Friday, October 26, 2007
"This Brings Me Great Happiness"
It's simple, it's clean. I can identify. It's fun. Oh, and most importantly, it's a great song.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 5:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Carl Bloomberg (Bible Scholar, from his commentary on Matthew):
Both metaphors of salt and light raise important questions about Christian involvement in society regarding all forms of separatism or withdrawal. We are not called to control secular power structures; neither are we promised that we can Christianize the legislation and values of the world. But we must remain active preservative agents, indeed irritants, in calling the world to heed God’s standards. We dare not form isolated Christian enclaves to which the world pays no attention.
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Carl Bloomberg (Bible Scholar, from his commentary on Matthew):
Both metaphors of salt and light raise important questions about Christian involvement in society regarding all forms of separatism or withdrawal. We are not called to control secular power structures; neither are we promised that we can Christianize the legislation and values of the world. But we must remain active preservative agents, indeed irritants, in calling the world to heed God’s standards. We dare not form isolated Christian enclaves to which the world pays no attention.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Questions
Today, for some odd reason, I was questioning myself about the Christian faith I share with so many others. I wasn't questioning its truth or validity, but rather I was asking questions to clarify certain positions I take based on my understanding of Scripture and God. I imagined myself in an open public forum, in which people submitted anonymous questions in writing and a panel of Christians (which I was on) answered to the best of their ability. We didn't claim to represent "the" definitive answer to be expected of all Christians, just real answers from real Christians. (By the way, I think this could be a good idea to do in real life.) The average answer took around twenty minutes in my mind as a discourse (I commute more than an hour one way to school and back each day, plus I have a three hour gap between classes on Monday and Wednesday, so I've got the time). The questions included my positions on:
-Homosexuality
-What is a "Christian"?
-What happens to people who die that haven't heard about Christ?
-The relationship between the Church and Israel
-Separation of Church and State
The first two were fairly quick, but I did imagine having the audience all close their eyes and asking anyone who wanted a more in-depth answer about anything (for some reason I was emphasizing the answer about homosexuality) to raise their hand. I told them that they could submit what they wanted me to make clearer or adress that I hadn't in writing during an intermission. I ended up doing one more question, first, though.
My longest answer was about what happens to people who die thta haven't heard about Christ, mostly because I explained five perspectives on the subject and how I interpreted them to come to the conclusion of what I believe to be the case concerning such people.
The intermission took place here, at which point I (in reality) prayed and then listened to some of the first Thrice album, Identity Crisis. (No, this was not in any way a reflection of why I was asking myself questions.)
The next two answers were a bit more political in nature, but it was great to re-afirm Israel's importance; I hadn't thought much about it for a while. The church and state question was fun because I got to interpret both the Bible and the United States Constitution.
To conclude all of this, I am a dork. Perhaps the man who told me I thought too much (it was a weird experience, seeing as it was on the day I met him) was right, but I like to think. So I'll try to think about things pertaining to the Kingdom (no, I don't mean the movie staring Jamie Fox). Maybe I'll post my answers sometime...
-Homosexuality
-What is a "Christian"?
-What happens to people who die that haven't heard about Christ?
-The relationship between the Church and Israel
-Separation of Church and State
The first two were fairly quick, but I did imagine having the audience all close their eyes and asking anyone who wanted a more in-depth answer about anything (for some reason I was emphasizing the answer about homosexuality) to raise their hand. I told them that they could submit what they wanted me to make clearer or adress that I hadn't in writing during an intermission. I ended up doing one more question, first, though.
My longest answer was about what happens to people who die thta haven't heard about Christ, mostly because I explained five perspectives on the subject and how I interpreted them to come to the conclusion of what I believe to be the case concerning such people.
The intermission took place here, at which point I (in reality) prayed and then listened to some of the first Thrice album, Identity Crisis. (No, this was not in any way a reflection of why I was asking myself questions.)
The next two answers were a bit more political in nature, but it was great to re-afirm Israel's importance; I hadn't thought much about it for a while. The church and state question was fun because I got to interpret both the Bible and the United States Constitution.
To conclude all of this, I am a dork. Perhaps the man who told me I thought too much (it was a weird experience, seeing as it was on the day I met him) was right, but I like to think. So I'll try to think about things pertaining to the Kingdom (no, I don't mean the movie staring Jamie Fox). Maybe I'll post my answers sometime...
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Going Back For Seconds
Not about my last post, but when I eat. Today I realized that I tend to go back for seconds only when eating foods that begin with the letter "s" or with an "s" sound.
Foods that start with "s":
-Spaghetti
-Soup
-Strawberries (shortcake)
-Sandwiches
-Steak
Foods that start with an "s" sound but not the letter "s":
-Cereal
-Cinnamon Toast (Crunch)
I guess my brain works in aural (sound) association when it comes to eliminating the chances for leftovers.
Foods that start with "s":
-Spaghetti
-Soup
-Strawberries (shortcake)
-Sandwiches
-Steak
Foods that start with an "s" sound but not the letter "s":
-Cereal
-Cinnamon Toast (Crunch)
I guess my brain works in aural (sound) association when it comes to eliminating the chances for leftovers.
About Erik's Videos
I'm not at all supprised that people are resisting the use of A/V mastery. I can see their point, I mean, it's very much been the worldly way of doing things since the 80's, and all it does is keep us from personal contact, right? I wonder if the "rejectors" also were of the generation who trusted Walter Cronkite. I mean, he was the source for public opinion and news for a long time. Maybe before he came along, they thought TV News to be a poor reflection of the newspapers. If that's the case, maybe we need a church A/V Walter Cronkite. Oh, wait...weren't the Billy Graham crusades put in popular public venues like stadiums, and broadcast the world over? Oh, well, I guess he was wrong, and the countless souls saved by his ministry were "false salvations." After all, he did exploit the media the public were receptive to.
As a Communication Studies Major, I've come to understand that the sender of the message is responsible for its success. Don't get me wrong, God is the original sender, and "God brings the increase" as Paul said. As communicators of the Gospel, it's our duty to find the venues by which people will recieve the Gospel. Some people need object lessons, others arguments, others formulas, others analogies. Some need to see the Christian life lived out to prove its worth, others need a stranger to come along and de-rail their false perceptions of life, death, and eternal judgement. Some people are moved to accept by a song. But images? No, it couldn't be. I mean, Jesus didn't use imagery at all, did He? And He certainly didn't take people's circumstances and frames-of-reference into account in order to create a shared reality of understanding the Kingdom, did He?
Please forgive my sarcasm, but my point is that if Jesus left the Throne of Heaven to die on a cross, and met us here, sharing in our life and speaking to people according to their own frame of reference to save them, shoudn't we? I don't remember a commandment saying "Thou shalt not edit the videos, neither use audio clips or art to reach the people. For ye shall be a boring people unto Me."
As a Communication Studies Major, I've come to understand that the sender of the message is responsible for its success. Don't get me wrong, God is the original sender, and "God brings the increase" as Paul said. As communicators of the Gospel, it's our duty to find the venues by which people will recieve the Gospel. Some people need object lessons, others arguments, others formulas, others analogies. Some need to see the Christian life lived out to prove its worth, others need a stranger to come along and de-rail their false perceptions of life, death, and eternal judgement. Some people are moved to accept by a song. But images? No, it couldn't be. I mean, Jesus didn't use imagery at all, did He? And He certainly didn't take people's circumstances and frames-of-reference into account in order to create a shared reality of understanding the Kingdom, did He?
Please forgive my sarcasm, but my point is that if Jesus left the Throne of Heaven to die on a cross, and met us here, sharing in our life and speaking to people according to their own frame of reference to save them, shoudn't we? I don't remember a commandment saying "Thou shalt not edit the videos, neither use audio clips or art to reach the people. For ye shall be a boring people unto Me."
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Fireworks
Watching the fireworks display tonight, I couldn't help but be reminded about how our country was born of war and great turmoil (maybe this is because I was watching the History Channel earlier this morning, but I don't know). To think that today these fireworks are a celebration of the independent spirit of the United States, of the longing for freedom from tyrany and oppression, and at the same time they represent the war, the bloodshed, and the divided families that birthed this great country is strange and beautiful, it's proud and solemn all at once.
Having said all of that, I have to shamefully confess that I don't really care too much for American History. It's times like this, however, that change my mind, if only for one night.
Having said all of that, I have to shamefully confess that I don't really care too much for American History. It's times like this, however, that change my mind, if only for one night.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
America, Weight, and Spiritual Conditioning
I have a theory. It sounds crazy, and I wouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket, but hear it out and think about it.
Our country is currently in an "obesity epidemic". Causes are said to include stress, poor diets, office jobs that allow little time for exercise, and laziness (aside from other medical conditions and the like). Obesity is leading to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weakened bones and joints, and countless other threats to an individual's general well-being. Of course, the medical profession is all over this one trying to "solve the problem", and drug companies are capitalizing on it like any corporation worth its salt does when an opportunity of this magnitude arises. But what if we've all missed the point?
What if the problem isn't even primarily physical? What if it's the fault of the church?
Let me explain:
I saw a DVD (this will be ironic later) of this evangelist from India talking about the church around the world. He accused the American church of "getting fat" on the Word and the readily available (we're talking at Wal-Mart here, people) supplementary spiritual nourishment from Christian Books, Music, Movies, and yes, Sermons on TV and Recorded Media (this is the irony), while the church in China is flourishing where an average of something like (I'm trying to remember but I'll just pull a number from the air for now) 1 in 12 has access to a Bible. This got me to thinking, "Hey, (ok, I don't actually say 'hey...' when I have a realization, but it indicates the beginning of an epiphany of sorts quite well), what if the 'obesity epidemic' in the US is the physical manifestation of the spiritual state of the church here?"
Think about Jesus' story about the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich guy was eating more than his fill and wouldn't even share his scraps starving Lazarus. When they had both died, Lazarus found himself in Heaven and the Rich Man was in Hell. I know this is a stretch, but what if the "Rich Man" could be the American Church, and "Lazarus" could be the unsaved in the US? Are we so sheltered in our Mega "Walled City with our own Water Source, Police, and Supermarket" Churches and so segregated from the world that's on our own front lawn? Are we guilty of putting the unsaved on "the wrong side of the tracks"? Are we in the Country Club while they're in the Projects?
I don't know if it's true, but it's food for thought.
Our country is currently in an "obesity epidemic". Causes are said to include stress, poor diets, office jobs that allow little time for exercise, and laziness (aside from other medical conditions and the like). Obesity is leading to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weakened bones and joints, and countless other threats to an individual's general well-being. Of course, the medical profession is all over this one trying to "solve the problem", and drug companies are capitalizing on it like any corporation worth its salt does when an opportunity of this magnitude arises. But what if we've all missed the point?
What if the problem isn't even primarily physical? What if it's the fault of the church?
Let me explain:
I saw a DVD (this will be ironic later) of this evangelist from India talking about the church around the world. He accused the American church of "getting fat" on the Word and the readily available (we're talking at Wal-Mart here, people) supplementary spiritual nourishment from Christian Books, Music, Movies, and yes, Sermons on TV and Recorded Media (this is the irony), while the church in China is flourishing where an average of something like (I'm trying to remember but I'll just pull a number from the air for now) 1 in 12 has access to a Bible. This got me to thinking, "Hey, (ok, I don't actually say 'hey...' when I have a realization, but it indicates the beginning of an epiphany of sorts quite well), what if the 'obesity epidemic' in the US is the physical manifestation of the spiritual state of the church here?"
Think about Jesus' story about the Rich Man and Lazarus. The rich guy was eating more than his fill and wouldn't even share his scraps starving Lazarus. When they had both died, Lazarus found himself in Heaven and the Rich Man was in Hell. I know this is a stretch, but what if the "Rich Man" could be the American Church, and "Lazarus" could be the unsaved in the US? Are we so sheltered in our Mega "Walled City with our own Water Source, Police, and Supermarket" Churches and so segregated from the world that's on our own front lawn? Are we guilty of putting the unsaved on "the wrong side of the tracks"? Are we in the Country Club while they're in the Projects?
I don't know if it's true, but it's food for thought.
Monday, July 2, 2007
What is Church?
On Tuesday nights at theRevolution and at the Gathering we're always careful to point out that "this is not a substitute for church", these ministries are, by their nature (aimed nearly exclusively at a specific demographic), supplementary. TheRevolution, in fact, has often been called a "para-church ministry", meaning that it serves the local church and is not its own independent church.
North Avenue Baptist, Foursquare, First Southern Baptist, those are called churches. Two big reasons I would consider them churches are 1)because they are intentionally called so, and 2)they all strive for wide variety of ages and races in attendance. There are hosts of other reasons, but these two make a clear distinction from the Gathering and theRevolution.
What we must be clear about is that there is a difference between "church" and "a church".
This is from LifeANSWERS Summer 2007 Leader's Guide (From my Sunday School class at FSBC).
"Church is the group name for being Christian," write Douglas Jacobsen and Rodney Sawatsky in their book Gracious Christianity. "It refers to all of the followers of Jesus who have ever lived.... More intimately, and just as importantly, church refers to a local gathering of believers, people who know one another face-to-face, people who put up with one another's quirks and foibles, people who genuinely try to love one another despite all their imperfections. The local community of the church is the social context in which Christianity takes living form. Being church is being Christian together."
What I've drawn from this so far:
-The Gathering and theRevolution are "church" without being their own "churches".
-I'm a member of the same church as Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and even Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha.
-If I'm not getting to know people face-to-face, putting up with others' quirks and foibles, and genuinely trying to love others despite their imperfections, I'm not doing church.
-If I'm not giving others the opportunity to do the same thing for me that I should do for them, I'm not doing church.
This leave one obvious question:
ARE YOU DOING CHURCH?
North Avenue Baptist, Foursquare, First Southern Baptist, those are called churches. Two big reasons I would consider them churches are 1)because they are intentionally called so, and 2)they all strive for wide variety of ages and races in attendance. There are hosts of other reasons, but these two make a clear distinction from the Gathering and theRevolution.
What we must be clear about is that there is a difference between "church" and "a church".
This is from LifeANSWERS Summer 2007 Leader's Guide (From my Sunday School class at FSBC).
"Church is the group name for being Christian," write Douglas Jacobsen and Rodney Sawatsky in their book Gracious Christianity. "It refers to all of the followers of Jesus who have ever lived.... More intimately, and just as importantly, church refers to a local gathering of believers, people who know one another face-to-face, people who put up with one another's quirks and foibles, people who genuinely try to love one another despite all their imperfections. The local community of the church is the social context in which Christianity takes living form. Being church is being Christian together."
What I've drawn from this so far:
-The Gathering and theRevolution are "church" without being their own "churches".
-I'm a member of the same church as Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and even Moses, David, Elijah, and Elisha.
-If I'm not getting to know people face-to-face, putting up with others' quirks and foibles, and genuinely trying to love others despite their imperfections, I'm not doing church.
-If I'm not giving others the opportunity to do the same thing for me that I should do for them, I'm not doing church.
This leave one obvious question:
ARE YOU DOING CHURCH?
Friday, June 29, 2007
Whose choice is it?
Since human beings have cared to argue, we've loved to debate over the ideas of free will and predestination. Some say it's our choice, others that it's God's alone, others that it's somehow both. (There are, of course, those who don't care to argue about it, but that's no fun, is it?)
If you believe in free will, then your song, like Jon's (the singer from one of my bands in high school) is "I'll forge my own/your destiny is what you make it". You may find predestination "too nihilistic". You'll say things like "human beings aren't robots" and quote scripture like "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve". You believe that salvation is a choice open to all people and maybe even that we can choose to give it up (as one book I have puts it, "apostasy is an option").
If you believe in predestination, your song is "destiny is in your hands/who is like our God?". You probably think that free will is contradictory to God's omnipotence. You'll say things like "God causes bad things to happen so His love and mercy can be seen in contrast" and quote scripture like "God chose you before the foundation of the world to be conformed to the image of His Son". You believe that God chooses who gets saved and who doesn't, that it can't be "lost" because it's not in human hands, and maybe even that Christ only died for those who are predestined for salvation (suggesting that it would be a waste of His blood to offer it to people who He knows won't accept it).
If you believe in some combination of the two (to paraphrase Erik, "the truth in most dichotomies lies somewhere in the middle") then I don't know what your song is, but there's probably one for you somewhere, too. Maybe some are predestined while others aren't. Maybe specific events are predestined but the people who fulfil them have to have made the right choices to get there. The only scripture I could think of for you is "the man of God avoids all extremes".
Regardless of your point of view, one thing holds true in my experience: we always perceive that we have choices. When you go to hake a sandwich, at some point you chose turkey over ham. At some point during temptation you realize that you can choose not to sin (but you probably go ahead and do it anyway).
So what's my point? Am I on the free will side? No. Am I for predestination, then? No. I'm on the side that says living life with godly wisdom is necessary whether or not you're in charge by any stretch of the imagination, because in the end you're the one that's accountable.
(By the way, I'll argue for either side of the debate because I think it's fun and intellectually stimulating. If you like these kind of debates, remember what Denny (one of my Sunday School Teachers) says, "If your theology isn't practical, it doesn't work" (paraphrase and pun by me).
If you believe in free will, then your song, like Jon's (the singer from one of my bands in high school) is "I'll forge my own/your destiny is what you make it". You may find predestination "too nihilistic". You'll say things like "human beings aren't robots" and quote scripture like "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve". You believe that salvation is a choice open to all people and maybe even that we can choose to give it up (as one book I have puts it, "apostasy is an option").
If you believe in predestination, your song is "destiny is in your hands/who is like our God?". You probably think that free will is contradictory to God's omnipotence. You'll say things like "God causes bad things to happen so His love and mercy can be seen in contrast" and quote scripture like "God chose you before the foundation of the world to be conformed to the image of His Son". You believe that God chooses who gets saved and who doesn't, that it can't be "lost" because it's not in human hands, and maybe even that Christ only died for those who are predestined for salvation (suggesting that it would be a waste of His blood to offer it to people who He knows won't accept it).
If you believe in some combination of the two (to paraphrase Erik, "the truth in most dichotomies lies somewhere in the middle") then I don't know what your song is, but there's probably one for you somewhere, too. Maybe some are predestined while others aren't. Maybe specific events are predestined but the people who fulfil them have to have made the right choices to get there. The only scripture I could think of for you is "the man of God avoids all extremes".
Regardless of your point of view, one thing holds true in my experience: we always perceive that we have choices. When you go to hake a sandwich, at some point you chose turkey over ham. At some point during temptation you realize that you can choose not to sin (but you probably go ahead and do it anyway).
So what's my point? Am I on the free will side? No. Am I for predestination, then? No. I'm on the side that says living life with godly wisdom is necessary whether or not you're in charge by any stretch of the imagination, because in the end you're the one that's accountable.
(By the way, I'll argue for either side of the debate because I think it's fun and intellectually stimulating. If you like these kind of debates, remember what Denny (one of my Sunday School Teachers) says, "If your theology isn't practical, it doesn't work" (paraphrase and pun by me).
Monday, March 5, 2007
An Option for Group Prayer
Jesus taught us that we ought to pray in a certain way, and this is an optional format for praying how He taught us to in a group setting. Take it for what you will; this isn't the only way to pray, it's only an option. Just remember to pray and do what God leads you to do.
Matthew 6:5-15
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Pray now and give praise to God. Confess with your mouth about God’s nature and character. Think about who He is and how He operates. It is important that we recognize God for who He is and not as who we want Him to be.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Pray now for the coming of God’s Kingdom. Pray for missionary and evangelistic efforts. Pray also that we as believers would imitate Christ and live to please God rather than ourselves.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Pray now for what you need and give thanks for God’s provision. Pray also for the needs of others, and ask God to show you who He wants you to help and how He wants you to do it.
12 And forgive us our debts,
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Find a private area and confess your sins to God one-on-one, asking for forgiveness and strength for repentance.
As we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:14-15 says, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Pray for the people that have hurt you. Pray that God will help you to forgive them and pray for reconciliation, because Jesus died on the cross 1) for our sins and 2) to bring reconciliation because the wall of sin has been removed.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
Pray and ask God to give us wisdom to recognize the Enemy’s schemes and strength to resist. Pray this for yourself and for others (by name if possible).
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Pray and confess to and thank God that He is in charge. He is the only One with the dominion, the only One with enough power, and the only One to receive glory for His great works on our behalf.
Matthew 6:5-15
5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Pray now and give praise to God. Confess with your mouth about God’s nature and character. Think about who He is and how He operates. It is important that we recognize God for who He is and not as who we want Him to be.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Pray now for the coming of God’s Kingdom. Pray for missionary and evangelistic efforts. Pray also that we as believers would imitate Christ and live to please God rather than ourselves.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Pray now for what you need and give thanks for God’s provision. Pray also for the needs of others, and ask God to show you who He wants you to help and how He wants you to do it.
12 And forgive us our debts,
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Find a private area and confess your sins to God one-on-one, asking for forgiveness and strength for repentance.
As we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:14-15 says, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Pray for the people that have hurt you. Pray that God will help you to forgive them and pray for reconciliation, because Jesus died on the cross 1) for our sins and 2) to bring reconciliation because the wall of sin has been removed.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
Pray and ask God to give us wisdom to recognize the Enemy’s schemes and strength to resist. Pray this for yourself and for others (by name if possible).
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Pray and confess to and thank God that He is in charge. He is the only One with the dominion, the only One with enough power, and the only One to receive glory for His great works on our behalf.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
(Why) Can't We All Just Get Along?
It's my experience that we get far too comfortable with the people we're around all of the time. That comfort is good when it means that we don’t feel like we have to impress anyone, but it’s bad when it makes us complacent. I’ve noticed that the first place we tend to drop the ball in these relationships is in our manners.
Think about someone you’ve spent a lot of time with (especially family). When you want them to hand you the salt, how do you ask? You probably don’t ask, you probably say “pass the salt.” The correct way to get the salt would be to ask, “Would you please pass the salt?” (And it’s important to say “thank you” when you get it.) While this is a barely rude and mostly inconsequential example, imagine getting this every day for three or four months. Let’s take it to the next level.
Pretend you want to change your shirt, and you head toward your bedroom only to find the hallway blocked by this person you’re spending a lot of time with. How do you get through? You say, “Move! I need to change my shirt!” You should say, “Excuse me; I’m just trying to get back to my room to change my shirt.” The first way, barking out a command, will be met with an agitated, “Give me a minute, would you?” The second way, making a request, will be met either with an even tempered, “Oh, go right ahead. Excuse me,” or “Oh, sorry. Just give me a second and I’ll be done.”
The attitude with which we enter a given situation will greatly affect its outcome. In dealing with manners (and other life-situations), I find that it is best to avoid walking in an attitude of entitlement. Rather than acting like you deserve something just because you want it, you should request what you want because you know that if you don’t yet have it, it’s not actually yours. An attitude of entitlement has an air of selfishness and arrogance to it. “I want what I want and I’m going to get it because I deserve it.” Making requests rather than demands has an air of humility and equality, which is far less likely to make anyone feel like you think they’re inferior to you and therefore get defensive. “I’ll ask for what I want because it’s not just mine for the taking”.
Remember that we screw things up all of the time, and we don’t even deserve our next breath. While we’re arguing over extra salt for our food (which used to be a form of currency, by the way) or get back to our relatively private bedroom to change into one of our many shirts, there are people elsewhere who are happy to share a chunk of bread and half of a 3’x5’ blanket with a cold friend because they care about the relationships more than their own selfish desires. I could go on, and I probably will later; but for now, just remember to mind your P’s and Q’s because in the grand scheme of things, you don’t deserve any more than anyone else.
Think about someone you’ve spent a lot of time with (especially family). When you want them to hand you the salt, how do you ask? You probably don’t ask, you probably say “pass the salt.” The correct way to get the salt would be to ask, “Would you please pass the salt?” (And it’s important to say “thank you” when you get it.) While this is a barely rude and mostly inconsequential example, imagine getting this every day for three or four months. Let’s take it to the next level.
Pretend you want to change your shirt, and you head toward your bedroom only to find the hallway blocked by this person you’re spending a lot of time with. How do you get through? You say, “Move! I need to change my shirt!” You should say, “Excuse me; I’m just trying to get back to my room to change my shirt.” The first way, barking out a command, will be met with an agitated, “Give me a minute, would you?” The second way, making a request, will be met either with an even tempered, “Oh, go right ahead. Excuse me,” or “Oh, sorry. Just give me a second and I’ll be done.”
The attitude with which we enter a given situation will greatly affect its outcome. In dealing with manners (and other life-situations), I find that it is best to avoid walking in an attitude of entitlement. Rather than acting like you deserve something just because you want it, you should request what you want because you know that if you don’t yet have it, it’s not actually yours. An attitude of entitlement has an air of selfishness and arrogance to it. “I want what I want and I’m going to get it because I deserve it.” Making requests rather than demands has an air of humility and equality, which is far less likely to make anyone feel like you think they’re inferior to you and therefore get defensive. “I’ll ask for what I want because it’s not just mine for the taking”.
Remember that we screw things up all of the time, and we don’t even deserve our next breath. While we’re arguing over extra salt for our food (which used to be a form of currency, by the way) or get back to our relatively private bedroom to change into one of our many shirts, there are people elsewhere who are happy to share a chunk of bread and half of a 3’x5’ blanket with a cold friend because they care about the relationships more than their own selfish desires. I could go on, and I probably will later; but for now, just remember to mind your P’s and Q’s because in the grand scheme of things, you don’t deserve any more than anyone else.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Why the name?
I chose "More Than From the Floor" because this is where I'll put a lot of my thoughts that won't get expressed when I have the floor to speak at theRevolution on Tuesday nights. Some of what I write will be too random for a Tuesday Night, and others may be additions or corrections to things I've already said. I'll also clarify things I think I could have expressed better.
I hope anyone who reads this blog will enjoy it and maybe even be encouraged to think about these things, too. I won't always be profound; in fact, I may never be. I may just say something stupid or inconsequencial. I hope that I do say a few things that stick, though. We soon shall see...
I hope anyone who reads this blog will enjoy it and maybe even be encouraged to think about these things, too. I won't always be profound; in fact, I may never be. I may just say something stupid or inconsequencial. I hope that I do say a few things that stick, though. We soon shall see...
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