The Fallibility of Human Nature

Before we can understand how imperfect we are, we need to admit we all have imperfections and flaws. That said, let's look at what happens when we refuse to see ourselves as we really are.

Take the daily news we tend to absorb. What motivates what we see or read? The headlines tend to grab us--based upon our individual stances or beliefs--and we're often ensnared by the headlines and never read the details of an article or listen to the details of newscasts. Then, when we don't bother with the details, but want to share what we just read or heard, we become arbiters of spreading *fake news* if in fact, what we shared was not truth. Allowing headlines to ensnare us is a human flaw--we all do it--and this is one of the reasons why we saw what happened in 2016--false headlines led many to believe lies about Hillary Clinton. Okay, this isn't about Hillary, but it does serve to make the point being made--we are flawed human beings and sometimes, we allow our biases to interfere with good judgment.

Recent news (not fake, but very real) has revealed that Donald Trump is an un-indicted co-conspirator in crimes involving campaign violations (and others as we'll soon see). He was listed as "individual 1" in a sentencing memo for Michael Cohen--his former fixer. At any rate, many people--including Republican elected leaders--have chosen to ignore the obvious because it doesn't gel with their personal biases. In fact, Orrin Hatch (invisible glasses) has even stated that if trump has committed a crime, he doesn't care. Kevin McCarthy has said, "if campaign violations is a crime, then we'd have to prosecute a number of people in Congress" (not exactly a statement that builds trust or faith in our elected officials). As a consequence, trump supporters (Cult45 and MAGAts), tend to believe the menace because he tweeted, "totally cleared the president. Thank you," after the sentencing memo dropped. Why? He didn't read the memo to discover he was referenced in it. And because of his ego and narcissistic tendencies, he would never admit it anyway, at least not publicly. Word on the street has it--he's totally unnerved by the findings, but since his supporters only watch Fox News, they'll never know the truth of the matter because--they're not interested in truth, just in finding news that supports their thinking.

Someone on Twitter earlier today suggested that we go back to the Fairness Doctrine where all sides are presented in the media so then the consumer would be able to make wise decisions about the news. In theory, it sounds good, but wouldn't it make more sense to educate the public in how to recognize credible sources of information? First of all, the consumer of information has to "want to know truth" in order to recognize it when it's being told. How do we determine truth? What are the facts/evidence supporting what is reported? Who collected the facts/evidence and what is their reputation/credibility? What is their motive in collecting the facts/evidence and in the subsequent reporting? If the person presenting the information has extreme biases about what they're presenting, can they really be objective in their perception of how the consumer will either receive or reject what they say?

Then, we have to take into account the "place" where the consumer of information is when they either hear or see certain types of information. On a good day, when everything is going our way, we can be a bit cynical about some of what we hear, but on the other hand, if we're already soured about events surrounding us, we tend to only want to hear those things that encourage our being sour on everything. It's human nature! It's what we do!

Right now, many (not all) of us only want to hear the very worst about trump because it serves our purposes in knowing we were right about him all along. But are we right? Did we miss something in the process of wanting to be right? It's possible, but that's not the purpose of this article. I'm simply pointing out the fallibility of human nature and the fact that none of us are always right or always wrong. We're simply human beings with biases developed over the course of lives. Sometimes, we're wise enough to look deeper--see the details and change our perspectives, but that doesn't happen too often. When we have hardened views on almost any subject, we're only inclined to listen to those people who build pillars to support our views, rather than listen to those who deliberately challenge us to widen our horizons and hone our views based upon the facts/evidence we discover.

Today, we live in such a divided society that no matter what one person says (Democrat or Republican) they are judged because of stances they've taken with or without justification. We can move our society to a better place if all--everyone--regardless of party affiliation would simply take the time to *research* information, determining whether it is credible or not, analyzing the motivation behind what we use, before drawing any conclusions about any presented information.
Now, I'll admit--I have some favorite news outlets and most of them will actually support my biases. However, when I hear things that don't sound credible--I research--and I don't care who said what. I'd rather take the time to research the information before spreading lies, creating undue animosity--which is what many people do. I know trump supporters don't like the fact that *he lies* consistently, with no purpose at this point because we all know, he lies. The problem is--one day--he just might tell us the truth (though he and truth have no relationship) and no one will believe it because he lies. I encouraged him over two years to have someone read to him, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." I don't think he ever read that or had anyone read it to him.

The really sad part is, he never read about Pinocchio either. His comprehension skills, to say the least, are negligible.  The proof of that statement is available in a video clip of him, "tossing a coin" to determine which team did what (Army vs Navy last weekend), but he took that literally. The "coin toss" is actually, flipping the coin, but he didn't understand that and made a fool of himself and as a result, social media lambasted him. But I digress. The point of this is to encourage others to understand the need to research information from a variety of sources before we decide how we feel about it or spread it to others.  If we're going to read or listen to *conservative* views, we might want to sprinkle enough information from the other side to come to a logical, rational conclusion. I'm reminded of the nonsense that was spread by conservative outlets about Hillary and the Parkland Students--created because of conspiracy theorists who had no evidence on which to base or promote their fraudulent theories, but they promoted them anyway and many gullible people, swallowed them whole.

Non-credible sources include: Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Tomi Lahren, Tucker Carlson,  Jeanine Pirro, The Daily Caller, Breitbart, Common Dreams, New York Post, Fox News (Entertainment) Network, or anyone who cannot or will not provide facts/evidence to support what they say and that includes Jerry Falwell, Jr. Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, or Paula White or a multitude of other Evangelicals who lied to their congregations when they told them, "God chose trump to be president." Where's the evidence? Are they operating on feelings? Is it based upon The Word of God? The Character of God? Do trump's actions align with the Word of God?

What the Evangelicals won't tell people is how they have contrived for years to find someone who will do whatever they want done--under cover of the White House--for an exchange of money--the almighty dollar that speaks volumes for those who are greedy and corrupt. And yes, I'm calling out the Evangelical Community that lied to people and is still lying to people. They do not know God, or His Word, or His Character. If they did, they would not have told people God chose trump. It's just that simple and that can be researched and proven by trying to align trump's character and behavior with The Word of God.

But we know, the lying Evangelicals won't tell people the truth, because they don't want to admit their fallibility as human beings because to them, being a Christian means you can never be wrong. The reality is, being a Christian really means--we try to live like Christ--admitting our shortcomings, recognizing we'll never be perfect and always seeking Him to guide us in all things. And when we "think" we've heard Him speak to us, we can prove it by aligning what He says to us with what He's already said in His Word. God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind about What He's said or the Purpose for which He said, anything.

God knows just how imperfect we are and the fact that we'll never reach perfection as long as we are in a position to "choose" what we say or do. When we fall short, we acknowledge it, seek forgiveness and guidance and keep it moving, until the next time and there will be a next time. It's what happens to fallible human beings--we are true to our nature.

This Is It!

It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD. This is the day I have spoken of. Ezekiel 39:8 NIV

For the next few days, this blog will hit a little closer to home. We're conducting a boot camp (of sorts) to teach my grandson a lesson in "fortitude" and staying the course of being right even in the wrong places with the wrong people.

We have a schedule beginning from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. detailing what we're doing each hour or block of time set out. He won't have any free time until 4:00 p.m. and then we enter into our evening schedule of events until time for him to go to be 10:00 p.m.

When we love our children or grandchildren, sometimes we have to take "extreme" measures to get that message across to them in order to help them develop the skills and tools they're going to need to survive--teenage years, young adulthood into mature adulthood.

So, we including exercises to build mental fortitude, physical fortitude, emotional fortitude and spiritual fortitude. I'm sure I'll have to say in the coming days about what worked, how it worked and what adjustments we needed to make to ensure the outcome we expect.

We're trying to help him develop critical thinking skills and how to react to adverse situations that could cost him his life.

Pray for us while we take this unknown journey--striving to reach the finish line of excellence so he'll be ready for The Master's use!

This is the day!

What Are You Wearing?

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:8-14 NIV

Styles--what we wear--in clothes, shoes, and other apparel--often change as rapidly as we can blink our eyes. But whether we follow the trendiness of all these changes doesn't matter. It's not the clothes who make us who we are--it is who we are that makes a difference in what we wear--not only materially, but spiritually.

I know some people can hardly wait for the new fashion seasons to start and those with money--big money--have a "must-have" mentality and will go anywhere and pay any amount to have what they want to wear--to make sure people pay attention to them. We know this because "red carpet" events always emphasize what people are wearing--on the outside. But what resides on the inside of the person? That's what usually comes out and determines the character of the person.

If a person looks good on the outside, but nothing worth having resides on the inside--bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, rage, jealousy, bigotry and hatred--nothing they put on the shell of the body will make a difference in the greater scheme of things. Why? Because God looks upon the heart--not the outside--of anyone.

It won't matter how much money a person spends to make themselves look good on the outside if the inside--the spirit person--is need of cleansing and renewal. What happens in the "renewal process" of the sinner to the saint--cannot be purchased for any amount of money--we either submit to God's leading or we don't.

So, if we think we are something when we are nothing--we only fool ourselves and the real "us" will be seen in how we treat others. Time to change clothes yet?

If we ever expect to see unity--of all mankind--determined to be submitted to Holy Spirit and do things out of obedience--we must learn to wear love as tightly knit garment to hold in the virtues of compassion, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, peace, humility, and righteousness--keeping out all of the old stuff--belonging to the un-regenerated person.

Now, what are you wearing?

Mockers and Fools vs Wisdom and Knowledge!

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1 NIV
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:3 NIV
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Proverbs 14:6 NIV
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Proverbs 14:7 NIV

Looking at The Word through Solomon's insights, there really is no competition between the foolish and the wise. Wisdom trumps foolishness every time.

Wise people build--their houses with solid foundations that will endure the test of time and storms. Any foundation that is week and has not been properly shored up, will buckle and eventually cave in causing destruction to the whole house. And whenever there is a problem with the foundation, steps should be taken to make sure it stabilizes before it crumbles and falls.

The building principle is true of every aspect of our lives--we build relationships on solid foundations. We build careers on solid foundations and we build up our faith in God, on the solid foundation of The Word.

Pride speaks without thinking--not considering its ways or how what is said will affect the hearer. Pride doesn't care and since pride doesn't care--they are often revealed as fools. While the wise are careful to research and think before speaking, mindful that words carry impact and impact affects those who hear their words.

The mocker--those who mock others for whatever reason--seeks wisdom in all the wrong places and from the wrong people and therefore never obtain what he/she is seeking. But those who have knowledge and wisdom, easily discern what the fools never understand.

Solomon reveals the valuable lessons he's learned throughout the Proverbs and carried over into Ecclesiastes--the wisdom he gained from God who gives liberally and from making mistakes in his disobedience. He learned that wisdom never leads anyone astray, but a fool--will also find himself lost, without direction, never knowing right from left or up from down--when to stay and when to quit--when to speak and when to be quiet.

With all that Solomon has to say about fools--and there is quite a bit--we, who read The Word with understanding, are without excuse in recognizing a fool when we see or hear one. And if we are wise, we know to stay away from fools for there is no knowledge or wisdom in them and all they do--is mock others--because they have no foundational substance in the make up of their character.

Now, we need to think--before making a decision about what we've read--and determine where we are in the greater scheme of things. Are we in the camp of the wise or the foolish?

People With Character!

Then Solomon said, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground, but if evil is found in him, he dies.” I King 1:52 HCSB

Dr. Martin Luther King is known for saying, he would rather people be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. Why? People with character--know how to conduct themselves at all times.

Of course, many people would take the referenced scripture of out of context and attempt to say that I'm implying people with no character should die. That's not why I used this particular verse of scripture.

In this passage we find Adonijah--the self-proclaimed king--trying to take the place of Solomon when he knew that David had promised Solomon the throne. Adonijah was not concerned about doing what was right, only doing what he wanted to do and for that reason, when it was reported to David--the dying king--what Adonijah was doing, David arranged for Solomon to be anointed the next king [with the priest Zadok and the prophet Nathan present to confirm]--even as Adonijah and his crew were celebrating what they thought was a coup.

In those days, rebellion against a king meant death. And when it was reported to Solomon that Adonijah was afraid of what he had done--trying to steal the authority of kingship from its rightful owner--Solomon commanded Adonijah be brought to him and declared that if it was determined that he was a man of character (integrity), nothing would happen to him, but if not--he would die.

I'm not advocating that anyone without character should die, but I am advocating that anyone without moral substance, integrity and honesty and incorruptible values--should never be allowed in a position of authority since we know--corruption breeds corruption and immorality breeds immorality, and dishonesty breeds more dishonesty.

Fear-mongering and hatred are character traits of evil and wickedness. We know this because The Word says, that "perfect love casts out fear." So if love will cast fear aside--we know no love abides in anyone who instills fear in others. And those who have received God's love, know how to love--unconditionally--and will not promote hatred of people--rather they promote hatred of sin--not the sinner.

Before anyone tries to refute that we are to hate, let's look at what The Word says:

Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Amos 5:15 HCSB

The righteous hate lying, but the wicked act disgustingly and disgracefully. Proverbs 13:5 HCSB Those who know The Lord and try to live according to His Word, hate the thought of lying, but the wicked won't hesitate to lie. And we know--Satan is the father of liars.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 NIV It is not good to think that killing a person is "a beautiful thing."

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:10,11 NIV

The time that Jesus references through Matthew is the last days and here we are.

So, are we people with character and is there evidence for all to see by how we live? If we lie to ourselves, we fool only ourselves for God knows the inward person and He is never fooled by the externals.

Celebrating Black History!

Let's celebrate by promoting character over color and be proud of who we are!

Expecting My New Thing!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).

It is not that God has not always provided for me and my family, but I am expecting to see even greater "new things" as we journey through this new year.

Am I the only person for whom The Lord has remained a continuous fountain of provision and trust?

Has He not provided for you and made ways of escape when you thought all was lost?

His promise to us is that even in the midst of chaos and confusion, economic drought and emotionally instability, He will be with us through it all and He will bring us through it--strengthening us, building character and encouraging others by what they see happen to us, to have faith in Him.

When God does "the new thing"--make sure you recognize it and move forward in His grace and mercy. Do not provoke His anger by being ungrateful for all the small things He does because it is the small things that are part of the great foundation He's building to give you the big things! Think about the foundation of your house! If it is concrete--it was formed with grains of sand (the small things). When we cannot appreciate the small things, we never see the big things that He can do for us.

Move in wisdom--discernment--always listening and seeking understanding--thanking Him for all He does.