From each who sleeps secure

A wife sleeps alone tonight.

In truth, she did that most nights as her husband patrolled the streets of St. Petersburg on the midnight shift.  Yet, tonight is different.  There is no hope that he will return home tomorrow morning, as he always did before.

This afternoon a dispatcher repeatedly called out over the radio to 143-Bravo, expecting only silence in return.  Just as at last month’s funeral, every officer who stood at attention outside the church knew there would be no response.  Officer Crawford’s earthly life ended a week ago when he was shot and killed on what seemed to be a routine call.

The brutal irony of that term.  Every police officer and sheriff’s deputy understands that no call can truly be called routine.  The unexpected is part of the job.  The unseen lurks down every darkened street and behind every closed door.  The unknown can only be discovered by confronting the situation face to face.

Tonight, officers  from Squad 22 will once again patrol the streets, responding to the concerns of each citizen.  The same situation will play out in communities all across this nation.  Children will prepare for bed while their daddy puts on his uniform.  Wives will pillow their head praying that in the morning their officer will return home.  Thousands of others will sleep peacefully, never thinking about those that keep evil in check.  Those that nightly pay for their security with personal diligence.

Thank you to those who have given their life in service to our communities or our nation.  Thank you also to others who continue their service tonight – and every night.  Thank you from each us who sleeps secure.

Of Marriage and Golf Balls

This morning I heard yet another news reporter introduce his segment with the provocative question, “Has marriage become obsolete?”  In the last few days, the media has repeatedly referred to a recent study by the Pew Research Center that asked people what they believed constituted a family.  The vast majority of respondents agreed that a married couple with or without children fits that description.  However, 80% also pointed to an unmarried, opposite sex couple with children or a single parent.  About 60% recognized a same-sex couple with children as a family.  Finally, 39% replied that marriage was becoming obsolete.  We see this attitude manifested in many ways.  About 29% of children under 18 currently live with parents who are unwed or no longer married (a fivefold increase from 1960).

Of course, as I heard these results I thought of golf balls.  (I’m never quite sure how my mind works.)  When I was a kid, it was fun to cut through the cover of a golf ball to reveal what was hidden inside.  The rumor back then was that the center was filled either with compressed air that would explode or a liquid center that was deadly poison.  Although the truth was less dangerous, it was still entertaining.  The small rubber core was actually wrapped with layers of tightly wound rubber thread.   Freed from the restraint of the hard cover, these thin bands would start to loosen and unravel with a life all their own.  After an initial “explosion” of the outer layer of rubber bands things would slow down as other layers vainly clung together.  If the ball was left alone, a layer or two would spring to life at random intervals.  When things slowed down, all that was necessary to energize the process was to pick at the ball with a fingernail.  Even more dramatic was to throw the exposed core down on the driveway.  It would bounce unpredictably while inch after inch of rubber bands would come undone in all directions.

The recent statistics about marriage and family are troubling, yet not surprising to anyone who has considered society for any length of time.  The biblical truth is that we live in a damaged world.  Slowly but surely, the world is coming undone because of the consequences of original sin. The environment, human relationships, and society at large – all bear the marks of this process of decay.

Before you count me among the pessimists proclaiming only gloom and doom, let me affirm that I believe the Lord “is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Col. 1:17)  I am grateful that He holds all things together.

What is most troubling is that humanity seems intent on speeding up the process of deterioration like a child picking away at the layers of rubber bands wrapped around a golf ball’s core.  Abandoning the revelation of an inspired Bible.  Resisting the truth of a Creator God.  Living for the temporal with no thought of eternity.  Developing philosophies that place man at their center.  With every step away from God it seems society speeds up the process of decay.

Lest we merely wag the finger at the world, let’s acknowledge that believers are often willing accomplices, if not active participants.  “You can’t wink at sin.  Don’t live like the world.”  We’ve heard the admonition from the pulpit for years.  Yet, there is little statistical evidence that today’s Christians live any differently from the rest of society.

– Why wait for marriage to be intimate with each other?

– If I’m not happy, can’t I look for satisfaction outside my marriage?

– If things don’t work out like we planned, we can always get a divorce.

Unfortunately, these thoughts are expressed increasingly by Christians.  We must remember that popular consensus differs greatly from biblical instruction.  When speaking about the prevalence of divorce, Jesus reminded the religious leaders of His day that “from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:8)  While society seems intent on changing the definitions and applications of marriage and family, God’s standards remain unmoved.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; [8] And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. Mark 10:7-8

What is our response?  Build our values and our families on solid foundations of biblical truth.  Maintain firm standards, yet deal with Christlike compassion to those around us.  Lead by presenting a godly example.

May we stand on God’s Word no matter what society supports or surveys reveal.

Why or Why Not?

I recently rediscovered Jon Acuff’s blog Stuff Christians Like.  I spent several minutes laughing heartily at a few of his posts.  Most were skewering curious facets of American Christianity that have become entrenched in today’s churches and ministries.  It seems that a lot of us do a lot of things without asking “Why?”  At times, we do what we do simply because we have always done it that way.  If we do claim to have a motive, it is occasionally held exempt from scrutiny.  Too often, this is because it is weak or indefensible.  We never established a proper foundation, so we do not want others poking around in that territory.

In fact, sometimes our reasoning sounds like we developed it in the fifth grade.  “Everyone else is doing it.”  Has that ever really been a sufficient reason?  Lately, it seems that this mindset has reached epidemic proportions among American Christianity.  Churches pick up practices and traits because other groups have used them with a measure of success.  Individual Christians adopt standards, habits, and even beliefs, because a celebrity speaker has espoused them or a popular book is making the rounds.  Certainly, we would be wise to learn from the behavior and practices of godly people.  However, there must always be a higher standard than simply what we glean from others.

After having a good chuckle at Acuff’s site, I came to a conclusion; “I like the way this guy thinks.  He really pokes holes in some deserving targets.”

Then it dawned on me.  Eventually, he was going to wax satirical about something that is significant or meaningful to me.  (He probably already has, and I have not seen it yet.)  What happens at that point?  Will I be willing to step back and thoughtfully examine why I cling to certain things.  Are they firmly rooted in a biblical standard or simply in the comfort zone of my preferences?

The experience was a great reminder to consistently examine the reasons behind my decisions.  With similar self-inspection, the Psalmist said, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Psalm 119:59

The next time someone scoffs at what you do or recommends you try something new, head straight for your Bible.  May our conclusion be that of the prophet Jeremiah:

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” Lament. 3:40

Hey Matt!

The concept of writing to oneself at a younger stage of life is certainly not original.  Numerous people have used this literary device to convey lessons they have learned through time and experience.  This is my first public attempt to reach back into the past and speak from acquired wisdom to that teenager growing up in the 1980s (and anyone else who will listen).  Although styles and society have changed greatly in thirty years, some principles that I have learned remain steadfast.

Hey Matt!

Take a good look at the people sitting around you in the cafeteria.  Listen to their conversations.  (Probably more trivial than meaningful, but you won’t see it that way.)  Think about who you consider to be your friends.  What common bonds draw you together?  Why is it so important to be accepted by certain groups?

At your ten-year class reunion, you will engage in conversation with some people you tended to look past in school.  The reason is that you share important common ground.  Others will still be friends, but you will discover a different foundation for your friendship.  Often, this common ground is a shared perspective, specifically our faith in Christ and a desire to serve Him.

I was reminded of that again last week in our men’s Bible study group.  I sat with some of the same guys that are at the lunchroom table across from you.  You probably hear conversations revolving around homework, sports, music, and girls (not necessarily in that order).  On the same campus thirty years later, we were discussing how to make our life’s work have lasting value.  We challenged each other to be a witness in the workplace and elsewhere.  Every week there is some talk of how to become a godly husband and father.

It’s funny to think of the contrast between our choice of topics in 1982 and 2010.  I find that I like some of the same people that I did in high school – for a whole new set of reasons.  Mind you, there was a great group of teenagers at Keswick back then.  I just don’t remember our primary topic of conversation always being about maintaining a separated life and striving for excellence in our walk with God.

Use biblical standards and pick your friends wisely.  Don’t be afraid to think deep thoughts and speak about spiritual concepts.  Be bold about your faith.  One day a lot of your friends will eagerly talk about their love for the Lord and His Word.  Consider this your chance to be a trendsetter.

By the way, keep your plaid board shorts.  Eventually, they will be back in style – or at least your kids will need them for ‘80s day at school.

What do you wish you could tell your teen-aged self?

Fatherhood means…

In 1970, the film Love Story produced the popular statement “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”  I completely disagree with that sentiment, but that is a topic for another article.  However, in a similar vein I have discovered a personal summary of parenting.  “Fatherhood means enjoying your children’s success more than your own.”

I recently noticed this during a football game when I heard the voice from the booth announce, “Tackle made by #56 Justin Trill.”  I realized that the feeling I experienced was stronger and more gratifying than if I had heard my own name announced.  I have recognized this through the years as I watched my daughter congratulated for serves that stymied the opposing team or a big basket that turned the tide of a game.  I have felt that emotion when Aaron held up his blue ribbon at a regional art competition or his first-place medal from youth league basketball.  The same thing applies to their academic achievements. Thankfully, I also realize that I receive even greater joy from seeing my son stand in front of a congregation to present a song or testimony than in his opening up a hole in the defensive line for a running back.  The same is true for each of my children.

Therein lay the challenges for me.  First, my job as a parent is not to live vicariously through my children.  I have to remember that although their accomplishments may cast a reflection my way, they are still theirs. Second, and more importantly, I have to remember the relative value of their life’s work and consistently reinforce what is truly important.  (That’s tough for a guy that cheers as heartily as I do at their games.)  However, if I don’t do this well, they will be prone to fall into the same trap that many of us do; placing more value on popularity than on purity, more weight on success than on service, more focus on money than on ministry.  We should rejoice in every talent, ability, and gift that God gives to us.  However, we must recognize that real success in life is using them for Him.  Only then do they have genuine significance and eternal value.

Sure, I’m proud of my kids for their academic and athletic endeavors.  But, I’m even more grateful for spiritual successes.

By the way, a high school friend pointed me to this great article by Scott Linscott that reminds parents of the proper perspective we must maintain to encourage enduring faith  in our young people.

How Ironic!

Last year, while away on a summer missionary project, the word “ironic” popped up in a conversation with our Thai friends. As we drove around the streets outside Bangkok, several Americans attempted to explain this rather unique word, and its meaning, to our hosts. We took turns offering definitions or examples. Some tended toward mere coincidence. Others were simply odd circumstances. Nothing seemed to click, and eventually the van grew quiet as we gave up.

A moment later Joanna, our Thai friend, shared her talented voice with us, singing well-known American songs. After the first verse of a Simon and Garfunkel tune, she broke into the familiar chorus, “Like a bridge over troubled waters” just as our van crossed a lengthy bridge. Our group began to share a knowing look and chuckle at what was happening at that moment. We tried to explain the coincidence that bordered on irony that was occurring. I’m still not sure it fully translated completely to the Thai-speakers on the van.

Let’s face it. Irony is a tough concept to explain, whether by definition or illustration. That is, until USA Today reprinted the following account from the Mount Airy News a few months ago.

In April, 83 year-old Betty Lou Lynn was mugged and had her wallet stolen in her new hometown. The former actress had lived in Los Angeles until she became alarmed at the city’s crime rate. So she retreated to peaceful Mount Airy, N.C., the birthplace of Andy Griffith. Perhaps you don’t recognize her by name, but it’s possible you know Ms. Lynn. That’s right. The actress who played Barney Fife’s best girl, Thelma Lou, was mugged on the quiet streets that served as the model for the idyllic TV town of Mayberry. Only after moving from California, where the show was actually filmed.

For me, that may be the best example of irony I will ever hear.

What about you? Have a good illustration of the concept that you’d like to share?

Copa Mundial

The following is a repost of the original which was posted on June 11, 2010 and temporarily lost after my site was hacked.

Today begins the greatest month in the world of sports.  People across the globe gather around their radios and televisions for World Cup matches.  While most Americans only care about soccer as long as the US team is still involved in this event, the rest of the world is consumed by football (or fútbol).  There’s nothing wrong with baseball, but should it really be called the “World Series” when the only international flavor is the Toronto Blue Jays?  Meanwhile 32 national teams from six continents compete for a golden trophy and global bragging rights.

While I have never attended a match, I have some very fond memories of previous tournaments.  In 1994 we spent a few weeks in Mexico as the competition was going on back in the USA.  Huge screens were set up in public parks throughout Mexico City so that anyone could watch as they passed.  We were amazed as life basically shut down while matches were being played.  Maribeth and I marveled as the entire city of Acapulco spilled out into the streets after the Mexican team tied Italy.

In 2002 we were with missionary friends at a camp outside Guadalajara, Spain.  Regular breaks from the work were included as we huddled around a radio to listen to matches.  Again that year, we heard the universal language of honking car horns that celebrated a Spanish goal or victory.  When we returned home to the states, I would wake up at 2:00 a.m. to watch the US team play in South Korea.

At this point, I should admit that I remain a fan of La Furia Roja (the Spanish national team).  If the USA does not advance into July, I hope to wear my red jersey all the way to the final.

It is fascinating to watch nations that are plagued by corrupt politics and poor economies find their identity and hope in a football team.  The zeal of fans is unparalleled, moving them to extremes unheard of in other settings.  I think of the Colombian defender who was shot to death two weeks after scoring an own goal in the 1994 tournament.  On a milder note, people will awaken early, call in sick to work, and forget their families for four weeks just to watch football.  What dedication!

I will likely make some minor adjustments to my life for this year’s tourney.  However, I wonder what would be the result of our service for Christ if believers demonstrated a fraction of the devotion known to true football fans.