Events can consume us at this time of year. Halloween is this week. Races, parties, and even houses and yards testify to its theme. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that it literally is All Hallow’s Eve, the night before All Saints Day for many who profess to follow Christ. As we contemplate the trappings of Halloween, with its costumes, candy, and occasional trickery, we pause to ask, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
An election quickly follows Halloween this year. Some cynics might argue that that proximity is appropriate, given that politicians sometimes are accused of disguising their real motives and beliefs. However, elections give citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns and to dialogue with civic leaders during a time when those leaders have reason to listen. Some Christians insist that Christians should not vote, and that no politicians should be trusted. However, biblical prophets both advised and rebuked kings. John the Baptist, Jesus, and Paul spoke truth to rulers; Jesus spent an evening with Nicodemus discussing the love of God. As we contemplate the election, we consider the character of the candidate (How does she treat people? Does he tell the truth?), but we also consider the morality and the social impact of the issues they advocate. We ask again, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. We breathe a sigh of relief: a holiday without controversy. It’s all about giving thanks and that is a very Christian thing to do. It is, but sometimes thankfulness gets shoved out the door as we focus on food, decorations, football, and travel. Commercial stores almost seem to lose this holiday. Thanksgiving gives us remarkable opportunities to show hospitality, to reconcile with estranged friends and family members, to reflect on all the good in our lives, and to thank God. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, we ask once more, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
At this time of year, many of us realize that it’s time to plan for 2019. We review what we accomplished this year. We contemplate what our focus should be next year. We will reflect how our practice of prayer, Bible study, hospitality, generosity, and other spiritual disciplines helps us to be more like Christ. And we will ask, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
How Does This Help Me Grow?
Events can consume us at this time of year. Halloween is this week. Races, parties, and even houses and yards testify to its theme. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that it literally is All Hallow’s Eve, the night before All Saints Day for many who profess to follow Christ. As we contemplate the trappings of Halloween, with its costumes, candy, and occasional trickery, we pause to ask, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
An election quickly follows Halloween this year. Some cynics might argue that that proximity is appropriate, given that politicians sometimes are accused of disguising their real motives and beliefs. However, elections give citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns and to dialogue with civic leaders during a time when those leaders have reason to listen. Some Christians insist that Christians should not vote, and that no politicians should be trusted. However, biblical prophets both advised and rebuked kings. John the Baptist, Jesus, and Paul spoke truth to rulers; Jesus spent an evening with Nicodemus discussing the love of God. As we contemplate the election, we consider the character of the candidate (How does she treat people? Does he tell the truth?), but we also consider the morality and the social impact of the issues they advocate. We ask again, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. We breathe a sigh of relief: a holiday without controversy. It’s all about giving thanks and that is a very Christian thing to do. It is, but sometimes thankfulness gets shoved out the door as we focus on food, decorations, football, and travel. Commercial stores almost seem to lose this holiday. Thanksgiving gives us remarkable opportunities to show hospitality, to reconcile with estranged friends and family members, to reflect on all the good in our lives, and to thank God. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, we ask once more, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
At this time of year, many of us realize that it’s time to plan for 2019. We review what we accomplished this year. We contemplate what our focus should be next year. We will reflect how our practice of prayer, Bible study, hospitality, generosity, and other spiritual disciplines helps us to be more like Christ. And we will ask, “How does this help me grow as a Christian? What good do I accomplish with this decision?”
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