What do you see?

Think on this…I was at a store recently and a young lady entered. She looked at me with a strange hello smile. All at once I realized she is checking me out. Now, I don’t have an over inflated personal image, nor do I think that I am altogether unattractive. I was cute enough to get my wife and that is perfectly fine with me. But, she was checking me out. She looked me up and down and eventually looked at my ring finger. Of course, I left and went about my business. It still begs the question what did she see? Did she see notice my posture, my presence, or was something greater.

As a Christian I am supposed to be attractive. Not just because I am marginally good looking. The bible says, "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” Matt 5:13-14 Did she see Jesus in me? Was that the thing that caught her eye? I hope so. The truth is that beauty fades and what is attractive today is repulsive in a few short years. What do people see when the encounter you? Learn to live for what matters most. It’s just a thought.

That Which Remains

With the recent passing of political and entertainment icons people often are left contemplating their impact on society. Inevitably the debate starts as to whether their importance lives up to the hype. Then we can expect those who have information proving either some moral failure or some dark secret that the news media will regurgitate for weeks. Then comes the books and special reports and by the end, we elevate them to king like status. It is quite comical and sad. At some point we forget that this idol was a person and is subject to the same flaws as the rest of us, except they because of their elevated status had more opportunity to fail.

I can’t help, but think about my impact upon my death. What will be said of me? Will people talk about my speaking or writing ability? Will it be my love for God and people? Will someone eventually come out with some scandalous information concerning me? (I hope not). The reality at that moment you are powerless to do anything. All you can do is live a life of excellence, character, and integrity today. You can’t change mistakes from your past, and tomorrow is not promised. You secure you legacy with each passing moment, and with each interaction. The bible says, “A good and honest life is a blessed memorial; a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.” Proverbs 10:7 We will all leave this world one day. What will people remember about you? ...Just a thought.

Eyelids & Earlobes

Think on this… Have you ever noticed how you never think about your eye lids or earlobes? I know that seems trivial but that is exactly my point. We have essential parts of our bodies that just go on functioning with little thought at all. Then we get a bump or scratch that part is all we can think about. That earlobe is at the forefront of your mind all of a sudden. Anyone who comes near it is in for a fight.

I think that is how we live are lives. We go through so much of our lives neglecting the seemingly small things, then when circumstances cause pain we defend these presumably unnecessary areas with our very beings. The way we are supposed to function is to value every aspect of our lives. Not letting things go unappreciated and/or cared for. Instead of waiting for pain and discomfort to come, if we would only take better care of our entire lives on the front end then we would probably be able to handle the tough times more easily. Because the bible says, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” Proverb 24:10 I don’t know about you, but I don’t want have small strength. It’s just a thought.

Da Wise One?

Think on this…In some circles I am known as Da Wise One. This seems very self exalting, especially in the light of the fact that I am a Christian and pride is not a good thing. The bible clearly says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Proverb 16:18 We see self promoting behavior all over the place in our culture especially in the hip hop arena. Everyone is busy telling you why they are “hotter” or “better” then everyone else. It can be quite annoying. So, how can I in good conscious be okay with such a lofty title being ascribed to me? Well, I didn’t name myself.

Early in the life Destinations the discussion came about concerning the “lameness” of my real name. So the group decided that I needed a cool, poetry type name, and the first suggestion was “Big Brother Almighty”, that was a little too Skool Daze for me. Then Da Wise One arose due to my conversational communication style. I reluctantly accepted it, although I felt very unworthy of it. Over time I think I have earned this title for others who have come to Destination events the same as I had early on for the first few. The bible says, “Don't call attention to yourself; let others do that for you.” Proverb 27:2 What would life look like if more people lived by this scripture? My prayer is that my life continues to speak for itself. I pray the same for you…It’s just a thought.