What Are Your Idols

Tim Keller has written a book about idols in American life. The link is to an interview with him about the book. In the interview, he gives a really good definition of idols. Keller says, "Look at your daydreams. When you don't have to think about something, like when you are waiting for the bus, where does your mind love to rest? Or, look at where you spend your money most effortlessly. Also, if you take your most uncontrolled emotions or the guilt that you can't get rid of, you'll find your idols at the bottom."

Sex and Marriage

That is a title which should get your attention. The link is to a thoughtful article from Christianitytoday.com on the subject of marriage. The author suggests that Christians should encourage early marriage among our youth. Don't worry, he's not suggesting teen brides, but rather that we should encourage and not discourage Christians in their early 20's to marry.

The article makes some really persuasive points. It challenged my own beliefs. I recently attended the wedding of my wife's brother. He got married at 22 and I believe his bride is 23. I admit that I had a gut reaction of "too young." But really, is that too young? Can we as Christians expect young adults to remain chaste until they are 28 or 29? Is it really more important to get educated and "established" than to get married?

The line from the article that struck me the most was, "Most young Americans no longer think of marriage as a formative institution, but rather as the institution they enter once they think they are fully formed." So true. From personal experience, I know that marriage reshapes and changes us in ways that we never imagined. That process has to be harder if the participants come to the marriage older and more fixed in their ways.

There is one point I would make that is not included in the article. Early marriages would be easier and more successful if they were more common. If you and your spouse are the only ones in your age group who are married, the "freedom" you see in your single friends can only discourage you in cherishing your marriage.

I am going to think, pray and discuss with others this idea of early marriage. As a parent, I need to be thoughtful in how I encourage my children with respect to the idea of marriage. Saying that marriage is a wonderful institution, ordained by God, doesn't sound quite as convincing if you are also saying "but have your fun first."

Meek? Not in America.

The link is to a good article by John MacArthur on Christianity.com.  How hard is it to be meek in our culture?  Self-centeredness and self-promotion are the fine arts of our society but are in direct conflict with our calling as Christians.

Gay Marriage and the Church

This a thoughtful article from Christianity Today on the subject of gay marriage. I found it to be particularly interesting because it goes beyond the issue itself and raises deep problems with the American church which undercut its ability to speak powerfully on the issue.