Extinction: The Last Christian?

 

Extinction is a sad thing anyway you look at it. In the last few hundred years we have seen the last Dodo, the last Tasmanian tiger, and the last Passenger Pigeon. And let’s not forget the dinosaurs. Am I glad there are no T-Rex dinosaurs roaming the California countryside? Yes. It would really change our camping plans! But I still wish there was a place, a continent or island, where they could frolic and terrorize the creatures there. I mean, we have Komodo Island don’t we? How about T-Rexia? Hmm, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not in charge.  

Lately I have been revisiting books that I have read that have left a lasting impression. One of these is The Last Christian by David Gregory. It speaks of a day where Christianity is considered “hate speech” and basically outlawed. 20 years ago I would have laughed at the idea. Today is a different story.

But how could we get to such a dilemma? Sue Bohlin, a writer for Probe Ministries  (https://probe.org/the-last-christian) summarized it so very well, so I will use her words. She stated, “One reason the book was compelling is its explanation of how Christianity died out. One of the main characters is a history professor at a Dallas university who gives a five-point lecture about what rendered Christianity so irrelevant and obsolete as to have no presence in the culture at all. The biggest point was the lack of distinctiveness between believers and unbelievers. Since professing Christians had the same beliefs and the same behaviors of those with no allegiance to Christ, there was no reason for anyone to become a Christian”.

It all comes down to the changed life. I have mentioned it before. (See March 9, 2024, What Do You Have That I Would Want?) In this day and age, people want to see results, often instantly. When there is no change, it sets up a big red flag.

Interestingly enough, It is said to be one of the main reasons Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan.  LaVey claimed to have seen that many of the same men attended both the bawdy Saturday night shows and the tent revival meetings on Sunday mornings, which reinforced his increasingly cynical view of religion. In the foreword to the German language edition of The Satanic Bible, he cites this as the impetus to defy Christian religion as he knew it. In it he explains why he thinks churchgoers employ moral double standards. (LaVey, Anton Szandor (1999). Die Satanische Bible (Satanic Bible). Berlin: Second Sight Books.) 

Since I have not, nor do I plan to read his works, I will take Wiki’s word for it. But I do think he was on to something. How will Christianity stay relevant if it doesn’t really do any good? If Christians can live like the world Monday through Saturday and then go to Church on Sunday to sing and pray - pretending they are religious, what’s the point? Christianity is either all or nothing. Either we are all in, or we’re just faking. Are Christian’s perfect? Of course not. But the people around you should notice a difference (and not in a weird way).

Jesus said in John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The Apostle Peter said, Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12.

If we are going make an impact on this generation, we have to be able to show them that Christ is just as meaningful to the world as He was in the 1^st century. We have to live it – Daily. It’s either Involvement or Extinction. What will it be?

Amazon link for book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Christian-Novel-David-Gregory/dp/1400074975

What If? No Looking Back

Let’s face it. Times are rough. Money is tight. We actually went backward when we came back to California to care for my wife’s mother. Sometimes, in the midst of the drama of life, I have stopped to think about the what-ifs. What if I had chosen a different career?

I have had several possibilities over the years.  Coming out of high school I was doing a lot of jewelry making. I actually considered going to school for diamond appraisal/Jewelry design. Another option was a career in Microbiology. Diamond appraisal would have been a great choice money wise. Microbiology (I had my sights set on working for the CDC in exotic viruses) would be exciting and rewarding. After seeing the gem business, I decided I didn’t want the stress nor security risks that went with it. I soon realized that the type of work in the CDC I was interested in was not conducive to raising a family. I didn’t like the idea of being on call 24/7 and possibly missing anniversaries, birthday, or other major milestones in my family’s life. I decided to be a science teacher.

Later while I was in between teaching jobs, I worked for McDonnell-Douglas in an information data center. I had only worked there about 9 months and my supervisor was wanting to send me to supervisor school. Again, it would have been a great financial opportunity. Several of my friends did very well with the subsequent mergers and takeovers.

While we were in Arizona, I had a friend who worked for the Edward Jones financial group. At that time it was #4 in the nation in job satisfaction. He though I would be perfect since teachers seemed to do very well. It would have been a huge pay increase, not to mention the opportunities for regular golf games with clients! I realized it would mean a total career change. After much prayer and searching I was confident that God wanted me to continue teaching so I declined. Over the years, I have been able to help and influence others in building God’s kingdom. You cannot put a price on that.

Do I regret it? No, not really. This week I have watched how millions of dollars in assets can disappear in just one fire. Add to that, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes & tornadoes, and bankruptcies & theft and you really get to see what the scriptures were talking about when they say “riches are fleeting”.

Would I like to be rich? Sure, why not. But my wife and I also realized we enjoy seeing God provide. We have numerous stories how He has provided the right amount, at the right time. It actually seems like it would be a shame to walk away from that. I remember how forgetful I am…

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

James 1:10-11 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

If you curse me, then I will bless you

If you hurt me, I will forgive

And if you hate me, then I will love you

I choose the Jesus way

If you're helpless, I will defend you

And if you're burdened, I'll share the weight

And if you're hopeless, then let me show you

There's hope in the Jesus way

Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Phil Wickham The Jesus Way lyrics © Be Essential Songs

 

Carry On!

 

It’s a new year, but for teachers it is the half-way point in the school calendar. First semester is over - time to start the second half. We tell our students to keep going, to persevere. But what does that really mean?

Perseverance is defined as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. (merriam-webster.com) Sometimes perseverance is a long term struggle; other times it is just a transient blip on the journey of life. It might be a prolonged illness or time of healing. It could be growing a business from the ground up. It might simply be the finishing of a short term goal. Several of my grandchildren are taking Karate lessons. Getting through your white belt may only take a matter of months. Getting your first black belt may take many years. Recently I spent 3 days climbing up and down ladders, running and testing cables, just to get an outside camera up and running. I have to admit, there were times I wanted to just throw the thing away and go on. But eventually I found the problem, fixed it, and walked away victorious. The camera works and it was also a good leg workout. I knew I could finish it, because I had done it before. I just had to keep trying. It’s funny how the struggle doesn’t seem as bad once you are through it. The goal is reached and we get to bask in the success of a job well done, at least until another struggle comes along.

 Struggles help us grow. I like to start tomato & pepper seedlings in February here in California so I can get them in the garden as soon as things warm up. (Yes, it’s also because I’m cheap and don’t want to spends $4 on a single plant at the store, but that’s another story.) When you grow seedlings inside under lights, gardeners always advise you to have an oscillating  fan pointed at them. This is to make the stems move back and forth. It helps them to have stronger stems. If plants could talk, they would probably complain, but whether they like it or not, it’s good for them. Stronger stems means more resilient plants and fruit.

 Just like physical trials help strengthen our physical bodies, spiritual trials help us grow spiritually. Knowing we have succeeded before can give us the energy to overcome the next trial. It has been said that, “The only way to fail is to quit”. When asked about all of his failures in light bulb designs Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." The key to perseverance, whether short or long term, is never giving up. It’s the daily grind, moment by moment, that finally adds up to a realization of your intended goal.

  

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Start the New Year Right!

Does it feel like a letdown after Christmas and New Year’s are over? Turns out New Year’s Depression is a real thing. I kind of remember not wanting to get into the routine again when I was in high school, but I had always thought it was a combination of more homework and the freezing cold temperatures that come with winter in Northern Illinois & Wisconsin. I remember seeing it in my friends also, but mental health was not really talked about much when I was a kid. Now that I look back, I can see how we all were affected. Although I’m still not a fan of AI (Skynet still comes to mind) it did come up with some good suggestions. (Note: I did do some editing for length.)

Key signs to watch for: (for others and yourself)

1. Mood swings: Feeling suddenly down or tearful after the holiday excitement fades.

2. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social events or interactions, preferring to stay alone.

3. Loss of interest: Lack of enthusiasm for activities that were previously enjoyable.

4. Excessive self-criticism: Focusing on perceived flaws or failures, feeling inadequate.

5. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, oversleeping, or disrupted sleep patterns.

6. Changes in appetite: Significant decrease or increase in food intake.

7. Increased substance use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.

8. Physical complaints: Unexplained aches and pains, fatigue, headaches.

9. Negative thoughts: Focusing on negative aspects of life, feeling pessimistic about the future.

To cope with New Year's depression, focus on self-care practices like maintaining a healthy routine, engaging in activities you enjoy, setting realistic goals, managing expectations, reaching out to loved ones for support, and seeking professional help if needed; if the feelings are persistent or severe, consider talking to a therapist about potential underlying issues related to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Key strategies to manage New Year's depression:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Don't dismiss your emotions; accept that it's normal to feel a sense of letdown after the holiday season.

2. Set realistic goals: Instead of drastic resolutions, set achievable goals that build positive momentum throughout the year.

3. Prioritize self-care:

            Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

            Regular exercise: Physical activity can significantly boost mood.

            Quality sleep: Aim for consistent sleep schedules.

            Mindfulness practices: Meditation or deep breathing can help manage stress.

4. Social connection:

            Reach out to loved ones: Spend time with supportive friends and family.

            Join a group: Consider joining a club or activity group based on your interests.

5. Focus on the positive: Reflect on accomplishments from the past year and celebrate small wins.

When to seek professional help:

1. If your depression is severe or interferes with daily life.

2. If you experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

3. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

 

The real key is don’t stay silent. Talk to a pastor, a friend, a parent, a sibling. You will find out you are not alone. Tell God how you feel. He cares. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7