I am always right

It drove my sister crazy when we were teenagers and I acted like a know-it-all. She couldn't stand her little brother being so cocky and thinking he was always right. Now she realizes that I am always right so we get along really well. Please do not tell her about this as it is still difficult for her to admit just how wise I am.

When we argued about this as teenagers I did not have the wisdom to communicate a very important truth about me. I do not hold an opinion or belief without reason. This is true for most people. It is not arrogant to hold a belief for which you are willing to argue. It is arrogant to hold a belief for which you cannot make an argument.

Sometimes we find ourselves in “discussions” about controversial social, political, and religious issues. These “discussions” can be very difficult because often times the people involved in the discussion are emotionally involved in the issue being discussed. They also are unlikely to hold their belief unless they think they are right. There are three ways in which these types of “discussions” seem to end. Screaming, crying, cussing fits are not uncommon coming from one or both parties involved. Simply agreeing to disagree is also a common resolution. Third, occasionally one side convinces the other to change.

To avoid the cussing fits we should take care to keep our discussion focused on the issues, making real arguments for our beliefs. Agreeing to disagree is sometimes perfectly acceptable. It also should be acceptable for an agreeable disagreement to impact the relationship of the parties involved. We can still be friends but if you don’t play ball by the same rules as I do then we will not be able to play together very well. When a disagreement is resolved by the changing of minds then we see the best of what holding beliefs has to offer. People are able to examine the issue and arguments and come to a consensus. This gives us hope that it is still possible to reason with people.

That is what I am thinking about.

Maybe John Piper Was Right

About 5 years ago as a young, idealistic seminary student I read John Piper's book "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals." The book was good, well-written like most of his stuff, but it did not really catch my attention on a deep level. I agreed with what he was saying but I did not see the behaviors he was warning against as all that prevalent. I now see exactly what he was concerned about. The ministry has been professionalized. Ministers have traded the servants towel for the masters table. They are primarily concerned with being polished and dignified, never showing the weakness of a man in need of God's grace.

Now I see a new problem. Brothers, we are not rockstars! I am very frustrated by the number of pastors, music ministers, and youth ministers that seem to have put aside the dim light of the study for the limelight. It’s narcissism at its best, or worst. The fact is that this is not a new challenge for ministers. Pastors are the face of a ministry. That cannot be avoided. You have to go on stage sometime in order to preach or teach. The problem comes when you let it be about you not God. Let me remind you, God does not need you! You are not that pretty. Before being clothed in the righteousness of Christ you were downright repulsive. Some of that repulsiveness bleeds through those white clothes occasionally like when we begin to think we deserve recognition, acclaim, or a following.

I heard on the radio the other day that Shaq twitters. That sounds strange but it is true. Apparently he recently took a picture of himself getting a shave and sent it to millions of his closest friends via twitter. This is funny to me. However, it is troubling to me that pastors are doing the same thing, telling people where they are eating supper, or playing golf as if their followers care.

Maybe they do care, and that is the other side of the problem. People, do not treat your pastor like a celebrity and pastors, do not act like you are a celebrity.

That is what I am thinking about.