Weekly Thought – November 19, 2024
Fred used a tape recorder to capture his observations and thoughts. As technology changed, his collection grew… all the way from a giant box housing a reel to reel to the last one which was a small handheld downloadable to a computer file. The familiar refrain “period – paragraph” let everyone in the family know he was in his office taping mini essays to be transcribed by his faithful secretary. This week features two examples.
Values or Virtues
Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues they may be moral or ethical, but they are not Christian. Our society is full of slogans, ads, and even sermons urging us to return to family values, historical models, and proper ethics. But rarely are we challenged to return to Biblical virtues.
We talk about values because subconsciously we are exercising control as we choose our standards and values. Biblical virtues, however, exert authority over us and come from revealed truth. They are in control not under our control.
Returning to even the best human values is not good enough – we must return to virtue, for in doing so we are returning to God.
(“MK, period, paragraph. New mini essay”)
What Are You Becoming?
Those around us judge us by our accomplishment. They know what we have done, built, titles we have worn, honors we have garnered, and who we are. But on the inside we continually ask ourselves: Am I content with who I am becoming or who I have become?
In East Texas we have the large pine beetle. When it dies it remains clinging to the bark of the pine tree. Its insides dry up, and thought the body of the insect appears to be alive. But an approach and touch reveals nothing but a hollow shell.
Occasionally I meet someone whose life has evaporated. He has become a walking hollow shell. His living has used up his life.
This week carefully consider: 1) What idea am I thinking about right now? 2) How can I assess my direction? 3) Who can help me evaluate my progress?
Words of Wisdom: “Am I content with who I am becoming?”
Wisdom from the Word: “And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.” (Colossians 3:14 NET Bible)