I have a ten year old son. He is just starting to exhibit those tween tendencies. You know the ones: procrastination, the eye rolls, attitude starting to show, incessant deal making. Sometimes I think he forgets we were youth pastors for many years and know many of the tricks. The thing is if we don't address these issues now, they will grow and worsen as he grows and will effect his relationships with other people and with God. Let's look at the one of these that can effect us very deeply and effect our relationship with Jesus.
Looking Back
"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." - Edmund Burke (1729-1797). That's an often misquoted quotation of an eighteenth century British statesman. There are countless examples of it being proven true, of course if you ignore history, you wouldn't know that. There is, however, a big difference between studying the past and learning from our own and other's mistakes and wanting to return or retreat to the past. It is completely human to long for the good ol' days, but there in lies the problem. It is completely human. What's the modern Christian to do?
Moving On Up!
"We're moving on up, to the east side, to a high rise apartment in the skies." That is a lyric that brings back some memories. This last week the world lost Sherman Hemsley. He was most known for his portrayal of George Jefferson on All in the Family followed by the spin off The Jeffersons. I love the opening phrase of that theme song. "We're moving on up!" I often think that as the Lord has moved me and my family into new arenas of life and ministry. Isn't it funny how the Lord uses television pop culture from the 70s to lighten my heart in the face of change, uncertainty, and adversity? If you're familiar with the program you know that George worked his way to respect and prosperity through hard work in the face of adversity and bigotry. The adversity and bigotry didn't stop, but he didn't allow it to stop him either. We can learn from this.
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