Hoping for the Best

One of the cetainties about life is that things change. Sounds strange but it is true. I keep hearing that we are going to experience some really tough times in the USA. Depression is a distinct possibility. As the government borrows to spend in record ways it also grows by leaps and bounds. I am not going to talk politics. But I do believe we should for hope the best and prepare for the worst.

First, hope is a good thing! The Scriptures are full of references to hope. My hope is found in Jesus Christ. "While I don't know what the future holds children of God know Who holds the future." I don't know who said this originally but it rings with truth. Maybe our nation is in for really hard times. It is pretty tough right now. But God is in control and what we need to do is be still and remember He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Americans have been through tough times in the past. One of my favorite periods to read about is the Civil War. Somehow the republic survivied. There have been depressions and The Great Depression that Americans weathered. W.W. II is another hard time but the USA and our allies celebrated victory over the axis powers. As a nation our track record should remind us that tough times do not mean the republic has to crumble! Being hopeful will enable us to move forward and look with confidence toward the future.

Preparing for the worst is not a bad idea. In fact, it is sound advice. Buying extra food. Storing seeds to grow a garden. Getting out of debt. Saving more and spending less are all suggestions I hear about nearly every day. It does not mean we have given up on hope. Yet, we better be ready just in case things go terribly in the wrong direction. Preparation is not only for the Boy Scouts. Americans need to be reminded of the value and wisdom of being prepared. So folks, get ready! Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst!

Sports Reflections

Well the Super Bowl is now history. Living in Indiana has been kind of depressing because I feel so bad for my friends and church family who love their Colts. I even predicted the Colts would win 28 to 19. Boy did I get that one wrong! Conventional wisdom was that the Colts had too much offensive power for the Saints D. On paper that made sense. The only rub is the Saints did not follow the script. As I reflect about the Saints win I must admit to being happy for them. That does not mean I relish the pain felt by Colts fans! Guess I am trying to have it both ways. The good thing was that the 2 best teams in the NFL of 2009/10 season played in the Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Saints. To the Colts there is always next year. As a Steelers fan I am looking forward to next year!

I read an article the other day in Christianity Today that challenged my thinking about sports. The author argues that Christians have been swallowed up by the sports culture that often demonstrates the sinful side of humanity. While his argument hits the extremes and problems with sports I don't think he emphasized that there are some wonderful benefits from sports. The most bizarre example he used of how far people have gone with their love of sports came from a couple who missed their daughters wedding in order to attend the Alabama/Tennessee football game. All the father could say was he and his wife really loved Alabama football. My concern is that sports are like anything else. They can sprout into idolatry. As Christians we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds. Sports often replace that love. So yes the author has a point. But let's not dismiss the positive side of sports like team work, discipline, the reward for consistent effort and the joy of victory along with the character building that occurs from losing. Sports are like anything else in our culture. It depends on what we believe is most important. (Matthew 6:33)