Posts tagged right

That’s right Thursday

December 3, 2010 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yes – that’s right !

That’s what we say when we agree with something. Our agreement could be based on an experience we’ve had, or a logical explanation which has led us to believe that something is “right”.

Some things are easier to agree on than others. If a cooking oven is set to 400 degrees and you touch your finger on the inside of the oven, we can agree that your finger will get burned. We can say – “yes, that’s right” .

But how did we know that our finger would be burned? At some point in our life, we have touched a very hot item and felt the pain. We then can trust the fact that something which is very hot will burn us.

Of course, it is impossible to experience everything – so we cannot rely just on our own experiences to know if something is “right” or not. We will have to make choices as to what we will believe, and where and who we will put our trust.

In the Book of Proverbs we are told, “he who gives a right answer kisses the lips.” (Prov. 24:26)

Apparently, a “right” answer is a good thing – even loving. Perhaps the God who created us – and loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to redeem us – should be our primary source for the “right” answers –

With Him –

we can always say  – yes, that’s right!

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Wrong Wednesday

May 13, 2010 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What’s wrong with “wrong” ?

I have noticed more and more people seem to be avoiding using the word “wrong”. Instead of saying something is wrong, they say that it is fascinating, or interesting. Why is that?

Are we afraid to “say it like it is” ? Is it safer to use a softer word to distract us from what the focus should be? Are we afraid to offend someone? Is it part of being politically correct?

If a toddler stole an item from a store, should we say that what happened was fascinating? How would he know that what he did was just plain “wrong” ? If a politician lies to his constituents, should we say that his behavior was fascinating or interesting?  What about “wrong”?

In the Bible, Jesus called the Pharisees a “brood of vipers”.  What if  He had said, ” I find the behavior of the Pharisees to be fascinating” ?

Too often we find ourselves being overly concerned about being “judgemental” – thus shying away from the importance of making accurate “judgement calls”.

Evaluating what is right and what is wrong leads us to the doorstep of truth – and the ultimate proclamation of it. We can faithfully follow Jesus Christ through this door – and do it now while there is still time.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  (Rev. 3-20)

For when Jesus comes again to this earth – “judgement calls” will turn into final “judgement” –

 – and the door will be closed – forever………..

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Mistake Monday

December 7, 2009 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ooops ! I made a mistake !

I really don’t like to make a mistake. I like things to go smoothly and without problems – but that is not a realistic expectation.

Some mistakes seem bigger than others. Perhaps the size of a mistake is relative to how much is involved, or how many people are involved. Then there is the question of whether whatever happened was really a mistake after all ! Have you ever looked back in time and realized that what you originally thought was a mistake may have been a “blessing in disguise” ?

So then, who ultimately decides if something was a mistake? Yes, mathematical errors are easy to detect, because there seems to be clear cut rules. But what about our lives ? Are there clear cut rules, and if there are, who could possibly have all the answers to make an accurate judgment call ?

Sooner or later, we have to understand that being “right” or “wrong” helps us to know if a mistake was made. Without knowing what is right or wrong, or subjectively deciding what we think should be right or wrong – leads us into social chaos.

The “Bible” was written for all of us to have an accurate guide as to what is right or wrong. God outlined the “rules” to follow and gave us “real live” examples of people who lived before us who made “mistakes”.  The good news is that  mistakes can be forgiven. God sent Jesus Christ to forgive all past, present, and future mistakes.

It is because of Jesus that we can be “forgiven” ………..

and not “mistaken” !

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Famous Friday

January 10, 2009 · Filed under thoughts · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you have to be rich to be famous? If you think about it, no.

Perhaps because of our technology, the wealthy people who are famous are seemingly the most well known. Although, sometimes you may find out that the wealthy exteriors were temporary.  Being well off financially can help you to get known, but in reality, some of the most famous people and events had little to do with money.

Mother Teresa comes to mind – and on the flip side so does Charles Manson. These people became famous for their works, whether good or evil. They became well known because of their extreme behaviors and dedication to what they believed was right.

Many times, famous people become role models in our society. We can tend to look up to them, because of their popularity. But being popular doesn’t always mean that what someone stands for is good. In fact, the opposite is often the case.

Standing up for what is right can sometimes be an unpopular position. You could become famous, but yet lose your popularity……..and at the extreme, lose your life…………

Jesus Christ is an example of fame without fortune, or popularity – His fame has continued to be spread, throughout the world. He stands for all that is good…..but yet is still widely unpopular………..

In the end, we must focus beyond the fame and the famous –

– to the underlying foundation of the “claim” to fame………

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Fight Friday

November 7, 2008 · Filed under relationships · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What are you willing to fight for? And is it worth it?

Do you fight for a parking spot, a place at the head of the line, the last word in an argument, wanting to be right, wanting to be understood – the list is enless……..

I have learned over the years that there is a cost and a benefit to almost everything I do, and say. Thinking more about the cost and benefit helps me to choose my battles more carefully. There was a time in my life when I didn’t really want to fight about or for anything. I thought it would be easier to just coast through life trying to please everyone and never having to disagree. Well, of course, that could not last very long before realizing that not everything or everyone around me was necessarily good or right. But what is good or right? And what is worth “fighting” for or about?

God has given us His guidelines for what is good and right in the Bible. He shows us what battles are worth a fight and worth winning. Thankfully, He also shows us “how” to fight for what is good. Asking for His help in any situation is first and foremost. That help comes through prayer. He promises to have victory in any battle when it is turned over to Him, and I need to trust the outcome that He has chosen. Try it sometime!

Let Him “fight” for you !

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