I don't think, therefore... KABOOM!

Faithful Readers, my life's ambition has been to write about something that matters. I've written at length about this before and I still don't feel as if my thoughts have made an impact at all in the world. It's a helpless type of feeling, much akin to seeing someone drown unable to reach their hand to pull them out. 

This week is vacation week for me and I feel as if the moment I step outside of my responsibilities in order to take a much needed break that the cohesion I worked so hard to create within my work and others' lives disintegrates and falls apart. So now the reports I hear remind me of a flag flapping in a gale storm of bizarre incidents and it gives me pause to ponder these events...

I'll start where I can start and hopefully everything makes sense... hopefully it makes more sense to you than it does to me. K, shut eyes... take breath... here we GO!

The first topic that has my brain boggling with controversial rage is this unfortunate situation unfolding in Florida. The 17 year old kid that got shot. Tragic; I feel for his family. So pointless to have a son taken away over something that most definitely could have been avoided.

But what has irked me is the level of racist thoughts and demonstrations that have come as a result of this incident. The controversy never ends and it's people's prejudice that perpetuates it... My brain is processing far beyond my words per minute capabilities so I will try to explain my reasons on this event as clearly as possible. 

1. The improper use of inductive reasoning. Here's what we know: The kid was walking around a gated community at night with his hood up. The guy who winds up shooting him was on neighborhood watch, called the police to report suspicious activity and winds up following this kid against the recommendation of the dispatcher. Something happens, and there's an alleged altercation and a bullet goes through the kid. 

The first conclusion drawn by some people - Racism is at the core of this incident... Sorry, I can't make that jump based on the evidence. Did this guy use some inductive reasoning when trailing this kid? Yeah, probably. Kid + Night + Vigilant = possible misunderstanding. Hind-sight is always 20/20, but this guy has taken it upon himself to protect his community. You can infer that a lot more easily than jumping to racism, especially given the history of this individual. 

So the fact that this was a black kid and a white/Hispanic guy who shot coupled with the fact that no arrest was made that night (which was the expectation of justice for the parents and now for all involved) brings about cries of racism far and abroad on all sides culminating with the new Black Panthers issuing a $10,000 bounty on this guy's head. Sad state of affairs at the moment.

All of these stipulations of racism are conjectured or projected since the investigation is currently ongoing. 

2. Lack of trust in the judicial system. I have had someone make the claim that justice is being perverted simply because this is not going to trial. I feel sad when our own people do not fully understand how the legal system works. This point will also attempt to bring in the aspect of God in Christian's view of legality, but we'll get to that. 

So here's the deal with the legal system, it's set in place to protect people from false claims about one's innocence. Anyone can accuse someone of something, but an investigation is normally the first step to conclude whether or not there's enough evidence to base a case on it. This is precisely what is happening now and what is irritating people to death (surmounting the cries of ''RACISM!") is that both the police and FBI are unable to determine enough evidence to warrant criminal charges.

Why this upsets people? They want to prejudge him as guilty or needing to prove his innocence. However, that's not how our system works. Even IF everyone knows "HE DID IT!" our courts are designed to protect people from false accusations. See, a compelling argument for why someone is guilty is only effective when it's coupled with physical evidence or eye-witness accounts form reliable sources. This is why such cases as the Ramsey or O.J. incidents come out the way they did. Is the system broken? NO. It's working as it's supposed to. Reason and proper arguments prevail and, believe me, it's MUCH preferable to the alternative of being able to have retribution heaped upon you from a solid argument alone.

Where does God play in? Christians demand justice be served and become irate when the system "fails." As I've just said, the system didn't fail, it's just operating as well as it can. So often we people expect absolute Justice (such a thing is only possible by God's hand, not our own.) from our finite and human systems. This could only come close to perfection if our courts and judges were omniscient. What a fantastic expectation. "HE DID IT! YOU SHOULD CONVICT!" It's when Christians take this attitude that they intend to strip God of HIS authority and place the unwarranted burden upon the courts to supply perfect justice. 

Let the system work how it works and allow God to handle what the limits of the system cannot do. This is what the Bible means when it tells us not to judge. Who can know the hearts of man but God the Father? That's why our courts are based on evidence. We can deduce guilt based on what is presented (physical evidence, eye witnesses, and analysis of testimony), but when we presume to infer guilt by inductive reasoning and demand judgment on things we are unsure of, we fall short of the attitude towards Justice that God intends for us. 

3. Divisions... This is my least favorite of any controversy. Because there are still wounds from the racial history in America, this one incident re-sparks the sensitivity and undue wariness that causes everyone to take a huge step backwards in progressing as a united nation. If you don't agree a certain way, you're labeled as no good, racist, ignorant, blind, stupid, bigoted, etc... I'm sick of it. For the reasons I have explained above, this incident shouldn't tear us apart. We DON'T know all the facts. Those closest to this thing, the investigators, the guy involved, they know. The truth will come out. Justice will be served either in our courts or in God's. That might not satisfy everyone but, my goodness, don't make this about overarching issues that have no business being resurrected. One kid being shot does NOT equal rampant racism spreading in America... unless we make it happen. Such is the unfortunate result of pendulum backlash...

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Do you agree? disagree? Share your reasoning; I'm more than happy to converse.

Quadrascentennial Reflections

Quadrascentennial: 25 years.

This week has been quite momentous. My car's odometer turned over to 18,000 which is always exciting. What's more, it happened right as I was parking so I didn't have to pull out my camera while driving in order to take a snap-shot of the occasion (that's always dangerous!) But probably more significant (at least to anyone who cares more about people than car mileage) is that my odometer hit 9,132 days lived. That's 25 years + a week of leap days for you math whizzes.

Traditionally, the birthday celebrator receives gifts and wisdom from those wiser and more experienced. But on this 25th birthday, I decided to break with tradition and share from the pool of wisdom I've been slowly collecting. I hope you enjoy and its precisely what you wished for (You didn't even have to blow out any candles!).

The one thing that constantly comes back to my attention is the lie that people express in the desire to "simplify life." People are continuously telling me that they wish life were easier. They buy the latest innovation or contraption so that life's tasks can be accomplished more simply. They try every method out there in a vain attempt to simplify life, fooling themselves into believing that's what they really want. 

In reality, people seek to complicate their lives to the point of exhaustion. Now, don't get me wrong; I contend that life NEEDS to be simple and a simple life is not only attainable but essential. But people are constantly confusing their own motives in pursuit of this (seemingly) elusive ideal. 

"I want my life to be simple." so it's filled with methods for attaining simplicity. "I want things to help make life easier." so most time is spent breaking one's back or exasperating one's brain, toiling to acquire these gadgets that serve to frustrate, confound and further complicate life and, in some cases, bring it to a screeching hault! "Sorry, I couldn't do anything yesterday. My phone broke, the internet died and my car is in the shop. Now I have a HUGE amount to catch up on."

Even leisure time is horridly complicated in the name of simplicity. Advertisements constantly competing for attention amidst a 20 minute episode of a favored television show. The internet is unyielding with its barrage of pop-ups and banners assulting the sight of one who simply wishe a half hour escape from the conscious reality of life and its eternal hardships from evading simplicity. There is no relief. Even entertainment has become more of a hassle than a treat. We've done it to ourselves. 

The truth is this, a simple life does NOT equal an easy life. Or, perhaps it should be phrased like this "A simple life does NOT mean a LAZY life." 

The misconception is that a life of simplicity means that one will not have to do much in order to maintain that simplicity. If I hold to a small set of beliefs and follow a minimilized philosophy, then the energy required to maintain such a lifestyle and said philosophy should be minimal as well! Especially with all the new and current tools to help in that pursuit! 

No wonder people spend endless hours wrapped up in entertainment! The realization is that people are not concerned with simplicity but with laziness. People don't want to expend the effort to maintain a meager existence. People are content to BE simple-minded and devoid of the intestinal fortitude to manage a life of simplicity. It takes REAL effort to maintain a life built upon a select set of principles and most people are not willing to muster what it takes. 

Life is not meant to be complicated. Life is meant to be simple (but by no means easy). I follow God. His word says, "Don't lie, be honest. Pursue Justice. Love the LORD your God. Love others." Simple; not overly complicated. No matter the situation, take the effort to DO what is right. There's not really a correlation between doing the easy thing and doing the right thing. There's no app for it, there's no easy button. The simplicity of it simply requires effort. That's the real secret to a simple life. I will never have to worry about how to act, what to do, which choice to make. All I have to worry about it putting for the effort to follow through. 

What so many claim to want - simplicity - is a lie. They want easy. They want whatever will take the least amount of energy or caring or emotional empathy. People want to be generally detatched from responsibility and sticking to the tough calls. Because of that, life is perpetually complicated. People are fooled into searching for something that they're really not and aren't transparent enough to realize what they really need; Simplicity.

Simplicity happens when we stop concerning ourselves with how much doing what's right is going to cost us. 

Searching for Significance (Part 2)

Hey there, faithful readers! If you haven't taken a few moments to read my thoughts in part one of Search for Significance (this is a series) I'd recommend catching yourself up on my thoughts so far (If you choose to :D ).

In this post I want to focus more on WHY people search for significance. In the grand scheme of things, we people are pretty insignificant. The universe is larger than anyone can possibly imagine. As a species, we are smaller than a spec of dust compared to the vastness of the cosmos. As individuals, we are constantly reduced to a number or other arbitrary representation. Our true character or unique individuality is often overlooked, under appreciated, or ignored altogether.

This reasoning alone makes it an easy jump to assume why people search for significance. Even as far back as ancient Egypt, Pharaohs wanted to be remembered throughout history so that their names would not be forgotten. The desired for some part of who they were to live on and thus, cling to some aspect of significance. To make a lasting mark on human memory and history. 

If this is all there is to it, then our significance rests on the fickle memory of other human beings that are objectively as insignificant as a single grain of sand on the shore of the sea... Not a comforting thought. But I'm guessing the notion never passed through Tutankhamun's mind even though he was surrounded by sand.

I'm not afraid to offer up a much humbler explanation for our searching. A more compelling reason for being remembered. A much more substantial fulfillment than simply making a mark on history (which will someday become obsolete, faded, and forgotten).

Simply put, people want to know that they matter. It is natural in light of the cosmic thoughts already expressed to desire some sense of worth in this great universe. The reason for this is not as simple as subconscious enlightenment. I believe that the desire to know that we matter as individuals comes from the purpose for which we were created. (Conversely, if you believe we were neither created nor imbued with a purpose, then your search for sigificance will never reach a fruitful conclusion... no matter how many pyramids you build.)

According to Genesis, we were created for the sole purpose of communing with the creator of the universe. The highest fathomable being desired to spend all of time in relationship with us. THAT is pretty significant. That we would even be created for such an important purpose. 

In light of that truth, no wonder people have an inclination to be significant. If they can't fulfill the natural relationship of being connected to the creator and knowing that they are worth the time of the Master of the Universe, they would HAVE to take the consolation prize of being at the mercy of History.

All the significance we could possibly grab or obtain in this world pales in comparison to acknowledging the significance placed upon us by the Creator. It's only through that relationship do we realize our worth, our value and substantially fulfill that longing that sets all of us on this search for significance. 

Thoughts? Pyramid blueprints to share? Love to hear them.

Searching for Significance

Right. My plan was to create a vlog where I could express my continuing thoughts on the journey that most everyone on the planet deals with. This search for significance. This vlogging idea was shot down by myself after realizing my voice sounds as about as appealing as chocolate eel sauce on a sundae. Content to stick to the written word, I will share these thoughts with you, my faithful readers. 

I'll start out by telling you all a bit more about myself. My name is Jonathan David. Both my parents are pastors serving the Lord faithfully in Florida.
** I also have a dearly beloved sister who is a computer whiz master and makes the most delicious cookies you'll ever eat. I love her more than all the sugary treats in Holland. She lives in SC. (Addendum added after guilt trip from failng to mention her...)**
I serve at a local church in Lakeland, FL working with the youth and also some music ministry.  I am single, in my mid 20's and enjoy being adventurous and, yes, I love Halo. Something about besting another player with nothing but a pistol gets the adrenaline pumping. I am white, male, and did make it through college with the standard diet of insomnia and Ramen noodles. As you have noticed, I have lots and lots of thoughts. I want to write about what is important. So here's some food for thought.

I believe this search affects every single person on the planet. Everyone is either struggling with the realization of their level of significance, attempting to discover if they even have any, or are running away from any sense of significance. It's my hope that some of these thoughts can offer a helpful insight into this journey and direct some to the path they were meant to take. Maybe it will offer me some sense of significance to know I helped others. Well, here goes...

My first thought for you is this - What determines WHO I am?

I become apathetic from the crowds of people who are convinced that it's their physical attributes that determine (or in some cases, predetermine) who they are. My attributes are descriptors that help identify me as compared to someone else, but they aren't the totality of WHO I am. If people really believe that all they are is a physical or predetermined label, then they are sadly mistaken. 

I am more than just a middle-class, white male. I am more than just a bald, single youth pastor. It bugs me when people identify themselves purely by these superficial attributes. Most notably on my list are the homosexual community. I would HATE it if someone pegged me as defined simply by my sexual orientation. I can't quite understand why so many choose to make that the defining characteristic of their lives. But I do have a thought.

In the search for significance, we tend to cling to these physical or given attributes because they are generally unchanging. Really, unless you take drastic actions to change yourself, you can pretty much be sure that your gender, race, eye color, hair color, sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, etc. remain intact. All of these constants give people a basic identity to cling to. 

But this search often demands more from us than a simple description of the physical, superficial, or even artificial constructs that we're comfortable embracing. No, in order to find a place in this life worth having, we have to look beyond these characteristics into character itself.

In the grand scheme of things, how we are defined should not be determined by how we look, or what we classify ourselves as. Who we are is determined by our character, how we choose to react and interact with the world and people around us. Who we are is determined by choices that lead to actions. That is how we are truly known. That is how we truly become.

This is great news. Because no one is ultimately STUCK with the cards that nature gave them. No one is bound to simply be labeled based on race, height, weight, or the myriad of other things we look at. A person can CHOOSE who they will be. Will you be kind to those who mistreat you? Will you be patient and long-suffering in the face of adversity and challenge? Will you choose to love when all you get from others is hatred? Who will you be? What will you do? It all comes down to choice. Who you are does not hinge on the attributes of your genetic make-up. It's totally within which virtues you will embrace and implement into your character. 

Deciding who you are, or who you will become is the first step on the journey to finding significance.  

Answer me one simple question - Who are you?

Coffee is universal

Once again I find myself sitting at the bar at my local Starbucks. But it's Saturday so I didn't find myself sitting until after participating in a line that rivals anything the tourists at Disney World can muster. It's amazing to me just how many people embrace the bean and are constantly willing to shell out 5, 10, even 30 dollars on decent coffee and pastries. 

I'm convinced that coffee is becoming the unifying factor between people.  At least people between the ages of 20-65. Families, poser teens, college students, newspaper readers, experienced adventurers (at least that's what they look like given their cargo shorts, hiking backpacks and polo shirts...), and coffee addicts alike gather to one place out of their love for coffee. 

Some things still confuse me. Today, almost everyone looked like they were dressed to go to the beach. I asked. No one is going to the beach... Question marks...

Also, I mentioned there was a line so long that my phone became obsolete while I stood there. Even so, you would think that those coffee enthusiasts who were locked in camaraderie with the waiting experience would have wisely taken that time to decide on a beverage and/or tasty pastry choice... that would have been nice... 

What is it that causes people to be so indecisive when faced with a multitude of choices? I know, it's the thought that casts doubt on any choice, "What will I be missing out on if I choose this?" Weighing the options can be a good thing, I encourage thinking through a decision as weighty as which blend of coffee and syrup combination to ingest in the early afternoon. For me, caffeine is caffeine and my taste buds aren't bothered either way. 

But why is there such a massive hesitation when it comes to decisions MUCH larger in scope than coffee? What happens when people are faced with eternal questions? What happens when doubt is cast on some one's faith and the very fiber of their belief system is tested? Why is it that people fail to consider these questions that affect the rest of their lives and far, far beyond?

Part of it, I think, is the same reason we struggle with coffee choices. It's difficult to commit to something and stick with it when you contemplate all the experiences and opportunities that may be missed as a result of a locked-in decision. Why choose to be a Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, Vegetarian when it means you may have to give up something? Do the costs outweigh the assumed benefits?

The other part is that people rarely enjoy the possibility of being wrong. We have no problem making a decision out of ignorance because ignorance can always be blamed to take the heat off of a poor decision. BUT when consideration and contemplation join forces with critical thought over a super important choice I, and I alone am responsible for the decision that's been made. If I choose to follow a path, I am held accountable for where it takes me. For most people this is an unacceptable risk in decision making. To take responsibility for one's decisions. To risk ridicule and experiencing a wrong answer to life's biggest questions. 

This is why Jesus tells his disciples to count the costs before agreeing to follow him. He knows what goes through the mind better than anyone. People haven't changed much. People still struggle with the possibility of being wrong and wistfully long for the things they may possibly be missing. Still, ignorance is not an acceptable answer anymore. 

If choosing your beverage order at your local Starbucks gives you pause, then how much more should the decisions with eternal ramifications give you cause to weigh out the possibilities. Because NOT choosing can have similar consequences to making the wrong choice. 

Friends, let us not live life in ignorance. Even Socrates knew this when he said "The unexamined life is not worth living." 

Whatcha thinking about?