Golden Or Moral Compass

I will be the first one to tell you that I do not typically get overly excited about what Hollywood does. I become even less excited when people go off half-cocked about something they heard and aunts, cousin’s nephew’s, uncle tell them about something that might be true in a movie or book. Most of what Hollywood does falls well short of true artistic endeavor and even the great talent that is enlisted is done so for the sake of making the almighty dollar and furthering hidden, unrighteous agendas rather than anything that would benefit anyone. This being said, the entire industry is nothing more than a sideline in life, where folks can catch a break from reality once in a while, though there are some great fact based movies that are designed to educate and have a positive message that aligns with Christian values and a deep sense of morals (though they are few).

Thus, when I had heard about the release of the “Golden Compass,” based on the books by known atheist Phillip Pullman, I really didn’t flinch. After all, what impact could it have? However, the more I thought about it, the angrier I grew. I looked at my daughter, whose imagination seems to have no bounds and I began to realize that for her, the thinking process would be a whole lot different. She would not have the experience I have. She would not understand hidden agendas and innuendo. She would not see the story for what it was and discount it? For her, there is the distinct possibility that her imagination could be shaped by her willingness to suspend her disbelief about this movie and a failure to have a firm basis to dismiss the fundamental ideas. In other words, to her it is much more real and believable. To put it in biblical terms, there is a great chance of this child being offended (lead down an ungodly path) in her innocence and lose her fundamental understanding of what it means to be “right” or “wrong.”

With that in mind, I began to explore what this movie and the books that it is based are all about. What I found was shocking, though not unexpected. In reality it is pretty much the same as every other attack that has ever been lodged against Christianity. The standard modus operandi, as is the case here, is to take the failings of genuine Christians or the perversion of the disingenuous and personify them to the extreme. It is no wonder then that most of what Hollywood does, centers on the beliefs of Catholicism, though few of us would ever blur the line between Catholicism and Christianity. From this is born “The Magisterium,” headed by Miss Coulter (Nicole Kidman), where abuse of power and corruption is the norm. It is a place where colorful, loveable and innocent children are abused and oppressed, forcing a fight. Important here is the fact that the word “magisterium” is a real word that is a direct reference to the Catholic church and its authority to teach. Pullman veils his distain only slightly in this regard.

Creating this vile entity he proceeds to write off Christianity as a whole, though he fails in one regard that should be as plain as the nose on any ones face – Christ. The story never takes Christ into account, but instead assumes the failings of men, which the Bible itself is very candid about. The story never entertains such a character or by such refutes anything about the life and ministry of Christ. Odd for a collection of stories designed to kill off Christianity in the minds of children. Instead, again, he focuses his attention on those who claim Christianity and abuse power. Christ himself would have been displeased with such and was in his lifetime, evidenced by things such as his cleansing of the temple.

Before we go farther it helps us to know a little more about Pullman and his intentions in the books and movie. He is an avowed atheist who wrote the series “His Dark Materials” to offset the Christian based teaching found in C.S. Lewis’ “Narnia Chronicles.” It is a three part series (The Golden Compass being the first Installment), which ultimately leads to one of the main characters killing God. As the series progresses, the message becomes more and more antichristian. Thus, the story may pull children in and draw their attention before they even know what they are being taught, like a trap draws an animal. In book two God is referred to only as the tyrant, but by book three he is being called “God,” “the creator,” “Yahweh,” Adonai,” “El,” “the King,” and “Almighty.”

This first movie may not have any overt antichristian messages, but that is the intention. The first movie draws the attention. The second goes a little further and by the third children are to rebel, rise up and slay God.

Pullman himself has said that though he is an atheist and has boldly proclaimed that if there is a God and his like the God described by Christianity, he should be “put down,” the film is not about being antichristian by advocating goodness, wherever it maybe found. Perhaps this is more of a money-making ploy than anything else, kind of like we saw with the “DaVinci Code,” where the message of the book was well-watered before it hit the big screen so that the greatest amount of money could be made. It is hard to make money when everyone is offended by the message. It is hard to not think this when Pullman has been so staunchly antichristian in his writings of the past, where he claim, “My books are about killing God.”

Is there danger in these? Well, the answer is yes, if we allow children to watch unchecked and untaught about the truth in a rightful fashion. I have never been one to simply hide the truth, good or bad, from anyone, let alone our children. The truth here is that there is a movie, it does have some neat looking graphics and, no doubt, loveable characters they can identify with, but also has a message that is flawed. Teach them both – the good and bad – the differences between and the consequences for both. The parent who simply tries to hide these matters from children who can understand, will create only greater curiosity over the matters. I remember growing up with a young girl whose mom would take all the magazines that came into the house and use a black sharpie to cover up pictures that showed too much and words that were not fitting. From time to time I would see the girl in the library at school reading the very magazines mom had edited. She once told me that it drove her crazy to not know what was under the blacked out parts and would come to the library to find out. I don’t think it is healthy to deliberately expose children to the trash the media offers, but we should do more than say, “It’s just not Christian.”

We must teach the truth and that truth says very clearly that there is a God who is the creator of all that is good and who loves us (Gen. 1-3). That truth says this God had a son and came to earth to die for us (John 1, 3) and in doing so set the bar for goodness as high as it could possibly go. Furthermore, we are told man can excel, though often does not, to that level of goodness and be Christ-like in our actions, not abusing power, lacking tolerance and misusing the name of God, though some will. Chances are Pullman has never come to know the God you and I know and may we pray that he does.

Some might say, “Well, aren’t you overdoing it? Isn’t it just a book or movie? How is it any different than Harry Potter or Star Wars or Lord of The Rings, where people rise up against and oppressive forces? There is a dramatic difference between the forgoing works and “His Dark Materials.” The former were stories that seemed, to a great extent, mirror the principals of Christianity or at least did not seek to undermine them. Their authors never said things like, “I want to kill God.” Consider Pullman’s own words. He says, "I've been surprised by how little criticism I've got. Harry Potter's been taking all the flak. I'm a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people—mainly from America's Bible Belt—who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven't got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God."

So what do we do then? Do we see the movie or not? Seeing the movie is a matter of conscience I believe, but parents would be strongly advised to forewarn their children about the thrust of the movie and discuss these matters with them. Some other advice would include:

· Don’t be like the “Christians” that the movie is supposed to represent. I can understand Pullman on this level. There are a lot of folks out there who have done much to ruin the reputation of Christianity or have left things undone and marred Christianity’s credibility in a lot of eyes. Don’t be like them. Let your words ring true. Keep your promises. Live a pure life. Admit your faults and grow in God’s grace and love.

· Don’t argue that or in such a way that people are left with the impression that Christianity is all about I am right and you are wrong. There is a right and wrong, it is for us to adopt and do, not take and beat others up with.

· Be a servant. Listen to the needs, hurts, desires and troubles of others and help them. Often we fall down here. We see struggling and just simply state the obvious – “Well, that is a sin.” Be helpful and out of God’s grace draw your strength to help others.

· Be prepared. Equip yourself to talk about the movie or books, as well as related topics. Be candid and frank, letting your children know about how some do fail to live up to Christ’s expectations. If you simply condemn the movie and books and have no idea what you are talking about and why then you will end up doing more harm than good.

Also, an article inChristianity Today about this very subject, made a good suggestion about having questions ready for discussing the movie or books with your children. Here are some of their suggestions.

· If we cast off all "authority" and set up "free will" as the ultimate source of guidance, where will that get us?

· Has the world shown us that the human heart is a trustworthy "compass"?

· Does free will lead us always to the right choice?

· If the heroes accept the "truth" of the alethiometer (the compass itself), aren't they letting themselves be guided by just another source of truth—another "Authority"? But didn't the story tell us "Authority" is bad and we should only follow our own hearts?

· If there are "many truths," then aren't these heroes being as self-righteous and wicked as the oppressors by demanding that their version of the truth is better than others?

· What is so inspiring about the battle between the bears? Hasn't this story led us to a place where it's just "survival of the fittest" all over again? Should we really hope that the world falls into the hands of the strongest fighter, rather than into the hands of love?

References

Higginbotham, Steve. “The Golden Compass” Gospel Gazette online publication.

Overstreet, Jeffery. “Fear Not The Compass” Christianity Today online article.

After The Fire, The Fire Still Burns

“After the fire, the fire still burns.” California was recently devastated by wild fires, fueled by years of dead fall that few were willing to do anything about or allowed to do anything about and warm dry winds. Yet, even after the fire has been, for the most part, put out, the fire remains in many different ways, as politicians do what politicians do best – turn tragedy to their greatest advantage.

Most recently I have heard of an incident where the FEMA Public Relations Officer faked a news conference so that they could allegedly avoid difficult questions about how the fire was handled, the damage that was done and other difficulties of the operation. Since that time, the PIO was fired, but I doubt the incident will die that easy. More than likely other heads will begin to roll, and perhaps should, as the political process gets into full gear. It will be, as usual, party against party, drawing lines in the sand, as was done with other great tragedies like hurricane Katrina, 9/11 and others.

This mindset, however, baffles me. In part I think it is a result of our moving away, as a nation, from Christian principles – principles which advocate unity, not divisiveness, and a mindset that says, seek peace with all men. Is there a time to fight? Of course there is. For sure, however, that is not equivalent to politicizing, where most of the issues are either non-issues or so commonsensical that few would think to argue over them.

Of course, a foundational piece of such principals is integrity, which seems at odds most times with political processes and the men who conduct them. How then do we get back to this place of unity, peace and integrity? Folks, there is only one way! Get back to God. If we can get God back in our thinking then we can wash away all this nonsense. And make no mistake about it, it begins with you.

How often is His thinking your thinking in…the workplace…the school…among friends…during your recreational activities…and so on? Are you continually connected to Him, even when it comes to political process and integrity about it? In this day, make Him your life and share that life with others, encouraging them, for the betterment of our families and our country, to have a like mind.

LOST IN THE BALL PIT OF LIFE

The kids love going to the play land. There is nothing quite like a pit of plastic balls and some plastic slides to just eat up the hours. I must admit, before the time they began to place a manual full of restrictions on these things, I would get in and play with the kids. It is a blast.

A few days ago, we were at such a place having a good old time. All of ours (save the oldest who has no interest – at least not that he wants anyone to know about) are now able to get up and down, and in and out without any difficulty. However, there seems to never be a time when I have gone to these things that I haven’t witnessed a child climb all the way to the top, only to realize, once they have squeezed into places an adult could not go, that, “Oh! I really am high in the air. I don’t want to…Waaaaaaaah!”

Well that is what happened on our last visit and sure enough, this child’s grandpa had to get down on all fours, bruise his knees beyond recognition and make his way to highest point of this thing and bring his granddaughter back to earth. There was only one problem – he got lost. Fortunately, our daughter was near and with kindness of heart and a love for adventure, she lead both grandpa and granddaughter to safety. The man, as they left, came up to thank us and simply said, “I couldn’t have made it without her.”

My thoughts ran toward the church. Some would say, “Who needs the church?” Well, when life becomes complicated for us and we are on the peak of troubles, many times friends and family will come to our aide. But what happens when they too become entrenched in the mire of sinfulness, or difficulty? What if their best efforts only make the problem worse? When you are part of a family (and I am blessed to be so) like the family of God then you have multiple layers of assistance. In this day thank God for his spiritual family. If you are not part of it, we urge you to seek them.

Ed

"God's Frozen People"

This past winter the northern part of our country experienced some of the coldest and treacherous weather on record. People were stranded in vast frozen wastelands that were created virtually overnight due to snow and ice. Cattle, normally able to withstand the cold, were threatened and many have lost possessions and even their lives to these storms. As I read the reports, it reminded me of something I once read, that draws a parallel to spiritual matters.

It was during the run for the second term for president for George W. Bush, running against John Kerry, when I read an article in a popular news magazine that detailed the spiritual history of President Bush. While I do not remember much about the article, there was a candid admission on his part that caught my attention and that I empathized with in a number of ways. Referring to the religious conviction of his youth and the place where he worshipped, he stated that he dwelt among “God’s frozen people.”

Realizing we are not talking about literally frozen people, we, however, also realize that people, Christians, can be frozen in a number of ways.

First, Christian may be frozen in the sense that they simply do not perceive any obligation on their part to be a part of the Lord’s work. Oh! They may come to worship, but they will not be involved in the mission of making disciples, encouraging their brethren and other edifying activities (Mt. 28:18-20; Heb. 10:24-25).

Second, a Christian may be frozen in the sense that he is unwilling to entertain thoughts that are beyond his ingrained traditions. The issue is not whether one is right or wrong, but a willingness to listen, having readiness of mind to consider all who come with respect and honor. Do we see others as valuable? The Pharisees were guilty of this as they heard the message of Christ, but never would entertain what it was that he said.

Third, we may be frozen in that we never seek spiritual growth. Peter, Paul, James and just about every other New Testament writer tells us we are obligated to grow in our knowledge, understanding, love, patience, kindness, temperance and other aspects of the Christian life.

One of the greatest religious problems of our age, just like most ages, is a lack of willingness to push past simple faith that can stagnate and become mundane, to a deeper relationship with Christ, God and other Christians. It should be unsettling to us to find that most of the churches talked about in the Bible now have no place in this world. Where is that Ephesian church that left its first love? Where are the churches at Smyrna, Philadelphia and Corinth? Where will the church we are a part of be 100 years from now? What can we do today to help assure the future of God's people in our part of the world? We can stop the freezing, break free from the icy bonds and awake to all things spiritual. We can put off the rigid legal mindset and truly seek Christian liberty, liberating creative expression of praise to God. If we leave no room for the next generation to make the gospel person or allow them the ability to express their spirituality in a way that is not only scriptural, but personally relevant then we will become frozen and useless in the master's hand.

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Now playing: Fleming and John - A Place Called Love
http://foxytunes.com/artist/fleming+and+john/track/a+place+called+love

Seeking the Truth

Global warming this! Global warming that! It seems that everywhere you turn, people are discussing the topic. On one hand we are told that the planet has warmed by a whopping .6 of a degree and, because of such, the world as we know it will be in catastrophic circumstances within the next ten years. On the other hand, science also tells us that the planets Mercury, Mars…and Pluto (though not technically considered a planet anymore), have also warmed, prompting some to ask whether or not these planets are inhabited by “big industry, SUV driving aliens.” On one hand we are told we must reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing “carbon credits.” On the other hand, isn’t 90% of the carbon produced by plants and vegetation, through the natural order of things? On one hand it is all man’s fault – namely the inhabitants of the United States – who created an industrial complex, spewing filth into the sky. Yet, on the other hand, at least 50% of the .6 degree warming trend occurred before big industry was even part of our landscape.

It is confusing, especially given the desire and ability of some to spew their rhetoric loud, but perhaps not so clear. One might be tempted to compare this ongoing debate to the religious world about us – with its many voices clamoring “we have the truth…we have the truth…don’t listen to others…we have the truth…others are wrong…we have the truth.” Just like with the global warming debate, I am sure there is a truth and I doubt it is as dramatic as most would want it to be.

Yet, just like the global warming debate, it should not take us long to figure out, the real problem is not found in asking what truth is, but in asking whether or not we are truly interested in what is true. Many will believe the planet has warmed and it is all man’s fault (rather than just a natural cycle) not because of the evidence, but because they are of a particular philosophical and political bent. Their interest is politics and being right, not what is true. The information they do have is often biased and lopsided and, yet, that seems okay to them.

When it comes to Christianity, however, assuming such a position is errant. Paul said, “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Avoid the appearance of evil.” In other words, YOU (as an individual) must seek truth by examination of “all things.” It means you can determine a difference between good and evil. It means when wrong appears you flee from it, regardless of how much it convicts you or how wrong you may have been in your assumptions.

In this day, seek that truth for the sake of having truth. Cling to it when it is found, regardless of what it demands. Make your Christianity personal! Why? Knowing truth (and this includes living your way through it) brings freedom!

Ed

Memorializing Christ In Your Life

Have you ever noticed how many memorials we have in our country? Now, make no mistakes, I am not being critical, but one, if they are watchful, cannot help but notice the overflow of walls, statues, fountains, buildings, and so on, that fill our landscape. Just this past year another memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., was added to Washington’s list of memorials. In Oregon a memorial was built to those from that state who have died in the war in Iraq. Memorials have been built to honor those who died in plane crashes, fought in wars, are the namesakes of towns, and so on. Each day, it seems, we find anew reason and new money to erect a new tribute to some one or a group of some sort.

Each year millions will visit these memorials. Some will simply not understand what it is all about. Others will not care. To them it makes little sense and matters little, save the many dollars that were “wasted” o the project.

Many, however, will come mourning with minds eye focused on the images of battle, faces, personalities, tragedy’s, events or the smiles and voices of dead loved ones, etched into their minds. They will feel the impact and blow! They will know of an emptiness that passers by may not comprehend. Theirs is a personal attachment in the deepest sense. To them a memorial makes sense and they are glad for it.

The difference between the two? The difference lies in the word “relationship.” Even if I can appreciate the memorial and the sacrifice or deeds attached to it, if I do not have a relationship that takes me to the inner circle of its meaning, then, ultimately, my attention wanes. If I cannot see the tie in to me then the memorial will not have the desired impact.

The same is true of Christianity, the cross and Christ. Many, either by choice or out of ignorance, see it not as a relationship, but as a book, set of laws and the mortar and brick of a building. It is something we open for causal tourists who dress nice on Sunday mornings to pay respects to just another memorial among memorials. Perhaps all they see is a price tag, social setting or sales opportunity.

Consider, in this day, these words of John. “By this we know love that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” In other words, we must remember of memorialize Christ and his sacrifice in our lives. However, it goes beyond that. We must act upon the memorial out of our loving relationship with him and love our fellow men. Therein is the heart of Christianity. In this day, remember!

Ed

Camping Lessons

“How would you like to go camping,” my cousin, who was several years my senior, asked my brother and I one summer afternoon when I was around 13 years old. “Sure,” we both said with great zeal. Camping was always an enjoyable experience. It was an adventure, a challenge and has made for some of the most memorable times in my life, though I firmly acknowledge that on few of the camping occasions were we actually prepared for the many interesting (and slightly dangerous) things that would happen.

I remember one particular trip with my brother, our cousin Larry and another cousin named Jim. We decided to go to a state park about 30 minutes from our house and stay the night. We were plenty prepared with fire wood, food, tent, cookware, and other essentials. What we weren’t prepared for was Jim’s odd “sleeping” behavior. He would snore and talk so loudly (somehow at the same time) that it woke us all several times, scaring us to death for fear some odd half wit band of half man half beast militia were bearing down upon us to consume our very lives. At one point he got up and began walking around and we literally had to chase him. In the same night he tried to take all our sleeping bags and make some kind of fortress for him to sleep in. In the end, he finally came to rest in his own sleeping bag, outside the tent. The only problem was that the sleeping bag was on top of the smoldering embers of what used to be our fire. After about 20 minutes (and I am not sure why it took that long) he blurted out with a clarity we had not seen in him all night, “guys…it seems really hot out here…I am burning up.” We paid little attention, as you may expect from sleep-starved companions, until he jumped to his feet with his sleeping-bag-turned-torch still wrapped about him, running like a mad man…well…on fire. Fortunately for him it was starting to rain and, as you might expect, the rain ended up being one of those 100 year rains that didn’t stop for days and flooded us out.

We quickly decided on a midnight venture to the beach, early breakfast and sleep in the car. What a great time! Serious! Odd perspective you may say. Not really, the moments of time indelibly etched on my mind, I have grown to love them, not because of the circumstance; not because of the memories and challenges; not because it is downright funny. These moments are cherished for the people involved. Life may well be defined by the moments we spend together and the experiences we share as we engage in fellowship. “As Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens the countenance of a friend,” the wise man once exclaimed.

In this day share your life, love and Lord with those about you. Make the memories. Cherish the moments. It may not be free from challenge or even danger, but you are helping God define a life without bounds. All will work to your good.

Ed

Boundaries

Life has boundaries! I remember when I was a child growing up in the hills of Belmont county, Ohio, that beside our home there was a man who kept bees for honey. I can recall a number of times going to the back of our property and peering over the fence to look at the white boxes that housed the chaos of noisily buzzing creatures. I don’t remember if it was fear that motivated us or, perhaps, respect, but we never crossed the fence to go near the bees.

Oddly enough, however, the bees had no problem coming to us. I can’t count the number of times, while running through the yard playing, that I stepped on a bee and got stung. I guess that is how we found out I was allergic to them. Nonetheless, they had broken the boundary and had entered our space. Yet, I was the one who paid the price.

I think sin starts that way. It doesn’t start when we cross a boundary. It starts when we are visited by temptation. Adam and Eve didn’t have to go to Satan, he came to them. Thus, it is not only important for us not to cross the boundary, but to protect it from intruders as well. I am reminded of Ezekiel’s charge as a watchman, giving warning to God’s people (3, 33). “But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.”

A Day-Old Christian

Have you ever had “day-old” bread? For a while it seemed to be a thing of the past and is still in many places. Yet, I was surprised the other day to notice in one of the places where we shop a rack of “day-old bread” and other baked goods. In these racks are placed the loaves of bread that did not sell in a timely fashion and are on the verge of being “stale” and, thus, reduced in price.

At times you can find a bargain on these racks, but often you simply “get what you pay for.” Just last week I saw a loaf of artisan bread on one of the racks – it was baked with fresh rosemary and toasted garlic (two of my favorite ingredients in just about anything). It was enticing, but when I picked the loaf up it was as hard as a rock. Granted, it was “half price,” but a half-priced inedible loaf of bread doesn’t do anyone any good, except for gulls or some other scavenger bird to which you may feed it.

Christianity, folks, is not a “day-old” rack item. Discounted versions or versions passed along from others at reduced potency are just like the loaf of day-old bread – useless and lifeless. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy to “Prove all things.” Many are the men who will simply shop for religion off the bargain rack and think they’ve gotten some great deal. It may look good on the outside, but under closer scrutiny it doesn’t pass the bar of a discerning individual. “Well, mom and dad believed it and that’s good enough for me,” some will say about their stale Christianity. And yet, it is still stale and soon discarded.

Furthermore, just like bread, Christianity can, in a persons life, go through stages of desirableness in the eyes of God. First, fresh out of the oven the zeal is great and the spirit high. Ever have a “fresh out of the oven” piece of bread? It’s soft, warm and tasty. Second, the bread cools, but is still soft and usable. Third, staleness sets in and the bread becomes hard an inedible. As Christians, we must always strive for that “fresh from the oven” Christianity – though it is not always easy. Perhaps if we simply remembered “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness (Lam 3:22), we would have a good start.

Living On Spiritual Junk Food

Our children have grown up going to the zoo. Any zoo will usually do, though we do have our favorites. Lowry Park in Tampa is certainly exceptional, as well as the zoo in Toledo, Ohio, complete with its world renowned polar bear exhibit. Neither, as well, requires a second mortgage on your house to get in.

If you have ever gone to the zoo (and it doesn’t matter which one) you have no doubt noticed at some of the exhibits the signs that say something like, “Do not feed the animals.” Have you ever looked at what those animals eat and then think about the signs? Most are on all natural healthy diets of food they need to be eating. Will they eat your cotton candy, corn dog, funnel cake and fries and drink your soda? Sure they will, but those who are in the know will tell you it is not good for them and with such a considerable investment in these animals, the zoos don’t want the animals to have it.

Thus, it may be best to reword those signs to say, “Don’t feed our animals the same junk that you feed yourself and your kids. It makes the animals as unhealthy as you are.” Of course in the politically correct society in which we live, you will never see such a sign.

Of course you won’t see those signs in many places of religion either. You know what I mean…the sign that says, “Don’t feed the Christians spiritual junk food.” Too many Christians want to eat on the junk of the world and partake in the pleasures of the world, which kill spiritually (slowly of course so we don’t notice), and yet still be separate from the world. We want to pretend we are in a God controlled habitat, but still, as the world passes by, take the nibbles and bites and handouts it offers. When we do, we are of the same health spiritually as those in the world.

In this day, feast on his word and revel in the glory of a perfect relationship with your creator.

Ed

The Inredible Honk?

It was like a scene out of some Laurel and Hardy film. Someone left several huge bags of toys outside my office one day and, as I was hauling them inside, out popped this big green muscle laden toy that I instantly recognized. My daughter asked, “Who is that?” I explained that he was the Incredible Hulk and told her part of the original story. All I got in return was the question, “Incredible HONK?” “No, no, no. It is the Incredible HULK,” I said. “Oh, the incredible HUNK,” she stated with confidence. Finally, I spelled it out “H-U-L-K.” She didn’t much care about the name and the five minute lesson that ensued about proper pronunciation of this word.

I don’t think she ever did get it, but I doubt it is her fault. As she grows, this mistake will disappear. Certain words are just very difficult for children to say, just like there are certain things that many adults find difficult. But just because something is difficult doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Fewer things frustrate parents and teachers more than a child that just won’t try, especially when it is know that the child can do the work well.

The same is true of spiritual things. It is kind of like prayer. The Bible tells us, “You have not because you ask not.” Sometimes, even when we do get the courage to ask, we either don’t believe or won’t take the steps to do our part in seeing the answer. Many have the ability, but few will tap into it and be productive with it. They won’t take the steps because it is hard or requires time and learning. In this day, open yourself to God and the labor he has in mind for you and your talents. You are his child, infused with purpose and ability. Begin by believing in yourself.

Ed