Constantly Refocusing
Everything is 20/20 in HindsightArchive for February, 2010
Focusing on Discussion
Discussion is a euphemism. It is often used to replace 5 and 6 letter words such as argue, debate, quarrel, dispute and others that we don’t like to use. But more and more often I am finding people who are truly willing to discuss an issue, belief or concept.
True discussion is refreshing in a world full of proposed outlandish view points solely made to get a reaction from the public and thus attention for the proposer.
I’m all for good debate and discussion. I believe that even when two parties agree it is sometimes good for one to take the part of devils advocate if only for the sake of sharpening the critical thinking and verbal skills of both parties.
I also believe that all discussion will ultimately arrive at one of two conclusions.
1. Resolution Through Agreement
2. WAR
We all know what war is and no one really wins in war. War is usually brought to a conclusion through a conqueror and a vanquished foe.
The conqueror often looses just as much as the vanquished, (credibility, friendship, empathy, etc.) and is only able to retain is his or her pride. And sometimes even that is lost.
The 1st result of disscussion Resolution Through Agreement is always my goal in entering a discussion or argument. This does not mean that the parties necessarily agree on the topic at hand, but that they agree on one of the following:
1. They actually agree on the topic, but needed to discuss and flesh out their thoughts and fix the breakdown in communication between the two.
(I find this often to be the case)
2. They have completely different world views and will never really agree or change their perspective on the topic, but have a respect for the other party and can now better see where they are coming from.
3. They partially agree on the topic, but have areas where they still differ, and thats alright.
4. One or both parties have not completely made up their mind on the subject and need discussion to aid critical thinking on the issue.
5. There is a truth to this subject and we will not conclude this discussion until we agree on that truth.
I’m sure there are many many more possibilities, but I haven’t discussed this yet so I don’t know what they are.
Any Discussion?
Created to be Awed
It is my observation that we as humans have been created to be awed.
As a visual artist and lover of beauty I cannot help but to be constantly looking for beauty around me. I have recently returned from a ski trip and was awe-struck as I stood a few thousand feet above the valley below. I’ll have to admit that part of it may have been trepidation at the sheer drop off of the mountain below, but most of it was from the beauty of Gods creation as it lay blanketed in snow. I found myself almost forced to vocalize my recognition of the awesome beauty and tell and show it to my friend.
I had a similar experience the next day as we went to see Avitar in 3D. Again I found words like “Wow” & “Look at that!” coming out of my mouth. As my eyes and mind tried to comprehend what it was taking in.
We were created to be awed, and not just to be awed, but to react with verbal and emotional praise and a desire to share that awe with others. When we taste some luxurious food we do not even finish chewing that first bite before we erupt in “Mmmm”s and “Ohhh”s. Then after swallowing we go on to practically force someone to share that amazing taste with us with a “You must try this!”
Ultimately we were created to be awed by our creator. I am daily awed by His goodness and provision in every aspect of life. No man can say “I didn’t know there is a God” One must only look up to behold his awe-inspiring creation.
Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
If we are even partially seeing God and His work we should be erupting with “Wow”s and “Look at this” and spiritual “Mmm”s and “Ohh”s So that our mouths testify of His greatness and goodness.
Inspirational Ad
I love to find “SMART” advertising and this print ad for a quiet lawn mower fits the title of SMART.
A False Faith & False Prophets
I am currently an art manager for a direct mail company that mails for many religiously oriented groups. I am almost daily interacting with some of their material and all of its “wonderful” promises of having my best life now, having my debt forgiven or being completely healthy.
I have begun to wonder if there is any legitimacy to these groups in regards to the Bible and the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. I mean they use the name of Jesus, quote scripture and travel around the and even at times preach the very core of the gospel.
So maybe I shouldn’t have a problem with these men and their followers, maybe they are just furthering the Kingdom? The answers to my questions came from the very scripture that these men were using to promote their messages. The best lies are 99% inspiration and 1% deception. It is often the very scripture that these false teachers use that condemns them and reveals them for what they are.
2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption [rot] that is in the world because of sinful desire.
Classic example of a passage used by those promoting wealth, health and happiness. While we’ve been granted all things that pertain to life and godliness the emphasis is on the godliness and the fact that we have escaped from the “ROT” that is in the world from sinful desire. (What sinful desire?) Ummm . . . maybe something like greed?
NO Author or Book of the Bible ever placed an emphasis on health, wealth or “feeling good.”
In fact it is quite the opposite. Jesus preached suffering and hardships in this world if you follow Him. Jesus did not live in a $10 million dollar mansion or travel in private luxury jets instead he told the rich young ruler Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
What is my point?
Don’t follow men and attractive teaching. If you really like what you hear, question it. If the emphasis is not the same as the Bibles emphasis question it. If you want your best life now God has already given you (Christian) everything pertaining to life and godliness through a relationship with Jesus in which He enables us to live like God. What better life could anyone wish for?
I leave you with the remainder of the passage that gives us our “formula” for our “best life now.”
2 Peter 1:5-9
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Hello Dark Lonely World
Beginning this blog is like causing something to be born into a dark world of loneliness. No one except it’s creator currently knows that it exists and it’s so new that the digital ink has yet to dry.
Creation creates great responsibility and I doubt my ability to live up to that responsibility. That is why I have named this blog “Constantly Refocusing” It reflects my pursuit in life to be constantly checking where my focus is. This is also reflected in the name of my photography company. My ultimate focus is my Savior, the Son of God, Jesus. Why do I need a savior? (you may ask) it is because of my lack of ability to live up to any of the responsibilities give to all of us by God. It is only through the power that is given to me by Jesus that I am able to stand fully righteous in the sight of God. It is that same power that fills my heart with joy and amazement when I am tempted to despair in this dark lonely world.
So if you choose to watch my blog as it grows and matures, please remember that it’s constantly refocusing.
