dog, all that stuff.
But something changed.
Our leaders found out several years ago that all the money setting in the bank for social security and other things, could be spent and paid back with the current contributions by the taxpayers. We began an idea spending today using tomorrow's money.
Make it personal: My grandchildren, including the one to be born in February of 2010, will pay for my benefits I enjoy today. A child not yet born is liable for my debt. That is just wrong. That is immoral.
It is immoral because it is all based on greed. It was greed that drove many of our leaders to provide services to get votes for the next election. It was greed that people felt they were entitled to things they feel they deserve for just being born.
I want to believe that the sun is not setting on America and the old American dream. But a nation that puts God in the back seat and has an attitude of "play now" pay later will reap what it has sown.
Now where did I put my credit card....
Jim

No struggle, no progress

There was a powerful speech made in 1857 which reflected the attitude of many across the country as the shadow of the civil war was starting to take center stage in American history. Let me highlight a few quotes from the speaker:
"The general sentiment of mankind is that a man who will not fight for himself, when he has the means of doing so, is not worth being fought for by others, and this sentiment is just. For a man who does not value freedom for himself will never value it for others, or put himself to an inconvenience to gain it for others....The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of earnest struggle...It must do this or it does nothing. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. The want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters."
It was a most incredible speech and I could go on about various points the speaker was making. But before I tell you the speaker, let's look at a potential application different than the one he had in mind in 1857.
We all know what we must do to move forward, whether it is your life, church or job. Solutions are not hidden. The will to act is. Many of us would rather sit by and hope things change instead of acting in the direction we fill led.
We say we want our church to grow, but in reality, we only want it to grow if it does not affect us in anyway. Everyone is free to be different as long as it is the same.
Someone in the past made the difficult decisions and difficult actions necessary for us to be blessed today. We need to make some choices for others today. I want to be planting trees for those in the future to enjoy.
The speaker was Frederick Douglass. He was speaking of freedom for all people. I am speaking of how God wants to work in your life and mine. We must be a willing tool in His hand. He accepts nothing less.
Jim

God's Purpose or Mine?

I am a big fan of devotional books.
The early morning hours are prime time for my spiritual journey. I really seem to get a lot out of a brief word and story to illustrate it. There is no doubt the greatest book like this I have ever enjoyed time and time again is, "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I have quoted a recent thought from his wonderful book. By the way, this book was required reading at seminary in a spiritual foundations course.
"We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God's purpose of us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
What is my vision of God's purpose form me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power NOW. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish---His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see Him walking on the sea with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see Him walking on the sea. It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.
God's training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
God's purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious."
Where are you today on that journey toward success?
Jim

Cheating, Baseball, and Philosophy

There is no doubt who I cheer on when it comes to baseball. The beloved Cardinals have a rich and profound history in that wonderful sport. I used to drive some six hours and catch a game in St. Louis and then return in the same evening. My friends and I were blessed to have seen players such as Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, et al through the years. I remembered fondly the voice of Jack Buck as he brought home each and every win and the difficult challenges with cubbies.
But in Philadelphia I watched something I had never seen before.
A fan (debatable) actually used a laser to flash the eyes of Cardinal batters. Once it was a green laser pointed on Julio Lugo and Albert Pujols. Then later a red one was pointed at Schumaker, Thurston and DeRosa.
One phillies player, Jimmy Rollins, said, "It's immature. something that doesn't belong at a ballpark." Boy, that was strong words (sarcasm)! He did not want to criticize his own fans too much.
It has always amazed me how an affection for a sports team and affect someones life. We cheer for the razorbacks, Arkansas Baptist, and others yet I want the contest to be decided on the field not in the stands.
You might find this interesting, but when the Hogs win a football game, it creates renewed excitement on a Sunday morning. And when they lose, the world is coming to an end.
But there is no reason to cheat---with a laser or another method. It is just a game! Players cheat, coaches cheat, and now fans cheat. We are all aware of improper gifts from a donor in the college ranks; the pro coach at New England was caught stealing signs; the list could go on and on. The Florida State coach even wants to change some rules and punishment so he can count some more victories before he retires.
I was once taught of a philosophy that the "ends justify the means." It states that regardless how one achieves ones goals, it does not matter as long as the goal is reached. That idea is becoming more common in all aspects of society.
Jesus taught us to live differently. He expects us to walk a higher road. He expects us to be a believer and act like one even if it is in a sporting event or cheering on your favorite team.
You know, you cannot cheat your way into heaven. Even fans of other teams will be there---maybe.
jim

I agree with the President

I agree with President Obama. Are you shocked?
The question then is, "what do you agree with him about?"
Well, let me paraphase a statement he made last week. He was quoting the old wise saying that "there is no free lunch" when pressed about the cost of health care. You could be southern about it and say there ain't no free lunch! In the president's remarks he said people do know and understand that things cost money and the money has to come from somewhere.
Well, he is correct, there is no free lunch. But you know, please understand there is no free health care. And there are many people who do not believe that.
Thoughout my life, I have been amazed more than once that people have bragged about some benefit they have received from somewhere, and that somewhere is ususally the government. We use this program or that and take the benefit and feel like "we got a good deal" or we "beat the system." I have also been quite surprised at times to hear some say that the government and the people owe them something and should be more generous. I have even had people tell me the church owes them something.
I will never forget an Easter service at one of my former churches, where a man actually drove his car up to our doors and waited for people to come out and ask for money because we "should" give to him.
Our country seems to have produced an entitlement mentality where many believe they are "owed" some benefit just because they exist.
What ever benefit or program or health care plan given out by the government comes from the government's only source of income---the people and what they produce.
Does the Bible speak to universal health care? Not really. But I can say a few things with Biblical confidence:
---We believers should deal with others with compassion and we should help where we can.
---People have responsibility to do all they can (work) to meet their basic needs.
---I have never met a believer who refuses to help someone who is trying to help themselves.
---Churches should be doing more not less.
---Christians should be informed and involved.
Watch the debate on health care and be informed and voice your opinion. Remember you are part of "we the people".

Basketball "Dribbles" some Truth

The phone rang and a voice said, "hi, this is John and we have never met." Where was the phone call taken you ask, and who was John? I will tell you but first things first.
The phone call was made to a small Bible college that few have ever heard of. The business manager and the school leadership decided that they needed to develop an athletic program that would help put the school on the map.
Football was the obvious choice. They soon discovered however that football is quite expensive to develop and maintain. So they went the basketball route.
The Lord seemed to affirm their decision because a great Christian coach agreed to sign on and build a program. Recruiting would be tough because of a lack of history and a lack of a bank full of money for scholarships.
Back to the phone call. The caller said, "hi this is John and we have never met. I've followed basketball for a long time, and....I love your school...I know your new coach." He went on to say he had seen a very gifted kid that could be an all-American but everyone had overlooked him. He asked if the coach might want to meet this young student. Of course, the new coach agreed and signed him to play, along with a couple of his friends. I do not know the players name but the team won a lot of games for a new program. I do know the name of the caller. His name of John Wooden who had coached UCLA to 10 national championships. those NCAA titles were won over a period of 12 years.
Wooden chose not to ID himself because he understood what may happen. He just wanted to help this school get off to great start. He wanted a student to get a chance. There was nothing in it for him. It was a humble act.
Christian love is a humble love. But sadly, humility is not part of our experience. I long to see that type of humble love being expressed again. The church could sure use it.
American churches seem to exhibit the same arrogance that our society does. Our cry is buildings, baptisms, and budgets---that what success is all about! The apostle Paul said, let me show you a more "excellent way". He described a type of love that demonstrates the true nature of Christ. Paul said spiritual gifts are great, but reach for a higher level of spiritual growth.
I always thought that the person closest to Jesus, and the one who would set at His side was not the obvious. It would not be the big time preacher or spiritual giant or the famous book writer. It would be someone no one ever heard of, but was pleading through prayers and life a relationship that reflected Jesus. It would be the kind of person who would do something for someone else with no desire for anything in return.

The Last Days---Really?

Let's be honest. If you want to make a lot of money writing a book, the subject of the "last days" gives you an immediate audience. The more challenging the world becomes, the more books will come out.
I believe the last days started with Peter when he said they did in the Book of Acts.
I also believe there has been incredible abuse and manipulation of the believing community on this subject. It saddens me when people are led astray by those who take the news and twist it to fit their brand of Bible prophecy.
I am starting a series on the "Revelations" of John in August, but a news article caught my eye.

It seems the Chinese have said it again and again this year. I have observed many such requests in the past but with the country of China controlling our debt and the Euro gaining acceptance around the world, it begs the question, 'is there a Biblical sign about money in the last days? There seems to be a growing cry from the financial community for some kind of single money system. The volitility of the markets combined with a true world economy are pushing our leaders to consider this in a more serious way. Add that to the way the country is being run right now and you can see how Americans can be told this is the right thing to do.

Computor technology has made this system possible. What system am I talking about? Read the final verses of Revelation 13 because a controlled buy and sell method is stated. No one is going to be able to buy or sell without a mark. The Bible clearly states that one should not take this mark because of what and who it means.
If the only way for your family is to survive is to take this mark, would you? Or do you feel we will be raptured out before then? Or will there be exceptions to this? Or do you believe there is no way America will give up the dollar?
These sure are interesting days we live in.
Jim

Keno and Arkansas Politicians

Well,
You knew it would happen even though they said it wouldn't. The people of Arkansas were sold on the idea that every child in our state would get a free ride (mostly) for college and the adults could have some fun providing it. Ignoring how this is a regressive tax on those who can least afford it, we bought it.
I found it great fun to read from our state-wide newspaper a serious discussion about a crazy game called Keno. I do not understand and really do not care to learn. But the bottom line is that the lottery wants it but some politicians say no. Our attorney general says its legal until the legislature stops it. Even though others think it would be a "misdemeanor" if it was set up. It appears Keno must be in legal limbo.
I really enjoyed a comment quoted in that paper about a Representative in our beloved state. The rep was quoted as saying that they did not know about the game because they were concerned only with the scholarship part of it. This rep went on to say they 'trusted" the leadership to develop how a lottery must work. Apparently, reading of the bill was not a high priority. Other folks quoted in the article also had the same type of comments.
Before it has even begun, our leaders are confused on it. They voted the rules in on things they do not understand.
For those of you who thought government promoted gambling would solve all of our problems and be run in the light of day with everything out in the open: I just have one thing to say---don't bet on it.
Jim

Insight from Shia LaBeouf

I got so excited the other day when I picked up an article out of my Sunday paper and read where an actor told the truth about something larger then he expected.
According to the article, Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the upcoming release, Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen, had a very candid conversation with author Dotson Rader.
He stated, "Sometimes I feel I'm living a meaningless life, and I get frightened. He went on to describe the usual thoughts we get from actors. but he gave further insight about himself when he said, "Every man has those feelings of escape and survival. I know you shouldn't be that way. I'm trying to understand it and find the answers. I don't have them now...I have no answers to anything...Why am I an alcoholic? I haven't a...clue. What is life about? I don't know."

Why does this excite me? The man was being honest. The first step in finding direction in life is being honest with yourself.

I wonder if Hollywood could discover honesty? I wonder if they could get past being politically correct and pushing their agenda long enough to take an honest look at themselves and their industry? I wonder if they would be honest about how they have impacted our culture?
Of course, we need to be honest with ourselves and where we stand in this life. But different from Shia, I have a meaning and understanding about life. I have reason to be here. I have a future. I have no need to escape.
I have Faith in something greater than myself. Faith in a purpose filled life. Faith that I will get to meet the author of that faith gives me a reason and hope to move forward.
I am optimistic in a pessimistic world.
Dr. Jim

A real Depression

America seems to be in a bit of a funk. I do not ever remember so many worried about so much. Well, it caused me to look back at some history at the "real" depression. You know, the one we all talked and studied about in our history books. I was especially interested in how President Hoover responded after the stock market crash.
I must admit that I have not had the time to do an exhaustive research on the matter but enough that a trend seems to have emerged. The crash caught him and many economic advisers by surprise. Of course if there are two econ advisers in the room, then you have three opinions anyway. But Hoover thought that it would be short lived and he did not see the need for radical decisions. He really believed he just needed to show a steady hand and the country would move through this moment in time. Maybe it would have worked, but the economic trouble was compounded by a severe drought and dust bowl era. America wanted action and direction, not just a steady hand at the helm.
The hatred toward this president seemed to be growing throughout his term. During his reelection campaign against Roosevelt, he even received a telegram asking him to vote for FDR so the vote would be unanimous. Of course he lost and the FDR era began. It was said by one writer that before Hoover left the White House for the last time, that he standing staring out a window, with red eyes because he had apparently wept over what all had happened to him and the country during his time.
The reality seems to be that he never truly realized the situation the country was in. Maybe he did not want to believe it; maybe he just wanted to deny it. He just seemed to never have a handle on all that had happened.
You and I want to deny things as well. We just do not want to think about it or even admit something is wrong. When things are wrong, you have little hope for the future and confidence in any direction. You question everything and trust nothing.
But I am a believer. And as a believer, I have hope. I think our greatest days could be ahead of us, not behind us.
As has been said, in the end the pessimist might be right. But the optimist enjoys the trip a lot more.
Jim Lagrone

Resurgence

I am now a blogger.
Before we start on this week's blog, let me tell you where the name, "on the wall" comes from. The book of Ezekiel records a watchmen on the wall who is assigned the task of scanning the horizon to see if any challenge is coming. Of course, this blog will be scanning the horizon to see what might be an event we need to pay attention too. Remember, this is opinion and sometimes I might not even agree with myself. So, here we go....
Southern Baptists have been known for numerous things through the years. We have stood tall at times on issues and we have avoided issues that make us uncomfortable. We have been evangelistic and centered our fellowship as churches on our common missionary efforts. I really do believe we can accomplish more working together than apart.
Times, however have changed for some churches and pastors. We are not working together as we once did. The attendance at associational meetings and convention meetings is getting "older". We are all too familiar with the conservative resurgence and the stress and strain that SBC life has felt. And now, there is a new movement started by convention president, Johnny Hunt.
He has posted a document called, "A Great Commission Resurgence". It is his belief that we need to refocus on the great commission to fulfill our mandate in missions and evangelism. We all agree. Where the problem lies for some is in his 10 commitments. You can read his complete statement at:theGreatcommissionresurgence.com. Most of his thoughts are welcomed. But many in our denomination worry about number 9 which calls for a more effective convention structure.
I have no problem evaluating our current structure. We should never be afraid to see if things are working or if we can do a better job in our churches as well as our denominational structure. The question really lies with who does the evaluating? Do they already have an agenda? Do they actually love southern Baptists? I think it is fine to look at ourselves and see if we are doing the best we can with the resources God has given us.
Never forget the local church, under the lordship of Christ, is the foundation of all we do. If it is not, something must change. If it is, we leave it alone.
What do you think?