Faith Venture

As Paul addressed the Athenians, he quoted a Greek poet, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” This was part of his talk proving God and Jesus to a different audience than his usual one. So he started with God as the “unknown” god to whom the Athenians had erected a statue just to make sure they didn’t forget anyone.  Then God as the creator. Then humans as creation whose life purpose is to search for God.

So, upon finding God, what do we do? Well, we “live, move and have our being” in God. I think if you are going to contemplate upon any teaching this week, this is as good as any you will come up with. Think about what it means to live in God. Or–maybe like I’m doing right now–think of the times last week when I wasn’t living in God. I let my own problems and emotions come out rather than stopping, reflecting and letting my being rest in God. I’d act much differently.

Or–for as much as I know and as much as I practice, you’d think I’d be a much better person.

Speaking of practice, among the talks I listened to on my 8-hour flight to Germany yesterday was one by John Ortberg. He pointed out that we don’t need willpower to break a bad habit. We need a new habit. He’s right. Willp0wer will get you nowhere. You can develop a new habit, though, by deciding to do one thing and then do it for 30 days. By the end of 30 days, it should be a habit. In other words, you can choose your habits. If you are not living in God as well as you’d like to, then choose a habit to inculcate–perhaps reading the Bible for 15 minutes every morning, or praying three times a day methodically, or meditating 15 minutes every morning–and then do it. Your life will be changed.

On my drive to Chicago yesterday, I passed a car with this bumper sticker:

“I only have time enough today to think about one person. And I choose…me!”

They probably bought that and put it on their vehicle because it seemed to be cute. But what you think is cute reveals much about your thinking–whether you intend it or not.

Let’s think about that phrase. First, how many people do you know of whom you can say, “It’s all about her (him)”? Can you say that about yourself? How often do you think about your own wants, needs, desires, cravings?

There are times in your life where “stuff” happens, and you need to devote a lot of thought to your situation. But is that your normal thought pattern? Maybe I should step back a little and ask, do you ever think about what’s on your mind? It’s a growth exercise.

Let’s take another look–at your heart. Really? Is your heart so small that you can only think about yourself? If you know someone whose heart is that small, would you want a relationship with him (her)?

Who are some of the people you know whom you would most like to emulate? Aren’t they people whose heart is so large that they can love and care about many people while not neglecting themselves?

I’m positive that in my life I would be much wealthier if I thought more about myself than the task or job or others. And I am far from perfect in this regard. It’s always a challenge for me to remember others when I pray or in my thoughts.

Several months ago I was invited to an intimate dinner whose guest of honor was a published MIT professor. During the conversation, he was asked about today’s students. He recommended a book (which I finally got around to buying) “The Narcissism Epidemic.”

You remember Narcissus. He’s the guy who of ancient Greek myth (those marvelous psychologists), who saw his reflection in a pond and fell in love with himself. Look around. What do you see? Is there a way we can open up all those hearts to encompass others and avoid the tragic fate of Narcissus? I hope so.