A few years ago when little girls were getting ready for school one of the essentials they made sure they had before leaving home was something with Hannah, as in "Montana," on it. Lunch boxes, backpacks and clothing were adorned with the face of Miley Cyrus, aka. Hannah Montana.
I won't mention anything about hearts that ache and break, but Ms. Cyrus's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, in a recent interview, expresses more than a few regrets about the show that catapulted his daughter to fame.
I have only seen the H. M. show a couple of times. It looked like every other tween-focused show I've ever seen. Here is a description from Common Sense Media:
"Hannah/Miley is spunky but also relatably nervous about everday teen worries. A widowed dad is very responsive to his son and daughter. That said, the characters can get a bit sassy/disrespectful at times, and there's definitely an aura of aspirational glamour over the whole thing (after all, Hannah is a megastar...). (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/hannah-montana)
In other words, H.M. is the story of a normal American teen, dealing with normal American teen problems-except for the fact that she has a wardrobe "to die for," and just happens to be a rock-star. I think it's fair to say that her dad says cooler things than most kid's real life dads, but, hey, I did that too, so I'll cut Disney some slack.
The content of the show is not the problem with what was formerly the Cyrus family-Billy Ray and Trish were recently divorced, and daughter Miley, and dad, Billy Ray are communicating "good enough to know it could be a lot better." The problem is a little girl who entered the adult world way too quickly and adults, specifically parents, who failed to keep other forces and people from usurping the place that they-and only they--should have in their offspring's life.
I've never personally known a family struggling with the pressures related to their child's rock-star popularity, but I do see a great many parents trying to deal with the syndrome that appears to be tearing the Cyrus family apart. The syndrome, briefly put, goes like this:
Parents surrender control to children.
Children, with a good many allies, come to regard that control as their own entitlement.
Parents capitulate.
Later when teens are in desperate need of guidance and restraint parents find they have none they can exert.
Further disaster ensues.
Parents, more than anything else--expensive toys, cool clothes, trips to Disney World, a starting position on the Sports team, even her/his own TV show and recording contract--your child needs a parent who will really parent, preferably two. Don't settle for second best.
It's STTA.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
More Thoughts on Entitlements:
Still more on ENTITLEMENTS:
Out of all the people you know, who, or what class of people, are the least likely to claim entitlement?
I'd have to put moms near the top of my list. It was certainly true that my mom was far more likely to do for others, even when a case could be made that she had a right to do for herself. Some of us have been fortunate enough to have friends who followed the pattern of Christ, not looking out merely for their own interests but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4) For all of us know Him, Christ would be at the top of our list. About Him it is said, "though He was rich, yet for your [our] sake He became poor, so that you [we] through His poverty might become rich." (Philippians 2:6)
I see this pattern modeled by the Apostle Paul, as well. He did a masterful job, in 1 Corinthians 9 of articulating the entitlements of those who make ministry the main focus of their lives. Then he says, "But I have used none of these things. . . . For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all. . . . I have become all things to all men." (1 Corinthians 9:15-22)
The pattern that we see in the life of the Lord Jesus is to surrender for the sake of others rather than to demand for my own benefit. In Paul's ministry there was a defense of entitlement for others, but surrender of those same rights for the sake of others.
I'm not primarily talking public policy, here, rather my focus is personal practice, but the two are not unrelated. There is a significant portion of our population who see that maintaining our entitlements as they are currently defined is impoverishing others--particularly coming generations--yet their response is, "Yes, but I have a right to those things." Some would even go on to say, "Others, [generations to come, etc.] will just have to look out for themselves. I'm going to get what I'm entitled to." Various groups, unions, organizations, and people-groups have hired lobbyists to make just that point..
As I say, my point is not primarily political, though, obviously, if enough people in our nation begin to think more like Christ, and less like people only concerned about their own bottom-line, our public life will change accordingly.
Anyhow,
It's STTA.
Out of all the people you know, who, or what class of people, are the least likely to claim entitlement?
I'd have to put moms near the top of my list. It was certainly true that my mom was far more likely to do for others, even when a case could be made that she had a right to do for herself. Some of us have been fortunate enough to have friends who followed the pattern of Christ, not looking out merely for their own interests but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4) For all of us know Him, Christ would be at the top of our list. About Him it is said, "though He was rich, yet for your [our] sake He became poor, so that you [we] through His poverty might become rich." (Philippians 2:6)
I see this pattern modeled by the Apostle Paul, as well. He did a masterful job, in 1 Corinthians 9 of articulating the entitlements of those who make ministry the main focus of their lives. Then he says, "But I have used none of these things. . . . For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all. . . . I have become all things to all men." (1 Corinthians 9:15-22)
The pattern that we see in the life of the Lord Jesus is to surrender for the sake of others rather than to demand for my own benefit. In Paul's ministry there was a defense of entitlement for others, but surrender of those same rights for the sake of others.
I'm not primarily talking public policy, here, rather my focus is personal practice, but the two are not unrelated. There is a significant portion of our population who see that maintaining our entitlements as they are currently defined is impoverishing others--particularly coming generations--yet their response is, "Yes, but I have a right to those things." Some would even go on to say, "Others, [generations to come, etc.] will just have to look out for themselves. I'm going to get what I'm entitled to." Various groups, unions, organizations, and people-groups have hired lobbyists to make just that point..
As I say, my point is not primarily political, though, obviously, if enough people in our nation begin to think more like Christ, and less like people only concerned about their own bottom-line, our public life will change accordingly.
Anyhow,
It's STTA.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Entitlements, the Sequel:
More on ENTITLEMENTS:
One of the problems with an attitude of entitlement is it is not very far from a spirit of selfishness.
Little children feel entitled to the toy they want. They state it quite simply. "MINE!" If they are able they will enforce that right-to-have by confiscating that which to they are entitled from a weaker or less aggressive playmate.
Many teens (Not the ones I know, of course.) seem to think they are entitled to be entertained. The pronouncement of the words, "I'm bored." are pronounced with the expectation that all manner of resources will instantly come into play to relieve their ennui.
Our advertising world reinforces our mindset of entitlement. We are encouraged to "Have it [our] way," and assured that we are worth it. Commercials tell us what we deserve. Really. Says who?
I lay this down next to the pronouncement of the one man who ever lived who really was entitled. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, NASB95) The Apostle Paul gives this commentary about Him, (The New Living Translation captures the thought well.) "Though he was God,he did not think of equality with Godas something to cling to. 7) Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, 8) he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal's death on a cross." (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT)
A world motivated by a sense of entitlement is not the kind of world we want to live in. One person's "It is mine." can easily become his comrades, "He took it from me."
As we wrestle with the matter of what we have coming, as Christians we ought to model the life of the One Who was entitled to all, but gave it up for you and me.
It's STTA.
Read more about this Spirit of entitlement here.
Read about the One Who surrendered His rights here.
One of the problems with an attitude of entitlement is it is not very far from a spirit of selfishness.
Little children feel entitled to the toy they want. They state it quite simply. "MINE!" If they are able they will enforce that right-to-have by confiscating that which to they are entitled from a weaker or less aggressive playmate.
Many teens (Not the ones I know, of course.) seem to think they are entitled to be entertained. The pronouncement of the words, "I'm bored." are pronounced with the expectation that all manner of resources will instantly come into play to relieve their ennui.
Our advertising world reinforces our mindset of entitlement. We are encouraged to "Have it [our] way," and assured that we are worth it. Commercials tell us what we deserve. Really. Says who?
I lay this down next to the pronouncement of the one man who ever lived who really was entitled. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, NASB95) The Apostle Paul gives this commentary about Him, (The New Living Translation captures the thought well.) "Though he was God,he did not think of equality with Godas something to cling to. 7) Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, 8) he humbled himself in obedience to Godand died a criminal's death on a cross." (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT)
A world motivated by a sense of entitlement is not the kind of world we want to live in. One person's "It is mine." can easily become his comrades, "He took it from me."
As we wrestle with the matter of what we have coming, as Christians we ought to model the life of the One Who was entitled to all, but gave it up for you and me.
It's STTA.
Read more about this Spirit of entitlement here.
Read about the One Who surrendered His rights here.
Monday, February 14, 2011
For Better or for worse:
It is a great privilege. I stand there in my best suit, at my best behavior (My wife tends to enforce that.), and in my best voice I utter those words that the young couple only half understand, ". . . for better or for worse. . . ."
She in her lovely white dress, and he in his rented tux, understand the best part, or at least they come close. They are "in love," thrilled to be in one another's presence, looking forward to a honeymoon in a location where, no matter how lovely the scenery, the most remarkable thing they will see is the gleam in their new spouse's eye. I remember that for weeks after my wedding I took great joy in calling my wife, "Wife." Whenever I was able I accompanied that new title with a suitable look into her eyes. Knowing Kathy by that title still brings great joy to me.
But I digress. I don't think the average couple who stands before me gets the idea of worse. That takes a while.
I've walked into hospital rooms and seen that "worse" kind of love in action. IVs and monitors hooked to one, but, more importantly, a hand sticks out from under the white sheet, lovingly held by one who knows, or is coming to know, what worse means. And this is the wonder: Spend a few minutes with that couple--likely you won't even need to talk--and you will come to realize that the well half of the couple is not holding that sick hand out of therapeutic pity. No she/he lovingly caresses that hand because that act brings as much joy and comfort to the one quietly sitting by the bed as it does to the one in it.
I've seen that darker/harder side of marital love when I have buried children, commiserated with parents of youngsters who seemed determined to ruin their lives, and others, or prayed with couples when careers, homes or dreams have crashed.
It's probably impossible for those youngsters who stand before me to comprehend the power of those storms that will almost surely crash on their home. I'm not even sure I want them to try to comprehend. What they need is a commitment--not only to one another, but more so to the Lord--that will carry them through.
On Valentines Day I thank my lovely wife for making my days better by far, and holding my hand when they were worse.
It's STTA.
She in her lovely white dress, and he in his rented tux, understand the best part, or at least they come close. They are "in love," thrilled to be in one another's presence, looking forward to a honeymoon in a location where, no matter how lovely the scenery, the most remarkable thing they will see is the gleam in their new spouse's eye. I remember that for weeks after my wedding I took great joy in calling my wife, "Wife." Whenever I was able I accompanied that new title with a suitable look into her eyes. Knowing Kathy by that title still brings great joy to me.
But I digress. I don't think the average couple who stands before me gets the idea of worse. That takes a while.
I've walked into hospital rooms and seen that "worse" kind of love in action. IVs and monitors hooked to one, but, more importantly, a hand sticks out from under the white sheet, lovingly held by one who knows, or is coming to know, what worse means. And this is the wonder: Spend a few minutes with that couple--likely you won't even need to talk--and you will come to realize that the well half of the couple is not holding that sick hand out of therapeutic pity. No she/he lovingly caresses that hand because that act brings as much joy and comfort to the one quietly sitting by the bed as it does to the one in it.
I've seen that darker/harder side of marital love when I have buried children, commiserated with parents of youngsters who seemed determined to ruin their lives, and others, or prayed with couples when careers, homes or dreams have crashed.
It's probably impossible for those youngsters who stand before me to comprehend the power of those storms that will almost surely crash on their home. I'm not even sure I want them to try to comprehend. What they need is a commitment--not only to one another, but more so to the Lord--that will carry them through.
On Valentines Day I thank my lovely wife for making my days better by far, and holding my hand when they were worse.
It's STTA.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Confession App:
It should be obvious to readers of Something to Think About that I am not opposed to technology, if--and this is a big"If"--it is used properly. Several times a week I use the technological wonders of a computer and the Internet to send these thoughts to you. I find the Bible study program on my computer and the hundreds of digital books stored on my hard-drive to be quite useful.
Even with my confessed friendship with things digital/electronic, I confess I was a little taken back by the news of an i-phone app to help people confess their sins.
I believe confession is a Biblical concept. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. I John 1:9 encourages us with the truth that if we confess our sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive. James 5:16 indicates that there are times when confession of our sin to another human is profitable.
But confessing to a machine?
When I read some more about the confession app though, even though I don't agree with the necessity of a making confession to a priest here on earth, I could see that concept behind the app might be useful. The electronic tool encourages a person to look at God's standards and compare them to his own behavior.
Sin is a violation of God's law. Holding my life up next to God's standard to see where I have strayed is not a bad thing. If an electronic tool can help, so be it.
So what do I do If I find that my life doesn't measure up? Actually I should say "when" rather than "if." "All have sinned. . . ." (Romans 3:23)
God's standard exists--at least in part--to show me my need. Look at Romans 3:21-31. It is God's intention that my knowledge of sin would drive me to His grace.
Find out more here
It's STTA.
Even with my confessed friendship with things digital/electronic, I confess I was a little taken back by the news of an i-phone app to help people confess their sins.
I believe confession is a Biblical concept. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. I John 1:9 encourages us with the truth that if we confess our sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive. James 5:16 indicates that there are times when confession of our sin to another human is profitable.
But confessing to a machine?
When I read some more about the confession app though, even though I don't agree with the necessity of a making confession to a priest here on earth, I could see that concept behind the app might be useful. The electronic tool encourages a person to look at God's standards and compare them to his own behavior.
Sin is a violation of God's law. Holding my life up next to God's standard to see where I have strayed is not a bad thing. If an electronic tool can help, so be it.
So what do I do If I find that my life doesn't measure up? Actually I should say "when" rather than "if." "All have sinned. . . ." (Romans 3:23)
God's standard exists--at least in part--to show me my need. Look at Romans 3:21-31. It is God's intention that my knowledge of sin would drive me to His grace.
Find out more here
It's STTA.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Not only did a preach that, I needed that!
A friend of mine speaks of preaching himself into conviction. It is a little bit of a preacher joke, but my friend really means it. I think I heard Billy Graham say one time that when he pointed a finger at someone in his audience there were three pointing back at him.
Yesterday I was preaching from Mark 11, the second time Jesus cleansed the Temple. It is a passage that has direct application for those of us, like me, who have leadership in the worship of God. I could feel the power of the Lord's condemnation of Annas and his cronies, as I shared the word with the congregation.
Basically, they took something that should have been directed to the God of the Bible--praise, worship, adoration, people doing serious business with their Lord--and they perverted it into something that was all about them--profit, power, national exclusivity. I can't imagine that these greedy religio-political-business men felt the awe and wonder of being in the place that was the center of the worship of the one true God. What impressed them was how many Shekels they extorted from the masses that day.
Worship is preeminently a proclamation of His worth.
Lord, help me remember that.
It's STTA.
Yesterday I was preaching from Mark 11, the second time Jesus cleansed the Temple. It is a passage that has direct application for those of us, like me, who have leadership in the worship of God. I could feel the power of the Lord's condemnation of Annas and his cronies, as I shared the word with the congregation.
Basically, they took something that should have been directed to the God of the Bible--praise, worship, adoration, people doing serious business with their Lord--and they perverted it into something that was all about them--profit, power, national exclusivity. I can't imagine that these greedy religio-political-business men felt the awe and wonder of being in the place that was the center of the worship of the one true God. What impressed them was how many Shekels they extorted from the masses that day.
Worship is preeminently a proclamation of His worth.
Lord, help me remember that.
It's STTA.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Camels Charging:
Beyond knowing that what is going on is incredibly dangerous, not just for them, but for those of us in lands far away, I don't understand a great deal about what is going on in Cairo. Would I be content to live under President Mubarak's authoritarian rule? Probably not. Are freedoms in Egypt greater than in many other Muslim nations? I think simply looking at the news videos and seeing how Egyptians, especially the women, are dressed, indicates that the answer is "Yes." If Mr. Mubarak and his cabinet become permanent guests of King Saud is it likely that Egypt will become a less stable place? I think without a doubt. Is it unfortunate that the US and much of the rest of the Western World is so dependent on the oil that moves through the Suez Canal? Yes, but even if we had the will to change that, it would take a while to fix it. Should the affairs of the Egyptians primarily be the concern of the Egyptians? Well, yes, but that hasn't been entirely the case for some time now.
Anyhow, seeing fighters mounted on camels charging into the fray in Cairo reminded me that these are not new problems. We've been dealing with oppressive leaders and dissatisfied citizens for millennia. In Samuel's time Israel wanted a king, they got Saul. David hadn't paid attention to his public image, so the public fell for the well-coiffed Absalom's campaign ads. Jehu provided the Old-Testament equivalent of making the trains run on time, so the people loved him--at least for a time.
We ought to do what we can to have the best government that we can, knowing that often we can't do much. We can't assume, though, that the "voice of the people" is always right. In addition to the examples above I offer one more. Two-thousand years ago some folk got off their camels and entered a public square just up the road from Egypt. They cried, "We have no king but Caesar!" and demanded the crucifixion of their rightful sovereign.
Ultimately our dependence cannot be on camels, horses, tanks, or stealth bombers. (Psalm 20:7) Rather our ultimate hope must be in the Lord. (Look at Romans 8:25 in context.) Since that needs to be the hope of the rest of the world as well, we need to wrap the news in prayer. I may not know what the President should do, but that is certainly what I ought to do. Look at 1 Timothy 2:1-8 for some ideas on how to do that.
It's STTA.
Anyhow, seeing fighters mounted on camels charging into the fray in Cairo reminded me that these are not new problems. We've been dealing with oppressive leaders and dissatisfied citizens for millennia. In Samuel's time Israel wanted a king, they got Saul. David hadn't paid attention to his public image, so the public fell for the well-coiffed Absalom's campaign ads. Jehu provided the Old-Testament equivalent of making the trains run on time, so the people loved him--at least for a time.
We ought to do what we can to have the best government that we can, knowing that often we can't do much. We can't assume, though, that the "voice of the people" is always right. In addition to the examples above I offer one more. Two-thousand years ago some folk got off their camels and entered a public square just up the road from Egypt. They cried, "We have no king but Caesar!" and demanded the crucifixion of their rightful sovereign.
Ultimately our dependence cannot be on camels, horses, tanks, or stealth bombers. (Psalm 20:7) Rather our ultimate hope must be in the Lord. (Look at Romans 8:25 in context.) Since that needs to be the hope of the rest of the world as well, we need to wrap the news in prayer. I may not know what the President should do, but that is certainly what I ought to do. Look at 1 Timothy 2:1-8 for some ideas on how to do that.
It's STTA.
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