100 Meter Dash

I was reading from Aristotle's "Ethics" today and I came across this passage, "Hence the young man is not a fit student of Moral Philosophy, for he has no experience in the actions of life, while all that is said presupposes and is concerned with these: and in the next place, since he is apt to follow the impulses of his passions, he will hear as though he heard not, and to no profit, the end in view being practice and not mere knowledge." Now what Aristotle is getting at in the larger picture is that we should define a certain point or goal that we wish to achieve, and only once this goal has been set can we move forward in life. He is asserting that young men (such as myself) should not strive to form their own ideas, but rather to learn from those who have gone before them.

As I was reading that I thought of the passage in the book of Matthew which says "This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:13-14

How many times in life do we think that we are ready for something, but in reality we are fooling ourselves? Jesus knew that the people he was speaking to were not ready for deep seated theological conversations, but he also knew that only those who were truly receptive to his words would be given the power to understand what he was saying.

God is continually speaking to us, sometimes in the smallest details of life, sometimes with something more substantial. In our fast paced, iphone addicted, Facebook addled world we are more focused on keeping up with the Jones's than we are with keeping our relationship with God right. God is always there, waiting for us to open up and be receptive to his words, but we put him off and tell ourselves that we will get to our devotional time later, but then never do.

Now, i know that all of this has been said before, and it will definitely be said again, but we are in a culture that is devaluing religion in favor of more profane activities.

The Apostle Paul writes "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

If we keep our eyes set on earthly things, then our prize will be the things of this earth. The traditional theologian would tell you that the prizes of this earth are despair, being unfulfilled, and things like that, but I have a different opinion. I have had many friends who can only be described as "happy pagans". These people aren't religious, they live very fulfilled (in their opinion) lives through their work and their families, and the small things in life bring them joy. So if they keep their eyes focused on these earthly pursuits then that is what they will receive on this earth. . . . but then one day they will die and lose all of it.

Those who keep their eye fixed on the prize that Paul is talking about; Jesus, will receive all that he has to offer, which is so much more than the earth can give. Jesus offers us joy, peace, fulfillment, a treasure that will not pass away or be eaten by moths, a friend to the friendless and all of those trite expressions you've heard in church. Those who follow God will one day live with him in paradise.

This is all just a thought, do with it as you will, but I would recommend running harder and further than you ever have, because in this race there is no prize for second place.

Have a great day, and God Bless.

Why Valentine's Day is Awesome

Boxes of chocolate, proposals, fancy dinners, tiny little heart shaped candy that say words like "be mine" and taste like chalk. This, ladies and gentleman is Valentines day, or a small part of it.

Valentines day can also be one of the saddest days of the year, suicide rates are actually the highest around this time of the year, which is a tragedy that shouldn't happen. People try to cope with this day by calling it "Single's awareness day" or satirize the whole process as the popular TV show "How I met your mother" did in the episode "Desperation Day". Those of us who are single laugh about how much money we will be saving and how we can just enjoy this time of year, while an equal number of us bemoan our single status and think that we will be forever alone. 

I don't believe in this version of Valentines day. If you've ever met me you know that I am a happy person (if I've had my coffee), so even though I am single, I love this holiday. Everyone who is in a relationship is almost invariably happier during this time of year when hopeless romanticism is out in full force. Big romantic gestures become the norm, and for one day at least, many people get to enjoy the type of love that they have seen in romantic comedy's and disney movies alike. This is also the time of year to be thankful for the people who do love you, even if it is in a strictly platonic sense. We all have friends and family who love us and care about our happiness. If you really think that you are alone then that is simply an idea that you have generated in your own mind because you enjoy being lonely, or get a rush out of wallowing in self-pity. Love is all around you, even if you are not a Christian, God still loves you and His is the greatest love you will ever know. So at the very least, look to God on Valentines day and thank him for the Love that He gives. 

Love is a powerful emotion. "Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . ." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

That is probably one of my favorite verses in the Bible, because it so succinctly sums up the Love that God has for us. 

Many people who are in relationships look at those who aren't and think that there is no possible way that they could be happy on Valentines day, but I beg to differ. Love encompasses so much more than Romantic love, and I am more than happy to enjoy my Valentines day surrounded by those who love me and expect nothing from me in return. 

Here's hoping you have a very happy Valentines Day!!