I have been searching, pretty much in vain, for any real critical commentary on Jack Layton’s funeral. I was at the beach with my family this past Saturday when Jack Layton’s state funeral service was going on but one of the news channels aired it again Sunday evening and I watched most of it. I missed the beginning and I couldn’t quite stomach it all to hold out to the end, but I got to hear the eulogies and the message and quite a bit of the music. Jack’s children spoke well and were sincere and appropriate. That was about the only part of the whole entire event that was appropriate. The rest of it was disgraceful and what is most alarming is that almost no one seemed aware of just how despicable it all was. It was all applauded, literally.
The brazen ‘in your face’ partisanship that was on display throughout the entire service amazed me. Stephen Lewis is being lauded for his eulogy. If I was in sympathy with the NDP position I would have been embarrassed by the shameless nature of it. He took advantage of the situation, sticking it to every person in the room who attended out of simple respect for the man. That is so inappropriate and so small.
Here’s Margaret Wente’s comment writing in ‘The Globe And Mail’: “For a few moments the funeral took on the air of an NDP revival meeting. Hundreds of people in the hall applauded and leaped to their feet. Stephen Harper, the prime minister, had the good sense to stand up too.”
No kidding! What choice did he have?
In what seems to me to be a great irony, much of the time Jack was rather forgotten in the whole thing. The musical performances did nothing to draw any attention to Jack. They served only to showcase the amazing talent of the performers. That’s all.
And, worst of all was the complete absence of any real attention to God. He didn’t make it in. Rather, Brent Hawkes used the opportunity himself to grandstand. He fell into the same pathetic error of Stephen Lewis only worse because He claims to represent God. His talk served only to glorify himself and push his own agenda forward with a large smirk on. All I could think was wow!
It is amazing to me how so many people don’t see any of this. People don’t even realize when they are being exploited. If Jack Layton was a bright spot on the Canadian political landscape for his honesty, care and respect, his funeral most certainly wasn’t.
I mentioned at the outset that I have been searching, pretty much in vain, for critical commentary on the whole escapade, but that isn’t entirely true. If you would like a real reality check on the whole spectacle check out some of the commentary over at the Sun News Network. Here’s one such dose of reality.
‘Capitalizing on a Corpse’ by Ezra Levant
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Balance
Do you remember learning to ride a bike?
I have been reminded this week that one of the most common sources of error is our tendency toward extremes. It’s the old swinging pendulum. A movement intent on restoring the critical role of parents in the spiritual formation of their own children ends up adopting a position that we should never divide children up in age groups. This, of course, is an extreme position, an overreaction that is both unwarranted and unhelpful. On another front, those who stand in sharp judgment of the what they call the ‘seeker sensitive’ movement go to the extreme in opposing anything ever being done that could be considered appealing to anyone; again, an extreme position that is not only an overreaction but one that can become quite ridiculous.
I was caused this week to recall something that the great A. W. Tozer wrote. I think of it often when I see people gravitating hard toward a position without regard for the other perspective which also has validity. Here is what he wrote:
“Truth is like a bird; it cannot fly on one wing. . . . Many of the doctrinal divisions among churches are the result of a blind and stubborn insistence that truth has but one wing. Each side holds tenaciously to one text, refusing grimly to acknowledge the validity of the other. . . Lack of balance in the Christian life is often the direct consequence of overemphasis on certain favorite texts, with a corresponding under-emphasis on other related ones. . . . Let's use both wings. We'll get farther that way.”
The search for truth is not unlike driving a car. There is a ditch to be avoided on either side. I’m not talking about dispassionate mediocrity. I’m not talking about waffling on sound biblical doctrine or the commitment to absolute truth. I am talking about the folly of adopting an ‘all or nothing’ mentality where one is not required. I am talking about the kind of biblical discernment that does not fail to recognize that a great many truths do need to be held in balance. One of the hardest things you will do in this life is to remain balanced.
I have been reminded this week that one of the most common sources of error is our tendency toward extremes. It’s the old swinging pendulum. A movement intent on restoring the critical role of parents in the spiritual formation of their own children ends up adopting a position that we should never divide children up in age groups. This, of course, is an extreme position, an overreaction that is both unwarranted and unhelpful. On another front, those who stand in sharp judgment of the what they call the ‘seeker sensitive’ movement go to the extreme in opposing anything ever being done that could be considered appealing to anyone; again, an extreme position that is not only an overreaction but one that can become quite ridiculous.
I was caused this week to recall something that the great A. W. Tozer wrote. I think of it often when I see people gravitating hard toward a position without regard for the other perspective which also has validity. Here is what he wrote:
“Truth is like a bird; it cannot fly on one wing. . . . Many of the doctrinal divisions among churches are the result of a blind and stubborn insistence that truth has but one wing. Each side holds tenaciously to one text, refusing grimly to acknowledge the validity of the other. . . Lack of balance in the Christian life is often the direct consequence of overemphasis on certain favorite texts, with a corresponding under-emphasis on other related ones. . . . Let's use both wings. We'll get farther that way.”
The search for truth is not unlike driving a car. There is a ditch to be avoided on either side. I’m not talking about dispassionate mediocrity. I’m not talking about waffling on sound biblical doctrine or the commitment to absolute truth. I am talking about the folly of adopting an ‘all or nothing’ mentality where one is not required. I am talking about the kind of biblical discernment that does not fail to recognize that a great many truths do need to be held in balance. One of the hardest things you will do in this life is to remain balanced.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Interruptions
I have spent some time lately thinking about how I handle interruptions in my life. I won’t lie. By default, they irritate me. And, of course, I have been thinking about how the biblical world-view would direct me to see them as God’s work in my life. Very convicting stuff. Am I willing to allow God to interfere with my goals by inserting His plan?
Perhaps interruptions are part of what was on the mind of the writer in Proverbs when he wrote, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”? Do you think?
I am guilty of planning my days, most times in a way, trying to squeeze everything I can out of the clock and that means I seldom have time to spare for the ‘unexpected’. I know that’s probably where I set myself up, but I confess I struggle with this one a lot.
Anyway, a while back I read an article by Mark Galli, who is the senior managing editor of ‘Christianity Today’. I ended up clipping and saving a quote from it as it seems to give some really practical advice to help us with this. Practical is good! Here is the quote:
“Let me be clear. Punctuality and efficiency are virtues. The former is a sign of respect; the latter, of good stewardship. The problem is when these virtues begin to manage our schedules, when they take over for the Spirit. God, as Dietrich Bonheoffer points out, loves to manage our schedules by interruptions … So how to respect time, yet honor and obey King Jesus who likes to interrupt our lives? Here's one thing I'm doing: I'm trying to build into my schedule ten to fifteen-minute blocks of time so that I can feel less pressure when King Jesus taps me on the shoulder. For instance, I'm trying to get into the habit of leaving for appointments and meetings ten to fifteen minutes early. If I arrive at my breakfast early, I look for opportunities to ask the waitress a few more questions than I would normally, or I spot a friend in the restaurant and try to find out what's going on with him. And if a complete stranger approaches me and needs a listening ear or a ride or even a meal, I have the space in my day to make it happen. If no opportunity presents itself, I take it as a sign that the Lord simply wants me to spend the time quietly or in prayer. (Which I then have to remind myself is not a waste of time!)”
I really like this. I’m sure that all of us, at one time or another, have experienced the sheer pleasure of having a few minutes ‘to kill’ and then being amazed at how significant that time can become as your attention is freed up to a greatly expanded awareness; a presence of mind for who and what is going on around you. And when it happens, you know it is right. You know that this is how it is supposed to be. And I find at these times that the voice of the Holy Spirit can become so very clear. Could it be that a hectic pace can actually drown out the voice of God in your life? I think so.
I know that Mark’s advice is not likely something that I will be able to apply in my life with some kind of amazing consistency. It’s probably like everything else in that regard. But I am going to try and make a real conscious effort to put it to work as best I can when I can.
I love it when people are so practical and don’t just point out problems but actually offer tangible solutions. That is a trait I see in others that I really, really admire. When you think about it, anyone can point out problems, but it takes real insight to come up with tangible and effective measures for addressing them. Thank you Mark Galli.
Perhaps interruptions are part of what was on the mind of the writer in Proverbs when he wrote, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”? Do you think?
I am guilty of planning my days, most times in a way, trying to squeeze everything I can out of the clock and that means I seldom have time to spare for the ‘unexpected’. I know that’s probably where I set myself up, but I confess I struggle with this one a lot.
Anyway, a while back I read an article by Mark Galli, who is the senior managing editor of ‘Christianity Today’. I ended up clipping and saving a quote from it as it seems to give some really practical advice to help us with this. Practical is good! Here is the quote:
“Let me be clear. Punctuality and efficiency are virtues. The former is a sign of respect; the latter, of good stewardship. The problem is when these virtues begin to manage our schedules, when they take over for the Spirit. God, as Dietrich Bonheoffer points out, loves to manage our schedules by interruptions … So how to respect time, yet honor and obey King Jesus who likes to interrupt our lives? Here's one thing I'm doing: I'm trying to build into my schedule ten to fifteen-minute blocks of time so that I can feel less pressure when King Jesus taps me on the shoulder. For instance, I'm trying to get into the habit of leaving for appointments and meetings ten to fifteen minutes early. If I arrive at my breakfast early, I look for opportunities to ask the waitress a few more questions than I would normally, or I spot a friend in the restaurant and try to find out what's going on with him. And if a complete stranger approaches me and needs a listening ear or a ride or even a meal, I have the space in my day to make it happen. If no opportunity presents itself, I take it as a sign that the Lord simply wants me to spend the time quietly or in prayer. (Which I then have to remind myself is not a waste of time!)”
I really like this. I’m sure that all of us, at one time or another, have experienced the sheer pleasure of having a few minutes ‘to kill’ and then being amazed at how significant that time can become as your attention is freed up to a greatly expanded awareness; a presence of mind for who and what is going on around you. And when it happens, you know it is right. You know that this is how it is supposed to be. And I find at these times that the voice of the Holy Spirit can become so very clear. Could it be that a hectic pace can actually drown out the voice of God in your life? I think so.
I know that Mark’s advice is not likely something that I will be able to apply in my life with some kind of amazing consistency. It’s probably like everything else in that regard. But I am going to try and make a real conscious effort to put it to work as best I can when I can.
I love it when people are so practical and don’t just point out problems but actually offer tangible solutions. That is a trait I see in others that I really, really admire. When you think about it, anyone can point out problems, but it takes real insight to come up with tangible and effective measures for addressing them. Thank you Mark Galli.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Trade Offs
In his book ‘Moolala’ (subtitled - ‘Why smart people do dumb things with their money and what you can do about it’) financial expert, author and speaker Bruce Sellery, emphasizes what he calls ‘trade-offs’. He says that when it comes to personal finances, people often seem to believe that they don’t really have any options because their lives are simply controlled by their circumstances. The bills have to be paid, so it’s just that simple. Sellery says that’s not the way we should be looking at it. Rather we should be thinking about making ‘trade-offs’.
One example he gives from his own life. He chooses to drive an old car. The reason? He likes to travel. So, when he’s around home, he saves money by driving an old car. That’s a ‘trade-off’. But, he says, if the ‘new car smell’ is something that is really important to you, then you need to ask yourself what you are willing to give up in exchange for that.
This is sound financial counsel. It is based on the truth that you can only spend a dollar once, which means that you can’t have it all. The advertising industry works very hard to promote the myth that you really can have it all, but after all, it remains a myth.
Some people would point to the very rich as exceptions but it applies to them as well. If you were the richest person on the planet, you could still only be in one place at a time doing one thing at a time. Think about it. We’re supposed to learn this hard lesson early. Just the other day a little girl had to choose. She could either go with her mom to take her brother to camp or stay home and go swimming. That’s a hard choice. It was a choice she didn’t want to have to make. She cried. But there wasn’t anything that anyone could do, because that’s life.
You’d think that we would learn this well, and yet, it seems that a lot of the time we persist in chasing this false hope that somehow we can have it both ways. And the failure to really come to grips with this reality can prevent us from engaging in one of the most important tasks of life. And what would that be? Stepping back and figuring out what is ultimately important to us, and THEN making a sound decision about what we are prepared to give up (‘trade-off’) in order to make it a reality.
If you have a problem with money, money is not your problem. This isn’t after all about money. It’s about choices. And don’t say you don’t have any because that’s just not true. We can’t choose the consequences of our actions because they are inseparably locked to the actions themselves. But we can choose our actions and we must choose wisely. Money … time … heart … it’s always about choices and when we choose something, we are always saying ‘no’ to something else (or more likely ‘no’ to many other things). Because, no matter what anyone might tell you, truer words have never been spoken – you can’t have it all.
One example he gives from his own life. He chooses to drive an old car. The reason? He likes to travel. So, when he’s around home, he saves money by driving an old car. That’s a ‘trade-off’. But, he says, if the ‘new car smell’ is something that is really important to you, then you need to ask yourself what you are willing to give up in exchange for that.
This is sound financial counsel. It is based on the truth that you can only spend a dollar once, which means that you can’t have it all. The advertising industry works very hard to promote the myth that you really can have it all, but after all, it remains a myth.
Some people would point to the very rich as exceptions but it applies to them as well. If you were the richest person on the planet, you could still only be in one place at a time doing one thing at a time. Think about it. We’re supposed to learn this hard lesson early. Just the other day a little girl had to choose. She could either go with her mom to take her brother to camp or stay home and go swimming. That’s a hard choice. It was a choice she didn’t want to have to make. She cried. But there wasn’t anything that anyone could do, because that’s life.
You’d think that we would learn this well, and yet, it seems that a lot of the time we persist in chasing this false hope that somehow we can have it both ways. And the failure to really come to grips with this reality can prevent us from engaging in one of the most important tasks of life. And what would that be? Stepping back and figuring out what is ultimately important to us, and THEN making a sound decision about what we are prepared to give up (‘trade-off’) in order to make it a reality.
If you have a problem with money, money is not your problem. This isn’t after all about money. It’s about choices. And don’t say you don’t have any because that’s just not true. We can’t choose the consequences of our actions because they are inseparably locked to the actions themselves. But we can choose our actions and we must choose wisely. Money … time … heart … it’s always about choices and when we choose something, we are always saying ‘no’ to something else (or more likely ‘no’ to many other things). Because, no matter what anyone might tell you, truer words have never been spoken – you can’t have it all.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Dice & Dust
The day before yesterday, I was working around the yard and I got a rock in my shoe. And I thought, imagine how hard it would be if you TRIED to get a rock in your shoe!!! The whole premise of all of Murphy’s Laws come to mind. I notice it quite often when I go to throw a rotten apple or a rock from the garden over the bank. It is amazing how many times I hit either a tree or a fence rail and I always wonder how hard it would be if I actually tried to hit either.
It does in fact seem sometimes that Murphy got it right doesn’t it. And yet, what does the Scripture say?
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”
Proverbs 16:33
Even the roll of the dice (a very rough equivalent today of the casting of lots in the OT age) is determined by God and is in no way simply dumb blind luck as it seems. It’s preposterous to the mind to grasp it; that God superintends even the most obscure and insignificant of events in this world. Spurgeon referred to even the specks of dust that float in the air as moving by God’s direction.
When you think of it though, in order to be in control of anything, God would have to have dominion over everything. Seriously, think about that. And where that becomes so pertinent is when it effects us personally. Who really cares about a speck of dust anyway. But earlier in the same chapter of the Proverbs…
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
Prov 16:9
Someone has said that coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous. Maybe, but latter that same evening, the BBQ ran out of fuel just as our pork steaks were done just right. And I thought, what are the odds of that happening; I mean really!!! And maybe it was God’s simple little way of affirming to me that He, and not Mr. Murphy or anyone else, is in charge of the universe. If that is problematic for our minds it is only because our thoughts of God are too small. For even the very specks of the dust of the earth should compel our hearts to wonder and to worship.
It does in fact seem sometimes that Murphy got it right doesn’t it. And yet, what does the Scripture say?
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”
Proverbs 16:33
Even the roll of the dice (a very rough equivalent today of the casting of lots in the OT age) is determined by God and is in no way simply dumb blind luck as it seems. It’s preposterous to the mind to grasp it; that God superintends even the most obscure and insignificant of events in this world. Spurgeon referred to even the specks of dust that float in the air as moving by God’s direction.
When you think of it though, in order to be in control of anything, God would have to have dominion over everything. Seriously, think about that. And where that becomes so pertinent is when it effects us personally. Who really cares about a speck of dust anyway. But earlier in the same chapter of the Proverbs…
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
Prov 16:9
Someone has said that coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous. Maybe, but latter that same evening, the BBQ ran out of fuel just as our pork steaks were done just right. And I thought, what are the odds of that happening; I mean really!!! And maybe it was God’s simple little way of affirming to me that He, and not Mr. Murphy or anyone else, is in charge of the universe. If that is problematic for our minds it is only because our thoughts of God are too small. For even the very specks of the dust of the earth should compel our hearts to wonder and to worship.
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