Keeping Christ in Christians

It's been a while since I wrote anything here. My sabbatical from this blog hasn't been because I've nothing to complain about, but because I've been trying not to be such a whiner.

However, this season, there is something that has finally gotten my goat, and I just feel the need to speak out for something sacred that is being lost, and at a time when it should have our focus.

That something, of course, is the need to keep Christ in Christians. Yes, that's right, I said Christians, not Christmas.

First, I have no desire to enter the debate on whether Christmas is a Christian holiday, or a pagan ritual. I also am not interested in arguing whether it's possible that Jesus was born this time of year or not. And the fact that Jesus is no longer a baby, worshiped in a manger, but a risen Savior is not the subject of my rant, either. I'm content to let everyone be convinced in their own minds about such things. I believe there is a more important issue to discuss.

The facts (among less important details) about Jesus' birth are these: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." This is the message borne by angels to the shepherds all those "Christmases" ago. And, as this good news is for all mankind, for all time, this Savior's birth is "today".

We Christians are all familiar with the significance of sacrifice in both the Old and the New Testaments, culminating in the supreme sacrifice of God's spotless lamb for the sins of all mankind. This is certainly the Greatest Story Ever Told. But it occurred to me the other day, that Jesus' entire life on Earth was one of sacrifice, beginning with his nativity.

Think of what Jesus sacrificed in order to enter that manger. Philippians says it like this: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" His death was not possible, unless he were to make this first sacrifice—being born as one who could die.

So, what does this mean for us, those who follow him? Interestingly, the above passage from Philippians begins: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:".

Finally, we come to my complaint: Every year I hear the cry from conservative Christians that we must "keep Christ in Christmas", when we should be far more concerned with keeping Christ in...us.

Many of us are willing to sacrifice this time of year, but what are we giving up?

1. Hours of sleep to compete with Black Friday shoppers for those "hot" Christmas gifts.
2. 14-28% interest for the next several months while we pay off our Christmas debt.
3. Our Christian mores as we partake of one too many dips from the punch bowl at one too many Christmas parties.
4. Family relationships because we are offended a relative either did, or did not attend our gathering.
5. Our health and sanity because of the stress of wanting it all to be so perfect.
6. And our joy, because it will never live up to our expectations.

Frankly, the billboard pictured above embarrasses me. To expend so much effort to insist unbelievers recognize the "reason for the season", and see "Christ in Christmas", when they can see no evidence of Christ in our hearts is a travesty. To do it in the name of Jesus, is particularly odious.

If we are truly followers of Christ, it seems to me that our recognition of his birth should be marked with sacrifice, humility, austerity, quietness, and love—every day!

Today, may you find the Savior born to you, and may others find him born in your heart.

MLMs - My Final Verdict

This article has been a long time in coming. I have hesitated to write it for fear of hurting the feelings of the many I know who are engaged in Multi-Level Marketing.

Before you "get your back up" and defend your product, program, scheme, whatever as being different, understand that I am only presenting the conclusion that I have come to, and do not presume to decide for you. Also, call it what you will (multi-level marketing, network marketing, referral marketing, direct marketing, ad infinitum) - it's all the same to me.

My first introduction to this form of sales was in 1976, when I was asked to participate with friends in a wine "gifting" pyramid that would potentially net you 28 bottles of wine, with a cost of only 2 bottles. As easy as it sounded, I don't know of anyone who got their 28 bottles of wine, although many did make a profit. Of course, in order for some to make a profit, it's easy to see that there had to be many more who lost. Because it was friendly, and the most anyone lost was two bottles of wine, nobody got their feelings hurt.

My second brush with MLM was through a neighbor who was selling Amway products. In the stereotypical way, we were invited to dine with them, and were ambushed with a sales presentation. While we had already used some of Amway's products, and actually liked the results, we were not interested in selling Amway. Again, stereotypically, our declination ruined our budding friendship with our neighbors.

And thirdly, my wife actually became a distributor for Forever Living Products, an MLM selling Aloe Vera products. The reason she became a distributor was because she liked the products, and by being a distributor she could purchase them at a substantial discount. She could also sell the products at retail and produce a modest income. Unfortunately, the primary method of profiting in an MLM is by increasing your "downline", thereby profiting from the sales that others make as well. I say unfortunately, because my wife began receiving increasing pressure from her "upline" to start producing more profits for them, and also participate in the frequent "hype-filled" motivational meetings designed to keep the ball rolling.

The picture above is an example of how multi-level marketing is supposed to work. However, as depicted, it is a pyramid scheme similar to the wine pyramid. Pyramid schemes are illegal.

Save your breath if you are about to tell me that MLMs are not pyramid schemes. I've heard it before. I only submit this definition from Wikipedia as evidence: A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves promising participants payment, services or ideals, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme or training them to take part, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public. Pyramid schemes are a form of fraud. The operative word here is primarily. Now I ask you, honestly examine your MLM. What is the primary means of supposed "wealth building", signing others up to the program, or selling the product? For many, a more realistic depiction of how an MLM "works" is shown to the right.

Were it only the pyramid connection, I would probably have little or nothing to say here. I would simply choose not to participate, and look the other way. What makes me angry about this insidious formula for getting rich (admit it, they promised you'd get rich) is how it strains and destroys relationships.

Getting in early helps considerably with MLMs, but beyond that, in order to be successful, you must build your downline. And in every case I am aware of, you are taught to "leverage" those who trust you, namely, family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. I speak not only from statistics here, but from personal experience. Too often this zeal to grow your downline becomes unwanted pressure and "arm-twisting", resulting in relationship damage.

As a real example of this, I include the following facts, that are the real impetus for this article.

Since November 20th, a friend of mine has sent me 24 emails promoting an MLM that he is a part of. Since the emails come "via the MLM", it's obvious to me that I am not the only one receiving these messages, and it must be a method of "selling" people on the system advocated by the MLM. Though I have not once responded to one of these emails, I keep receiving them. And though I have been warned several times now that my time is running out, I keep being given another opportunity. Perhaps I should let my friend know that I am not interested, but, then again, he might have asked.

What irks me about this is that I very rarely (if ever) hear from this friend, and now, suddenly, I am being bombarded with news of this great opportunity ostensibly because he cares about me. Another egregious example of this is another friend (one with whom I also have little or no communication) who called me up when he found out I was having chest pains, and feared heart trouble. I was touched until I found out he wanted to sell me an MLM product he thought might help me. Maybe he really did care, but if that's the case, why has he never called back to see how I was doing?

I feel like I need to apologize to these two friends now, because some readers may discern who they are, and it's not my purpose to expose them. My indignation is directed at those who con people into believing that this is a viable means of becoming wealthy, and teaching people to use those who love them in order to become so. Add to it the idea that you can build your own kingdom while at the same time build God's Kingdom, and I find it reprehensible.

Finally, I restate my purpose: To make my opinion perfectly clear, once and for all. I am in no way passing judgment on those who choose this method of making a living. I hope you are successful, not only financially, but I hope you are successful in building relationships at the same time. And if you think I might be interested in becoming a member of your downline, please, just ask me.

My answer will be, "No."

Goodbye 2010

Goodbye 2010

I will not miss you, two-thousand-and-ten,
You took, and took, hardly giving again.
And what you took, cannot be replaced,
So be gone, good riddance, get out of my face!

You took my Dad, and e'en though it was time,
I'll always remember you committed that crime.
You stole from my mother, left her alone in grief.
For this act alone you're a barbarous thief.

But then you took Barry, still with more life to live,
Depriving the world of all that he'd give.

He triumphed o'er death by his faith, this is true,
But his vict'ry in no way exonerates you.

Then before your cruelty would at last have it's end,
You took Aunt Irene, injuring my mother again.
Add to this the recession, the heartache and sorrow,
And so many still fearing what may come tomorrow,

Your place in my memory is now made secure,
Twenty-ten was the year that I had to endure.
Many thanks I still give to my Father in Heaven,
But for spite I won't read them 'til twenty-eleven.

Choosing Sides

Driving on a main artery through North Texas the other day, I saw a stater on the opposite side, clocking the speed of vehicles with a radar gun, as they came over a hill. Once over the hill myself, I noticed the vehicle behind me flashing his headlights at the oncoming cars, warning them of the "trap" they were about to enter.

This caused me to wonder how many of my friends participate in this rite. So I asked the question on my Facebook page.

The responses I received, weren't really a surprise, but rather a confirmation of what I suspected: That we feel like it's right and good to warn other motorists when a police officer may catch them breaking the law. I find this more than a little disturbing, because of the implications. That the majority of those who responded are Christians is even more distressing.

What I have concluded in this scenario is that there is an "us vs. them" conflict in play, and we are choosing to side with the lawbreakers.

Many will accuse me, with this statement, of blowing things out of proportion. After all, while speeding is "technically" against that law, it's a very minor offense, and one widely practiced. It's not a big deal. In addition, the officers employ deceitful tactics, and set traps to catch offenders with the purpose of raising revenue, not making the roadways safer.

What's in italics in the previous paragraph might serve as a summary of the justifications I have heard for speeding. Some of you, however, are honest enough to admit you have a "need for speed", and are willing to accept the consequences should you get caught.

The bottom line is: Exceeding the speed limit IS against the law, and the authorities have a right (indeed an obligation) to enforce it. Also, when a driver operates his vehicle at a speed different than the general flow of traffic, he poses a danger to himself and those around him. The greater the difference in speed the greater the danger, and excessive speed is reckless.

One responder indicated that flashing your lights at oncoming vehicles does serve the purpose of causing them to slow down, thereby improving safety, but I don't believe this will make a lasting impression. In fact, I might argue that by helping him achieve a "victory" over his "enemy", you could increase the likelihood that he will do it again. No, speaking with experience, what makes you really change your habits is a 90 day probation during which, if you receive another ticket, you will be punished for both offenses.

As for the other excuses listed above, what happens when you apply them to a different crime, such as shoplifting. Department store detectives use deceit (disguise and cameras) to help catch shoplifters. If you happened to see someone put an item in a purse, and knew that the act was caught on camera or by a detective posing as another shopper, would you warn that person so they wouldn't be caught? Would you feel like you were reducing crime by doing so?

Also, the so called "sin tax" is a widely accepted practice. I have no problem having those who speed pay the "tax"that the government collects instead of raising my taxes, the same as smokers paying the tax on cigarettes.

Finally, while I believe there are some corrupt law enforcers (just as there are in the rest of society), I do not believe this is the norm. Most of them choose this field because they have a sense of duty to uphold what is right, and to correct what is wrong. I have great respect for the men and women who daily put their lives in danger in order to keep me safe. Why, then, would I want to work against them?

"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (Romans 13:2)

Lowering Expectations

I wasn't going to write today, because I have a rather long todo list. However, a topic came up at our house that really has me steamed.

It's raining here today (as it did yesterday), and so my son and I are not "working" again today. The way my son put it was, "When we work, I work hard, and when I come home I'm too tired to do anything with my brothers. So I'm in 'rest' mode today." The irony of this revelation was that, it seems to me, very little is expected of today's youth, but they feel like they are working too hard.

There is a company called Despair, Inc. (http://www.despair.com) that sells "demotivation" posters. Their motto is "Increasing Success by Lowering Expectations". Their purpose, of course, is to mock the ubiquitous motivational posters found in America's corporate offices. For this I applaud them. However, has their motto been secretly adopted by us in order to accept the time-wasting practices of today's teens?

Bidden by us, my sons took a seat at the end of our bed while my wife and I launched into a dissertation on how long our school day was as compared to theirs, and how hard we worked (my wife on the farm, and me delivering papers and slinging tacos) once school was let out. And then there was homework!

My purpose is not to be too hard on my children, because it is true that they work harder than most their age. They are extraordinary! What I'm pointing out is that "extraordinary" doesn't mean what it used to. A person doesn't have to put forth as much effort today to be extraordinary as he did in my day, and, to me, that's no laughing matter.

Can I get an AMEN?

Suddenly, I can hear the voice of my mother, laughing at me and asking, "Don't you have work to do?" I'm going back to my todo list now.

A Word Fitly Kept to Yourself

Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

However, I came across a quote yesterday which addresses another part of apt speech, namely, NOT speaking. The quote, by Dorothy Nevill, goes, "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."

While pondering that thought, I learned of an instance where someone, who should have held his tongue, didn't, and hurt those he was speaking about, and also himself.

Why are we so afraid to pass up an opportunity to "set someone straight" in lieu of a more appropriate time? Likely it's the fear that we may never be given another opportunity. And, of course, what we have to say MUST be said! How true it is that, "No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison."

This inability to control our tongues is what causes husband or wife to exploit the intimate secrets they learn about their spouse in order to inflict the sharpest pain to the one they claim to love.

It's what causes a father to wound an unruly child when he takes the child's testing of his authority personally.

It's what causes a man to shout a racial epithet at a neighbor who can't seem to contain his dog.

It's what causes one person to belittle another because he views the others beliefs as a threat to his own.

And, finally, it's what "corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Sometimes, even when your whole being is bursting with something that you feel must be said, if the time is wrong, or if you can't find words that edify, it's better just to keep it to yourself. Bide your time and look for the right words and the right time. If they never come, at least you've done no harm.

Stomper or Coaster?

There are 2 types of drivers, Stompers and Coasters. Which are you?

Before you answer that question, be aware that I am a "dyed-in-the-wool" coaster, and believe that stompers are the scourge of the morning and afternoon commutes. Also, you should understand that my purpose in writing this is to convert stompers, or at least make them pause to consider their evil ways.

How do you know if you're a stomper or a coaster? Well, if you rapidly accelerate and decelerate, tailgate, switch lanes constantly to gain an advantage, close the opening if someone signals they want to move into your lane, and such like...you're a stomper. If, on the other hand, You slowly accelerate and decelerate, practice the "2 second rule", tend to pick a lane and stick with it, move with traffic, make room for people changing lanes in front of you, etc...you're a coaster.

Feel free to read on regardless of which kind of driver you are, but the rest of this article is primarily aimed at the stompers.

I could give you a personal "harangue" on the senselessness of stomper driving, but I'll just stick with a few facts:

1. According to fueleconomy.gov, aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
2. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 66 percent of all annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving actions.
3. Redford Williams, M.D. (Duke University) says that people with the "hostile personality type" found in most aggressive drivers "are four to seven times more likely to die of other health problems by age 50 than are even-tempered people."

Still not convinced? Here's a couple of simple, relevant math problems:

• Let's say your normal commute is 60 miles, and usually takes 60 minutes. That's an average of 60 MPH. However, what if an accident, or road construction slows you down to an average of 30 MPH the first 30 miles? How fast do you need to drive the final 30 miles to make it to work on time?

If you answered 90, you need to figure it again. The only answer to this problem is to allow for such possibilities, or be late.

Next problem:

• In a ten mile stretch of rush-hour traffic with an average speed of 40 MPH, you manage (by your deft maneuvering and intimidation of other drivers) to gain 30 car lengths on me (because I'm coasting), how much sooner will you arrive at the exit we are both going to take?

Well, assuming everyone else is keeping a 2-second distance (and they're not), you will arrive at the exit about 67 seconds ahead of me. Well done!

What I'm trying to impress upon you is that you're just not gaining enough to be worth the increased risk of accident, added stress, and wear and tear on your vehicle. It's not a race. You don't win a prize if you get there first. Leave 10 minutes earlier, relax, enjoy the drive, and experience the rush of joy you feel when you receive the friendly wave from another driver because you made room for him. Even if he's a stomper!