Barbara's Banter

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

When our granddaughter Sophia was eighteen-months-old, I remember our delight in watching her learn so many new things like walking, talking, and becoming aware of all the wonders around her. What a glorious age! Of course, with each new feat she mastered or new word she repeated we smiled with great pleasure, clapped and praised her. One day when she did something she thought was praise worthy she clapped, patted herself on the arm, and said, “Good job!”

Her mother laughingly asked, “Do you think we are over-validating?”

“I don’t think so.” I replied. “The more praise, the better.”

It is easier to build strong children than repair broken adults. The word validate actually comes from the Latin word validus meaning “to be made strong.” Strong children are built through praise, encouragement, and validation.

My heart goes out to all the children who grow up without a word of encouragement or any validation. Not only do they feel unloved and unwanted, they are ill prepared to face a world eager to point out all their flaws and inadequacies. When they don’t get the approval of others, they feel unworthy and depressed.

Validation in the Christian life is important as well.

Consider this… Validation for a Christian has a two-fold significance which can be summed up through God’s love and our love for one another.

God’s Love

Fortunately for all of us, Jesus came for the broken and those of us who’ve never been validated. We are God’s beloved children. He loves us. He wants us. He could have anyone on the face of the earth, yet He chose us. He died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). We don’t have to do anything to earn his approval, respect, or love. He validates us by being with us and living in us. His life in us gives ours great meaning.

Love for One Another

God validates us and we should validate one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. No matter what age we are, we desire to be accepted and respected. Let’s not miss an opportunity to let others know they are appreciated. If people have had a positive influence on your life, why not tell them? Even the words thank you can have great meaning when spoken sincerely.

Frankly, I think Sophia had the right idea. I see nothing wrong with occasionally patting ourselves on our own arms and saying, “Good job!” However, let’s not forget to thank God for His help in our accomplishment. And while we’re at it, why not thank all those who helped us along the way. They could probably use a little validation as well.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Use words like “nicely done,” “great job,” and “thank you” often! The words “thank you,” in any language, can be quite validating!
• Actively listen to others and respond positively.
• Learn to communicate, sincerely compliment, and encourage others.
• Accept others for who they are. Acceptance doesn’t mean condoning or approving. It just means people are the way they are and there is little you can do about it except love them anyway.
• Cut yourself some slack. Instead of putting yourself down for the nine things you didn’t do right today, focus on the one thing you did right. Come on… you must have done at least one thing right today????

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Does God laugh? I think so. Creating the duck-billed platypus, penguin, and giraffe should merit some points on the chuckle meter. Long before animated cartoons desensitized us to talking animals, He made Balaam’s donkey speak. The medical profession has come to see what the Bible told us all along: a merry heart is good medicine. (Proverbs 17:22) Studies show that those who laugh live longer, healthier lives. God created laughter and it is good.

Of course God has standards. Regrettably, people can pollute humor to something crass and crude. So when I speak of Christian humor in this article, I am not referring to vulgarity. God doesn’t stoop to such levels and neither should we. However, we as Christians could probably lighten up a bit.

Christians are a rare breed when it comes to laughter. Just the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior should fill us with joy, but actually Christians can be some of the biggest fuddy-duddies around. Sometimes we want to determine what should or should not be funny for everyone else. That’s what happened when I was attending a Christian college.

Each year the music department presented a program. One time they did a parody about opera. A girl sang a comic aria while she answered the phone and talked to her boyfriend. It was pretty funny, but the administration wasn’t laughing. Most of their experience with arias came from Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah – religious compositions. They equated this genre of music as spiritual. Their narrow view limited their ability to see the humor. Unfortunately, the music director got in BIG time trouble over this comic aria.

A few years ago, I had an opposite experience at a Women of Faith Conference. Here we had 5,000 women of all sizes, ages, styles, nationalities, and denominations gathered under one roof listening, singing, and praising God together. Christian humorist Chonda Pierce had us all doubled over in laughter at ourselves and our denominational quirks. How refreshing! If we don’t believe God has a sense of humor, just think about all the different denominations and their ideas or foibles.

Thank God our salvation does not depend on whether we sprinkle or immerse, bring casseroles or hot dishes to potlucks, use old hymnals or sing new songs, fund raise with bake sales or bingo, clap our hands or keep them in our pockets, drink alcohol or teetotal, sit in pews or chairs, change too much or not at all, use bread or crackers for Communion, and/or raise our hands to praise God or stay seated when we sing Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. If it did, we’d all be doomed.

Consider this… Jesus had a bit of a merry outlook on life. He enjoyed himself. He had wit and a keen sense of humor. How else would He come up with examples like a camel going through the eye of a needle and getting a wooden plank out of the eye? (Matthew 19:24; Matthew 7:3) He even jokingly nicknamed James and John the “sons of thunder.” (Mark 3:17) Jesus used humor to get points across, but sometimes we don’t recognize it because it’s not funny today. Just like today we think certain expressions are funny, but the ancients would not. The Bible is full of metaphors, irony, hyperbole, paradoxes, and exaggerations for effect. In many ways, that’s what cartoons are all about – illustrations for effect.

It’s unfortunate when our limited view affects our ability to laugh, especially at ourselves as individuals or even as a denomination. Of course we are not to be deliberately offensive with an “in your face” type attitude. However, true Christians aren’t supposed to get offended over every little thing either.

Maybe it’s better to accept our differences and laugh about them. In other words, sometimes we just need to “get thou over it” and get on with serving God.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Read Proverbs 17:22 often: “A merry heart does good like medicine …”
• Lighten up!
• Smile!
• Laugh!
• Don’t judge and condemn others just because they do things differently than you do.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

People come in all shapes and sizes with diverse genetic, cultural, geographical and family backgrounds. Because we are all different, our preferences and points of view may vary. Different does not necessarily mean wrong, it just means “not the same.” God created us that way.

Since we are all “not the same,” we have strong opinions about what we like and don’t like – in all areas of life: the color and cut of our hair, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the foods we eat, the books we read, the cars we drive, and so on. The list is endless. You might call this our style. We all have a certain style. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, God gives us the freedom to develop our own unique and distinctive style.

However, if we aren’t careful sometimes our style can lead to faulty thinking. The danger isn’t so much in knowing what we like; the danger comes from wanting everyone to like what we like or even worse, thinking we know what God likes. Though we might not admit it, most of us secretly think God likes what we like and hates what we hate. Those who set up their style as God’s standard have a tendency to judge others who don’t measure up. Sometimes, if given the choice, people choose style over substance.

We should never confuse style with substance. Let’s take a church setting for example. Some might focus more on what people are wearing, the vocal quality of the speaker, or singing their favorite song than on Christ. Believers meeting together to draw closer to God can take a back seat to personalities, appeal, and presentation – or for want of a better word – style.

Style is a haircut or wardrobe. Substance is realizing God looks on the heart not the outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7) Style is how mellow or upbeat the music is. Substance is worshipping God by focusing on the lyrics sung. (John 4:24) Style is tradition and ritual which is totally different than doctrine. Substance is internalizing and actually living the word of God. (Matthew 4:4) There is nothing wrong with style, if you don’t confuse it with substance.

Some in biblical times had a problem with this as well.

People didn’t like John the Baptist’s style. He was a bit of a recluse and lived in the wilderness. He dressed funny and had strange eating habits. (Mark 1:4-6) He seemed a little severe and stark. Many didn’t know what to make of him so they called him demonic. (Luke 7:33) They didn’t like his style so they rejected his substance – the message of Jesus Christ.

Christ was the opposite of John, but many didn’t like his style either – especially those priding themselves on having “godly” standards. Christ was not a recluse. In fact, he came eating, drinking, and joining in the midst of life at that time. (Luke 7:34) He associated with everyone including tax collectors, prostitutes, scribes, and sinners, so they called him a glutton and a drunkard saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax gatherers and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10, 11; Luke 5:27-30) In other words, “You need to change your style.” Because they could only see His style, they missed His substance – His message of mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness.

Sadly, today many would rather debate whether or not Jesus turned water into wine or grape juice (style) instead of being amazed by the miracle itself – and even more amazed by the miracle maker (substance). If examined honestly, we would probably find most church divisions come to pass because of style, not substance.

Consider this… As we grow closer to God, we realize substance is more important than style and with God’s help we learn to differentiate between the two. After all, styles will come and go, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

It’s all right to have preferences, but do not think your preferences are God’s preferences.

Do not look down on others who are different from you or don’t share your point of view.

Do not look down on sinners because, believe it or not, you are one.

None of us want to be criticized, so practice being less critical of others. Sometimes it’s best to keep our opinions to ourselves because it isn’t our opinions that count, it’s God’s!

Ask God to help you differentiate between style and substance.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” That means every day is a brand new gift from God. Each new day is full of opportunities and possibilities. It’s another chance to hold loved ones near, to enjoy creation, to praise and worship God. And we are commanded to rejoice and be glad IN it – not in spite of it or after it’s over – but IN it!

There’s no denying that some days are good and some are not so good, but there is always some positive aspect to be found. Our job is to search it out! Far too many rob themselves of appreciating today by living in regret of yesterday and fear of tomorrow. Let’s face it – yesterday is gone and there is no guarantee for tomorrow, so today is all we have.

So how can we make the most of each and every day the Lord has made and given to us? Here are few suggestions…

• Be glad! Find something, anything to be happy about! (Psalm 118:24)
• Rejoice! Give God praise and worship no matter how we feel! (Philippians 4:4)
• Be thankful! Find something, anything to be thankful for! (Colossians 2:6-7, Psalm 95:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Stay in constant communication with God. Say short prayers all day long. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Laugh at least once every day! (Proverbs 17:22)
• Notice and enjoy a little of God’s creation. (Psalm 8:1-4)
• Think good thoughts and the best of others! (Philippians 4:8)
• Don’t worry or fear! Worry and fear cannot solve problems. (Philippians 4:6, Psalm 56:3-4)
• Turn problems over to God! (Philippians 4:6)
• Trust God! Whisper the words “I trust you Lord” often. (Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 62:8)
• Keep minds focused on Jesus! (Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2)
• Savor God’s love. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. He is with us always. (Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 28:20b)
• Remember, it’s not about us; it’s about God. So do everything for His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Consider this… This is the day that the Lord has made. Throw your loving arms around it and embrace it! It is a gift from God.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Just for today, find at least one thing to be thankful for.

Just for today, think the best of others.

Just for today, whisper “I trust you, Lord” all day long.

Just for today, say short prayers all day long.

And tomorrow… do it all again!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren 

A few years ago I got a speeding ticket on my way to church. I held God personally responsible for this. God could have caused the police officer to look the other way, issue me a warning instead of a ticket, or even be on a different road. And when the policeman stopped me, could not God have displayed a halo around my head so the officer would know I was about my Father’s business? After all, I was on my way to church – which was a good thing. I had to be there early to help with worship – which was a good thing. I was late leaving the house because I was working on our church newsletter – which was a good thing.

Amazingly, the policeman seemed to be totally unimpressed with my good works. He was more concerned with my safety (or his ticket quota, but I prefer to think “safety” because I was definitely speeding). As he placed the ticket in my hand and bid me “God speed” (his feeble attempt at humor), I thought I heard the voice of God saying, “Sloweth thou down!” And I am not a person who usually hears voices.

In our busy world, it’s hard to slow down. I guess this was a problem in Biblical times, too. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” The reference here would be more toward, “Just relax because I have everything under control,” or in today’s vernacular, “Chill out!” However, I think it’s reasonable to stretch the thought into “Sloweth thou down, O Busy Bee, and thinketh not that you are above the law just because you doeth some good things for me.”

Moses gave the same concept in Exodus 14:13-14 when he told the people “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” Sometimes we get so busy, we can’t see what God is doing.

When some hear the Biblical phrase “Be still,” they think of a calm admonition, whispered in hushed tones. Those of us who’ve had children might think of it as a parent grabbing an overactive kid, locking eyes with him or her and saying, “Can’t you be still for just a minute and listen to me?”

Consider this… “Being still” does not imply limiting our mobility or being stagnant Christians. But rather, “being still” means not to get so caught up in what we’re doing that we lose sight of the greatness of God. In other words, “Sloweth thou down a bit” and see God more clearly. After all, it’s all about Him – not about us.

And who knows? That speeding ticket could have slowed me down just enough to save my life. The Lord does work in mysterious ways!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Plan some quiet time with God in your day. This is above and beyond your prayer time. Just 10 minutes or so to meditate on God, His greatness, His love, etc. without distractions can do wonders on your outlook on life.

When you are frazzled, take a few minutes to just breathe in slowly and deeply. Think about some things you are truly thankful for.

Practice leaving about 10 minutes earlier than you think you should for appointments. Most of us have a false concept of how much time we really have to get somewhere. This alleviates stress. There’s nothing wrong with being a few minutes early or even on time for a change.

Try sitting in silence or walking in silence without distractions.

Turn your troubles over to God; He has everything under control so just “chill out!”

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Are you religious? People make a huge error thinking that Christianity is a religion. It’s not so much a religion as it is a lifestyle. Religion is what you believe but Christianity is what you live. It’s something you do.

When people become followers of Christ, their lives are no longer their own. (1 Corinthians 3:23) They automatically become witnesses! (Acts 1:8) Others look carefully at the Christian lifestyle, so Christians are actually witnessing for Christ whether they want to or not. We Christians have quite a responsibility. What kind of witnesses are we?

Christians are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) Are we full of zest for the life we are called to live?

Christians are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) Do we light a candle in this world or do we curse the darkness?

Christians are friends of Christ. (John 15:13-15) Do we understand the meaning of friendship in our relationships? Can we keep a confidence?

Christians are not under the law but under grace. (Romans 6:14, 15) Do we know when to make an issue out of something and when to let it pass?

Christians are partakers of the sufferings of Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:2-8) How do we handle trials when they come our way? Christians aren’t promised a life without thorns or thistles.

Christians are a letter. (2 Corinthians 2:2, 3) When people read what is written on our heart, do they know more about a loving God?

Christians are a sweet aroma. (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16) Do we smell of fragrant perfume or reek of B.O? Do we need a spiritual bath?

The main reason people do not become Christians is because they know one. By the same token, the main reason other people do become Christians is because they know one. Maybe we should ask, “How do people feel when they are around me? What do people see when they look at us?” I’m not talking about perfection but reflection.

When we look in a mirror do we see wrinkles? Baggy eyes? Double chins? Scars? God doesn’t see that and He wants us to see what He sees…a reflection of Himself. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16) Do we reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit or the works of the flesh? (Galatians 5:19-25) Do people see a glimmer of the reflection of God when they look at us?

Consider this… Do we profess to be religious? That may not be enough. For example, John said that just saying we love God but not showing it to our neighbor puts us on dangerous ground. (I John 4:20) On the other hand, doing something for others is the same as doing it for God. (Matthew 25:24-46)

You’ve heard it said a million times, “You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” Remember, religion is something you believe but Christianity is something you DO!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Remember that actions speak louder than words, so talk less and do more.

Ask for God’s help to reflect His love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in your life. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Stop cursing the darkness (complaining) and light a candle. Pray about it and see if there is anything you can do to help.

Perfection is overrated and not achievable. Don’t strive for perfection. Do the best you can with what you have.

If you fall down, get back up and walk that walk!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

The Bible says to pray for those in authority over us. (2 Timothy 2:1-2) In fact, Paul exhorted believers to do so. Why? Paul gives the reason, “…so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…”

I’ve thought about this scripture a lot this election year. I can’t ever remember having two candidates who were more disliked and distrusted than the two we have running:  Hillary Clinton for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. Most people have just determined to vote for the lesser of two evils – whichever one that may be.

Politics has never really had a good reputation.  I’m not sure when politics became such a dirty business, but some of the quotes I found were pretty old.  So here are a few nonpartisan quips to lighten the mood for a heavy election.  We even have some choice jabs from the greatest philosopher of all – Anon.  I wonder if he’s Democrat or Republican?

“We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”  Aesop

“I’ve always said that in politics, your enemies can’t hurt you, but your friends will kill you.” Ann Richards

“The Democrats seem to be basically nicer people, but they have demonstrated time and again that they have the management skills of celery. They’re the kind of people who’d stop to help you change a flat, but would somehow manage to set your car on fire. I would be reluctant to entrust them with a Cuisinart, let alone the economy. The Republicans, on the other hand, would know how to fix your tire, but they wouldn’t bother to stop because they’d want to be on time for Ugly Pants Night at the country club.”  Dave Barry

“The biggest problem with political jokes is that they get elected!” Anon

“In our age there is no such thing as ‘keeping out of politics.’ All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred and schizophrenia.” George Orwell

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.”  Groucho Marx

“Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It’s the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.”  Lily Tomlin

“We need a law that will allow a voter to sue a candidate for breach of promise.” Anon

“The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.”  Mark Twain

“Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.” Robert Louis Stevenson

“In politics, stupidity is not a handicap.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” Ronald Reagan

“Politics – ‘Poli’ meaning ‘many’ and ‘tics’ meaning ‘blood sucking creatures.’” Anon

“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even when there is no river.”  Nikita Khrushchev

“Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.” Will Rogers

What about God?  Is He a Democrat or Republican?  According to this quote He’s nonpartisan.  “Although He’s regularly asked to do so, God does not take sides in American politics.”  George J. Mitchell 

Consider this… The Bible says to pray for those who are in authority. (1 Timothy 2:1,2) These quotes give you even more reasons why you should.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Pray for this election.

Pray for this election.

Pray for this election.

Pray for this election.

Pray for this election.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

One of my favorite biblical images comes from Daniel 2:31-36. The king had a dream. He envisioned a great idol with a head of gold, a breast and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of brass, and legs of iron. It was a stately image with the strength of metals and ores.

However, this seemingly strong idol had feet made of part iron and part clay. Therefore, when a stone smote the image at this most vulnerable part, it broke into pieces and the idol fell down. You see, dried clay is easily fragmented when hit just the right way.

Of course, this was a dream, but I think there is a life lesson there for all us. God is not an idol; He’s the real thing. His feet are not made of clay. When we look to Him, we will never be misled or disappointed.

However, many of us tend to look to other people instead of God. We make idols of people, forgetting all humans have clay feet. In other words, no matter how wonderful we think people are, they will eventually disappoint us. It can happen with those we love such as a mother, father, sister, brother, mate, child, or friend. It can happen with those we set up as authority figures, those we admire, we mentor or who mentor us. People are human.

Those we are closest to or look up to the most have the greatest ability to hurt or disappoint us. It may happen in a tone of voice we don’t like, or a comment that hits us the wrong way. Or maybe they just flat out make a big mistake and it doesn’t matter how much they apologize, we just can’t forgive or forget. Let’s face it. All people are human and have clay feet. And when that rock of offense hits those clay feet, the wonderful image we have of a person comes tumbling down.

We focus on scriptures like Matthew 18:6 or Mark 9:42 that say it would be better to drown than offend one of God’s little ones. We focus on scriptures like 1 Corinthians 8:13 which tell us not to deliberately offend. Good stuff…but rarely do we focus on scriptures like Psalm 119:165, which says, “Great peace have those who love thy law and NOTHING shall offend them.”

Most of us are not the “little ones” in Christ. We’ve been around awhile. We might even be considered, perish the thought, the “old timers.” If we are too quick to impute a wrong motive, look for the hidden meaning, or over evaluate every statement people make, perhaps we are lacking in some of that peace that comes from loving God’s law.

Even Paul said to follow him as he follows Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Paul knew he was human and would make mistakes. Paul had the ability to disappoint. He even disappointed himself with his own humanness. (Romans 7:18-21) But he also knew that Jesus Christ never makes mistakes.

Consider this… Jesus Christ has a pure motive in how He deals with us. Jesus Christ is love. Jesus Christ does not have clay feet. And guess what? Jesus Christ just might live in that person you think is deliberately offending you.
So maybe we should cut each other a little slack. Maybe we should accept that apology. Maybe we should overlook that comment. Maybe it wasn’t their tone of voice that was off but our hearing. Maybe they didn’t even say what we thought they said. Maybe they are just struggling to live the Christian life like we are.

Let’s make a deal. I’ll try not to throw stones at your clay feet, if you’ll try not to throw stones at mine. Of course, we may slip up. After all, we are only human.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Try not to be so touchy.

Try not to impute motives into what others do.

Try to give the benefit of the doubt.

Try not to take everything personally.

Remember that people are human – just like you!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

 
They say everyone has a “doppelganger,” an exact double, somewhere. Imagine it – a person who looks just like you.

When I was in line at a salad bar a few years ago, a man came beside me and asked if I liked my new roof. I looked perplexed. He said, “Remember me? I’m John! I’m the one who put the new roof on your house.”

“Um,” I said. “I think you have me mixed up with someone else.”

“You must be kidding,” he answered in disbelief. I assured him it wasn’t me. “Are you a twin?” he asked.

“No! There’s just one of me,” I said.

“Well, there’s someone else who looks exactly like you,” he responded.

To which I replied, “You must be kidding!”

So there is someone out there who looks exactly like me. What a scary thought! I’m not sure whether to think “What a lucky girl!” or try to send her a sympathy card.

Many people make a living looking like others. Look-a-like celebrities are hired for parties, events, and variety shows. They look, talk, sing, dance, and act like their celebrity counterparts, but there is one difference. They are not the “real deal.”

We also have look-a-like contests for everyone from the Beatles to Dolly Parton to Hannah Montana to Cap’n Jack Sparrow. If Elvis knew how many look-a-likes he has running around, he’d rise from his grave and have a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. There’s even a “Do You Look Like Your Dog” contest. I don’t even want to think about that one.

Look-a-like contests can be tricking depending on who judges them. Take for example the Charlie Chaplin look-a-like contests from years gone by. As silent movie star Chaplin’s popularity grew around 1915, so did look-a-like competitions to see who could imitate his “tramp” character from his movies. Chaplin was fascinated by these contests, so he decided to enter one in San Francisco. According to Joyce Milton’s biography Tramp: The Life of Charlie Chaplin, he failed to even make the finals. It’s pretty sad when you don’t even look like yourself. He was the “real deal” but the judges couldn’t see it. They had preconceived ideas about what the real Chaplin should look like.         

What if we were to judge a Look-A-Like Christian contest? Would we be able to tell the real ones from all the others? After all, they aren’t all walking around with golden halos over their heads. Plus, we all have pre-conceived ideas of how Christians should look and act, based on what we have been taught.

Consider this… When Jesus came to earth, people didn’t recognize Him because He didn’t act or look like their preconceived idea of the Son of God. In the eyes of the world, He was the illegitimate son of a carpenter. He drank wine, ate with sinners, broke certain Jewish laws, got angry occasionally and, to be honest, ticked off a lot of people. By today’s Christian standards, Jesus might be like Charlie Chaplin – and not even make the finals. Jesus was the “real deal” but few could see it.

Maybe that’s why the Bible says to guard against being quick to form opinions about others. After all, we might be forming them based on bias or preconceived ideas.

While it’s true Christians should all be “doppelgangers” in reflecting the light and love of Christ, they do not all reflect it in the same way. They aren’t carbon copies of each other. The most righteous person in the room might not be the pious one reciting scriptures and preaching, “Repent, ye sinner!” He might be laughing, drinking a beer, and yelling “Bingo!”

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Try not to be critical of others. Give people the benefit of the doubt.

Extend grace, not judgment or condemnation to others.

Don’t expect all Christians to look alike, act alike, think alike, talk alike, dress alike, etc. God did not intend for Christians to all be yellow pencils or cut from the same cookie cutter. Another Christian’s differing opinion on a topic may be just as valid as yours.

Guard against setting up your own standard of righteousness instead of God’s. That’s what the Pharisees did.

Remember that we are all a work in progress – not the finished product.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Most of us have heard the phrase: “It is what it is!” A few years ago I decided to accept my “it is what it is” moments instead of fussing and fuming about them.

Say you are seated in a restaurant, they bring the menu, and you notice there are no prices. You are too embarrassed to ask what the items cost or to leave, so you order. When the bill comes – “it is what it is” – and you pay it, but the tip may be a little low.

Say you are traveling and have car trouble in a remote town. There is only one lone gas station and you need your car fixed. When the bill comes – “it is what it is” – so you just pay it.

Life is full of what I like to call “it is what it is” situations. Some are inconveniences such as: Your child gets sick at school and you must leave the big meeting you planned to go get him. You have a really, really bad hair day. Your car won’t start and you are late. You get lost. Men forget to shave. Women get a run in their panty hose. “It is what it is” – so you deal with the situation.

Some circumstances are just soooo unfair: The other person gets the promotion. A debilitating illness strikes a loved one. Your girlfriend breaks up with you. Someone gossips about you. You do the work; your superior takes the credit. “It is what it is” – so you cope.

Other things may be unfair but you get the benefit: You get the promotion when the other guy should have gotten it. You survive the accident when you should have died. The cop didn’t give you a ticket even though you were speeding. “It is what it is” – so you rejoice!

You can’t control life, but with God’s help you can control your reaction to it. That’s what the first part of the serenity prayer is talking about.

“GOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”

The serenity referred to here is not complacency to what we are going through. The prayer goes on to ask God for “courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This serenity is a peace that can only come from God. It passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7) We don’t need to fret or worry. We know God is with us. This kind of peace or serenity can only come through participating in a relationship with Jesus. (Romans 5:1)

Much of life is a mystery. We don’t know what will come next all the time. It is what it is! I think God planned it that way. If we knew everything, we wouldn’t need faith. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. It is what it is! Fortunately, we know who holds tomorrow. And God will see us through whatever lies ahead, if we let Him.

Consider this… The great “I AM” (John 8:58) can help us make it through any “it is what it is” situations that come along in our lives!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Read this poem once a week.

The Serenity Prayer 

GOD, grant me the serenity

to accept the things

I cannot change,

Courage to change the

things I can, and the

wisdom to know the difference.

Living ONE DAY AT A TIME;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardship as the

pathway to peace.

Taking, as He did, this

sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it.

Trusting that He will make

all things right if I

surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy

in this life, and supremely

happy with Him forever in

the next. Amen

(by Reinhold Neibuhr~1926)