Paul's Ponderings

Monday, January 27, 2025

Lessons from the King: Making an Impact

Called to Make an Impact

In the middle of the eighteenth century, the fight against the slave trade seemed like an impossible task. The trade was deeply ingrained in society, supported by powerful interests in Parliament, and widely accepted despite its inhumane cruelty. Christians began collecting evidence of the horrors of slavery, hoping to sway public opinion and bring about change. They needed a leader—someone to champion their cause in the political arena. That leader was William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament who experienced a profound conversion to Christianity in 1785.

Influenced by John Newton, a former slave trader turned pastor, Wilberforce felt called to use his position to fight for the abolition of the slave trade. He wrote, “So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did its wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for the abolition. A trade founded in iniquity and carried on as this was must be abolished.” For 20 years, Wilberforce faced intense opposition. Lord Melbourne, one of his critics, famously complained, “Things have come to a pretty pass when religion is allowed to invade public life.” But Wilberforce persevered, supported by Christians across England. Finally, in 1807, Parliament voted to abolish the slave trade.

Wilberforce’s story is a powerful example of how Christians can bring about moral and societal change. It reminds us that following Christ is not just personal—it’s a call to make an impact in the world for God’s Kingdom.

Too often, faith is viewed as a personal experience. It’s about my relationship with God, myblessings, and how God can improve my life. In this process, we overlook the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom is not a future concept—something that begins when Jesus returns. It’s about the here and now. God’s Kingdom comes into the world as people live by faith in King Jesus.

It all depends on faith. Remember: we can’t be citizens of God’s Kingdom if we’re not faithful to the King. Just as loyalty defines good citizenship in any country, loyalty to King Jesus defines citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Background

Jesus began His ministry where John the Baptist left off: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” The Sermon on the Mount explores what it means to be a citizen of this Kingdom. The Beatitudes summarize the character and values of Kingdom citizens. It starts with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” emphasizing total reliance on God. It ends with, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” acknowledging that citizens will face opposition.

Jesus assures us that being in the Kingdom is worth it, and then moves on to teach about the responsibilities of Kingdom citizens.

1. Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13)

To understand Jesus’ teaching, we need to grasp the uses of salt in His time. Salt purified, flavored, preserved, and symbolized the covenant with God. Jesus likely meant a combination of these uses. Salt influences its environment.

• What is Earth?: This refers to the ground, the land—specifically Israel, the Promised Land. Disciples as the “salt of the earth” had a mission to preserve and purify the faithful remnant of Israel, who were in danger of missing the Kingdom.

• The Mission to Impact God’s People: We have a responsibility to influence the Church by purifying it from outside influences and preserving it for King Jesus. We do this through our lives—with love, humility, mercy, and forgiveness—and through what we teach—Scripture and truth.

If we lose our “saltiness”—our influence—we risk becoming irrelevant to the Kingdom.

2. Light of the World (Matthew 5:14-16)

Light illuminates darkness with love and truth. Isaiah used this imagery to remind Israel of their responsibility to represent God to the Gentiles. Jesus came as the Light of the World, and His followers are called to reflect His light.

• Evangelism: We illuminate darkness by teaching others about sin, salvation, and the new life found in Jesus. Our faithful lives—marked by love—demonstrate to the world that there is a better way to live. A covered light is useless.

• Two Sides of Discipleship: Salt represents spiritual formation—preserving and teaching the truth. Light represents evangelism—shining love and truth to those who don’t know God. Together, they encompass the responsibility of Kingdom citizens.

A covered light is useless. Similarly, our faithful lives must be visible to the world, guiding others to glorify God.

3. Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

This passage can be challenging, but it builds on the themes of salt and light. To be Kingdom people requires living righteous lives—being in right relationship with God and fulfilling the intent of His Law.

Jesus and the Law: Some accused Jesus of dismissing the Torah, but He clarified that He came to fulfill it. His teachings revealed the heart of the Law: love for God and love for people.
True Righteousness: Jesus taught that true righteousness isn’t about rigidly following rules but embodying the intent of the Law. This prioritizes people over legalism, as seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Our righteousness isn’t about earning God’s favor through works but about reflecting His love in our lives.

We Have a Responsibility

Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven have a responsibility to influence the world with Kingdom values. Salt preserves—influencing the Church. Light illuminates—bringing love and truth to those in darkness. Fulfilling these roles requires living righteous lives—not just adhering to the letter of the law but fulfilling its purpose through love for God and others.

Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are called to represent King Jesus in the world by showing people there is a better way to live. This is how the world is saved: by seeing the better way and being challenged to accept it.

How do I apply this to my life? Ask God how you can be salt and light in your corner of the world. Encourage a fellow Christian to remain faithful. Share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it. Be salt and light in your sphere of influence.

May we faithfully represent King Jesus, influencing the world with His love and truth. In doing so, we invite others to experience the life-transforming power of His Kingdom.

Parenting in a Digital World: Guarding the Hearts and Minds of Our Children

In today’s digital world, parenting has taken on a new level of complexity. The rapid evolution of technology presents unique challenges—but also opportunities—for raising well-rounded, mindful children. Let’s dive into the essential principles, strategies, and insights from Session 3 of our series: Guarding the Hearts and Minds of Our Children.

Core Parenting Principles in a Digital World

At its core, digital-age parenting is about protecting, guiding, and empowering our children. To effectively navigate this journey, we must identify our "why":

Why does intentional digital parenting matter?
- It matters because our children’s development matters.
- We want to help them establish healthy boundaries with technology.
- We aim to build a strong foundation for interacting with ever-evolving technology.

These principles can motivate us to overcome challenges like digital addiction, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and peer pressure from other families and children.

Building a Family Digital Culture

A strong digital culture provides clarity and alignment within the family. Here are steps to create your family’s digital culture:

Discuss and Plan: Define the role of technology in your home.
- Set screen time limits and identify screen-free zones.
- Decide on the appropriate age for introducing social media.
- Discuss the types of technology your family will use and budget for.

Managing Screen Time

Screen time management is foundational for guiding children in the digital world:

Set Clear Limits: Determine daily or weekly screen time allowances.
Use Parental Controls: Learn how to enable time limits on devices. Tutorials on platforms like YouTube can provide step-by-step guidance.
Model Healthy Habits: Children often mimic their parents’ behavior.

Avoiding Inappropriate Content

Understanding Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate content is anything that:

Is unsuitable based on age, personality, or history.
Contradicts moral or spiritual values.

What we consume shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Therefore, we should aim to focus on content that is praiseworthy, good, and true.

Types of Inappropriate Content

Pornography:
- Alarmingly prevalent, with websites like Pornhub drawing more traffic than Amazon and Netflix combined.
- User-generated platforms like OnlyFans blur the lines between consumption and creation.
Sexting:
- Nearly 35% of youth have received a sext, and 19% have sent one.
- Forwarding sexts without consent creates additional risks and legal implications.
Video Games:
- Many depict violent, explicit, or profane content (e.g., Grand Theft Auto).
- Gaming and pornography often allow escapism into unhealthy fantasy worlds.
Shows and Movies:
- Popular series like Game of Thrones or Squid Game feature graphic violence and sexual content.
Extreme or Conspiratorial Content:
- Radical and false narratives can influence impressionable minds.

Steps to Minimize Exposure

Parental Controls:
- Require all apps need parental approval before being installed.
- Configure filters on devices to block inappropriate content.
- Teach safe browsing practices and promote child-friendly platforms.
Teach About Inappropriate Content:
- Discuss the dangers of pornography and harmful media.
- Use Philippians 4:8-9 to explain the importance of putting good content into our minds and hearts.

Protecting Mental Health

The Rise of Social Media

Since its inception, social media has evolved:

First Wave (2003-2006): Platforms like MySpace and Facebook enabled simple connections.
Second Wave (2010-2013): Instagram and Snapchat introduced content consumption and influencers.
Third Wave (2014-Present): TikTok and Discord amplified content creation and instant feedback.

While these platforms connect us, they’ve also contributed to rising mental health concerns, especially among teens. Research reveals:

Depression among teens increased by 52% between 2005 and 2017.
Girls aged 12-17 experienced a 200% rise in major depressive episodes between 2010 and 2020.
Facebook’s own research linked Instagram to increased anxiety, depression, and body image issues among teens.

Why Social Media Affects Us

Social Comparison: Seeing others’ “perfect” lives can harm self-esteem.
Feedback Cycles: Likes and comments create a constant need for validation.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Missing online interactions can feel like being excluded.
Perfectionism: Filters and curated posts amplify insecurities about appearance.

Dangers to Mental Health

Depression and Anxiety: Data shows a significant rise in these conditions post-2011.
Self-Harm: Non-fatal self-harm incidents among girls aged 10-14 surged by 189% between 2009 and 2015.
Suicide: The suicide rate for 10-24-year-olds increased by 57% between 2007 and 2017.

Recommendations for Social Media Use

Delay social media accounts until at least age 13.
Limit time spent on platforms to reduce depressive symptoms.
Encourage face-to-face social interactions over online relationships.
Conduct regular check-ins to discuss social media’s effects on mental health.

Improving Children’s Mental Health

Encourage Open Communication:
- Create a safe space for expressing emotions.
- Actively listen and validate their feelings.
Promote Healthy Habits:
- Ensure adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.
Foster Relationships:
- Spend quality family time and encourage positive friendships.
Encourage Hobbies:
- Help them explore creative outlets like art, music, or sports.
Teach Coping Skills:
- Introduce mindfulness practices and problem-solving strategies.
Limit Stressors:
- Maintain consistent routines and monitor screen time.

Wrap-Up and Challenge

Parenting in a digital world requires vigilance and intentionality. Building a strong digital culture, avoiding inappropriate content, and protecting mental health are crucial steps to safeguard our children’s hearts and minds.

Challenge for the Week:

Use technology to manage technology: Enable parental controls and explore filtering tools to protect your family.
Commit to open discussions with your children about their digital habits and experiences.

Together, we can help our children thrive in a digital age while staying grounded in what truly matters. Let’s be proactive and intentional—because our children’s futures depend on it.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Revisiting the Bible: A Call to Humility and Submission

Being far removed from the time when the Bible was written is both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, we profit from centuries of insights from Christians who have studied, pondered, and sought to faithfully teach the Scriptures. Their work provides us with a valuable resource of meditations, teachings, and examples of faith that continue to benefit us today.

On the other hand, this distance can be a challenge because of the assumptions and doctrines we bring to the Bible. While the contributions of theologians and scholars are invaluable, they can sometimes hinder our understanding of the Bible’s intended meaning. Too often, we treat their teachings as the final word on Biblical doctrine, leaving little room for exploration or questioning. This elevates human interpretation above the divine truth revealed in Scripture.

Biblical Christianity must be rooted in God’s Word rather than in the interpretations of even the most brilliant thinkers. Our standard for truth cannot be defined by what someone else declares it to be. Instead, it must be grounded in the truth God has revealed through the Bible.

A Call to Submission

I am reminded of a thought-provoking observation from Scot McKnight in his commentary on Galatians:

“Our stance is submission to whatever the text says, regardless of what that means for our thinking and lifestyle. We are using a slippery escape when we distort the interpretation so that it fits our predispositions; we are not finding a slippery escape when we accept the text as it stands, regardless of its implications for life. Every honest interpreter can give countless examples of finding himself or herself to be simply wrong and in need of God’s grace as a result of reading the Bible with the purpose of hearing God’s word.” (The NIV Application Commentary: Galatians, p. 56)

This quote challenges us to approach Scripture with humility, ready to submit to its message even when it disrupts our assumptions. It reminds us that we must let God’s Word shape us rather than trying to shape Scripture to fit our preferences.

Understanding the Historical Context

One way to approach the Bible with humility is to remember that it was written in a particular time and place in history. Understanding the Bible in its historical context is crucial for uncovering its true message. Each book of the Bible was written in a specific cultural, historical, and linguistic setting. Without considering these factors, we risk misinterpreting its meaning or projecting modern assumptions onto ancient texts.

For example, understanding the cultural practices and political tensions of first-century Judea can shed light on Jesus’ teachings, while exploring the legal codes of the Ancient Near East can provide deeper insights into the Old Testament laws. By studying the Bible with an awareness of its original context, we can better appreciate its timeless truths.

Leaning on Trusted Scholars

Since the Bible was written in a particular place, time, and culture, we must have the humility to acknowledge that there are aspects of it we may not fully understand. Even with an excellent translation, thoughts, metaphors, and cultural nuances might go over our heads.

This is where scholars become a vital resource. Their expertise in ancient languages, culture, and history provides a fuller picture of what the Bible conveys. They help us grasp the ideas behind the words that English translations alone cannot always capture.

By learning from Biblical scholars, we gain a deeper understanding of Scripture and its application to our lives.

Understanding Other Perspectives

Engaging with others who hold different interpretations is another valuable way to deepen our understanding of Scripture. Listening to perspectives that differ from our own challenges us to think critically and examine our beliefs. It helps us better understand why we believe what we believe.

Healthy dialogue can uncover nuances in the text we might overlook on our own. Such conversations foster unity and mutual growth, reminding us that we are all seeking to know God more fully. By approaching these discussions with humility and a willingness to learn, we grow together in faith.

A Challenge for Christians

I want to offer you a challenge: approach the Bible with the singular goal of hearing God’s Word. Set aside your preconceived notions, your theological positions, and even your sense of certainty. Open your heart and mind to what God has to say.

How many times have we missed out on hearing God’s voice because we approached the Bible with the belief that we already had it all figured out? Humility is key. It means being willing to admit that we don’t have all the answers and that our interpretations may need correction.

But in exchange, we gain a deeper understanding of God and a closer relationship with Him. That, I believe, is a trade worth making.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Are You Religious?

In Western Christianity, the word religion is often treated almost like a cuss word. Phrases like “You don’t want to have a religious spirit” or “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion” are commonly heard.

Despite this, I proudly acknowledge that I am a religious person. Why? Because I believe religion is how we express and nurture our relationship with God.

Religion provides structure—a way for us to show our love for God and hear from Him. Unlike our relationships with friends and family, our relationship with God requires a different approach. We can’t have a face-to-face conversation, give God a hug, or play a game with Him. While God is always with us, these activities aren’t the same as experiencing them with Him. Religion serves as a framework to facilitate this divine relationship.

The Divine and Human Nature of Religion

Many rituals practiced by God’s people over the centuries were directly given by Him. This is especially evident in the Old Testament. The books of Exodus and Leviticus contain detailed instructions about how the Israelites were to relate to God. A careful reading reveals how specific and intentional God was in prescribing these practices.

However, some religious rituals arise from human traditions rather than direct Scriptural commands. These practices are often born out of human efforts to honor God and provide meaning to His people. Though not Biblically mandated, these traditions can still be valuable in expressing faith and worship.

The Christian Approach to Religion and Tradition

As a follower of Jesus, I understand that the laws and rituals given to Israel were designed for a specific purpose: to set them apart as God’s chosen people and help them represent Him in the world. For instance, the animal sacrifices that renewed Israel’s covenant relationship with God are no longer necessary because we live under a New Covenant.

This New Covenant, established through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, invites us to renew our commitment through practices like Communion. This ritual, given to us by Jesus, is part of the religious framework that enables us to nurture our relationship with God.

Additionally, I appreciate certain traditions that have developed over time, such as celebrating Christmas or gathering for worship in church buildings. While not commanded in Scripture, these traditions enrich our worship and deepen our connection with God.

Religion’s Purpose: Transformation

Beyond facilitating our relationship with God, religion serves another essential purpose: transformation. Christian rituals and traditions are not just about connecting with God; they are tools to help us become the people God created us to be.

James speaks to this in his letter:

"If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" (James 1:26-27, NLT).

James reminds us that religion is not about going through the motions. It’s about transformation. True religion develops self-control, fosters compassion for the needy, and cultivates purity in a world full of sin. Without these outcomes, our religious practices are empty and meaningless.

Faith: The Key to True Religion

The effectiveness of religion—or any spiritual discipline—depends on faith. Faith is our choice to commit to and trust God. Without faith, religion becomes a hollow shell of rituals and traditions. Without faith, life’s trials and tragedies lack purpose. Without faith, God’s wisdom—revealed in Scripture—is reduced to mere advice. Faith breathes life into religion, enabling it to transform us.

God cannot change our lives or restore us to true life unless we trust Him. Ultimately, it’s not about simply being religious; it’s about being faithful. This leads us to two critical questions:

Who am I faithful to?
Will I trust Him with my life?

If our answers aren’t “Jesus” and “yes,” our religion might just be worthless. True religion, empowered by faith, is a gift from God. It draws us closer to Him and shapes us into the people He created us to be.