Role Models?

Have you looked around lately? We live in a world of confusion and divide. People aren't sure what they believe in or if they believe in anything. If they believe in something, there may be a division of believers in that subject. Then they are wishy washy about their belief! Geeeesh!

I have two daughters and love them dearly. One day, they will tell me about this boy who has swept them off their feet. I pray for that boy even today. I pray that someone has invested in his life with the right belief system. That is, the belief thatGod is God and Jesus is His Son who died for them. I am scared to death that our society has dropped the ball with our young men.

I am not a jock! I like sports. I like to compete. I like to win. However, my life does not revolve around sports. I say all of that to say this; why do we not have more role models for our young men that promote a clean, Christian lifestyle? And why are the ones that do promote that lifestyle viewed as second rate by so many, including many Christian men? Sports figures today are sadly, predominately not positive role models for our young men. Most men in the entertainment industry are not what I would want my daughter dating!

So, as fathers and mothers of young men, what are we doing to promote a healthy, Christ-like lifestyle for our young men? Do your sons see you read your Bible? Do they hear you pray? Do they go to church WITH you? Are we encouraging positive relationships with Bible Study leaders, Pastors, Youth Ministers? Do we let athletics dominate the calendar? Does soccer practice on Sunday afternoon get a thumbs up at your house? Do you explain to the coach that Church is important and you want to protect your Sunday and Wednesday's (I'm Baptist. We do Wednesday night services)?

While I'm at it, what if your favorite team had a coach that was a good hearted, Christian man who had the kids best interest at heart and he had an off season? Do you get rid of him and get the next guy to see if he could have a few more in the  "W" column, possibly at the cost of him being a slug to the kids?
Lest I digress...

Our nation is at risk!

Our young men are not being taught how to be honest, upstanding citizens, much less a Christian if they are left to the "role models" of the day. Step up and lead a young man down the right path. Be a positive role model! Make a difference in the life of a young man; in the life of our nation!

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Technology

Have you noticed that the age of technology apparently is here to stay?!

Everyone has a "smart phone" and is very attached to it. I mean, I get it. The ability to carry a calendar, calculator, clock, reminders, photo album(s), note pad, countless reference books, a radio / music player, camera and ... oh yeah! a PHONE all in your shirt pocket!!!! Technology has come a long way. I remember not so long ago I purchased a Palm Pilot and was on the cutting edge. I thought then, "If they could just put a phone on one of these babies, we would be set." But how in the world would that be possible? I was talking on my "bag phone" at the time. WOW! Technology has sure come along way! I remember when my Dad bought a four function calculator that would fit ini his pocket (barely) for $100. He was very proud! Not everyone had one. The other day, they gave me a smart phone. (Terms and conditions apply.)

The tech world will tell you that all the advances in technology has improved our lives. I have no room to talk. I am a self proclaimed techno junkie. I am very interested in the tech world, but has it really improved our lives?Obviously, technology has improved our lives in many ways. Medical procedures are possible now that were only a dream 20 years ago. Medical devices are smaller and smarter. Imaging is faster and more detailed and precise than ever before. Aviation is safer than in the past if the technology is used correctly. GPS, Nav systems, radios and headsets are better than anything from the past.  Offices are more efficient because of technology. Communications and news are readily available and instantaneous with satellite technology. I could keep going, but I would still end up in the same place.

If technology has improved our lives so much, then why do we have more people in counseling and on psychotrpic medications than eveer before? Why do we have more divorces than we do marriages? Why are parents missing their kids soccer games and recitals? And most of all, why do peopple get offended if you take more than 15 minutes to respond  to their text message?

I have taken a vow to "unplug" when I sit down to eat with friends and most certainly with family. When I am studying my Bible or having a quiet time with God...NO PHONE. When someone is in my office talking to me about important aspects of their lives...voicemail.

I urge you to think before you answer.

Use that feature called voicemail.

AND don't have your feelings hurt if someone you calll does not answer immediately.They are not on your schedule. They may be doing something important!

As my friend once said, "Technology is great when it works."

Don't rely on technology as if it was your next breath....unless you are on a ventilator!

Change

A lot of  people are talking about CHANGE. As if it were an option... Change is inevitable in anything we do. God did not create us as stagnant beings. We need to embrace change and move forward. Two of my favorite sayings are "We've never done it that way." and of course "We've always done it this way." Both of which make no sense. At some point, the way you are doing it now was a new way. Yep! Change occured.

There is an old joke that goes:
Question - You know how many Baptist it takes to change a light bulb?
Answer - Who said anything about change?

I say that in jest because I am a Baptist and I have seen change make an uphill climb in some churches. I am sure that many denominations have similar issues. Worship God in all that you do. The package is not as important as the content!

Allow me the opportunity to clarify. I do believe that change is inevitable. I do believe that change can be a great thing. I also believe that some of the old ways are good ways. How our grandparents did some things are much superior to our current practices. There are many a distinguished list that we could decipher, but that is not the point. The point is to evaluate ideas for their merit and worth before you dismiss them as rubish.

What if the Wright Brothers had not persevered. What if Henry Ford had listened to his nay sayers? What if Neil Armstrong had said, "I'll just stay in here." What if the Road Runner had said, "I'm tired. I'll just take a nap right here under this anvil."