Spirituality

Idolatry

Today we will explore a difficult topic: idols. An idol is something we elevate to a position of greater importance in our lives than it deserves. We place our value in it, whatever it is, rather than seeing ourselves as children of God, which is where our real value comes from.

There are a lot of distractions in this world. Money, possessions, power, even sex can become an idol. There is nothing wrong with any of those things. God gives us every good thing we have. But when they become something we obsess over is when a problem arises.

Placing value in anything other than God will usually lead to disappointment. Our bank accounts can dry up. Our position in life can be lost very quickly. Even our good looks will fade over time. God remains the one true constant in every period of our lives. We change but He doesn’t.

Striving to get ahead is a good thing. Ambition is to be admired. My encouragement to you is to keep it in perspective. If something has become an idol in your life, you may not need to get rid of it. Just reevaluate your relationship to it…

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Spirituality

The Megaphone

A megaphone is a portable device used to amplify one’s voice. My first exposure to a megaphone was at pep rallies in school. The cheerleaders would use them to get the crowd revved up. Sadly, this didn’t always lead to victory on the football field.

Everyone has a voice. Some people in media have an international voice. Politicians are rarely shy when it comes to finding their way to a microphone. But are any of them saying anything worth listening to? You be the judge.

The loudest voice in the room is not necessarily the one to be listened to. If someone feels the need to shout, then perhaps they believe the only way to be heard is to talk over everyone else.

God spoke to Elijah. He didn’t yell or make a spectacle. No, God spoke in a whisper. Scripture tells us about a donkey who spoke. Now that will get your attention!

Oftentimes less is more. Actions are louder than words. Even louder than the most amplified megaphone. Use your voice for good…

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Spirituality

Noises

In yesterday’s column I wrote about how important quiet time and solitude are. But I wasn’t suggesting all the noise is bad. Some might even be life saving.

Our cars are equipped with a horn. I know we rarely use them, but they are meant to ward off potential trouble. Sometimes we lay on the horn if someone is paying attention to their phone rather than starting to drive when the light turns green.

God gives us warning signs, too. They might be subtle or even unknown to us. I’m curious how many times God has intervened to save me from something unforeseen. It might number in the millions of times. One day I will know.

The politicians and the talking heads are full of noise. We might say they are full of nonsense, too. Their kind of noise I can do without!

Pay close attention to your surroundings. Everything can be used, even the smallest noises have use..

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Spirituality

It’s Quiet. Too Quiet

Are you uncomfortable when things get quiet? We live in a “go-go” society and it’s gotten to the point where people need constant stimulation.

We have 24/7 news available, hundreds of television channels along with endless texts and emails. Our brains can handle quite a lot, but overload can be damaging. Our brains never quit working, but they do need time to recover and recharge.

My encouragement to you is to make time to enjoy the quiet moments when you can. If you have to schedule downtime, do it! Whatever works for you is what you must do.

At first, the quiet might make you feel uneasy. If this is the case, then consider it confirmation that you need some peace and quiet. It gets easier the more you do it. Then you will feel the benefits of solitude, and you will make it a priority.

Give it a try. Then keep trying. The only thing you have to lose is some anxiety. And that’s a good thing…

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Spirituality

Reasons For Optimism

If I spent much of my time listening to the news or reading print media, I might be disheartened about the future. But the truth is, I don’t watch the news or read print media or any newspapers. My best time is spent observing.

The younger generations are a true treasure to watch. They spend more time experiencing life than my generation did. They aren’t missing out on getting ahead or building net worth. They will be just fine.

For as long as I have lived I have observed some older people blaming the young for everything wrong in the world. The young see the world differently, and I love their creativity. Those who are looking for someone to blame should look no further than themselves. We all bear responsibility for the shape of our world, good and bad.

And by the way, I get my world news from Al Jazeera. They report objectively and accurately. There’s one caveat to this. I pay no attention to their reporting on Israel. The Arabs hate the Jews so they have a bias, a very obvious bias.

Take time to engage young people. Listen and learn from them. They do see the world through a different lens. And it’s a beautiful sight to behold…

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Spirituality

Counting Clicks

The so-called influencers among us are click counters. A group of people have learned how to make money by getting people to check out their activities. The more clicks they get, the more they earn. Let’s take a closer look.

Andrew and Tristan Tate are horrible examples for young men. Their posts about male dominance, amassing wealth and power along with their misogynistic views are beyond controversial. Yet they have over 10 million followers on their social media platforms. Disgusting.

When you have a national or even international following, it’s important to set a good example. People are following you for a reason. You have the ability to truly influence others, to make a difference in their lives and in this world.

Use it for good. Mankind will benefit, and so will you…

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Spirituality

Be Patient

Patience is a virtue. Or so it’s said. Does this mean that when I lose my patience I’m an immoral person? Of course not.

Being patient takes work. “Rome wasn’t built in a day” as the saying goes. But it did get built. If I’m stuck behind a slow driver, I will eventually get to my destination. Babies grow in the womb for about nine months before they are ready for birth. Early deliveries can create anxious parents.

When we are impatient, we are showing our frustration with our inability to control a situation. I can’t make someone drive faster or process my paperwork more quickly at the DMV. But I can show the light of Jesus in my interactions with others. They might be going through a rough period and are doing everything possible to hold it together.

Patience is a lifelong pursuit for many of us. Forgive yourself for the times you are impatient. But don’t make excuses for yourself. Vow to keep trying to be better…

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Spirituality

Be Courageous

Life is hard. Few, if any, will argue that point. Life is full of unknowns and uncertainty. Every day is unique because no two days are the same.

In my travels I have encountered many people who have given up. They decided to accept whatever life threw their way. This isn’t a growth strategy. It’s a cop out. This is especially disheartening when you consider that some of these people have children who rely on them. Children deserve our best efforts.

Life is challenging when you try. It’s more difficult when you give up. Courage is required when you are going for greatness. A quote attributed to John Wayne is, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” Whether Wayne actually said it or not, it’s true.

In this life we will experience hurdles, difficulties and setbacks. We will also experience victories. You will never taste victory until you find your inner strength, your courage to try in the face of uncertainty.

Win or lose, keep trying. You have it in you…

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Spirituality

Philo Farnsworth

You may have never heard of Philo Farnsworth, yet most people use a device he created every day. Please allow me to tell you more.

Milo was born in Utah in 1906. When he was 12 his family moved to Idaho. The home Milo’s family moved into had electricity, and this became a lifelong obsession for Milo.

As a 14 year old farm boy plowing a field, Milo had an idea. He saw the straight rows he had plowed and thought, “why can’t images be transmitted in lines rather than the complicated spinning discs used at the time?” He drew outlines of his thoughts on the blackboard for his high school chemistry teacher, Justin Tolman. Tolman kept the drawings which eventually were instrumental in winning a patent lawsuit against RCA (another fascinating story).

The electronic television set was invented by a 21 year old boy who had no college education, no connections and very little money. Milo had something more powerful than those things combined. He had a dream.

Dreams are given to us by God. It’s up to us to do the work to bring our dreams to life. The deep purposes imbedded in our hearts are there for a reason. We will find fulfillment when we use our gifts for the betterment of mankind. Dream big, worthwhile dreams and do the work…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Say What You Think

When you find someone who speaks their mind, with poise and eloquence, that person is a rare find. There are many out there who are quick to tell you what’s on their minds, but once they open their mouths you know there’s little substance behind their words.

Yes, the blowhards are everywhere. Even in the professional ranks. Groupthink is just as dangerous. Going along to get along is not using your brain. God gave us the greatest supercomputer ever built. It’s up to us to use it.

You have heard that “knowledge is power.” No, the truth is knowledge is potential power. Knowledge is meaningless if you sit idly by and never use it. And it’s usually a solid idea to verify your knowledge. It could be wrong.

Intellectual honesty is a dying art. Speaking the truth, with some gentleness and self control, is valued by your counter party.

Stay true to yourself and always being honest with people. You will piss some people off by having a different opinion or belief. That’s okay…

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