Crises of Faith

Most people have a lack of faith in the face of dominant self-centeredness. It is a controlling factor in most of our lives. We give attention to our needs over the needs of others. We are interested in satisfying our hungers and desires over those of others. We are interested in the things we focus upon, whether or not it is helpful to anyone else.
In some measure “self worship” is the greatest idolatry of our time. Perhaps behind the deep need to persuade others to adopt our point of view is the desire not only to be right, but to be approved by those with whom we share company. We want more than acceptance, more than approval, we want others to think like we do… because we have the corner on what we need and want focused upon so well.
At the same time we share this healthy sense of self that allows us to discern in some measure the value we place on any number of relationships based upon what we understand as their worth…to us…from our self-centered point of view. Interestingly,
some unique capacities appear to propagate attitudes of compassion, empathy, understanding and love. When we are the recipients of affirmation and genuine unqualified love, we are changed by it. When we discover in persons their trustworthiness, our own sense of trust grows. When we find others willing to help us, we discover the ability to receive graciously and likewise to understand grace.
For any of us to move past ourselves to a level and quality of life that supports relationships of friendship, trust, and committed love, it requires the discover of those capacities in the lives of others who not only model them, but teach us to comprehend the value of such immeasurable, but vital qualities.
When God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to model the highest qualities of human experience and to exercise his love toward all of humanity with redemptive intervention on our behalf, he enabled our capacities to comprehend that love. We are still learning, but that is the struggle of moving past ourselves to see the purpose for which we were created. God has something important for us all to comprehend…his love. When we do, we share it gladly in the knowledge that it won’t run out or run away. God’s love brings life…full and good and eternal.

Homeless for Three Hours

Last week I had opportunity to be homeless for three hours. The lessons are important ones. In that brief time you have to locate a public bathroom to use because you do not have ready access to one where you no longer live. Cooking is out of the question, unless making grilled cheese on your engine block is up your alley. Having a small cooler in the car meant an available access to a bottle of water, but when my wife drove away with the cooler, I was waterless. There was computer access at my office, but no television available. When you are homeless possessions are burdens. You had rather travel light, because everything has to be carried in some fashion, in the car or on your person. My pockets were filled with the usual wallet and keys, but what was I doing with a screwdriver, a toothbrush, and my dental floss in my coat pocket along with a tape measure, two pens, notepad, and a small pack of Kleenex. Then there was the checkbook with three back check registers and my address book, the old one and the new one….
Homelessness is not for the fainthearted. Then again, my circumstances were entirely voluntary. By 3:30 I had signed on the dotted lines of numerous pages at the closing attorney’s office and I was once more in possession of a mortgage and perhaps doorknob ownership. That said, there is something to be learned by considering the plight of millions of homeless persons around the globe that struggle daily for water, food, clothing and shelter to meet their needs. Pray for them. And pray for those who can help to make their circumstances better in the future. Pray for those who enable employment
by their entrepreneurship and hard work. Pray for those who enable good agricultural practices that can supply food to multitudes of the hungry. Pray for those who serve within political systems of government that oversee policies that can improve the lives of many. Pray for those involved in financial services that can allow responsible lending and borrowing to be utilized effectively. Pray for those who have yet to hear about the provision of an eternal home with God who loves us and gave His Son to be our Savior.

Haiti

For such a small place on the map, Haiti has seen more than its fair share of struggle in the past few decades. The earthquake seems almost like an insult to injury in light of the circumstances endured by the population there. At the same time, there is in the midst of such great trauma, the opportunity to see great strength on the part of those who exercise their human capacity to love, to show compassion, and to demonstrate the highest forms of human character in the face of tragedy, death, disease, and destruction.
It is heartening to be a part of efforts by groups around the globe to offer aid and assistance. At the same time, the strategic challenges remain great in getting to those most immediately in need of help.
Aftershocks have been a regular part of the environment for those offering relief, and the impact will inevitably bring about the exodus of many from the most immediately affected regions into the rural areas and smaller cities of the country. Housing needs are obviously an urgent concern for the near future and for a country already largely deforested and without strong agricultural infrastructure, food needs will remain unmet.
One of the most significant aims of those carrying out relief efforts should be to create sustainable food sources and training skilled workers to carry on the rebuilding processes needed. Long-term as well as short term solutions are needed for Haiti and this crisis may bring opportunity for focus to be brought upon important and significant positive improvements for the long-term health and well-being of the people there.
Christians have ministered in so many ways to this impoverished island nation, but the circumstances of economic poverty have also given way to many testimonies of incredible spiritual strength in the face of recent events. As we pray and give to meet needs in Haiti, may we give thanks for many who live and serve daily to share the light and love of Christ in this challenged nation.