apologetics in a postmodern era (part 2)

This is the second in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

A Postmodern Apologetic

A postmodern apologetic is one that takes seriously the challenges and questions that are integral to today’s cultural environment. Though careful to guard against influences that might prove harmful, it is important to look with discerning eyes for indicators of God’s presence in this era. What current ideas and cultural inclinations are evidences of His presence? Where has He left His “finger prints” on this world? These and related questions demand that we consider afresh the manner in which we “give an answer for the hope that is in us” (1 Peter 3:15). We must begin, in other words, to envision a postmodern apologetic.

Postmodern Pause: Avoiding Naivete When Encountering Popular Ideas.

Before proceeding, however, it is important to mention a number of potentially harmful influences of postmodern thought. Some of the more virulent forms of postmodernism, reject anything like an all-encompassing universal standard in favor of local “truths”; what we are left with, in other words, is nothing but the opinions of individuals and communities.[7] Likewise, extreme versions of deconstructionism deny that words actually reflect, in any meaningful way, the genuine state of affairs to which they supposedly point. According to some, this renders impossible the discovery of anything (or Anyone) via written texts.[8] A related contention is that all truth claims are, at their heart, efforts to exert power and gain control. Whenever a person promulgates a belief system, his ultimate intent is to get others to fall under his sway. The name of the game is power and control.[9]

In seeking to counter extreme claims, the church must neither succumb to relativism nor exaggerate its own grasp of the truth. On the one hand, Christian presuppositions insist that truth is accessible through common and special revelation; in other words, God can indeed speak, and we are able–by his providence, gifts, and grace, and because we are made in His image–to hear Him. On the other hand, it is essential to acknowledge the inherent limitations in all human knowing; though God has spoken, we are apt–due to human limitations and divine transcendence–to miss what he has said. The quest for knowledge, therefore, must be tempered with humility, and boldness must be tempered by a recognition that the truths of which we speak are enveloped in great mystery.

In learning to deal with these issues, it is important not to over react or become condescending. Too many apologists have taken an overly critical stance toward postmoderns and, instead of attracting them to the faith, have actually driven postmoderns farther away. Dulles, in describing certain groups, refers to this as an “overanxious defensiveness”[10] As believers and apologists, we must remind ourselves that our responsibility is not simply to be right but to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians ). Likewise, and even more importantly, we must remain open the better postmodern themes, looking for God’s imprint in our world.

Notes

7. The problem with this type of pluralism, however, is that in the desire to accept all avenues to God it actually detracts from the significance of the unique One described as “the way” (John 14:6).

8. If, as some assert, no text (or spoken word) points to a reality beyond itself, if it is impossible to arrive at anything resembling objective reality, then radical postmoderns themselves are forced to allow their extreme views of deconstructionism to be deconstructed. Playing by their own rules, they must either admit the limitations of that which they proclaim with certainty (religious and philosophical pluralism, deconstructionism, etc.) or else allow for the possibility of objective truth claims. In other words, deconstructionists cannot actually live according to their own philosophy, since to do so would undermine the assumption that readers can actually understand their writings. Orthodox Christians, of course, affirm that language does refer to something, that the canonical Scriptures disclose truth, and that there is something (and Someone) behind the biblical texts. Indeed, believers have long declared that the biblical documents are intended to reveal their author.

9. In response to this contention, it would be foolish to deny the human tendency to seek mastery over others and to bolster one’s position and reputation; Christians have often been guilty of this very thing. Still, this need not deter those whose quest is to see things the way they really are. Though no creature knows truth perfectly, it is possible, by God’s enablement (Psalm 25:4-5, 8, 12), to know perfect truth adequately (John 8:31-32; 17:17). Furthermore, the fact remains that the allurement to power, though real and unavoidable, does not actually prohibit the acquisition of knowledge. Finally, it is important to recognize that the temptation to control is found among all human beings, including radical postmodernists. If their declarations are to be taken seriously, then the books they write and the lectures they deliver are likewise efforts to control. The irony is remarkable.

10. Avery Cardinal Dulles, A History of Apologetics (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1999), 323).

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 1)

This is the first in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

Introduction

Society is experiencing a monumental cultural shift as it moves from a modern to a postmodern paradigm. Today’s priorities have changed, and the way we think has changed, as well. Dogmatism is out, and inclusion is in. Community has replaced individualism as a dominant theme. Certainty and confidence must compete with an increased skepticism and cynicism. Though these are surely generalizations, they reflect some of the current trends. In such a world, what role is there for Christian apologetics [1]? Can, indeed should, the faith be defended in a world that frowns upon anything dogmatic? In this kind of world, what strategies are available for doing apologetics?

The postmodern shift has prompted a number of responses. Some, who are keenly aware of the multiplicity of available religious opinions, have grown skeptical of the existence of truth at all, finding it difficult to choose from among the options. Others advocate a “level playing field” in which all (or at least many) belief systems are given equal status. Still others have decided to staunchly defend traditional ways.[2]

Given our current social environment, it is difficult for many to imagine that any one option might be more valid than the others. Furthermore, the overly dogmatic (and sometimes arrogant) claims of certain segments of the church have caused people to question the beliefs of those whom they already view with suspicion. It can be exceedingly difficult to locate what truly matters in a pluralistic world, and it is wearying trying to proclaim and defend the faith within a society that celebrates the equality of nearly all views and decries anything that sounds universalistic.

As the church seeks to live faithfully within today’s cultural milieu, it is imperative to honestly and creatively address the contemporary situation, giving “a reason for the hope that is in [us]” (1 Peter 3:15). How, then, should we do apologetics? What might a postmodern apologetic look like?

In seeking to answer these and related questions, it is important to locate contemporary themes that are consistent with a Christian worldview. Ultimately, however, this is a search for the living God, listening for his voice in the world around us. May we give us “ears” to hear.

The Postmodern Shift

But before we consider some of the available options, it is important to get our bearings. Any discussion of a postmodern apologetic must first understand postmodernism. What is this postmodern shift?

During the modern era (1500-1960), a number of pertinent ideas flourished, including a reliance on logic, a focus on the individual, an emphasis on the printed word, and an attitude of confidence regarding knowledge claims. All of these tendencies proved useful and yielded many benefits.

The problem with modernity, however, was that these features were often exaggerated to the point of imbalance. Logic was employed with such zeal and confidence that it fostered hubris, and other avenues of discovery (e.g., intuition) were discounted as issues of faith were approached in a more-or-less rationalistic fashion. Likewise, an excessive individualism led to a neglect of the corporate and a proneness to “do it yourself” spirituality.[3]

As increased numbers came to recognize the abuses of the modern era, a new attitude began to take shape. Given that this was, at heart, a reaction against the prevailing tendencies of modernity, the cultural shift came to be known as postmodern. Long describes postmodernism as a “moving away from reason by the autonomous self and moving toward relationship in community.”[4] Smith adds that it includes such ideas as intuitiveness, skepticism, personal experience, and community.[5] Though defying simple explanation, postmodernism[6] can be understood as the pervasive cultural reaction against the tendencies of the modern era. In light of these changes, our task will be to consider what a postmodern apologia might entail.

Notes

1. Apologetics, from the Greek word apologia, is often described as a reasoned defense of the faith. But this defensive approach must be supplemented by a more positive outlook in which the believability and attractiveness of the faith are highlighted.

2. Here, we will seek a balanced approach. On the one hand, there are certainly aspects of a modern apologetic that were either inappropriate or will have little impact in a postmodern world. On the other hand, there is no need to jettison the best features of modernity (or any other era). Since postmodern apologetics is the focus here, that will occupy most of the discussion. But the current setting in which we find ourselves must never become so narrow in focus as to exclude the wisdom of the past.

3. Of course, not all that is modern is bad, and some contemporary thinkers have taken an overly reactionary stance, ignoring or at least minimizing the positive features of modernity. In our desire to avoid that which is harmful, we must not reject the positive aspects of previous generations.

4. Jimmy Long, Generating Hope: A Strategy for Reaching the Postmodern Generation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 61.

5. Chuck Smith, Jr., The End of the World . . . As We Know It (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2001), 46-47. See Smith’s excellent discussion, 45-62.

6. Postmodernism has its proponents and its detractors. Philosophers, theologians, and others have varying opinions regarding this phenomenon. Though a good deal of this can be traced to the presuppositions of the individual, it is nonetheless true that postmodernism is an idea that is difficult to define. This, in turn, has led some to delineate different forms or types of postmodernism. Though somewhat simplistic, postmodernism can be separated into “soft” and “hard” versions. Hard postmodernism, which is the more radical type, is difficult to maintain on a Christian worldview. Soft postmodernism, on the other hand, is much more amenable/conducive to faith, providing a number of potentially beneficial avenues of thought.

the path

Is anyone nice
or partially kind?
No self in the picture
seems so hard to find

Everywhere looking
with honesty rare
Where are the chosen,
the ones who do care?

Here is a big shot,
who must get ahead
What will he think
when he’s buried and dead?

All of us falter
weak we can be
hope then arrives
and faith is the key

Searching for truth
and tapped into livin’
strength comes from grace
that is only God-given

Hope paves a way
though often there’s weeping
light through the dark
by grace we are keeping

Purpose, desire
Lord driven are we
prodded by love
that descends from the tree

Perfect, I sense it
echoes I’m hearing
seeing by faith
with invisible peering

Lord, pave my path
make it smooth, make it real
flow through my soul
so your presence I feel

i need God

Sometimes, it’s as plain as day. I need God.

I need him to guide me, to provide for me, to rescue me, to forgive me, to encourage me, and a whole lot more.

There are many things about life that I do not understand. People, circumstances, and my own heart–all of these are prone to mystify me. Again, this is why I need God.

The Lord knows that I am often feeble and just plain goofy. He knows that I sometimes think in a way that is lacking in faith. Therefore, once again, I need God.

“Help me Lord to rely on you fully, to trust you completely, and to walk in your ways consistently. Enable me to be a genuine blessing to those you send into my life. And when I mess up, please pick me up and set me back on the right path. Thanks for putting up with me!”

invisible attacks?

I’m not one to see a demon behind every bush or some conspiracy in every human occurrence. Still, as a Christian, I do believe that there is a spiritual realm and that this realm includes personal forces that in some way affect the affairs of human beings. Jesus dealt with many of these forces, as did other biblical characters. A part of Christian theology, in other words, is the acceptance of good and bad angels.

That these personal beings influence daily happenings is one thing, but how they make their mark is quite another. To be honest, I’m not real clear on the mechanism by which they affect us. It seems to me that we ought to avoid both the view that denies such spiritual realities and the one that treats them as the chief culprits in every human trial or difficulty.

All of these things admitted, I sometimes wonder about certain occurrences and the likelihood that they could occur without some kind of supra-human involvement. For instance just the other day I experienced this sort of weird situation at work. Without getting into details, and without attempting to place any blame on anyone, I was subtly associated with a somewhat nefarious situation. No one actually blamed me for anything (quite the opposite, in fact), but there did remain this possible insinuation that someone who heard this story might think that I had done something improper.

When I heard this, I was–to be honest–angered. While I might be unorthodox, and even a little strange, I do my best (with all my heart and by the grace of God alone) to maintain my integrity and to assist others in doing the same. Yet, here I was being connected to something that sounded almost suspicious. No one who was directly involved in the situation approached me. No one asked me about anything or attempted to guard me from being misunderstood. While those who informed me of this situation were very kind and completely non-accusatory, I still wondered about potential scuttlebutt, gossip and the like.

At any rate, I left work in a very somber mood, wondering if anyone had been poisoned by untrue rumors or tainted by stories that had been slanted to make me look bad. Though I know that I cannot control what others think, I am concerned about what people I care about might think. Perhaps, I worry too much; that might be. Either way, these things have been somewhat heavy on my heart.

I should clarify, I suppose, that I do not at all think that I am somehow beyond correction or that it is impossible for me to do something stupid. I truly require the grace and guidance of God to do and be what I ought to do and be. However, when my reputation may hang in the balance, when misinformation might mislead others, I get upset, and I am saddened.

As a side note, and just to make this day even more “enjoyable,” I was later “attacked” by not one but two dogs while jogging (attacked is too strong a word, but these dogs did run up to and jump on me). Last week, I had this one day of particularly wonderful blessings. This day was, well, quite the opposite, which makes me wonder what might be going on “behind the scenes.”

Maybe I am wrong about this whole thing, and perhaps this is, as Shakespeare said, much ado about nothing. I certainly hope that’s the case. But either way I am somewhat dumbfounded by what might be an effort to question my character or at least make others wonder about it. Lord knows that I need guidance and strength each day, and I certainly hope and pray to “let my light shine” before others. Along the way, I sometimes seem to require a special dose of protection. Anyone want to pray? If so, thanks!

who loves ya, baby?

A number of years ago, there was a television series by the name of Kojak. Starring Tellie Cevalis, Kojak was a hip New York detective, who was bald and completely cool.

Kojak was known for some memorable lines, perhaps the most famous of which was actually a question. He used to ask, “Who loves ya baby?” Whatever the implied answer, the question itself is extremely relevant.

“Who loves ya baby?” Who loves YOU and YOU and YOU . . . and ME? The answer to this question, and the degree to which we understand what it implies, will play a major role in the way we think about our lives and ministries. Indeed, it will in many ways determine our own spiritual energy level and how well we continue in the work God has given us to do.

When you work with people–as we all do–when you work with young people–as some of us do–you are participating in something that is difficult to measure and impossible to overestimate. We are talking about affecting what is yet to be, influencing the future, having an impact on the kingdom of God, paving the way for others, affecting how they will conduct their lives.

I think we are of the opinion–at least I am–that what we do in this life actually matters. People matter; young people matter. I’m not looking for some spiritual notch on my belt. What matters to me is that lives are changed–that young people grow up as followers of truth, embodiments of integrity, examples of godliness, conduits of God’s love. What matters to me is that I have some impact, however small it may seem at times, on people I hope and pray will follow the One who is the truth.

We have that impact, I would suggest, when we maintain personal integrity, show genuine concern, and demonstrate authenticity, faith, and love. I, for one, count it a privilege, an honor. This is what it’s all about.

But when we invest our lives in young people, when we attempt to help others, there are times when we wonder about it all, wonder whether it’s worth it. So it’s natural to ask ourselves what we “get” out of helping others–young and old alike. This, frankly, is why we are urged in Scripture to encourage and build up one another. We all need that. And we all ought to be going out of our way to be kind to others, to show them and tell them that we appreciate them. But, to be honest, I want more.

This is why I find solace in those passages in the Bible that assure me that it is worth it. One of these is Matthew 25:23. There we are told that when we stand before God, he will say to those who truly followed his ways, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” This is why we do what we do–teaching a lesson, preparing to instruct a young person, spending time with others. We do it because–among other things–we want the Lord to say, “Good work.” “Good job!” “Way to go!”

1 Corinthians 15: 58 says something similar: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Your toil is not in vein. Your labor is not worthless.

To be honest, there are times when I wonder about it, when I’m uncertain that anything that I do matters, when I’m not clear whether what I do now has any lasting impact. But, as a teacher, I get little glimpses here and there, hints that some people actually care, that lives can be moved–sometimes dramatically and often gradually–in a direction in which I sense–to use Jesus’ own words–“the kingdom of God has come near.”

Still, the hints are not an end but a reminder of what fully awaits those who have been faithful to instruct, to guide, to care, to live properly, to love.

As a teacher, one of the most challenging and blessed things I do is interact with young people (in my case, young adults, high school students). And perhaps in part because of the nature of the subject I teach (I teach health) and, in part, because of my own personality, I get close to some kids. In fact each year–and I’ve done this for some time now–I go through a kind of “blue” period, a time of sadness in which I see good young people grow older, mature, and move to the next phase of their lives. This is why, as I’ve said, I sometimes ask myself, “Will they remember? Have I made any difference? Do they understand that I really do care? Have I had any affect on them? Does it all simply melt away with time, or have I said or done anything that actually has eternal value.”

It is at times like these that my worldview is reinforced and my heart is encouraged with thoughts that “my labor is not in vein.” The Message Bible says it this way: “Stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Cor 15:58).

Here is what I envision: One day there will be a great reunion. One day we will gather together in the presence of God, and we will discover like never before that it really was worth it. Truth endures. Love lasts. Lessons of Good News do not go away. Lives can be and are changed by God, and–amazingly–He often works through us in making these changes! We will see the fruit of what we’ve done in this life; we will experience it.

I don’t want to minimize the responsibility we have of encouraging one another. If someone does something nice for us, or if someone has been a blessing to others, we ought to notice it . . . and tell him or her. That’s why we are told to “encourage one another,” “to build up one another.” We need that!

In another sense, however, our reward is yet to come. We will be appreciated in a full and complete way, it will all make sense, later. Knowing these things, dwelling on these realities, is what hope is all about. And, as Scripture says in one place, “Hope does not disappoint.”

Some theologians, seeking to make sense of these realities, have referred to this as “ now and the not yet.” In Old Testament times there was a general belief in two ages: There was this age, and there was the age to come. But with the coming of Jesus, as often happened, this idea was revolutionized. When Jesus came, he initiated profound things: In one place he said, “The kingdom of heaven is in your midst.” “It’s here . . . because I am here.” And, of course, when Jesus conquered the grave he ushered in the age to come, the age of the Messiah. This is why some have said that with the coming of Jesus the kingdom has been brought into the present. While we do not experience this in full, we can encounter a measure of it today. The future has been brought into the here-and-now, and we have some access to it now. The future age has been brought by the Spirit into the present. And so, though the full manifestation of this kingdom is yet-to-come, there is an echo of the future that has already arrived, which we can grasp and experience by faith. Hope is that alive.

I’m not always this way, but there are times when I can sense it, that the future overlaps the present. I can almost feel it, and when I do, I know that it all makes sense, that our labors matter, that the time and energy we invest in others will not be forgotten. I can sense, at least on some occasions, that the efforts we put into our various ministries are all being stored up for that time when we see the fruit of our labors. Sometimes, I can almost taste what awaits us.

That’s why I love to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together” (Matthew 25:23, New Living Translation)!

I used to think of this as a rather sterile declaration, a simple announcement that God was somehow pleased with us. You can almost imagine a bunch of people waiting for their “trophies.” “Keep the line moving, please.” But now, I see this as a realization of the fruit that is borne in the lives of those individuals whom we had the privilege of knowing and affecting. To enter into our labors will be the realization that what really matters has actually lasted. Truth has won the day, has won eternity. The things we did here–the lessons we’ve attempted to share with others, the relationships we’ve developed with young people, the kind words and the prayers and whatever else it is that you do–all of it will be remembered, and it will prove to us all that it has been worth it.

You labor now, BUT you do not labor in vain. Not only will you receive a “good job” from the Lord of heaven and earth, but you will actually enter your labors, interact with those who spent time in your presence and were exposed to your compassion and love. Hebrews 6:10-12 puts it this way:

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

1 Corinthians 3:8 adds this: “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

Who loves ya baby? He does, and he’s promised that your work has not gone unnoticed, your efforts will not be forgotten, your toil is not in vein. The lessons you share with that young person, the extra effort you give to help shape the lives of others–these things really do matter!

Rejoice in this fact. Allow that future reality to come up close to you and impact you today. See the future now. Experience a measure of this promise today. Allow God to fill your soul with the realization that it is worth it all. Let your heart be energized with the thought that it is worth it all because you know the answer to Kojak’s question. You can rest your life, you can build your future, on this fact.

“Who loves ya baby?”

overwhelmed by goodness and grace

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace, his incredible interventions in my life. Today was one of those days. Today, I felt like God pulled back the curtain and provided a glimpse of what he’s up to in my life, and I have to say I’m encouraged.

There are times, I have to be honest, when I get a little frustrated with circumstances and unable to discern much of what is going on around me. Ever felt that way? You attempt to do what’s right, and you’re not sure if anyone cares or appreciates it. Then, if you’re like me, you play mind-games, wondering and speculating and–let’s be frank–worrying about too many things.

Indeed, just last week I seemed to bounce back and forth between an almost angry cynicism and an utterly God-dependent faith. On more than one occasion, I thought, “Lord, I don’t know how you can make sense of this or that.”

Still, the Lord is the Lord, and he knows what he’s doing even if we do not. What’s more, he loves us, he loves me, even when frustration is the dominant theme and foolishness is the chief attribute.

What a marvel God must be. He orchestrates all of life for our good, yet we doubt him when we cannot see exactly what he’s doing. He’s at work when we are asleep. He’s active when we are lazy. He’s faithful, thank God, even when we are so very faithless. And sometimes he showers gifts upon us to make sure we know, that I know, that he’s still here; he’s still good, and he actually loves me. Wow!

Today was such a blessing. There was energy in the air, an extra spring in my step, a sense of the divine all around. Thank you to all who played a role in this wonderful day. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are truly in control. Your truth is alive and powerful, and you are still very much present and active in our lives. Thank you, Lord!

today

There are times when it all seems clear, when what truly matters in life becomes self-evident. Just this afternoon, we attended the funeral of a friend. He passed away a few days ago at the all-too-young age of 43, leaving behind a very dedicated wife and a very cute nine-year-old boy. Now, this widow and fatherless child must seek to make it alone in the world. The whole thing is sad, of course, and many people were there to express their condolences.

It is at times like these that we are reminded of what truly matters. It’s amazing how the tears flow freely and kindness is expressed unhesitatingly when we realize how very important life is. Death does that to us, as it should, and other things also make their mark. But funerals especially remind us of the things that ought to occupy us each and every day.

In life we have a window of opportunity, an undefined length of time to make our mark and build our legacy. Given that we don’t know how long we have, and considering the extreme relevance of the things we’re talking about, it is imperative to live life now, while we can, with all that we have.

In one place in Scripture this is addressed with the following words: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NASB). Another translation has it this way: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV).

There are a lot of bad things, temptations, allurements, and distractions throughout this world. Each day has its share of evil. It is thus imperative that we make the most of the time that we have while we still have it. We must live our lives carefully and wisely, and we must do so now. Life is short and sometimes hard, and it is often unpredictable. Your reminded of these things when you’re at a funeral.

Today is the day to care, to love, to show compassion, to express kindness and grace. Now is the time to forgive, to share your heart, to let loved ones know that you’re there for them. Be generous, therefore, while you can. Encourage and lend your support whenever you have the opportunity. Love right now. Your legacy, your impact, the profundity of your life–these are best measured by what you are willing to do and say today.

loving by faith

Love–it’s a strange and powerful thing, and sometimes it is very difficult to do.

When we love–let’s be honest–we want that love to be reciprocated. That is, we want to receive something back for our love. When we say or do something kind, we hope that the people we are kind to will at least appreciate what we have done.

Now, there are some people who think that it is a bad thing to expect love in return, but I’m not so sure that is the case. After all, as social and emotional beings, how can we not want to receive something for our efforts, for our love?

Don’t get me wrong. Love is not acting properly if it gives in order to get. That is, it is not right to do a nice thing simply to get something out of it. Love, in other words, is not a tool of manipulation, a means by which we get what we want from others. Though we are all probably guilty of such inappropriate efforts, clearly this ought not be our primary motive. Rather, we give in order to give. We give because we actually care. We give for giving’s sake, for the sake of the recipients of our love.

At the same time, I don’t think it’s wrong to expect something in return. Not only is it a human impulse to want to receive love (and not merely give it), but there are expectations built into any relationship. For instance if you are a kind and caring individual, I naturally expect that this is the way you will normally be. We all mess up on many occasions, but it’s not abnormal or contrary to love to expect that a person of character will generally (though not perfectly!) display that character. If you are nice, and I’ve observed this niceness on numerous occasions, I simply assume that you will usually be nice. It would be wrong for me or anyone to overly judge others for mistakes, imperfections, or other foibles; we all require mercy and graciousness! But this does not mean that we are wrong for having certain expectations, expectations that result from observations and experiences with people.

Still, it can be very difficult to express love when, for whatever reason, it is not returned or even noticed. It is painful to truly care about others who simply disregard, reject, or misconstrue our efforts. When this occurs, we are normally hurt, and the hurt is understandable.

This got me to thinking about the love that Jesus displayed. He loved those who were inconsistent at best. He loved those who would betray him. He loved “his own” (according to John’s Gospel), and “his own” did not receive him. If ever there was a paradigm of love, it was Jesus. He loved perfectly, freely, compassionately, and purely, but sometimes that love was misunderstood and/or rejected. Yet, and this is key, he loved anyway!

Wow. This is the kind of love that it very, very hard to embrace. Can I love when my love is not appreciated, when it is misinterpreted, when–for reasons I cannot fathom–it is not even acknowledged? This is a tough love, a love that trusts that it's worth the effort. Love is worth the pain. Indeed, the desire to benefit the recipients of love is so genuine and Jesus-like that it is willing to love even if that love is misread and misconstrued.

To love like Jesus loved (loves) is truly a mind-boggling thing, and it is something at which I am not adept. This is hard. This is sometimes painful. This, I suppose, is loving by faith, expecting that love’s rewards will certainly come later from God but also hoping (by faith) that love will have its way in this life, in the lives of those we truly care about. “Lord, I am not good at this. Enable me to love even if that love is unrequited, trusting that you can change our hearts, believing that when we truly love, You are present.”

what makes us great

A Presidential election is right around the corner, and once again we hear the politicians and the pundits making their case for this or that candidate. Once again, we are told that if we vote for so-and-so we will ensure a better future for ourselves and our children, and we will overcome poverty, rescue a struggling economy, counter racism, and make the world a better place.

Please don’t misunderstand. I think politics matter, and I do believe that certain candidates and certain philosophies are better for us than others. Some candidates, frankly, make me cringe, and I deplore the idea that political correctness and sound bites too often determine which candidate is (supposedly) better than another. It is important, in other words, to take our civic responsibilities seriously, to do what we can, to get out there and vote.

But, and this is what we need to understand, politicians of neither party are our saviors, and what makes America great is not the promise of some Washington bureaucrats. What has always made us great are these two things: (1) The goodness, guidance, and grace of God (sorry about the alliteration; it just happened. :-) ), and (2) the integrity, hard work, and ingenuity of good people.

Politicians can, of course, play a role in all this. Some policies strangle our economy and promote (intentionally or not) an attitude that is not conducive to personal and societal prosperity. Some political views are, in my view, contrary to the intentions of our Founding Fathers, and stand in the way of progress. However, at our worst and best times, what makes any people great is not what a candidate promises.

When you listen to some of the talking heads, you get the impression that we are getting ready to install some sort of benevolent dictator, a kindly king who will lead us to the promised land. But that it not what American is about . . . thank God. America is about freedom and the opportunity to make a mark in this world. It’s about overcoming odds and living our lives in humble but confident ways, fortified with the knowledge that our greatest treasures are gifts from God.

Have you ever watched the hoopla associated with past presidential elections? Take a look at the Democratic and Republican conventions from, say, the 1960's. When you do, I’ll think you’ll find that a lot of the same things that we tout as new and necessary have been spoken by previous generations, as have some of the exaggerated claims.

Perhaps this is a good thing. Maybe it’s unavoidable. So long as we live in a country where free people remember their past, understand their responsibility, and are mindful of a higher calling, we have a fighting chance. But make no mistake about it, our ultimate hope is in God and in faithfulness to him, his promises, and to one another.

Get involved. Think through the relevant issues, and vote with an informed conscience. But don’t rely too much on politicians or their policies. Unhesitatingly pledge your allegiance to the flag . . . but especially to your Creator and those he sends your way. This is what has made America great, and it is what will keep her great!

if necessary, use words

“Preach the gospel at all times.
If necessary, use words.”
–Saint Francis of Assisi

This statement highlights, in my opinion, the priorities of a truly Christian life, stating what ought to most concern us. While it obviously matters what we say with our mouths, and though truth must be spoken, what matters even more is the way we live.

I am amazed how often we get this backwards, treating our formulations and treatises as if they are the end all of anything spiritual. Of course words do matter. Jesus spoke words; indeed, he is the Word. Scripture itself involves words, words that lead to life. In fact I am at this moment sharing these thoughts through the use of words. So, we cannot operate for very long without invoking words and seeking to apply them to our lives. But, and this is the point, words alone are never enough. Indeed, even the words we rightly embrace are words intended, in the final analysis, to transform us.

What Saint Francis is saying (using words, mind you) is that what God’s after is not merely a series of well-crafted theological formulas or a proper articulation of the good news. These obviously matter; that much is clear. But the purpose of the truth we have acquired, the intent of the gospel, is to actually find its way into our hearts and lives, dramatically altering the way we live, love, and relate to others.

What attracts people? What benefits them the most? How does the truth actually change us, and what is this change that we are (supposedly) concerned to facilitate in the lives of others? You see, what really matters is that we love (God and our neighbor, according to Jesus), that we bear fruit (according to Paul), and that we become increasingly like Jesus himself.

It is obviously relevant that we and others accurately perceive Jesus, and clarifying this for others (or ourselves) involves some measure of word use. But when we are in heaven–though we will undoubtedly have a proper perception of Jesus’ identity, and while we will surely use words to converse and worship, the heart of eternity will involve being–being what we were created to be, being for one another what we only imperfectly fulfilled while here, being image-bearers of divine love and truth.

So it is here. Words are significant, very significant, but nothing compares to a life changed, and nothing alters another person’s outlook and draws him/her in a good (news) direction than a life that “preaches” all day long.

Our lives ought to exude compassion and care. The good news–the news that we are loved and accepted, that we are empowered to love, that we have purpose–should flow from our lives in such a way that no one will be able to deny it. Now, being realistic, we can anticipate many a blunder and countless inconsistencies, at least I know I can. But, to the extent that we accept this challenge, this mission, we will be most effective when we pay attention to what Jesus and others have said: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Here’s another one: “By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Or . . . “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”–there’s the balance.

Preach the gospel at all times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, be it morning, afternoon, or evening, whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, let the good news, the news of faith, hope, and love, flow from you. Let good news emanate from your life. And, when it’s needed, when the situation and setting warrant it, open your mouth too. Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.

the heart

One of the weird things about life is that we must sometimes view it simultaneously from different perspectives. For instance, as Christians we should all want to be faithful and humble and loving. At some level, we want to be known for these and similar traits, and we want to honestly believe that our character is so shaped. In other words, I want you to say/think that I am faithful, humble, and loving, and I hope to actually be these things.

At another level, however, we are all prone to wander. After all, Scripture teaches us, does it not, that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” (Jeremiah 17:9). In other words we are all quite capable of foolish and rebellious attitudes and actions. Indeed, so perverse can the human heart be that Jeremiah asks, “Who can understand it?” The implied answer is no one, that is, none of us can know every nuance of our own motives and intentions. We can, quite frankly, deceive ourselves into thinking we are okay when we are the opposite of okay.

Here, then, is the situation in which we find ourselves. In one sense, it is important for us to know who and what we are, to portray ourselves, as best we can, in authentic ways, and to live our lives with some measure of self-comprehension and confidence. It’s good, in other words, to know a little bit about our own tendencies and motivations, what makes us tick. To the degree that we know something about our own hearts and lives, we will be able to guard ourselves from that which might damage or destroy us. Indeed, to know that our hearts are deceitful is, in some sense, a piece of this self-knowledge.

In another sense, however, in the sense that Jeremiah intends, we are never in a place where we can rest on our own achievements or be cocky in the way we approach life. In another passage of Scripture, these humbling words are found: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). One of the surest ways to delude ourselves is to assume that we are invincible, taking for granted that we are “above reproach” or some such thing. If we think we are safe and unbeatable, if we rest on past accomplishments, we have already taken the first step to defeat.

You see, the key to avoiding self-deception is an awareness that we can indeed be deceived. The way to protect ourselves from faithlessness and other transgressions is by remaining cognizant that we are capable of such foolishness.

The path to take, in other words, is one of humility. While we can know some (limited) things about ourselves, and though we ought to do our best to give expression to important spiritual qualities, we are never in a place where we can, how shall I say it, live independently of God.

God has made us in such a way that we operate efficiently only when we do our operating within the sphere of our connection with him. This does not mean, of course, that we are always aware of this connection or that we walk around in some trance-like state, repeating words that we hope will protect us from ourselves. Rather, it entails that we develop a mind-set in which we are consistently leaning on God, looking to him, asking for his assistance, trusting that he can protect us and shape us into faithful followers.

What we all require is a walk of faith, a sense of our dependence on our Savior. As we seek to guard our hearts and live productive lives, our spiritual soundness is bolstered not so much by self-confidence as by confidence in him. Humility is the avenue of growth and stability, trusting that–weak as we are by nature–he is able to keep us from falling and continue to make us into what he wants us to be. “Lord, protect me (us), and continue to renew and strengthen me (us) so that I (we) can be all that you intend me (us) to be.”

tolerance

tolerance

a. sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own b: the act of allowing something.

Tolerance is a popular slogan and a fascinating concept. We here it all of the time: “We’ve got to learn to tolerate one another.” “If we’re ever going to get along, we must be tolerant.” “The key to living in a pluralistic world is tolerance.”

On the other hand, we also hear a different slant on tolerance. For instance: “When it comes to child abuse, we allow zero tolerance.” “At work, we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drug use.”

So, on the one hand, we are told to tolerate most everything and everyone. On the other hand, we are to uphold a stance of zero tolerance. So, which is it?

Well, obviously, one of the keys to a proper stance on tolerance is to understand what it is, exactly, that we are to tolerate or not tolerate. That is, you cannot make a blanket statement about tolerance without first knowing what subject, behavior, or idea is in view. Only then can you begin to decide if such-and-such or so-and-so ought to be tolerated.

This all said, I do think there are some basic attitudes that should govern our approach to tolerance. Among other things, I’d like to suggest the following:

✓ At some level we obviously must tolerate and accept all people. We are all created in the image of God. We are all called to love our neighbors and even our enemies. To ignore these realities is to run contrary to a Christian worldview.

✓ Any realistic assessment of life in the real world compels us to tolerate other human beings. Whatever legitimate disagreements we have with others, we cannot expect to be a blessing to them unless we decide, as best as we can, to tolerate others. Even if we can’t like another individual, we can and must love him/her.

✓ Our views of tolerance can be informed by societal trends, but they must never be enslaved to these trends. By this I mean that it is certainly fine for believers to take up secular causes, efforts to promote “getting along.” But, we are not to mindlessly follow the crowds, simply because it’s the “in” thing to do. Political correctness is not a strong enough motive or a reliable enough guide for matters as important as these.

✓ We must not tolerate that which offends God or harms others. Evil must be opposed for everyone’s sake. When you take a stand against clearly inappropriate practices or behaviors, many will oppose you. But, as followers of a higher (and, hopefully, humble) way, we must sometimes confront that which is the antithesis of truth and morality. This is called conviction.

✓ This said, it is also essential, in our opposition to that which is wrong, to live in a right way. Too often, or so it seems to me, the moral standard bearers come across as condescending and arrogant. To be sure, there are times when truly humble people are unfairly portrayed as arrogant by those who simply want to defend their inappropriate practices. But, sometimes, when we oppose misbehavior, we do come across as a bit too confident in our assertions.

✓ On a related point. Just because we are opposed to something that is wrong does not mean that we must always scream our views from the rooftop. Of course there is certainly a time and place for such loud opposition to evil. However, not every thing that is wrong demands a constant barrage of verbal arrows.

✓ It is possible, I think, to be both tolerant and intolerant, at least in some situations. For instance we can tolerate individuals, even caring for them and relating to them in meaningful ways, while also being intolerant of their choices or lifestyles. This might lead us to confront certain behaviors; love must sometimes do just that. On other occasions, we might apply our intolerance in more subtle ways. Genuine tolerance does not have to degenerate into a mind-set in which we are fearful about intervening in the lives of people who need our help. And intolerance does not have to degenerate into belligerence. Tolerance and intolerance, properly understood and applied, can coexist.

✓ Clearly, we need wisdom in these matters. We must tolerate some things and remain intolerant of others. Above all, we must love (and tolerate) others as God has loved (and tolerated) us, and we must stand against (remain intolerant) of those things in our own lives that hinder this stance of truth combined with love.

This is complicated stuff, stuff we learn (but never perfectly) over the course of a lifetime. Undoubtedly, we need others to walk with us as we attempt to balance these important characteristics. Unquestionably, we need a transcendent resource if ever we are going to (at least occasionally) get this right.

a steady humility

Jesus said it long ago: “Without Me, you can do nothing.”

To be honest, I’m not entirely clear how this works in the real world. Obviously, Jesus is not saying that we are to sit around and wait to be zapped before we do anything. He's not saying that we are to walk through our lives chanting some type of “help me, Jesus” mantra; there is no magic in repeated words, even if the words themselves are accurate and true. I also don’t think that Jesus is saying that we are truly incapable of doing anything unless we are 100 % conscious of our own need of him; if that were the case, nothing would ever get done.

But, one thing is clear: We do need him. And if we need him, we also need humility, that is, a cognizance that we need him. But, what is humility?

Well, I really don’t think it’s false modesty or feigned meekness. It’s not pretending that we have no abilities or gifts. It’s not about mouthing prescribed formulas, nice-sounding (to some) words about how dependent we are; talk about humility is cheap. It’s not a matter of working ourselves into some make-believe state of faulty piety.

Humility, rather, is a settled recognition, acquired and developed prayerfully over time with the help of like-minded individuals, that God is the one who gets the ultimate credit. He is the one who made us, sustains us, empowers us, walks with us, picks us up when we fall, and provides for us.

When we work hard, we certainly deserve a measure of credit for our efforts. But what factors influenced us in such a way that we became hard workers? If we are academically inclined and attain a measure of success, we can and should feel good about our accomplishments. But who gave us such mental capacities, and where did we learn to use our minds in helpful ways? Who created our brains, our bodies, and all that makes us who we are? Where do the intellectual gifts, the social competencies, and the physical talents come from?

Let’s be clear. Humility is not ignoring the obvious. It’s not pretending that we have no talents. It’s not acting (to the point of self-deception?) like we are bankrupt fools. It’s not walking around with a constant “woe is me” attitude. Indeed, I would argue that humble people can and should celebrate their achievements, that it's okay to say, “Wow, look what I have done.” But humble people also add this important element: They recognize that it is all traceable to a benevolent God, a God who deserves our honor and allegiance, a Lord who, amid our personal celebrations, is thanked, who is always recognized as the ultimate gift and opportunity provider.

In the end, believers will receive crowns. Whatever the particulars, and whether these are real or symbolic, we will be “patted on the back” for (hopefully) living godly lives. But humility recognizes, as did the author of the book of Revelation who records this scene, that the crowns must be thrown down at the feet of the One who is the true giver of all good things.

I suppose we all need to develop a sense of God consciousness, a simple realization that he is the divine supplier, the supernatural resource who fortifies and guides all our positive efforts . . . whether or not we realize it at the time. As we soak in such thoughts, perhaps we’ll begin to understand what Jesus meant when he said we need him for everything. Maybe we’ll even learn to embrace and embody a measure of humility, a steady humility.

being faithful

Faithful

- Strict or thorough in the performance of duty. True to one’s word, promises, vows, etc.

There are many things that might be mentioned as admirable qualities, but few can rival faithfulness. To be faithful is to demonstrate an allegiance to a cause, remaining devoted to that which is truly important.

Of course the validity of one’s faithfulness can only be determined by how closely it is associated with that which is actually good, true, and right. And nothing is as good, true, and right as God and his ways. Genuine faithfulness, therefore, involves living in a manner that reflects and is consistent with God and his ways.

With these things in view, I want to be faithful . . .

to the truth . . . wherever it is found.
to God.
to my family.
to others.
to those, especially, who are closest to me.

I want to be faithful . . .

in displaying compassion.
in actually caring.
in seeking and sharing wisdom.
in spreading joy.
in consistently leaning on God.

I want to be faithful . . .

with my words.
with my life.
with my gifts.
with my opportunities.
with my relationships.

I want to be steady in my allegiance to the truth.
I want to be loyal in my determination to love God and others.
I want to exude a reliable faithfulness.

And I want God, one day, to say to me something like, “Hey, you’ve made some blunders, and sometimes you’re a goof, but on the whole (and by My grace) you’ve been a good and faithful believer.”

Be faithful! “Lord, enable me (us) to be faithful.”

a hopeful hue

The world would never be the same again. One Sunday morning transformed everything and enabled us to be transformed as well.

When Jesus rose from the grave, a number of important things occurred. But one of the things that stands out to me is that the otherworldly, the transcendent, suddenly intersected the here-and-now.

As a result of the resurrection . . .

Truth has invaded the universe. It was here from the beginning (though marred), but now it is (How shall we put it?) really real.

Love is shown to be not only a sentiment but a force, a personal force that cannot be denied by the worst that humanity is able to throw at it.

Human existence, which is temporary and always succumbs to death, is promised eventual permanence through death’s conqueror.

Darkness, real and devastating as it can be, is driven out by the one true light.

When you are down and out, it is good to remember that there is One who is with us still. When life doesn’t make sense, it is helpful to recall that there was one Sunday morning when it did make sense, and so there is incentive to go on. When you stand at a grave site and the end seems so final, it is necessary to embrace the reality that someone has defeated the grave, and so will we. When confusion reigns and joy appears to be sapped out of existence, remember that there is indeed purpose to it all, for love became one of us and secured our standing before God. When life feels too typical, too natural, keep in mind that a supernatural element has been released into the world.

Because of what Jesus has accomplished, life has taken on a hopeful hue. Through Jesus, a different kind of existence is in our midst. When Jesus rose from the dead, joy rose with him, and that joy is available to all those who believe. Happy Easter!

good sunday

Early on the first day of the week, something spectacular happened. The large stone which blocked the entrance to Jesus’ tomb had been rolled out of the way. The sepulcher in which the deceased Jesus had been placed was suddenly unoccupied. There were reports that Jesus had been seen alive, and then he actually appeared to a number of reliable observers.

Jesus had overcome the grave. Somehow, death had been conquered. In some unimaginable fashion, our worst enemy had been defeated. Jesus was alive.

Of course one of the things that strikes me about the whole scene is the oddness of it all. The first eyewitnesses must have thought something like, “This is great! He’s with us again!” But then, after a little reflection, they would have had to come to grips with the entire ordeal, wondering why someone with the capacity to conquer death would have had to die in the first place. I mean, if the grave can’t hold him, why did he succumb to it at all? The answer, once again, is quite simple. He died on purpose for us.

But the death alone was not enough, for who would have known that Jesus’ death actually accomplished anything? You can claim that someone’s crucifixion has universal significance, but talk is cheap. What you need is a demonstrate. What you need is a resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection confirms that his death had saving value. What he did at Golgotha (the Place of the Skull) was established at the empty tomb. Indeed, it is right to say that the events of Sunday make clear that the events of Friday were indeed good (for us). We learn of the goodness of Good Friday through the occurrence of a miraculous Sunday. Peering through the lens of the resurrection, we learn (among other things) that the previous Friday really was good, the cross actually accomplished something amazing.

The death of Jesus was not only necessary but incredible. In Jesus’ death our wrongs, our imperfections, our stupidity, our rebellion was once for all absorbed. As a result, we can now connect with God and with our created purpose. The resurrection of Jesus put into the effect the death of Jesus. Because he is alive, we can know him.

bad . . . uh, I mean, good friday

Good Friday–it’s the Friday before Easter, the day that is a regular part of many a person’s religious calendar. But why, I’d like to ask, is it good? What is good about Good Friday?

From the vantage of Jesus, Friday was anything but good. He, you may recall, was taken by force in the middle of the night, was paraded in front of a number of religious and secular authorities, mistreated, beaten, mocked, flogged, and eventually pinned to beams of wood. This was hardly a good day for Jesus of Nazareth.

It is awful to consider how any human being could be so mistreated. But, and this is the real eye-opener, Jesus was more than a typical human being. On the one hand, Jesus was like us in just about every way. He ate, drank, laughed, cried, developed relationships, and experienced the full range of human emotions. But, and this is what set him apart, Jesus never violated God’s will. He never expressed himself in improper ways. He never operated out of an impure heart or with mixed motives. If Jesus got angry, it was always a righteous indignation. If he loved, it was with perfect love. Jesus, in other words, lived his life as it was originally designed, as God intended it to be. He was what we should all be, fully human.

Yet, this fully human individual, this paradigm of love and compassion, this truth-telling, God-honoring man was mistreated to the extreme. What gives? And if, as we are told, he was God’s unique emissary, the One capable of performing miraculous wonders, why would he endure such hostility? Why would he, the Son of God, allow himself to encounter the worst in human cruelty? Answer: for us.

Good Friday was Bad Friday for the Son of God. Ironically, the only truly good one, Jesus, experienced a bad Friday so that those who, at various levels, are bad would be set free to know and serve their maker. Friday was bad for Jesus. He absorbed in his own person that which we had incurred through our foolish choices. The true light of the world was surrounded by human darkness (ours, not his). Incarnate goodness was treated badly. The penalty for breaking God’s laws and rejecting God’s heart fell on the only person who ever truly kept those laws and reflected God’s heart.

Friday was bad for Jesus so that it would be good for us. While the full implications of Jesus’ rescuing activity would not be enacted and made clear until Easter morning, already by Friday the goodness of God’s love was beginning to swell. Because of Bad Friday, we can celebrate Good Friday. Pretty good deal, huh? Have a great Easter!

God is present

God is present.

Yeah, I know this is an assumption that we often make. It is, after all, a part of our Christian heritage, an aspect of our shared theology. At Christmas, we proclaim the incarnation, that God has become one of us. At Easter, we celebrate the fact that he is not only with us but with us in ways that provide spiritual rescue and freedom.

But all too often, I think we fail to come to grips with the implications of these profound truths. God is as near as the air we breath. He is actually here with you, with me, with us . . . right now. What an amazing concept, that the creator of the universe is actually among us.

But there is more. This creator, this “with us” deity, actually cares. He is not here reluctantly. No, he really wants to be here. He delights in us through his Son, and he loves us with an indestructible love.

While I must admit that I’ve often been oblivious to God’s presence, I can also honestly say that–at least occasionally–I’ve noticed it. That is, I’ve experienced times when I am compelled to say, “God was here or there . . . and he’s present now.”

This year, I have encountered some things that demonstrate God’s nearness. This week, I’ve experienced the same. In fact just today, I feel like I’ve had contact with “higher things,” that the living Lord has actually shown his compassion and love for me . . . and I am so grateful.

“Thanks, Lord, for blessing me in so many ways. Thank you for the immensity of your goodness and the limitlessness of your power. Thank you for the people you have placed in my life and the opportunities to connect with those things that truly matter. Thank you!”

anyway

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I love the basic mind-set represented in Kent Keith’s Paradoxical Commandments, what is sometimes referred to as Anyway.

Here is a sampling:

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© copyright Kent M. Keith, renewed 2001

This obviously parallels a number of Jesus’ words. If you lose your life, you’ll gain it again. If you choose to be last, you’ll actually be first. If you deny yourself, you'll become your true self. The idea takes on a number of nuances, each paradoxical. Those committed to truth and love will experience opposition. Men and women who are determined to live a life of kindness and integrity will meet up with unkindness and dishonesty. The soft voice of sincerity will sometimes appear to be drowned out by the loud noise of frivolity.

But, as Jesus says and Keith confirms, this ought not stop us from pursuing the things that matter most. In the end, the truth will win, and even now, we can experience the camaraderie of others who seek these same things. Yeah, it can be difficult living the right way in a world that often chooses the wrong way. But–and this is key–we should do it anyway.

Do the right thing anyway because it’s the best thing you can do. Do what’s honorable anyway in order to combat the dishonor that so often dominates. Love anyway because someone out there needs that love. In a cynical world, a world that often doesn’t get it, a world that will sometimes dismiss you or attack you, follow the way, embrace the truth, share your heart and life anyway. In so many ways, it’s all about the anyway.