Things to Think About

Summary:

News articles, videos, songs... anything that gets you to think, ask questions, or pray.

Joshua Harris on Procrastination

csyip 06 Dec 2010 04:52

I stumbled upon this video last night in the midst of "writing an essay," and it really got me thinking.
What hit me was… some habits we think we'll grow out of don't get better with time. Some go on forever, but we can begin that move towards change now.
Everything starts somewhere.

Last edited on 08 Dec 2010 07:27 by csyip Show more

Social Justice and Power

csyip 08 Dec 2010 07:32

"Most people seek innocence to avoid the responsibility of power.
They contend that those who avoid power out of fear of being corrupted are probably doing so to avoid the high cost of having power: conflict, controversy, ridicule, defeat. Those exercising such avoidance in order to remain "innocent" are making a virtue out of their cowardice.
Power does not corrupt; power attracts the corruptible. Good people sit on the sidelines, wrap themselves in virtue, and allow other people's values to dominate society."

- In the context of the need for Christians to take action towards Social Justice.
From "Doing Justice," by Dennis A. Jacobsen

One week after our "Pay It Forward" presentations… how can we confront our own strength and use it for God?

Last edited on 08 Dec 2010 10:35 by csyip Show more

Re: Social Justice and Power

matt-hias 08 Dec 2010 18:17

I think there is a lot that I would agree with the vid and your post, Chris. Probably one of the key words in your quote is "responsibility". In particular, God has called men to excercise both self-control and to take on responsibility for both their actions and their inactions (1 Tim 2:1-10, Gen 3:9). I don't believe that we are to be seeking power, but to find strength in Christ to be able to do the good works that we have been created in advanced to do (Phil 4:13, Eph 2:10). Laziness and apathy should not be excused with innocence. If we consider abstaining from doing what we have been called by the spirit to do, then we are in fact sinning (James 4:17). I believe that seeking power is greatly influenced by personal pride and lack of humility to glorify God in all that we do. There is a great need for Christians to step up, to not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but to be continually renewed in our minds by the grace of God that we may be the salt and light of this earth.

Why Your Church Doesn't Feel Like a Family - by Pastor Mark Driscoll

csyip 12 Feb 2011 20:52

Found this on Youtube while listening to Pastor Mark…
Ever wondered? This isn't the only answer, but I think it's a darn good place to start.

The part that really hits home for me is at 6:33:

"…And here's the big idea. Where you serve feels like family. Look back:
The people that you felt closest to, that knew you the best, that you knew the best, that you were connected to,
Those relationships that were helpful and enduring and endearing…

You weren't a consumer.

You were a servant. You did something with people. "

Last edited on 13 Feb 2011 05:03 by csyip Show more