Discipleship – Page 10 – Muscular Christianity

Why Bother?

Initially, the emphasis is on eternity. You want to be a Christian so you can be certain you’re in the right line after you die. And if Heaven and hell turn out to be fictional, still you want to make sure just in case.

Beyond that, things like going to church and reading your Bible are noble exercises. Being moral is a good approach in the way that it allows you to avoid the pain that often accompanies the consequences of debauchery.

But is that it?

Is the whole point of being on top of your game spiritually nothing more than just being “nice?”

Absolutely not.

The life worth living is the one where you are fierce on the battlefield and you are a gentleman in every other arena. You reek of excellence, honor and strength. Rather than cave in the face of temptation to be less than who you are, you stand, you endure and you win. And not just in the realm of moral dilemmas where your resolve is being tested in the context of sexual pleasures or unethical practices. However toxic or frequent they may be, those are juvenile and insignificant when compared to the real struggle and the real prize.

There is a war being waged every waking moment of your life between the lesser version of yourself and the one that God created to achieve and to thrive. To hit that mark – to claim that victory – you have to engage an enemy whose sole purpose is to see you fail in every category that matters. His tactics are as subtle as they are lethal and however determined you may be, your defenses are pointless. You will fail, you will lose and you will hurt.

The world is full of wealthy disasters, happy fiends and clever fools. Measuring your influence and success by goalposts that never stop moving is pure folly. What matters most is what outlasts you and it’s your character that serves as the foundation upon which your true success is built. That is your top button. Everything else is either compromised or complimented by the substance of who you are.

Here is where Christ makes all the difference.

To refer to it as “good news,” seems like a pathetic understatement. It’s not just a “positive report.” It’s not just the prospect of a temporary reprieve. It’s a Divine Guarantee that you can win every time (Rom 8:28, 37; 2 Cor 2:14). The war that had to be fought and had to be lost is now a war that is already won – it’s just a matter of choosing the Weapon and the Resource that renders even the most diabolical of Satan’s schemes harmless. In end, you are more than your best because now it’s the Son of God in and through you. It’s not just bravery, it’s Perfect Courage. It’s not just strength, it’s Perfect Power and it’s not just a fortunate circumstance, it’s a Divinely orchestrated opportunity.

You study the Word of God and you converse with your King to ensure that you are facing every moment in a way that translates to the best possible outcome according to the True Muscle and the Perfect Mindset afforded to you by God and purchased with the sacrifice of His Son.

That’s why you study Scripture. That’s why you go to church. That’s why you pray and that’s how you triumph over every impulse to be less than the man God created you to be.

A Name, A Job & a Woman

The first three things that God gave man was:

a name (Gen 2:20)
a job (Gen 2:19)
and a woman (Gen 2:22)

When you listen to two guys introducing themselves to one another for the first time, the first question is, “What’s your name?” The next question is “What do you do?” and, at some point you’re going to learn if they’re married or if they have a girlfriend.

This is how men have been wired by their Creator. Your Men’s Ministry has to speak directly into these three areas. Men want to know how their relationship with Christ can increase their significance, their value and their appeal. If your content doesn’t translate to something that can be processed as a practical and effective way to better themselves in those three areas, your program is acknowledged as a noble exercise rather than a crucial foundation.

Muscular Christianity earns the right to be heard in the context of a fitness program that is as challenging as it is credible. And because it establishes discipleship as its philosophical starting point, participants are able to appreciate the True Muscle represented by a consistent prayer life and diligent Bible study. The end result is a man that is spiritually ripped, physically fit and fully equipped.

To get a copy of the book, click here. For more information about a “Muscular Christianity Six Pack Seminar,” click here.

Practical Politics for Believers

Not all Republicans are born again nor are all Democrats atheists.

But 69% of atheists identify themselves as Democrats. 44% see church as being detrimental to the nation.

The reason for this goes beyond the way policies and elections appear on the surface. Topics are used as tactics to slowly move the US to a place where the only Absolute that is acknowledged is the absolute of one’s self.

Believers are commanded to pray for those in positions of authority so that we can be godly and holy (1 Tim 2:2). But how do you pray effectively if you don’t know who to pray for or what decisions are being made? You have to become like those who are described like the men of Issachar described in 1 Chronicles 12:32 as guys who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.

It’s not uncommon for Christian commentators to advocate a political stance that’s more or less neutral – justifying the lack of any real political savvy on the idea that party affiliations represent a potential compromise in one’s faith. This resonates as both spiritual and logical given the way many of the characters in politics are revealed as vulgar and even immoral. This is where you have to be discerning.

The quality of the Constitution isn’t gauged according to the character of the men that wrote it, rather it is evaluated according to the substance of the document itself. In a similar vein, the candidate that you vote for is determined by the policies they champion as well as the moral example that they set. Character is crucial if for no other reason than it influences one’s perspective on the issues being addressed. But you have to look at both and move forward from there (Ecc 7:16-18).

Today’s political landscape is an overwhelming din of negative voices coming from a journalistic community that are primarily Liberal in the way it thinks and votes. Thankfully, they are not the ones who define the Electoral College. It is the citizens of this country that determine both the legislative and, to some extent, the spiritual direction of this country in light or the way some legislators use their authority to undercut the freedom of religion in the way it applies to Christians.

Prayer is both imperative and mandatory. But to be truly obedient, it must be an informed prayer and it has to be accompanied by action. Anything less is neither appropriate nor healthy. Know what you believe and why. Not just in the context of your relationship with Christ, but also in the way you cast your vote and voice your opinion.

How the Pyramids Evolved From Three Individual Stones

Dr. Roger Davidson Steele is a brilliant archaeologist and is a professor on staff at the University of Birmingham in New York. He recently submitted some brilliant theories as to the origin and construction of the pyramids that are as profound as they are unique.

In order to appreciate his theories, it’s healthy to revisit some things about the pyramids that aren’t necessarily common knowledge.

While there are several pyramids scattered throughout the world, the most popular and, perhaps the most impressive, is the Great Pyramid located in Giza, Egypt. The Great Pyramid is actually one of three pyramids…

Their position matches the belt of the constellation Orion.
Each of the four corners of the pyramids are closely aligned with the four cardinal compass points, within four minutes of arc.
The Great Pyramid consists of 2.3 million blocks – each block weighing as much as 2.3 metric tons
The outside of the pyramid is covered with smooth, white limestone characterized by joints so well constructed that you can’t fit a razor blade between them

How these pyramids were built is still a mystery to contemporary archaeologists and engineers. To make the quandary even more intriguing are the theories that make for a very compelling case that they were used to harness the electrical properties of the earth’s geological core.

Their construction and their purpose may very well have been answered by a recent hypothesis submitted by Dr Steele who suggests that each of the pyramids are actually a result of an evolutionary process that began with a single stone.

His theory is that each of these three stones, over a period of millions of years, transformed and became capable of reproduction and precise construction ultimately resulting in the pyramids that we see today.

Evolutionists around the world are applauding Dr. Steele for what represents a monumental form of validation for Darwin’s theory of Evolution and the way in which it can be observed and now proven…

Dr. Roger Davidson Steele is a fictional character and while there is a University of Birmingham, it’s located in England and not in New York. The theory of the pyramids evolving from a single stone is bogus, but it illustrates just how ludicrous it is to suggest that something as precise as the architecture and the construction of the pyramids could be something that came about by chance. It was “built.” It did not merely “appear” or “evolve” over the course of millennia.

Yet, while it’s easy to recognize the obvious fallacy of believing that a pyramid could be formed by forces of chance, many are willing to accept that a human being – something that is infinitely more complex and transcends the physical and includes the emotional and spiritual as well – this is accepted as legitimate science.

In this illustration, we start with a single stone. Richard Dawkins, author of the book, “The God Delusion,” takes it a step further and insists that life started from nothing. He says, “What I can’t understand is why you can’t see the extraordinary beauty of the idea that life started from nothing – that is such a staggering, elegant, beautiful thing, why would you want to clutter it up with something so messy as a God?”

Perhaps because unless your starting point is an Intelligent Creator that exists outside the boundaries of Time and Natural Law, you have something as preposterous as a pyramid evolving from a single stone.

What if Homosexuality Were a Moral Issue?

What if Homosexuality was a moral issue?

What if all the data that’s out there that suggests that homosexual tendencies are a result of distinct brain architecture, genetic predispositions or specific social conditions were put aside and the whole debate was initiated from the stance that says “Homosexuality is a moral choice…”

What would happen?

Everything about the current activst dynamic would come to a screeching halt. “Rights” would be revealed as tactics designed to shift the debate away from personal responsibility, every initiative that’s currently underway that seeks to redefine that which constitutes a family would be abandoned, “religion” would stop being either attacked or manipulated and “Gay Pride” would take on a whole new appearance as a defiant campaign against healthy morals, credible science and sound theology.

That’s why homosexuality can’t be a moral issue. That’s why every effort is made to drown out the stories of those who were practicing homosexuals at one point, but now are not. That’s why those who rightly condemn the nature and the findings of studies done by homosexual scientists desperately looking for ways to force science to certifiy their sexual preferences are dismissed as unenlightened and insensitive. That’s why anyone who bothers to pop the hood on the science, the culture and the motive behind the Gay Agenda and point out the fundamental lack of substance and evidence is immediately categorized as cruel or at least overbearing because, after all, it’s not a moral issue.

There are very few problems in our culture that haven’t been reduced to some kind of victimhood. There are very few scenarios where you can’t fly some phD in to insist that the problem being examined is anything but the result of someone’s poor choice. And until we quit prioritizing the “rights” of a person over the “responsibility” of that person, the debate goes nowhere, nothing gets fixed and the situation continues to deteriorate.

My stance is not to be twisted into something that justifies abuse or violence. Rather, it is to be processed as a philosophical starting point that defines homosexuality as an abnormality and antithetical to all that translates to a healthy person, a healthy family and, ultimately, a healthy society. And there’s nothing productive being accomplished by accepting same sex marriage, embracing Gay Pride, rewriting the Bible or smiling as experts try to suggest that our kids may “suffer” from gender dysphoria. It’s all coming from the same pond and as long as we maintain that it’s not a moral issue, then the situation will continue to get worse as we continue to be told that it’s actually getting better.

What’s the Prize?

You Gotta Push

I maintain that a large part of the reason why many people fail to realize their fitness goals is because they don’t reinforce their resolve with something greater than themselves. I use the illustration of sports and the military to prove that idea by underscoring the way in which both athletes and service personnel will push themselves, not because they’re concerned about their waistline, as much as they are promoting the reputation of the uniform they wear.

Fact is, we have access to the same kind of motivation, but only better in that its influence is not limited to a season or a tour of duty. It’s perpetual and because it works from the inside out, its affect is even more substantial.

Discipleship, as a form of motivation, can be a hard sell because of the way Bible study and prayer are traditionally processed as things that are either reserved for crisis situations or scenarios that are overtly ministerial.

Even by highlighting verses such as 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Colossians 3:17 which show how nothing is untouched or unchanged by the Power and the Grace of God, you’re still leaving your audience hanging unless you can somehow prove that the “prize” referenced by Paul in Philippians 3:14 is just as much of a motivator as a state title or a personal decoration.

Here’s what Paul said to the church in Philippi:

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14).

An athlete can envision a championship, a soldier can see themselves being decorated, but what kind of an incentive does a believer reach for? What’s the prize?

For What?

In short, the prize is the reward you get for being obedient (1 Cor 9:24-25). But not just obedient in the context of things you do at church. That’s where a lot of folks fail to connect the dots as far as the way in which the “prize” is both practical and profound simultaneously.

Every Time You Get Up to Bat

Scripture is frequently punctuated with admonishments to knock it out of the park every time you get up to bat, no matter what it is that you’re doing (see Prov 16:3; Ecc 9:10; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17; 23). When you’re resolved to reek of excellence in everything that you do, inevitably your work ethic, your performance and your attitude is better than it would be otherwise. Hence, your chances to succeed are far greater. But you’re not only gaining whatever accolades are associated with the successful completion of your goal, you’re also putting some eternal points on the board in that you’re being obedient to God’s command to be “excellent.”

Not Just What You’re Doing, it’s Also How You’re Getting it Done

Bear in mind, though, it’s not just a matter of getting things done. It’s in the way you think (Phil 4:8), in what you say (Ps 19:14) as well as what you do (Col 3:17). The idea is that you’re operating in a way where His Name is being stamped on every aspect of your existence, the end result being the kind of overall quality that inspires both admiration as well as interest in what it is that makes you tick (Matt 5:16).

If your focus is on yourself alone, Scripture says that you’ve received your reward in full and you’re not to expect any kind of eternal prize points (Matt 6:2). There’s more to being obedient than simply being passionate in what you do. But that shouldn’t resonate as a burden. Rather, being humble (Lk 14:10; Phil 2:3-4) and gracious (1 Thess 5:16-18) is just another plus being observed by those on the outside looking in. Regardless of how you look at it, being obedient to what your King commands results in nothing but good things both here in this life and the one in the hereafter.

Do you see where this is going?

Paul uses the illustration of a crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25 to illustrate the kind of trophy that awaits us when we cross the finish line up in heaven. That crown is the sum total of the eternal accolades attached to every earthly goal, task, gesture or trophy that was won or accomplished as a result of being obedient. That same crown, unlike the rewards that fade in this life, will never lose their significance or their luster. And that’s why Paul positioned his goals the way he did: By lining them up as a series of rungs in a ladder leading to his true and final Accolade, he stayed motivated, and energized resulting in his being able to accomplish more than he would’ve otherwise.

You’re not “using” God, you’re “choosing” God. It’s not your agenda, it’s His Agenda as He manifests it through your ambitions and preferences (Jn 4:34; Phil 2:13). Are you accomplishing your goals? Yes! Are you maintaining a healthy set of priorities as you’re getting it done? Yes! Are you enjoying the thrill of achieving your goals? You better believe it! Are you making your King look good in the way you’re working and the results you’re producing?

Yeah, you are!

Getting it Done

In terms of strength, significance and success, there is no life greater than the one God offers in exchange for your obedience (Jer 29:11; Rom 12:2). To live out that Reality, simply maintain a constant line of communication with your King and let the thought of His Signature of Purpose being fixed to every waking moment of your life inspire you to be and do more.

Don’t just try. Win!

You’re constantly confronted with a version of yourself that’s inclined to make mistakes and concessions. Instead of “trying” to defeat that beast, win (Eph 6:12)! Keep your eyes on the finish line and the pat on the back that’s coming from your God when it’s all said and done (Rev 20:12). Reinforce your resolve and keep your brain free of obstructions with a steady diet of Scripture and frequent conversations with your King.

That’s why you read your Bible and that’s why you pray (2 Tim 3:16-17; Jas 1:5). It’s not just for the sake of being moral or being kind. That’s the shallow end of the pool! You want to get in over your head and apply God’s Word, His Power and His Perspective in everything you do so the end result is an accomplished goal, an admirable character and an eternal blue ribbon.

That’s the prize!

Get it done!

Spiritually Ripped. Physically Fit. Fully Equipped.

Let’s Talk About Fitness

Fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry because most people love the idea of being fit. The problem is most people wind up pursuing their fitness goals rather than realizing them because they fail to reinforce their resolve with something that goes beyond themselves.

If that doesn’t immediately resonate in your mind as logical, think about this:

Reinforce Your Resolve With Something Greater Than Yourself

In High School, I remember guys on the Wrestling Team would fast for an entire day leading up to their meet so they could qualify for what amounted to be the most strategically advantageous weight division. They weren’t concerned so much about their vanity as much as they were wanting to promote the success of their team. You see it in virtually every team oriented sport where athletes will subject themselves to an exhausting training regimen in order to be the fastest and the strongest they can possibly be. Again, it’s not because they’re looking to “lose weight,” as much as they’re determined to make a positive contribution to the overall team effort.

You also see it in the military. Recruits will subject themselves to 90 days worth of discomfort and humiliation in order to rate the privilege of wearing that uniform. And then once they’ve earned that privilege, they continue to build themselves physically so can be truly combat ready. Again, it’s not so much about the way their uniform fits as much as it’s what that uniform represents that fuels their resolve.

What Branch?

I can testify. I was in the Marines and what’s significant is that even though I was discharged several years ago, I still feel obligated to maintain a certain physical standard given the fact that I served in the Corps.

I’ll give you an example: Recently I was running a race where there were several obstacles involved along with multiple hills that compelled a number of participants to cease running and slow down to a run accompanied by some labored breathing. Some of the obstacles involved a combination of upper and lower body strength which, combined with the challenge of the hills that had to be negotiated, resulted in several individuals to forgo the obstacle altogether and simply go around it and continue walking.

I was determined to run the whole thing and do it right. At one point I wound up running alongside a high school student who’s pace happened to match mine. We struck up one of those conversations where you’re talking in between occasional gasps for air as you’re grunting your way through an intense workout. He picked up on the fact that I served in the military and he asked, “What branch?”

In that moment, you want to be able to say, “USMC” and not feel like you have to make excuses as to why you’re not looking the part at that point.

But here’s the thing: When I was on active duty, fitness was compulsory. I was in uniform everyday, and while I may still feel somewhat obligated to maintain a good uniform appearance, the fact is my Dress Blues are in my closet, I’m not having to stand inspection everyday nor am I expected to take a Physical Fitness Test every six months.

That’s the problem with activities that motivate you from the outside in. They tend to be seasonal and their influence endures for only as long as you’re actively participating. While you can’t deny their effectiveness in reinforcing your determination, the fact that they’re temporary can be problematic if you’re looking for something to impact your resolve on an on-going basis.

From the Inside Out

What would be ideal is if you had access to something that not just motivated you, but genuinely inspired you and did so from the inside out. Moreover, to have access to it indefinitely as opposed to something that was available temporarily – now that would be phenomenal!

Fact is, you have that Resource. You’ve got that dynamic in you and although we’re talking about fitness, you can unleash this beautiful machine in the context of any discipline or challenge that you might face.

It’s called Discipleship.

Reek of Excellence

You might be thinking, “How did we go from pushups to Bible Study?”

Simple.

Look at Colossians 3:17:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17)

First of all, consider the phrase, “…whatever you do.” That’s going to include what you’re doing in the gym and at the dinner table.

Secondly, ponder what it means to do it, “…in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That means you’re doing what He wants, the way He wants it done. And how does He want to see it done?

Greek New Testament Lexicon

kalos-> excellent [Matt 5:16]

beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable

beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends

Wholeheartedly…

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23-24 [ESV])

...with all your might…

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. (Ecc 9:10 [live each day as your last])

...with excellence…

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)

We are to reek of excellence in everything we do, think and say.

Now I know what you want to say. While this might be somewhat inspirational, in many ways it’s nothing more than yet another directive to “straighten up and fly right.” But when you pop the hood on all that Scripture is advocating in this context, you’ve got something here that will fire you up when you deploy it the way that it was intended.

There are two primary reasons why God would have you knock it out of the park every time you get up to bat:

Promote the Reality and the Power of God (Matt 5:16)

So you can win (1 Cor 9:24; Eph 6:12-13)

People are drawn to quality. If you’re good at what you do, not only do they admire your talent, they’re also interested in what makes you tick. That’s why Scripture is so frequently punctuated with admonishments to be on top of your game, whatever your game might be. That’s the sugar that makes your witness sweet!

The other piece of why you want to focus on being excellent is because when you do so you place yourself in a position of strength.

The Two Versions of You

There are two versions of you:

❯❯ the version of you that tries
❯❯ the version of you that wins

The version of you that wins is that version that triumphs over every impulse you have to make mistakes, make compromises, quit and ultimately fail.

Fact is, your greatest adversary is not that person you’re competing with for a job promotion or some other kind of accolade. Your biggest opponent is the one that’s staring back at you in the mirror every morning. That’s the beast you need to tame! The Bible calls it your “earthly nature” in Colossians 3:5. In addition, anytime you’re getting ready to do something that has the potential to serve as a good commercial for the Strength and the Substance of your King, the devil is rolling up his sleeves and saying, “Oh, no you don’t!”

Ephesians 6:12 says:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12)

The “position of strength” that was referenced earlier is a mental posture where you’re intentionally acknowledging the Signature of Divine Purpose that’s stamped on every waking moment of your life. (Ps 139:16). There’s nothing random or insignificant about your circumstance regardless of where you’re at or what you’re doing. And you’ve got a choice to either fly solo, contend with your own shortcomings coupled with the schemes of Satan and settle for what God allows, or to grab a hold of the True Muscle of Christ and perform in a manner that God prefers.

You can either try or you can win.

You are at your strongest when you’re processing things and operating in concert with God’s Reality and Power (1 Jn 4:4). And you’re far more likely in that moment to be asking for and receiving the Resources God would give you to ensure that you’re performing at a level that’s better than your best (Matt 7:7-8; Phil 2:13; Jas 1:5).

That’s how you win! That’s your key to success! That is you reinforcing your resolve with Something greater than yourself and that is you reeking of excellence!

All Day Every Day

While some of this may sound familiar, the tendency is to reserve these kind of spiritual strategies for crisis situations, moral dilemmas or when the topic is overtly ministerial.

No.

Look at 2 Corinthians 9:8:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8).

This is for your approach to fitness, this applies when you go to work, this can be deployed even when you’re mowing your lawn. There’s nothing that’s untouched or unaffected by the Power and the Grace of God. It is simply a matter of making use of those Resources and enjoying the benefits of a successful outcome, a healthy disposition and a powerful witness.

Folks, this is why we read our Bible! This is why we pray! So that we can win over those things that stand between us and the excellence that we’re capable of in Christ.

All things at all times – all day, every day!

Physical Fitness is no less grueling nor less inconvenient even when we’re doing it as a form of discipleship. But when we reinforce our resolve with a determination to honor our King and make use of all that He offers to help us get it done – it’s a completely different dynamic. And again, this isn’t just about fitness. This is every discipline, every goal, every challenge. So, reinforce your resolve and empower your efforts with the Rocket Sauce of the Holy Ghost and buckle up!

Let’s get it done!

Is America More Depraved Than Other Nations?

The questions is, “Is America more depraved than other nations?”

This comes from the questions that are voiced in the context of the debate pertaining to gun control. Some want to believe that increased legislation will solve the problem of gun related crime, others are insisting that it has nothing to do with laws as much as it has to do with the culture producing the villains pulling the trigger. Those who lean towards a legislative solution mockingly ask if America is more depraved than other nations, implying that in order for the cultural perspective to be credible, it would have to be demonstrated that America is more depraved than her international counterparts.

The answer to the question is, “Yes!” But not so much in terms of the number of people that are willing to commit murder, although that is the case in some instances. The real depravity is represented by the volume and the philosophical foundation of those voices that insist on targeting the legal system for resolution as opposed to the culture that’s producing the villains that are pulling the trigger. To adopt a conviction that criminal activity can be remedied simply by crafting new laws or changing existing ones is to ignore, not only the testimony of history and the cultures of nations that have lower crime rates, it flies in the face of the Absolute Truths that are communicated in Scripture. From that standpoint, it encourages a lack of accountability on the part of those that are guilty of murder and it creates a more humanistic environment that seeks to distance itself from any notion of personal responsibility and moral Absolutes.

Consider this…

Question: Who is Lee Harvey Oswald?

Think about that for a minute…

Japan has a remarkably low crime rate. Not just in terms of criminal activity involving firearms, but crime in general. The reason is not due to the availability of weapons as much as it’s a cultural dynamic that awards an outrageously lethal stigma to anyone who engages in criminal behavior. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have a darker side, but it is nevertheless a relatively safe country because of the culture.

…because of the culture.

Better laws don’t make better men. If the law in and of itself was sufficient, the fact that murder is illegal should be enough of a deterrent to prevent people from killing one another. But it doesn’t. What yields the lower criminal activity rate in Japan is the philosophical makeup of their citizenship and not the legal fibers that comprise their national legislative tapestry.

The United States depends on that dynamic as well. Os Guiness once said, “The framers also held that, though the Constitution’s barriers against the abuse of power are indispensable, they were only “parchment barriers” and therefore could never be more than part of the answer. And in some ways they were the secondary part at that. The U.S. Constitution was never meant to be the sole bulwark of freedom, let alone a self perpetuating machine that would go by itself. The American founders were not, in Joseph de Maistre’s words, “poor men who imagine that nations can be constituted with ink.” Without strong ethics to support them, the best laws and the strongest institutions would only be ropes of sand.”

Another quick question: Who is John Wilkes Booth?

Ponder that…

Consider the nation of Switzerland. They are also listed along with the Japanese as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. All young men are obligated to serve in the military and after being discharged, many take their military grade semiautomatic weapons home with them. Despite the large number of weapons in the hands of the citizenry, their murder rate is way below that of Chicago. Again, the reason for this is obviously not in the manner in which they try to control the distribution of guns in their country, rather it’s the inclination on the part of the individuals who make up the Swiss population to commit murder. That is significant given the fact that in Switzerland, there are 40 gun homicides a year compared to fact that in the US there are 31 every day and most of the violent crime committed in Switzerland is committed by foreigners.

It’s not the “law” that makes the difference. It’s the character of the individual and the extent to which they’re willing to abide by the law.

Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated John F. Kennedy. John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln. Their names are known, not the caliber of the weapon nor the due process or the lack thereof that allowed them to procure the weapon they used to kill their victims. Their names are known because their crime was associated with their personal depravity and not their gun permits.

What is the name of the individual who murdered the 17 students in Parkland, Florida?

If you’re like most, you have to google it to look it up.

Nikolas Cruz is a heinous human being. Yet, you don’t hear his name very often. Rather, all you’re hearing is about the “system” that allowed Cruz access to a weapon.

Not only is murder illegal, it’s cruel and despicable. The difficulty in procuring a gun is incidental in the mind of a person who’s determined to randomly end the lives of 17 young strangers. Another law is not going to make a difference in the rationale of someone who’s already resolved to disobey, not only the law, but every moral impulse that would otherwise govern a decent human being. And to insist otherwise is…

..depraved.

It’s depraved because it doesn’t look at Lee Harvey Oswald or Jame Earl Ray or John Wilkes Booth. It looks at pistols and rifles and gun permits for the same reason it looks at the lack of free contraceptives, the fact that a designated driver wasn’t available or a difficult childhood as a way in which to create a blameless culture where wickedness doesn’t exist, only flawed systems.

It’s the same rationale that dilutes Christianity down to a code of ethics by saying, in the words of John Shelby Spong, “Christianity is, I believe, about expanded life, heightened consciousness and achieving a new humanity. It is not about closed minds, supernatural interventions, a fallen creation, guilt, original sin or divine rescue.”¹ While that may not be the spiritual paradigm of every person that thinks editing the Second Amendment is a logical course of action, it is nevertheless the philosophical mantra of its strongest advocates (69% of atheists identify themselves as Democrats ).

Sin is a choice and it’s one that you are responsible for. That is the one of the Absolutes that opponents of Christianity despise the most. Evil is relative and wherever wrongdoing can be identified, it is the result of outside forces and not the sinister impulses of the individual themselves. God is dismissed as a Redeemer since He’s also the Author of the dynamic that incriminates human kind to begin with.

No mention is made of man’s choice to dismiss God and promote themselves as their own Absolute. An option that needed to be available in order for love to exist. An option that was explained as being lethal, yet embraced nevertheless believing themselves to be equivalent to and therefore deserving of the Divine Platform that governed their existence.

A choice that would require God Himself to die in order to satisfy the eternal debt incurred as a result of man’s depravity.

A choice that could be temporarily medicated with a legal code – a system of laws that allowed for a short term removal of the lethal stigma man wanted over the unpolluted fellowship God had originally put in place.

That body of legislation, however, that could not effect any real solution because man’s character is such where the fact that something is written down doesn’t affect any real change in their resolve to be immoral.

That is the Message of Scripture, it’s the mindset of our Founders, it’s the testimony of history, it’s the reality of those nations that have lower crime rates and to believe otherwise is…

…depraved.

1. Brainy Quote, John Shelby Spong, https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/john_shelby_spong, accessed March 30, 2018

110 Rules of Civility and Good Behavior

By age sixteen, Washington had copied out by hand, 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. They are based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595. Presumably they were copied out as part of an exercise in penmanship assigned by young Washington’s schoolmaster. The first English translation of the French rules appeared in 1640, and are ascribed to Francis Hawkins the twelve-year-old son of a doctor.

Richard Brookhiser, in his book on Washington wrote that “all modern manners in the western world were originally aristocratic. Courtesy meant behavior appropriate to a court; chivalry comes from chevalier – a knight. Yet Washington was to dedicate himself to freeing America from a court’s control. Could manners survive the operation? Without realizing it, the Jesuits who wrote them, and the young man who copied them, were outlining and absorbing a system of courtesy appropriate to equals and near-equals. When the company for whom the decent behavior was to be performed expanded to the nation, Washington was ready. Parson Weems got this right, when he wrote that it was ‘no wonder every body honoured him who honoured every body.'”

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2. When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
Be considerate of others. Do not embarrass others.

3. Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.

4. In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5. If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkerchief or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6. Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7. Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.

8. At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9. Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10. When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.

11. Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12. Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

“&c” here is et cetera, as in “and the others” or ” and company

13. Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexterously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14. Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15. Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Showing any great Concern for them.

16. Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17. Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play’d Withal.

18. Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

19. Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20. The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

21. Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22. Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

Don’t draw attention to yourself.

23. When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always show Pity to the Suffering Offender.

24. Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
25. Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

26. In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

27. Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it’s due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being asked; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behavior in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

28. If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up though he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

29. When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

30. In walking the highest Place in most Countries Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honor: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31.If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

32. To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who ‘is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33. They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Public charge.

When you speak, be concise.

34. It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

35. Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

36. Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honor them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesy, without Arrogance.

37. In speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.

38. In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.

39. In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

Do not argue with your superior. Submit your ideas with humility.

40th Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

41. Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Professes; it Savours of arrogance.

42. Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.

43. Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

When a person does their best and fails, do not criticize him.

44. When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

45. Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Show no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

46. Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.
Do not make fun of anything important to others.

If you are corrected, take it without argument. If you were wrongly judged, correct it later.

47. Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself.
If you criticize someone else of something, make sure you are not guilty of it yourself. Actions speak louder than words.

48. Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

49. Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
Do not be quick to believe bad reports about others.

50. Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.

51. Wear not your Cloths, foul, ripped or Dusty but See they be Brushed once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

52. In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accommodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.

53. Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

54. Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Decked, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.

55. Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

Associate with good people. It is better to be alone than in bad company.

56. Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for ‘is better to be alone than in bad Company.

57. In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.

58. Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for ‘is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.

Never break the rules in front of your subordinates.

59. Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against the Rules Moral before your inferiors.

60. Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret.

Some things are better kept secret.

61. Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grave and Learned Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

A person should not overly value their own accomplishments.

62. Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63. A Man ought not to value himself of his Achievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.

64. Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, though there Seem to be Some cause.

65. Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

66. Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it’s a time to Converse.

Do not detract from others nor be overbearing in giving orders.

67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

68. Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Asked & when desired do it briefly.

If two people disagree, do not take one side or the other. Be flexible in your own opinions and when you don’t care, take the majority opinion.

69. If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indifferent be of the Major Side.

70. Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.

71. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

72. Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

Do not correct others when it is not your place to do so.

73. Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

74. When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.

75. In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it’s handsome to Repeat what was said before.

76. While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77. Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.

Don’t compare yourselves amongst yourselves.

78. Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Virtue, commend not another for the Same.

79. Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.

Do not be quick to talk about something when you don’t have all the facts.

80. Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.

81. Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.

Do not be curious about the affairs of others.

82. Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise.

83. When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.

Do not start what you cannot finish. Keep your promises.

84. When your Superiors talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

85. In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are asked a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.

86. In Disputes, be not So Desirous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.

87. Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.

88. Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

Do not speak badly of those who are not present.

89. Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

90. Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there’s a Necessity for it.

91. Make no Show of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.

92. Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

93. Entertaining any one at the table, it is decent to present him with meat; Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.

94. If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

95. Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pie upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.

96. It’s unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.

Don’t take so big a bite that you must chew with your mouth open.

97. Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.

98. Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.

99. Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking, wipe your lips; breath not then or ever with too great a noise, for its uncivil.

100. Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.

101. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

102. It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.

103. In the company of your betters, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.

104. It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first, but he ought then to begin in time & to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.

105. Be not angry at the table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast.

106. Set not yourself at the upper of the table; but if it be your due or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, least you should trouble the company.
Show interest in others conversation, but don’t talk with your mouth full.

107. If others talk at the table, be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth.

108. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honor & obey your natural parents although they be poor.

109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful.

Don’t allow yourself to become jaded, cynical or calloused.

110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

For more information, click here.

Youth and Consequences

I saw this trailer and while I’m not sure what the overall message of the plot may be, it’s hard not to think of the way in which the Left has so effectively used students to give more visibility and credibility to their spin on gun control in recent days. Here’s what I’m thinking…

So, you give someone who hasn’t been on the planet for more than a decade and a half and you convince them that they know more than their adult counterparts…

Then you finance them and give them the opportunity to broadcast their platform – whatever it may be – in a way that includes a subtle dismissal on any kind of authority save their own…

Encourage them to engage their audience in a manner that is belligerent, hyper-confident and even sinister and what do you have…?

A entire demographic that sneers at any conviction that doesn’t match their own coupled with an unwillingness to consider a more comprehensive perspective on themselves and the world around them.

Because they’re minors, the law doesn’t apply in the same way and they’re able to hide behind their immaturity should they find themselves being called on the carpet for their manner or their fundamentally flawed mindset.

The only people who are affected by any kind of legislation are those who have a healthy regard for the rule of law. Criminals, by default, have no such regard. Hence, the only people that are impacted by stricter gun control laws are the victims of random shootings and not the culprits. It’s not that legislation accomplishes nothing, but in instances such as these, you’re basically trying to eliminate drug abuse by making certain drugs illegal. Or you’re attempting to reduce the number of lies being told by officially declaring falsehoods are illegal…It’s the person who pulls the trigger and not the trigger itself. Click here to read more about the issue of Gun Control and the voices that would insist that the Constitution needs to be amended.

Both the Left and their media pawns are using this resource more and more.

And it’s an easy strategy to deploy. Most of the information that is being dissimenated these days is in the context of headlines and bullet points. 3 minute broadcasts or articles that can be digested in a matter of seconds are now substitutes for real research, careful analysis and true wisdom.

A kid watches a youtube video and suddenly they feel informed and even confident in sneering at their parents, scoffing at their pastors, challenging the government and even questioning God.

So, what do you do?

Lead by example.

Nothing is more compelling than the Truth. You hear somebody screaming their poison and challenging what’s right all under the heading of “protest,” be ready to answer and convince them that there’s more to what they’re championing than what they want to acknowledge.

And remember that rarely are going to engage someone according to their logic alone. Convictions are convoluted coctails of fact and passion. While you may not be able to change their mind in the context of a single paragraph, you can nevertheless make an impact by allowing the Rocket Sauce of the Holy Spirit to shake their heart with tremors of Truth.

Fact is, that’s the only thing that’s going to make a difference.