Born a Generation Too Late
I’ve often maintained that I was born at least one generation too late. Why? Because I believe as Robert Bork portrayed in his 1996 book, “Slouching Towards Gomorrah”, that American society is on a fast slide down to “Hell in a hand basket” and I’m sick and tired of it. Selfishly, I would like to have been part of (with my wife and kids), the generation encompassing 1925-1945. This is the last generation that openly, collectively valued God, motherhood/family, and country.
Tom Brokaw calls it the “Greatest Generation”, and I’m not in disagreement. However, I like to focus on it being the last “classy generation”. Just talk to people from that time, or watch movies produced (be very careful about contemporary movies portraying that era), then. Yes, people were just as inherently sinful and in need of Jesus, but often they conducted themselves more like how I would imagine a Christian society would. They dressed nicer, talked nicer, followed rules and etiquette.
Public park summer 1960: men in suits, shirt sleeves and slacks, uniforms ; women in dresses, uniforms; kids dressed appropriately. Modest, sensible dress for the most part. People quietly talking or reading; gentlemen looking out for ladies (perhaps being extra careful of their language around ladies and children).
Public park summer 2015: Sometimes not sure if it’s a man or woman. Dressed (maybe undressed is more accurate), in almost anything. Man or woman: shorts of some kind and varying fits/lengths, t-shirts, ditto; with anything imaginable written or portrayed on it. Tattoos everywhere (I mean everywhere), profanity (this includes women and children), and a large disregard for rules/etiquette.
Of course there are always exceptions, but as a general rule this reality can’t be denied. In 2 Timothy 3 we are told that those of us wanting to live Godly lives will be persecuted. In a sense, these assaults on our senses are a form of persecution. Granted, they don’t compare to the outright physical atrocities committed against Christians in other parts of the world, but they are a subtle spiritual persecution. When you can’t go anywhere with your children without seeing offensive billboards, bumper/window stickers, t-shirts, magazine covers, etc. ad nauseam; you know we're living in a 2 Timothy society.
Edmund Burke is quoted: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Ah, how right he was/is! I'm not suggesting that Christians run around defacing billboards, tearing off stickers, and generally confronting people about their boorish behavior (but part of me likes the idea). But voice your disapproval of such things when given the opportunity. If you can, contribute to organizations that fight to maintain decency in society. Yes, it's ultimately a losing battle, but we're called to "...fight the good fight." Fallen man is going to continue to drag society down the slippery slope until Jesus decides: enough is enough!
Yes, it would have been nice to be part of the "Greatest Generation", but God has seen fit to put me and my family where/when we are. Therefore, we will do all we can to emulate those of that era and bring a little light to a darkening world.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Say Yes to Marriage
Marriage; sure seems to get talked about, but for the wrong reasons. In years past it was the divorce rate, now that seems to have been supplanted by same-sex marriage discussions. I believe, of course, from Gods Word that divorce is a bad (or maybe a better word would be sad), thing and that "marriage" between people of the same sex is no more legitimate than marriage between someone and their Pomeranian. But be clear that I am not equating these things at all. Divorce is an unfortunate experience that even Christians can experience, whereas, a union not between one man and one woman is not marriage. It's a union, partnership, agreement, mess, etc., but definitely not marriage. But these are issues for another time, as I want to celebrate marriage (reminder: whenever you see marriage without italics in the text, I'm referring to one male/one female, who have made their commitment between God and man in a formal ceremony.
Next month my parents will be celebrating their 58th anniversary, and my wife and I, our 19th. There is nothing that I am more proud of (in a thankful blessed way, not "...hey, look what I've done!), than being married to such a beautiful, intelligent, and most importantly, Godly woman for these years. No matter how much I screw up in other areas of my life (believe me, it's a long list), I always have that trump card. I am proud of my parents in a similar way. After being married for 19 years, I think I have developed some appreciation of being married as long as they have. Being the eldest of the children, I have remembrance of more of their marriage than my siblings. Although my upbringing was as idyllic as one can be, our family had our share of stresses that could have pushed a husband and wife apart. But they stayed together. From the "worlds" point of view (and mine, before the scales fell away), it would have been easy to suggest that they might be better off apart, than together; fortunately this didn't happen. I believe as a couple stays together over the years, they become more "one flesh" than they were when the vows were exchanged.
My fondest memories of growing up are of times with mom and dad. That's mom and dad concurrently, not consecutively; as in going to see mom and dad, not mom than dad, as is the case in many situations where they have split up. Unquestionably, it is a specific blessing for them that my parents are enjoying a nice life in Florida, and a specific blessing for me and my family that Grandman and Grandpa are a one-stop destination. They have each other and we have them; it doesn't get much better in this life.
As for me, that's easy, my marriage was the best thing that happened to me. I didn't get married and have children (well, not me exactly, but you know), until later than most (much later than some). Often when I would tell others how old I was and the age of my kids they would assume that I was on (at least), my second marriage/family. The easy response was that I am just a "late bloomer", but of course we are all on God's schedule; not ours.
I don't claim to know why or claim any credit for such a wonderful blessing, but I'll tell you that I never take my marriage for granted. This doesn't mean that I'm some perfect husband; that is not even close to the reality. What it does mean, is that in my quieter, most lucid moments, I thank God for the wonderful woman in my life. I like to think that there are more with this perspective than sometimes appears to be the case.
Celebrate marriage! For us guys this means not just taking out the trash and helping with the painting, but talk up marriage. When married men go on about other women (as is invariably the case in my experience), at the very least, don't participate. If those around me perceive that I'm uncomfortable it can often lead to an opportunity to explain why. This will lead back to God's Word on the matter, not to me being some kind of prude (granted, many will equate taking a stand based on Bible as being a prude), but that is a mindset that can't be untangled here. I have made comments indicating that I can't relate to those in unhappy marriages and that it must me a tough way to live. As often as not, this causes a guy to backtrack and tell me that it's not really that bad and he didn't mean what he said. That she actually is a great woman that he appreciates.
The "world" can often lead a man to believe that wife/marriage bashing is the masculine (and expected thing), to do. As with so many other practices; the "world" is a poor role model. Measure all things against God's standard and you may very well find yourself going in a different direction than the masses.
Thank God for your spouse, that He made us man and woman, that we should not be alone.
Next month my parents will be celebrating their 58th anniversary, and my wife and I, our 19th. There is nothing that I am more proud of (in a thankful blessed way, not "...hey, look what I've done!), than being married to such a beautiful, intelligent, and most importantly, Godly woman for these years. No matter how much I screw up in other areas of my life (believe me, it's a long list), I always have that trump card. I am proud of my parents in a similar way. After being married for 19 years, I think I have developed some appreciation of being married as long as they have. Being the eldest of the children, I have remembrance of more of their marriage than my siblings. Although my upbringing was as idyllic as one can be, our family had our share of stresses that could have pushed a husband and wife apart. But they stayed together. From the "worlds" point of view (and mine, before the scales fell away), it would have been easy to suggest that they might be better off apart, than together; fortunately this didn't happen. I believe as a couple stays together over the years, they become more "one flesh" than they were when the vows were exchanged.
My fondest memories of growing up are of times with mom and dad. That's mom and dad concurrently, not consecutively; as in going to see mom and dad, not mom than dad, as is the case in many situations where they have split up. Unquestionably, it is a specific blessing for them that my parents are enjoying a nice life in Florida, and a specific blessing for me and my family that Grandman and Grandpa are a one-stop destination. They have each other and we have them; it doesn't get much better in this life.
As for me, that's easy, my marriage was the best thing that happened to me. I didn't get married and have children (well, not me exactly, but you know), until later than most (much later than some). Often when I would tell others how old I was and the age of my kids they would assume that I was on (at least), my second marriage/family. The easy response was that I am just a "late bloomer", but of course we are all on God's schedule; not ours.
I don't claim to know why or claim any credit for such a wonderful blessing, but I'll tell you that I never take my marriage for granted. This doesn't mean that I'm some perfect husband; that is not even close to the reality. What it does mean, is that in my quieter, most lucid moments, I thank God for the wonderful woman in my life. I like to think that there are more with this perspective than sometimes appears to be the case.
Celebrate marriage! For us guys this means not just taking out the trash and helping with the painting, but talk up marriage. When married men go on about other women (as is invariably the case in my experience), at the very least, don't participate. If those around me perceive that I'm uncomfortable it can often lead to an opportunity to explain why. This will lead back to God's Word on the matter, not to me being some kind of prude (granted, many will equate taking a stand based on Bible as being a prude), but that is a mindset that can't be untangled here. I have made comments indicating that I can't relate to those in unhappy marriages and that it must me a tough way to live. As often as not, this causes a guy to backtrack and tell me that it's not really that bad and he didn't mean what he said. That she actually is a great woman that he appreciates.
The "world" can often lead a man to believe that wife/marriage bashing is the masculine (and expected thing), to do. As with so many other practices; the "world" is a poor role model. Measure all things against God's standard and you may very well find yourself going in a different direction than the masses.
Thank God for your spouse, that He made us man and woman, that we should not be alone.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Think Before You Ink
I feel like I could post almost everyday, but you know how life gets in the way!
Anyway, let's talk about the frog in the pot. Essentially, it's the dynamic that if you put a frog in a pot of room temperature water,it will sit there quite comfortably. If you slowly turn the temperature up it will stay there until boiled to death. Of course if you were to put the same frog into already scalding water, it would immediately jump out, saving itself.
This seems analogous to how Christians have come to accept how society has become "frayed at the edges". What I mean by this is that you'll hear a lot (well, some), protest regarding issues such as abortion, stem-cell research, freedom of speech, and others. While this is all necessary, where is all the objection to more subtle evidence of the "fraying".
Examples of this would be (alright, I know I'm going to get beat up over this!), the prevalence of tattoos. I am not that old. However, when I was in high school, the only tattoos you ever saw were on bikers (think Harleys, not Tour de France), servicemen (think army, not washing machine), or convicts (hopefully ex-cons, otherwise that would mean you were in jail too). Very possibly, if you did see any of these it was via the movies, not even in real life. I am not saying tattoos are evidence of a reprobate lifestyle and eternal damnation, and I am not going to use Leviticus as biblical evidence for tattoo condemnation, and I am not referring to those who come to Saving Grace after they have accumulated tattoos. But it sure seems illogical and/or egocentric to deliberately and permanently have your body marked; as a professing Christian. The questionable nature of this practice is only heightened as the number of tattoos increase, the location becomes more vulgar/bizarre, or the message is divisive. Picture someone with multiple tattoos, including one on their neck saying: Justin Bieber Rocks; all painted after becoming born again. When did this become acceptable? Who turned up the stove slowly enough so we are not upset having to look at body paint everywhere we go? We wouldn't have to if the only people who had them were those who belonged to the aforementioned categories traditionally associated with them. I'm pretty sure that every other clerk with them (these days do you have to have a tattoo to work with the public?), is not an ex-con, member of a biker gang, or ex-service personnel. I worked in corrections for over 14 years and can tell you that inmates without tattoos are the rare exception. As a Christian think about this before you go out a shell out the bucks (oh yeah, aren't we supposed to be good stewards?), to get body "art". What you say, wear, do, and get painted on your body matters. Oh,by the way, I did plenty of stupid things before I got saved. I'm just lucky that there isn't any outward physical evidence of it.
As Christians, let's not prejudge people with tattoos, but let's also not ignore that at one time society recognized this as a crude practice, primarily limited to the fringes of a polite society. I miss a polite society where most people were considerate enough not to use foul language in public, play loud vulgar music, walk around in different stages of undress, and not have tattoos from their toes to their heads.
Christians; Think Before You Ink
Anyway, let's talk about the frog in the pot. Essentially, it's the dynamic that if you put a frog in a pot of room temperature water,it will sit there quite comfortably. If you slowly turn the temperature up it will stay there until boiled to death. Of course if you were to put the same frog into already scalding water, it would immediately jump out, saving itself.
This seems analogous to how Christians have come to accept how society has become "frayed at the edges". What I mean by this is that you'll hear a lot (well, some), protest regarding issues such as abortion, stem-cell research, freedom of speech, and others. While this is all necessary, where is all the objection to more subtle evidence of the "fraying".
Examples of this would be (alright, I know I'm going to get beat up over this!), the prevalence of tattoos. I am not that old. However, when I was in high school, the only tattoos you ever saw were on bikers (think Harleys, not Tour de France), servicemen (think army, not washing machine), or convicts (hopefully ex-cons, otherwise that would mean you were in jail too). Very possibly, if you did see any of these it was via the movies, not even in real life. I am not saying tattoos are evidence of a reprobate lifestyle and eternal damnation, and I am not going to use Leviticus as biblical evidence for tattoo condemnation, and I am not referring to those who come to Saving Grace after they have accumulated tattoos. But it sure seems illogical and/or egocentric to deliberately and permanently have your body marked; as a professing Christian. The questionable nature of this practice is only heightened as the number of tattoos increase, the location becomes more vulgar/bizarre, or the message is divisive. Picture someone with multiple tattoos, including one on their neck saying: Justin Bieber Rocks; all painted after becoming born again. When did this become acceptable? Who turned up the stove slowly enough so we are not upset having to look at body paint everywhere we go? We wouldn't have to if the only people who had them were those who belonged to the aforementioned categories traditionally associated with them. I'm pretty sure that every other clerk with them (these days do you have to have a tattoo to work with the public?), is not an ex-con, member of a biker gang, or ex-service personnel. I worked in corrections for over 14 years and can tell you that inmates without tattoos are the rare exception. As a Christian think about this before you go out a shell out the bucks (oh yeah, aren't we supposed to be good stewards?), to get body "art". What you say, wear, do, and get painted on your body matters. Oh,by the way, I did plenty of stupid things before I got saved. I'm just lucky that there isn't any outward physical evidence of it.
As Christians, let's not prejudge people with tattoos, but let's also not ignore that at one time society recognized this as a crude practice, primarily limited to the fringes of a polite society. I miss a polite society where most people were considerate enough not to use foul language in public, play loud vulgar music, walk around in different stages of undress, and not have tattoos from their toes to their heads.
Christians; Think Before You Ink
Sunday, May 10, 2015
The Alpha Post
Well, I've been threatening to do this for awhile; now I have. I'm blogging. You may reasonably conclude the world needs another blogger like it needs another video involving law enforcement and sketchy characters, but no matter.
Maybe this is less about what the world needs (anyway, Dionne Warwick already touched on that back in the 60's), and more about what I need, or maybe feel compelled to do. I mean, just because there is a lot of something, doesn't mean there isn't room for one more (look at infomercials).
Let me elaborate. Swim Against the Tide is about looking at the state of affairs through the prism that God has given us called the Bible. And as the tide of the world unquestionably flows stronger toward Gomorrah, we as Jesus followers must find ourselves continually swimming against it.
This blog is intended for Christians, so yes, I will be preaching to the choir. However, unbelievers viewing this are more than welcome. Bearing that in mind, I don't intend to be "preachy" (whatever that means), nor do I plan on slathering on chapter and verse to support every perspective I adopt. Anyone with a rudimentary familiarity with the Bible will be able to be a Berean and check it out for themselves. What I do intend to do is to inject Biblical reality into societal issues. Although ultimately these are issues with eternal consequences; some humor, and even sarcasm, will be forthcoming - because that's how I roll.
The world (specifically the United States), we live in may be "slicker" than ever, with all our wonderful gadgets and distractions, but it is also more ill-mannered and epicurean. No wonder God's creation does not speak to more people; their not listening (or looking). They're too busy with heads bent over their "smart" phones listening or watching something else. "Be still and know that I am God...", is a hard sell amidst the constant din most find themselves.
Upcoming posts will specifically address topics alluded to here. Hopefully I'll find some kindred souls, and maybe a few amens.
Dan
Maybe this is less about what the world needs (anyway, Dionne Warwick already touched on that back in the 60's), and more about what I need, or maybe feel compelled to do. I mean, just because there is a lot of something, doesn't mean there isn't room for one more (look at infomercials).
Let me elaborate. Swim Against the Tide is about looking at the state of affairs through the prism that God has given us called the Bible. And as the tide of the world unquestionably flows stronger toward Gomorrah, we as Jesus followers must find ourselves continually swimming against it.
This blog is intended for Christians, so yes, I will be preaching to the choir. However, unbelievers viewing this are more than welcome. Bearing that in mind, I don't intend to be "preachy" (whatever that means), nor do I plan on slathering on chapter and verse to support every perspective I adopt. Anyone with a rudimentary familiarity with the Bible will be able to be a Berean and check it out for themselves. What I do intend to do is to inject Biblical reality into societal issues. Although ultimately these are issues with eternal consequences; some humor, and even sarcasm, will be forthcoming - because that's how I roll.
The world (specifically the United States), we live in may be "slicker" than ever, with all our wonderful gadgets and distractions, but it is also more ill-mannered and epicurean. No wonder God's creation does not speak to more people; their not listening (or looking). They're too busy with heads bent over their "smart" phones listening or watching something else. "Be still and know that I am God...", is a hard sell amidst the constant din most find themselves.
Upcoming posts will specifically address topics alluded to here. Hopefully I'll find some kindred souls, and maybe a few amens.
Dan
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