Snapshots and Synapses

I was having a conversation with some people who were concerned about changes in their company and how that may impact them. They were worried that certain organizational changes could result in their job disappearing. It’s a legitimate concern. Businesses will often try to get rid of inefficiencies by reorganizing, and it’s not uncommon to see long-time employees let go because their skillset either isn’t applicable to today’s business needs or because the business believes it can get that need met in a more cost-effective manner. So having been a part of these scenarios in the past, I encouraged the group to consider how they add value to the business goals and how their skillset compares to overall market needs. But walking away, the thought occurred to me: “Most people just don’t know how to think that way.” A guy shows up to his job for 20-30 years, sometimes working late and missing out on other life opportunities. He’s committed to the company and assumes the commitment is...

I heard a story years ago about a father and son conversation. The dad was trying to help his son understand the importance of being sexually pure, but the son thought his father was being unreasonable:  “C’mon, Dad! Your standard’s a little unreasonably high, don’t you think?” “I don’t believe so, son. God wants our best, and He doesn’t want it mixed in with anything else.” “Yeah, but seriously, Dad, what’s a little bit of fun going to hurt? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to hell for a little action. I’m pretty good. You may not think so, but compared to most kids my age, I really am.” “It’s not a matter of how you compare with others, son; it’s about living for God’s standards. And notice I said ‘for’ His standards, not ‘up to’ His standards. That’s where God’s grace come in…” “Well, I think God’s grace is big enough for just a little bit of ‘sin’ so I don’t live a completely boring life, don’t you think, Dad?” Realizing that the conversation was going nowhere, the...

When I was young, denominational lines between churches separated the Body of Christ in America. A person was encouraged to never talk about religion or politics, and the denominational walls remained intact. In my life, I have seen a lot of change within the church. People have been searching for something more than a set of traditional beliefs and the interaction across the former boundaries has changed the Christian landscape in America. And while it’s great that believers from different denominations have been able to interact and pray in unity, I’ve been saddened recently by a realization that the Church’s transformation may have some undesirable consequences. In many ways, Christianity is being watered down and as a result, doctrinal victories are being forgotten. Take for example the deity of Jesus. Once an incontrovertible tenet of Christianity, I was surprised to find it challenged on separate occasions by a couple men with whom I’ve met with in Bible study and prayer. O...