There is a lot to argue about in Washington D.C.  The most devisive debate, however, is not over politics, religion, or sports.

Oh no, the real partisan debate in Washington is over phones:

Blackberry vs. Iphone.

Like a Republican in the Obama administration, I thought I would be ’out of touch’ coming into the business world with my bright green iphone.  Not so.

I have found the business world surprisingly divided over smart phones.  It is a touchy subject, because people are fiercly loyal to whichever phone they happen to own.

Coming down on the iphone side of the debate, I find it humorous when blackberry owners depend on me to navigate the metro system and locate a starbucks.  Although I don’t find it funny when they can download and view email attachments with ease.

Is the blackberry more professional?  I don’t know.

Is the iphone more fun.  Well, Duh.

Does it really matter? (Like most of the things in life that we fight about) Probably not.

A noble cause to be sure- but under penalty of law? Mr. President, I have stood in traffic court and watched people go to jail for not having auto insurance. Could the same fate await people without health insurance?

Before we even consider such a thing, let’s take a closer look because there are many reasons why heath insurance is not auto insurance.

Part 1: Capitalism.

It’s a free country, “I have the right to swing my fist all I want, until I hit your nose.” Basically, we have a wide berth of freedom in our actions until we directly harm someone else.

When we license people and put them at the control of a deadly weapon, two groups of people are at risk: the driver and the other people on the road.

If the driver of one vehicle hits another car or pedestrian, physical harm is inflicted upon that victim and their property. It is equitable then to require the person at fault to pay for the damages. And given the likely high cost of such damages, requiring auto insurance (as President Obama would say) “just makes sense.”

Is it the same with health insurance? President Obama would say Yes, because “it forces the rest of us to pick up the tab when [they] get sick.”

Where is the problem? It’s supply and demand, basic capitalism.

If demand goes up and supply stays the same, then costs go up.

It’s the same reason why gas price fluctuate, the price of milk goes up, and college tuition increases. None of us ‘like’ to pay more, but is it morally wrong? Only when the government gets involved.

Too many medical professionals and medical students are leaving the industry because of the over-regulation which makes it difficult for them to make a profit sufficient to pay off their student loans and medical mal-practice insurance. That changes the formula. Now,

If demand goes up and supply goes down, then costs go way, WAY up.

And in that case, it would not be the fault of the medical professionals or the insurance industry, or even of the uninsured. It would be the fault of the government.

Mr. President, are you willing to throw people in jail because you over-regulated the market? How does that help anyone?

_________________________________

(coming soon)

Part 2: Different Needs for Different States

Read part 1 and part 2 first.

What is Truth?

Truth is Knowable.  At this point, if you accept that Truth is Jesus Christ and that Truth brings Freedom through His sacrifice, then this final point seems obvious.  But our society that prides itself on being ‘postmodern’ and ‘accepting’ will ask you leading and derogatory questions like,

“How can you really know what truth is?” and “Isn’t that just your opinion?”

Jesus adamantly refutes these accusations; He came so that through Him the whole world might be saved.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

Let’s be very clear: If Jesus is Truth, then

Postmodernism, to say that there is no absolute truth- is agnosticism.

And Relativism, to say that there is any number of truths for any number of people- is idolatry.

There is Absolute Truth.  Doubt if you dare, but someday you will kneel before Him without excuse.  And there are no options when it comes to Truth.  There are only 2 choices: “life and death, blessing and curse” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Chose Life. 

________________________________

And with this, I shall rest on the issue of Truth.  Look for a compiled and edited version of parts 1-3 soon.

How silly, because I am in Rome.  Is it not the same?

 Is it not the same?

Each building is magnificent and cold.  Built with grandure and splender as a monument to raw power.

Each monolithic stone placed with care and precision, a testament to firm discipline.

Each statue, the glorified and exaggerated embodiment of a hero or heroic cause.

The streets teem with people who perceive themselves as important.

These same people traveling in mass and in a hurry.  Always in a hurry.

Is it not the same?

This city- where Pride prevails.

This city- where Depravity holds office.

For some, it is where dreams come true.

For others, it is where dreams come to die.

Is it not the same?

Glory in the name of Truth, but for the sake of glory.

Power in the name of Justice, but for the sake of power.

Many of the similarities between the two great cities are intentional.  And many people over the years have drawn their parallels and marveled.  This is not novel, nor unexpected.

But take no solice in those striking features, lest we forget that Rome did fall.

How long until Caesar crosses the Potomac?

How long until the future glaces back at our legacy and says, “It was then that the United States of America split, and fell.  Poor people; they didn’t even see it happening until it it was too late.  Just like the great Romans.  Indeed, is it not the same?”

What is Truth? read part 1 first.

The Law was Truth.  Under the old covenant, the Law was the only way people could understand truth.  The Law was the standard for Truth and Righteousness (Psalms 119:140-144).  However, when Jesus rose from the dead and tore the veil to the Holy of Holies, He did away with the necessity of the Law.  Paul exhaustively outlines in Galatians 3:1-25 and Hebrews 10:1-18 the insufficiency of the Law, “for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins (Hebrews 10:4)”… but “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all (10:10).”

“But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterwards be revealed.  Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Gal 3:22-25

The Law was Truth; Jesus took its place.  Jesus is Truth.  So what? What now?

Truth is Freedom. 

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free… therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’” John 8:31-32, 36

 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus… for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2

“…creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty* of the children of God.” Romans 8:21

“… Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty*.” 2 Corinthians 3:17b

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…” Galatians 5:1a

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty*…” Galatians 5:13a

 “So speak… as those who will be judged by the law of liberty*.” James 2:12

It is irrefutable, that in fulfillment of the Law of Truth, Jesus Christ delivered us unto freedom.  So why do we live in bondage, under burdens?

 The Law, though frustratingly complex, was simple.  It was a step-by-step plan to redemption; a process that we could all understand and attempt to follow.

How easy it is to have a formula.  How hard it is to have faith.

*the greek word ελευθερια (pronounced el-yoo-ther-ee-ah) is translated both as ‘freedom’ and ‘liberty.’  It is important to understand that the New Testament, these words represent the same concept, though in English they have slightly different connotations.

What is Truth?

These next few weeks that I am focusing on Truth are dedicated to a very close friend of mine, AJ.  She once asked me the question, “what is truth?” and I hope this helps her and anyone else asking the same question.

First, let’s clear the water.  This is not an easy subject and there are a few presuppositions that need to be agreed upon before continuing.  God is real, omniscient, and omnipotent and the Bible is a definitive source to learn about Him and His ways.  If those concepts cannot be agreed upon, then feel free to continue reading- but know that the following arguments are made on those basic assumptions. 

Truth is Jesus.  It is Sunday school-ish and it is clique, but it is also fundamentally accurate and a vitally important place to begin.

εγο ειμι ‘ο ‘οδος και ‘ο αληθεια και ‘ο ζωη

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”- John 14:6

Jesus is not just a way, an option, or an alternative.  He is our hope and salvation (Romans 5:1-5), and He is the way and THE TRUTH.  Any pursuit of the understanding of truth must begin and end at the cross. 

Next week: Truth is Freedom.

9/6/2009

To the weight- and those who bear it.

To the pain- and those who share it.

To the crown- and the head who wears it.

Let Truth reign.

To the rundown- and the running.

To the hardened- and the hurting.

 To the forgotten- and the forgetting.

Let Justice rain.

To the dreams- and those who dream them.

To the hopes- and those who hold them.

To the futures- and those who forge them.

Let Freedom Ring.

Read Part 1 first.

In summary of the ideas presented in Part 1, Washington D.C. doesn’t drink Dr Pepper because:

1. Politics governs everything,
2. People bring their past with them,
3. And politicians make no use of truly unique ideas- because ‘change’ isn’t for soft drinks.

As I sit here drinking a Dr Pepper, I am reflecting on all of the things that it could stand for.  I promised some friends that I would avoid the Sunday school answer of  “Jesus,” though I cannot promise not to point His direction.

We have agreed that Dr Pepper, as a natural sustenance, is refreshing, revitalizing, and truly inspirational.  It comforts those who are weary and it quenches the thirst of those who are longing.

The spiritual equivalent that stands out to me initially is truth.

Washington D.C. makes no use of Truth because:

1. Politics governs acceptable ideas of truth,
2. People bring their own concepts of truth with them,
3. And politicians make no use of a unique idea of truth- because they don’t really want to change.

One could also suggest faith.

Washington D.C. makes no use of faith because:

1. Politics governs acceptable usages of personal faith,
2. People bring their own faiths with them,
3. And politicians make no use of a unique idea of faith in action- because they don’t really want to change.

There are many spiritual attributes that one could substitute for Dr Pepper, and many of them would be very accurate. (Because DP is just so spiritual like that).  But I believe what is most appropriate at this time in this place is hope.

Washington D.C. makes no use of hope because:

1. Politics governs what we can and cannot hope for,
2. People bring their own ideas of hope with them at the expense of other’s hopes,
3. And politicians will not accept a radical new hope- because then they would have to change everything.

Be not deceived by any politician offering hope, because hope is not theirs to give.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God …  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-2, 5

Part 1

Dr Pepper is like duct tape, it fixes everything.  Are you tired? Dr Pepper.  Stressed? Dr Pepper.  Thirsty? Dr Pepper.  Need inspiration to finish that paper that is due in the morning and you just finished ’skimming’ the book? Dr Pepper. 

I am convinced that if Thomas Jefferson had survived to taste Dr Pepper, he would have thrown his hands up and exclaimed, “I have pursued happiness, and now I have found it!”  Because after all, Dr Pepper is the American Dream.

However, I recently discovered that there are people in this world who do not drink Dr Pepper.  And shockingly, quite a few of these people live in our nation’s capital.

I do not know why Washington D.C. doesn’t drink Dr. Pepper, but here are a few possibilites:

1. It’s from Texas. 1885 in Waco, Texas, a legend was brewed. 

I have found that Washingtonians don’t think very highly of the midwest.  By virtue of it being from Texas, it is associated with conservatives and guns and pro-lifers and those sticky things we call rights.  A true Washingtonian wouldn’t be caught dead drinking a Dr Pepper, because politics governs everything in this city.

2. Supply and Demand.  Even in this city, it still works.

Washington D.C. is in constant flux, with people coming and going.  And when people want something, it comes with them.  A story is told about a Tennesse Congressman who couldn’t find a decent BBQ place in town, so he founded his own, very successful, chain.

The people in this city come from across the country and around the world.  And each of them brings a part of their history, their culture, and their past with them- just like I brought my love for Dr Pepper and those sticky things we call rights.

3. It’s different.  And ‘change’ isn’t for soft drinks.

What is Dr Pepper?  It isn’t a Coke or Pepsi product, and there really isn’t another drink like it.  It’s radical, it’s different.  It stands apart. And people don’t know what to do with it.  In this town, the political scene is much like the Coke or Pepsi question.  And when people say they want ‘change,” they really mean they just want the other option. 

People in Washington D.C. like to try old things and call them new, but they make no use of truely unique ideas.

P.S. I hope you picked up by the end, that I’m not talking about a drink anymore.

Read Part 2.

Everyone needs real friends who will hold them accountable. A few months ago I confided to some close friends of mine, the Dalton brothers, that I was having trouble with forgiveness. At a party with some friends, the brothers backed me into a corner on the balcony and asked me, “So, how are you coming with that forgiveness thing?” Ah, accountability.

Forgiveness is easy when the person who has harmed you apologizes. But what happens when they don’t? You- and I- need to forgive them anyway. Forgiveness:

• starts in our hearts
• follows through OUR actions
• and should not be dependent upon THEIR actions.

When you feed on your own hurt feelings, you are indulging in a destructive form of selfishness- and the consequences will haunt you.

Pastor Bud of Austin, Texas, often says

“You can’t offend a dead man”

As Christians, we are supposed to be dead to ourselves and alive only in Jesus. And Jesus forgave- even unto death. Who of us is capable of forgiving that completely?  Life’s not fair and some people are stupid. We will all be hurt by someone, somewhere, over something. If we are truly surrendered to God and His will for our lives, we will not allow ourselves to be offended.

Don’t own your offenses- let go. Don’t fester in your feelings- forgive.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Me and the Dalton Brothers