When We Are Victims.

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There was a time when the powerless had no voice. Perhaps that time is now, but with with the growth of a victim mentality, along comes a lawyer or an advocate or even a superhero. We live in an age where victimhood has become the norm.

Although there are tools that we need in our time of disability, nevertheless, let us, work to strengthen or resolved. Don’t let your batteries drain to the point that you become totally useless, powerless, helpless, and a target for further abuse! 

I don’t mean to say that there are fewer victims in our society today, but it seems as though we are more aware that we have never been before. Consider the “me too movement.” We have seen the abuse of power at the highest levels of government and corporations. We have witnessed people who have taken advantage of others because of their status or title. Consider pastors and priest who have done terrible things to children and others. Take a look at the global impact of human trafficking and the increase in lawlessness. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Today, my mind is processing, maybe even overwhelmed by the amount of news that we see. Instantly across our social media and television screens is the rise of negative information like never before. A school shooting halfway across the country is instant news alerting other schools to increase their security policies. Churches are now not only sanctuaries of worship, but leaders must consider safety procedures in the event of I repeated tragedy.

I have served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for several years. I have seen abuse, not only on the front page, but right in front of me. I have gone to court to defend children and be a voice and advocate for those that have no voice. My wife and I have been foster parents. For eight years, we advocated for young people who came from abused and neglected circumstances. We have seen firsthand levels of abuse that are unimaginable. Even as a pastor, I have seen levels of human tragedy that has almost dolled by sensitivity. I hope I haven’t become too cynical or hard hearted.

Although I have seen a lot, this article is not necessarily for the purpose of raising the alarm regarding abuse. Sorry for the hard turn. Not surprisingly, while abuse is on the rise, (at least we hear about it more often) I am also considering that our society has shifted for a victim mentality. Even the slightest of neglect is now an outcry of victimhood that requires justice! 

Justice matters and is a real thing. We need justice warriors however, what are we really calling justice? It is true that the world is not perfect. Life is not fair. We have reason to advocate for those in-need. We should be trying to make right the wrongs. However, what is an injustice? 

I lean closely to the broken-hearted. God certainly does! He calls out justice for the widow who suffers. God calls us to care for the orphan. God lifts the humble and give grace to the needy. 

God is not deaf! God is not blind. God is not heartless. It is quite the opposite! God is administering justice! God opposes the proud! 

However true it is that the world is broken, sin is seemingly let loose in the streets for all to see! We should not be surprised when evil shows itself. 

What should we do about it? What is our call to action?

We see protesters who form mobs for justice! I like Westerns like the next person. Old Western movies look for justice fighters working to make things right (in 30-minutes or less per episode). The hero of the Marvel’s comes in to save the day! 

Although there is justice needed, there certainly is an injustice everywhere, nevertheless, I would contend that somewhere along the line with allowed ourselves to become victims.

Spiritually, we have allowed those who are weak to dominate the call to action by the strong. Somewhere along the line, we have allowed people to de cry injustice and to find a perpetrator where there may need a clarification about what is injustice.

From a spiritual standpoint, we should be victors because Jesus has paid the price for our sin. We should stand strong in our faith and not allow the devil to harass us. We need to say that we “will try” or that “we can” instead of giving up with the expression, “I can’t!” It is important to be able to stand as winners not whiners. 

While there is real abuse and wrongs, yet, we should not let our circumstances dictate the outcomes! We cannot let ourselves become victims! Of course there is reason to be an advocate firnthe weak. However, we should work to strengthen the weak and encourage them to stand (on their own). 

I have been an advocate in every profession I have held. We see wrong we should attempt to right the wrong however, how we do it matters! We can't fight every foe the same way. We don't enable negative behaviors in giants or in the small. We are called to empower! 

So, what am I saying?

1. Choose your battles carefully and with wisdom.

Let me explain. every battle fought should be carefully considered. Not everything is worth fighting about. Sometimes, a good offense is better. I would also encourage you and I to consider the right strategy and armed at the right information to take the appropriate step to remedy the problem. It is better to employee wisdom not strength. 

2. Don't let what is done against you to keep you from being strong.

When opposition reveals its deadly force, don’t let it cause you to shrink back from every opportunity to advance. it’s important to recognize that we should not simply give up, but realize that with God, we can do all things through his strength at work within us. We don’t let bullies win by giving in. We have to assist and strengthened others to become victors, not victims. Just because your circumstances are intimidating, don’t let it defeat you.

3. Advocate for others by working to strengthen the powerless to grow through hardship.

Now, regarding being an advocate. essential that if we are fighting someone’s battles that we empower the powerless to become strongest. It is in adversity that they can develop the skills and the strength to grow.  I realize that there are some things that are far more destructive, but, if we are talking about opportunities to grow, let’s enable that opportunity. Let’s help someone to grow spiritually, and to become an advocate for themselves by encouraging them to deepen their understanding of this situation they’re in.

I’ve had times when I have had to take a stand and advocate through strength, and there are times, and I have been an advocate for another by standing with them in court or in real life scenarios.

By developing people to have the skills necessary that empowers them to act is more beneficial.

In summary, live life with compassion, and although you can’t control every situation, you can be the strength that someone may need to act and have courage to resolve their situation. Certainly, use the authorities in the resources that you have to help another. However, lift others up so that they will not become forever victims.

This is a complex topic for sure. Nevertheless, utilize the resources that you may know about, but don’t fight other peoples battles without first helping them to realize their part in the battle. Give them the ammunition or the resources needed to become strong stronger.

A Biblical Word View.

It’s not a typo. My title is one that comes from conviction on spiritual matters. Some may say that I may have misspelled it because I said a biblical WORD view not a biblical WORLD view. That’s right, I want to explain the difference by this phrase “world view”. You see, the world has its own view on social and political ideas.

Nevertheless, let me share with you that I do believe that we should have a biblical understanding of the topics related to both social and political items in the public square. These are debates that even good Christians will have. However, we should have the mindset of God, from the WORD of God, that helps us to know how to explain the hope that we have in Christ.

There are three important topics that I want to address. I also want to explain the idea of having a biblical word view that will guide your decisions and ultimately, what pleases God.

What does it mean to have a biblical word view? My definition, it means to believe, and to put in the context, the meaning that the Bible places on how we should live. Every decision that we make as Christians, not just a fan of Jesus, but a follower of Jesus, should come from a biblical understanding. Of course, some will argue that they are different interpretations of the word of God. I contend that too many people interpret the Bible based on opinion, not Truth. 

We are always contending for the faith, and I always attempt to balance grace and truth. Although, I believe John Wesley‘s tool called the quadrilateral which helps us to know how to balance tradition and reason as well. Framing our theology around these constructs can be helpful yet, it’s important to know that ultimately we do what the Bible tells us to do, not what man reasons in his own mind to do.

A biblical worldview is defined, in part, as an understanding of how to think, not what to think. It is a way to frame concepts that give universal understanding of topics and issues. 

It is not what to think but how to think that matters! 

Consider this definition:

A worldview is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. “[It’s] any ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world and man’s relations to God and the world,” says David Noebel, author of Understanding the Times. Footnote. 

I would like to encourage us to take one step further in the definition to help us understand how to read the scripture. It is important to understand the Bible and to apply the teaching of the Word to everyday life. Similarly, knowing the Bible will help you gain wisdom in life that can be transferral to all of life and with others. 

Some say that I am a practical theologian. That being said, I think it’s a compliment because I define my practice according to that which I can make application to grow closer to Christ and all that I do and say. Are you a student of the Bible? 

You don’t have to be a scholar to be able to answer questions people have about life. Not don’t have to be a strict rules-follower to provide answers to the deepest questions. Simply reading the Bible is enough to find guidance in the troublesome times we live. 

There are three areas that must be considered when applying scripture. 

Tend Your Garden.

From the very beginning of time, God planted us in a garden. It is the world of which we live. Adam and Eve were given the garden of Eden, which was perfect in every way, but, they chose to go their own way instead of God‘s way. They took from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which created the disastrous world of which we occupy today. It is a fallen and evil world.

It was not long after Adam and Eve disobeyed God that the very first act of disobedience resulted in the death, rather the murder, of a brother named Abel. Cain killed his own brother because rebellion was now part of his DNA.

It doesn’t matter where we live. We all have to work to make a difference for God‘s glory. I’m not just talking about locally, but areas of which we may have profound influence; that could be our work, our home, where we go to school, where we buy our groceries, and where we eat out at restaurants. Bloom where you are planted is often the phrase we may hear. But, it goes beyond that, it is to tend our garden appropriately.

Everything must be informed by what the Bible says. The problem is, most people don’t read the Bible. They’ve decided that they know better than God.  Surprisingly, according to research by Barna, only 4% of Christians have a biblical worldview. Let that sink in.

No wonder we are in trouble. We don’t even have the capacity to discern between right and wrong. It’s essential that we define our beliefs based on what the Bible says, not what our opinion says.

The Word, not world.

Next seems pretty obvious. Where do we get our information? I contend that the most prominent influence in our life is not politics, no worries it education. Seems to me that the media is the most powerful influence. Why? It is because it is so invasive in our lives. We all have TVs and smart phones and tablets. Beyond that I need not explain.

Since so many do not know the truth of God’s word, they resolved to find out the information they think they need by what is most popular or what their social media algorithm tells them is truth. Obviously, this is fleeting and not universal information that is true.

Consider this. You’re scrolling through your social media and ironically enough you start seeing ads for things that you were considering at Walmart or the local hardware store to purchase. You did a Google search and interestingly enough, ads start popping up in your Facebook. You see, we are being fed information based on your particular interest. Consider this. You’re having a conversation with somebody about a particular topic and, ironically enough you start seeing ads in your social media on that very topic.

Then you don’t realize that the phone is tracking you and it is listening to you. Sound invasive? It is.

We need to be in God‘s word to even have a degree of knowledge as to what we should be thinking about any particular topic. Many people don’t realize that the Bible speaks to nearly every idea that is out there. Solomon said that it is vanity, and that the world repeats itself. Just read Ecclesiastes or Proverbs sometime.

We are unmistakably being manipulated wherever we go. Why? Because we set ourselves up to the gullible and to fall for almost anything.

A City on a Hill. 

How should we then live? If I were to tell you that there are great minds that we should be reading, you may say to yourself that you’re not interested because you’re not a reader. Society wants to be told what to think not how to think. Our world tells us what to think. The talking points are universal dependent upon the particular persuasion of a political position or which educational system you have subscribed to.

The Bible tells us that we should be a shining light on the hillside. (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus said that we are to be the light of the world and the salt of the world. The Bible gives us biblical insights and it doesn’t apologize for truth.

As we live our lives, we should recognize a tremendous influence that we have both on our friends and our families. We are to make a difference based on biblical values not personal virtues. We can be kind but if we don’t tell people why we are kind, it means nothing! 

A biblical word view is most essential. Matthew 6:33 reminds us that we should seek God’s Kingdom not our own interests. 

I wonder what the world would be like if a majority of people actually understood what the Bible has to say?

For Christians who attend church just one hour week as their only diet, I feel sorry for them because the world is a 7 -day, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year activity! 

In summary, being a person of the Word means being a person who draws from the Bible Truth and wisdom! This goes beyond feelings and popularity. It is about being a follower of Jesus coupled with the Truth of the Bible. It isn’t about simply being loving. After all, love isn’t defined very well by the world. Once you know what love is according to the Word of God, you can also find discernment on the things the press is in life! 

To Gather or Not?

Deciding IF we should gather as a congregation during a weather-related incident or prediction can be worrisome for many churches and pastors. This entry is a journal of sorts helping to tell the story of how many come to the decision to cancel. 

Weather predictions in the winter are usually what begins the process of cancelation decision. How much snow will there be? What are the road conditions? How much of a threat will the decision mean?

These are a few of the questions many ask!

Can people decide on their own if they should travel to attend church events? Of course they can! People are free to consider their travel arrangements. The predictions for snow or other issues are not the concern of cancellation procedures. We let the weather reported, traffic cams, local first responders, and emergency management officials help gage this personal decision. At your own risk is the common expression.

However, deciding whether or not someone should travel to your event or church service is a little more complicated. These are the concerns and process of deciding IF we should cancel. 

Consider any positive opportunities and being upbeat about your decision to cancel. Give grace to one another when having to make a decision to cancel services. 

1. Timing of the storm. When will the storm like snowfall total and related conditions help gage decision?

2. Those responsible for decision have to decide volunteering staff needs. Should we ask workers to take risks that they otherwise would not take?

3. Should we ask attendees to take unnecessary risks? The loyalty and support of people does make a difference. People will take the risk of travel out of their love for their church! 

4. What are the trade-offs? We don’t ever make decisions to cancel based on the profit and loss factors. No offerings will be taken except for those doing online giving. No public worship gatherings are worth risking to attend. No activity should ever be based on attendance records or reporting pressures. Organization are often having to explain their decision as if to give rationale for  not meeting.

Many pastors and leaders plan their worship like an event. Other programs like classes and activities are scheduled. Some simply skip the plan and move on but the work to plan means that some will miss out on what was expected. 

Be positive in your concern for others and considerations that must be decided! 

In short, you cannot simply repeat the plan the following week. 

Now, what does the Bible have to say about this issue? 

“Don’t forsake the assembly of believers….” Hebrews 10:25.

“… Call in the elders to pray and anoint…” James 5:14.

The church is special, sacred, and serving. Whenever the body of Christ gathers together, ministry happens. When the church is mobilized, the work of the church is effective. 

Ultimately, the church is made up of people who love Christ and others. Whether gathered physically or in our homes as individuals, the church is still active. 

Church families SHOULD gather for personal worship and reading of the Word. Church people SHOULD make every effort to check in with others and care for the needs of their family and neighbor. Likely, in a snowstorm our neighbors are defined by proximity and those who live nearby when helping and serving! Of course, we can call or text others to listen and find ways to be helpful. 

Pastors and church leaders SHOULD recognize that personal faith is not totally dependent on their activities. People are personally responsible for their faith walk and witness work. We are not to look to our church leaders and pastors as superheroes. They cannot do faith for you! 

Deciding to cancel church means being concerned for others. It is also important to give instructions for the church people to see that they are sent out to serve others! 

So here are my final considerations.

1. Pastors, send out a message asking people to check in with loved ones. It won’t hurt to make a few phone calls of your own.

2. Leaders, text and reach out to people through technology to listen and learn how we can best serve others. People will be hone so take time to ask key questions of others to better serve their needs and most especially how we should pray for them.

3. Church people SHOULD take responsibility for their family! Everyone should use the time being home to gather for prayer, personal growth in Christ, and don’t feel guilty if you need to rest. The Sabbath means resting! 

Stay active on social media! Realize the people have a little more time to scan their media feeds. Your message could have the potential of being read. 

Sent a few text message but also, message people over social media as well as posting fun-loving memes or even spiritual insights!