CA Legislation May Result in Unintended Consequences

California law-makers passed sweeping legislation on Monday that allows trans-gender students to decide which bathrooms they would like to use and whether to play on boy or girl sports teams depending on their trans-gender status.  This is now the law in California for public schools.

When Governor Brown signed the controversial bill, he indicated that he did so to help prevent bullying of students who are trans-gender.  As a result, all children who attend public school will be impacted.

I understand the good intentions of those who submitted, supported, and passed this bill.  Bullying is a big problem and anything that we can do as a society to stop it has my full support. However, I truly wonder if this is really going to help? Furthermore, I am concerned about the unintended consequences of this sweeping and far-reaching legislation.  How will this affect boys that will be required to wrestle trans-gender girls in wrestling competitions?  Will girls feel uncomfortable and possibly even embarrassed to change in the girls locker room next to a trans-gender boy?

There are many more examples that come to mind, which is why I wonder if this bill was thought through from every possible perspective? To be sure, we don't want to cause further harm to the very children we are attempting to protect.

I realize that this is a sensitive issue on all sides and emotions can escalate quickly. Nevertheless, it is an important issue because it inolves our children. That is why it is important to discuss it openly by asking the simple question, "Will this help or hurt our children?"

Words of Wisdom from Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson is many things -- former heavy champion of the world, convicted rapist, recovering drug addict, stage actor in a one-man show, and even a philosopher of sorts.  When Tyson was on top of the world as heavy weight champion, he was asked how he was so easily able to thwart the well thought-out plans of veteran fighters.  Tyson simply replied, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." 

True that, Mike.  This golden nugget of wisdom has deep and profound implications in life.  Jesus taught a similar lesson in the parable of the Rich Fool.  In this parable, he spoke of a man who tended crops that yielded an abundant harvest.  The future looked bright so the young man thought to himself, "This is what I’ll do.  I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain" (Luke 12:18).  Then he sat back to count his money and eat, drink, and live the merry life.  Little did he realize that he would lose his life that very night and never realized his great plans of wealth and prosperity. 

All of us make plans and hope things will go a particular way, like the young man storing up treasures or a fighter in the ring facing a fierce foe.  Unfortunately, life has a way of punching us in the face and sometimes really, really hard.  When that happens, all of our plans fly out the window.  If we are not able to absorb life's blows, we'll find ourselves flat on the mat wondering what the heck happened; just like many of the fighters that entered the ring against Tyson early in his career (later in his career he was more of a freak-show than a fighter). 

Mike Tyson eventually lost his heavy-weight title to Buster Douglas, a fighter absolutely no one gave much a chance to win.  He almost didn't win.  Buster was knocked on his can at the end of the Eighth round.  Fortunately, he was able to clear the cobwebs and get back on his feet.  Several rounds later he knocked Mike out.  He was victorious.

Are you prepared for life's blows?  You can bet they are coming.  You are going to get a little bloody at some point and may need to change your plans due to circumstances that are completely out of your control.   But hang-in there and don't give up.  Get back on your feet and keep swinging!  You will be victorious as well if you are willing to deal with life on its terms rather than trying to make it fit into yours.

My Pizza God

Thanks to a strong recommendation from a good friend, my family and I tried a new pizza place over the weekend.  It's not your ordinary pizza joint.  Kinda like Chipotle, but without the burrito.  You make your pizza anyway you want.   You get to choose the type of bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings.  It's fantastic!

It's also very popular.  The line was nearly to the door and more and more people poured in the entire time we were there on Sunday.  As I wolfed my pizza-pie down my face, I couldn't help but wonder why it was so popular?  Maybe it's just a novelty that will wear off soon. 

I think it has to do with the fact that ultimate control is in the hands of the guy ordering.  You basically get to make your pizza anyway you want!  We love to be in control and this pizza concept feeds not only the stomach, but also the ego. 

But this blog isn't about pizza. 

This experience reminds me of something much more important.  It has to do with God....or how we "make" God the way we want him to be.  It's no longer fashionable to order the God off the Bible menu.  Nah, we want to make him according to our own, personal recipe.  Sure, we may choose some toppings from the Bible.  You know, the stuff like, "God is a God of love" and tasty stuff like that. 

But like strong garlic or sardines on our pizza, the idea that God expects something from us in return we can simply do without such nonsense.  Yes, God today for most is a god that is made from various teachings, ideas, and the imagination of the beholder.  He, she, it, or whatever is just the way we want him, her, or it to be.

This is not a new phenomenon.  It's as old as the Bible itself.  One of the most beloved characters of the New Testament is John the Baptist.  He was a rockstar in his day.  People travelled from all over Judea to visit the crazy man dressed in animal skins, eating locust, and screaming to all who would listen, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). 

John was convinced that his mission was to prepare the way of the Lord so he gave up everything to fulfill his mission.  He was certain that he would look directly into the face of God before he died. 

Then, one day, it happened.  John met the Lord..  Here is the narrative of one gospel writer who recorded the encounter:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!   This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’  I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1)

John met the Lord face to face on that day and knew instantly that Christ was God.  If anyone was sold out for God it had to be John, right?  After all, John gave up his life to follow Jesus. 

This is not exactly true.  Just a short time after meeting Christ, John sent some of his disciple to ask Jesus, " Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew11:2)

I guess Jesus let him down. 

John, like the rest of us, had a preconceived view of who he thought God was.  He was expecting a liberator, not a suffering servant.  He expected a king.  He expected Christ to be a lot of things, but when Jesus did not live up to his expectations he questioned whether he was even God. 

Sure, we can make a pizza anyway we fancy.  God, however, is not made according to our liking.  You see, it really doesn't matter what we believe about God.  He is.  Period.  He existed before there were any views about what and who he is and he will exist longer after we walk this earth.  God is dependent upon no one or no thing.  That's what it means to be God.

So what is your view on God?  Do you accept him for who he is or do you insist on re-making him the way you like?

If You Love Me

In John Chapter Two, after Christ's baptism and commission to ministry, we read that Jesus appeared in at Cana in Galilee.  This small town was celebrating a great wedding feast in which Jesus and his disciples were invited along with his mother.  This was a significant event.  Wedding feasts in ancient Israel were quite a celebration and lasted for many days. 

Now During the middle of the celebration something tragic occurred -- the bridegroom ran out of wine for his guests.  This may not seem like a big deal to you and me, but it was a terrible offense in Palestine because hospitality was extremely important then as it is to this day.  It is obvious that Mary was terribly concerned as she asked Jesus to perform a miracle and he finally agrees to intervene. 

But in order to carry out the miracle, Jesus enlisted the aid of the servant who were at the wedding.  Mary, wanting to make sure his purpose was accomplished, commanded them to "Do whatever he tells you”  (John 2:5).

This is not only good advice, it is a necessary part of what it means to be a Christian.  As a servant of Christ, I am compelled to do whatever he commands me to do.  It is not always easy, for example to turn the other cheek when I have been offended, but it is my Christian duty.
 
Unfortunately, obedience to Christ has been somewhat lost on modern church-goers.  However, it is not optional according to Jesus who said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15).  yes, our obedience is an expression of our love.  We cannot possibly love God if we do not obey him. 

Obedience is a reflection of our faith as well.  The stronger the faith, the greater the obedience.  Mary was obedient and exhibit her faith when she said, "Do whatever he tells you."  The servants also demonstrated great faith because they did just as Jesus commanded and on that day a miracle was performed in their midst.   

Do you want to see a miracle in your life today?  Then do whatever he asks you to do... 

Tough Love

The expression "tough love" was first coined and made popular by author Bill Milliken who wrote a book with that same title.  The idea behind "tough love" is to help people in the long run by treating them sternly or even harshly when they are misbehaving or doing something that is self-destructive.  For example, genuinely concerned parents of a drug-addicted child may impose strong disciplinary actions or punishment as an expression of their "tough love." 

Tough love is a popular slogan within the church.  I have heard it preached from the pulpit and I have seen it employed in youth groups and addiction recovery ministries.  Entire youth programs, called "boot camps," have been established that are aimed at helping troubled, rebellious teenagers by enforcing strict rules and military-like training regimens.  Biblical counselors have used it as a foundation for marriage and family counseling. 

Unfortunately, the concept of "tough love" is unbiblical and has absolutely nothing to do with Christ's teaching on love.  It is a gross distortion of the true definition of Christian love and has no place in the church. 

If we want to understand the true definition and application of love, we should look to Christ who provided a wonderful example of what it means to love:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 8:6-8).

Does the above sound like "tough love?"  Hardly.  God did not wait for us to get our act together before sending Christ into the world.  In fact, He did just the opposite!  He came while we were a mess; dead in sin and incapable of doing anything right. 

Proponents of "tough love" argue that being stern with those who live in sin is necessary.  We are told that it leads to repentance and builds character.  It is a kind of conditional love.  I am eternally grateful that Christ demonstrated a different kind of love altogether.  While he was hanging on the Cross, gasping for air and suffering torment and great pain, he cried out, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  Christ's love was and is unconditional.

True love, the kind of love shown by Christ on the Cross, is "not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance" (1 Corinthians 13).

Making Your Years Count

It's President's Day and on a day when we celebrate many of our great presidents I thought I would share a little something from my favorite president -- Abraham Lincoln.  President Lincoln is credited with many incredible and wonderful achievements, including ending slavery and reuniting a broken country.  These achievements, however, are not what I am going to share today.  Instead, I am going to recite a quote I recently read from the former President:

"It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years that count."

Although only one sentence, this quote speaks volumes to me.  Life is not just about living many years, but it's about making the most of the years you have been given.  Yes, how we live our life is so much more important than living a long life. 

It begins with our choices.  Let me explain what I mean.  For the most part, what we do in life has everything to do with what we choose to do.  This is sometimes hard to understand because not every choice has an immediate impact on our lives.  For example, choosing to go to college may not show any tangible benefits for 4 years (or in my case, 6 years.  Yes, I was able to cram 4 years of college into 6 years).

Of course, going to college is a big decision and not every decision may be that dramatic.  However, all of our choices add up over time.  Every minute of your life is critical.  Choosing to watch 2 hours of TV tonight may mean you will miss out on doing something more significant, like learning a new song on the piano, writing another chapter of your book, or spending time with a dear friend who needs your encouragement. 

So I am learning that making the most of every opportunity is key in living a full, productive life in every area -- from relationships to spirituality.    I have a long way to go in learning this important life-lesson.   Another great man, St. Paul, has inspired me as well in this regard:

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph. 5:15-20)

I glean from this passage that I should never  waste the precious moments that have been given to me.  Wise words indeed and an encouargement to me to choose the time I spend thoughtfully.  I hope that you have been encouraged as well.  Make the most of every opportunity and you will truly discover that it is not just about the years in your life, but the life in your years that really count!

Embracing Change

I begin a new job this Monday. There is always a certain amount of anxiety and hesitation associated with something new.  Despite my nerves, I'm really looking forward to this new challenge because I know with every challenge in life there is great opportunity.  I know, however, that in order to truly experience all that this new job has to offer I must let go of the past.

This experience reminds me a lot of our spiritual journey in life. God is always on the move. He is constantly working His "master plan." Jesus noted this when he said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17).

God's plan often involves us as His children. Keeping step with God may require that we let go of the past and embrace what is new. In my case, it is a new job that will involve making new friends, building relationships with people I have never met, perhaps learning a new skill, and definitely being challenged in ways I had not yet previously imagined.

I heard a great quote the other day that went something like this: "You cannot embrace the new thing God is doing in your life if you hang on to the past." This is really true. As new creations in Christ, we are asked to let go of the past so we can enjoy the future in God's kingdom.

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:13,14)

What is God calling you to do? It may not be a new job, but He may be leading you into a new opportunity of your own.  Perhaps it is time to clean out the closet and let go of those old clothes that you will never wear.  Maybe it is time to jump into a new ministry or even attend a new church.  Maybe you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship that you know God is asking you to end. God may be asking you to make other significant life decisions like quitting smoking cigarettes or eliminating alcohol.  You may have considered having a child but you are unsure because of social or financial pressures that pale in comparison to the joy and blessing with raising children. 

There are any number of decisions on your horizon, but they involve change.  So are you open to change or are you still clinging to the past?  This "new thing" God is asking you to do may require that you grab onto it with both hands so let go of the past!