2021

Morality Unplugged

Dr. Mike 2021, Think About That... , ,

Judges 10:6

The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. And they forsook the Lord and did not serve him.

Throughout history, every tribe and nation had gods who they worshiped. Besides the Biblical God who revealed Himself to Abraham and his seed after him, the people, tribes, and nations of the Bible, recycled different deities depending on their needs at the moment. When the Book of Judges was being written, Baal (god of the weather who could bring good harvests which was wealth at the time) and Ashtaroth (god of love and sex) are mentioned as two predominant figures within the religious circuit. Even during Jeremiah’s time (Jeremiah 19:3-5), Baal is mentioned as the god people would sacrifice their children at the altar for his attention.

We in the 21st century may laugh at their superstition, but yet mainstream culture continues to worship the same (wealth, sex, abortion, etc.) gods but have replaced their names with intellectual snobbery.

When one studies history, one quickly recognizes there is nothing new under the sun except maybe fashion and technology. Human nature remains the same. Instead of acknowledging one God who continually reveals himself through the pages of the Bible and creation, we intellectually disregard historical records because of our prideful intellect and knowledge gained through the sciences.

We have forgotten the lessons of yesterday. And by forgetting them, we shall again repeat the same mistakes. But this time, the greater the climb will result in a greater fall.

Many nations have come and gone. Many large businesses have come and gone. Many marriages have come and gone. A common theme among many of these disappearing outcomes was the breakdown of morals. When people downplayed the importance of conduct between each other, division and destruction followed. Morality became unplugged from the Source.

When God revealed Himself to Moses, led the people out of bondage from Egypt to a land of freedom, and gave the Ten Commandments as a standard of behavior, the goal was to allow people to continue to flourish and live-in freedom. As long as the people kept these standards, the people lived free. But when they rebelled and chose other values to pursue, they only brought suffering and pain to themselves and their nation.

When objective morality is replaced by subjective individualization, division and conflict abound. Peace is found only at funerals instead of everyday living. 

The drifting away from a with-God centered relationship generally happens slowly until we find ourselves knee deep in problems. Then we realize the need for a Savior. Yet will our pride keep us from admitting such a need or will we keep relying on our vain intellect and abilities? The Bible calls it repentance – changing how we think. Instead of us being the self-righteous center of the universe, we acknowledge our limitations and need to learn from the feet of a divine Being who knows better. HIS worldview is the one we all need. 

Israel is a 3,500-year history of a nation who falls away, repents, and is restored under his grace. Ever nation could learn from them rather than repeat their errors.

Again, human nature hasn’t changed over the last 3,500 years. Fashion and technology may have improved our lot in life. Yet, without allowing God’s Spirit to influence one’s life, human nature keeps repeating its self-centered ways thinking their ways are the moral high road. But as history reveals, when mankind is plugged into the Triune God, society and nations reap the benefits of a godly life.

As a fellow believer, we are given the mission of being a living proof as a witness for others by exhibiting a Christ-like attitude and behavior in everything we do. So, when we speak from a position of love based on a foundation of truth and our actions follow suit, you and I are demonstrating the life and riches of living under the domain of God’s Kingdom. Morality plugged into the Triune God with Jesus Christ as our reference point is our reply to anyone who asks what makes us different. And the doors are open for everyone to share in this Way.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Unity or Conformity

Dr. Mike 2021, Life Tools , ,

Ephesians 4:3

“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

When leaders speak of unity, I cringe. The first question that comes to mind is how do you define unity? For most control freak managers and organizational leaders, their definition is really you being conform to their way of thinking.

For real unity is built upon the values and teachings of the Holy Spirit. Conformity is built upon the exterior facade of dress and behavior.

Anyone can look like they are in step with you by their appearance, words, or just high-stepping like the armies on parade. But are they in agreement with the values and principles which lay the foundation of unity?

As a Christ-follower, I am not impressed with empty rhetoric, but with actions built on spiritual truth. When a person has surrendered their Will and Heart and Mind to Lord Jesus, the Spirit becomes more and more noticeable through the mannerism and attitude of the Believer.

Instead of pride, humility becomes more and more noticeable. One doesn’t need to ridicule or disrespect the other so the self may feel justified. But God is allowed to become the center of the relationship. Humility is simply trusting God will deal with the situation better than you can.

Instead of lies to cover up, honesty with transparency is the norm. If people cannot handle the truth, then surround yourself with those who can. Healthy leadership admits one’s weakness and is not afraid of the consequences of revealing themselves.

Instead of uncontrollable behavior, self-control is practiced. For example, to live within one’s means rather than spend more than one earns, is stealing from others. When a country spends more than it receives from their taxpayers, they are simply stealing from future constituents. The same can be said with food. A glutton takes food away from others and only shows their lack of self-control. Without self-control, a person will eventually harm themselves and others along the way.

It is easy to nod your head in agreement, be politically correct, and drive the culturally impressive car. But is your heart ONE with God?

When two people are one with God, they may disagree on many issues. But they have deepened respect for the other person and seek to maintain peace with them. What unifies them is their God and the values HE represents. Rather than seek exterior conformity, they search for common ground being unified in Spirit. They realize the relationship is just as important than the facts. The challenge is to maintain the unity of the Spirit while seeking out the best solution.

When two people are not in agreement with the Spirit, the discussion first becomes a battle between values. If the values cannot be agreed upon, then force is required. Whenever power is exercised without agreement, war eventually ensues.

Conformity ignores the values and instead exercises force and power to get their way. In the short term, they will get their way. In the long term, it will lead to a revolution.

Bottom-line: Unity is built on values and the result is long lasting; conformity is built by force and is short lived and destructive in the long term.  As I have repeated witnessed and learned the hard way, everything worthwhile begins when the Triune God is the center of your foundation.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360!
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Copyright 2013-2021 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Religion of Politics

Dr. Mike 2021, Think About That... , ,

2 Timothy 1: 3-5

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

Politics is a religion of the ungodly. Many of those without a with-God life seek fulfillment through the addiction of power. The basis of politics is power. The side with power gets to fulfill their desires at the expense of everyone else. It’s a game where rules are broken and the end justifies the means.

What is right or wrong, morally correct, or gracefully understood becomes immaterial. Because one-side has the power to get their way, they will use and abuse every means to win.

We have witness political leaders make decisions which harms the majority of people they serve for the purpose of destroying one person or one idea just so they may maintain their power over others. They practice Machiavellian techniques of leadership; the same theory dictators and organize crime syndication’s exercise to manage their domain.    

It is also becoming the norm for today’s universities to educate students to become social activist. The philosophy behind their approach is to create conflict and chaos through the exercise of power. One is taught to exercise all means of placing oneself in the position of power. Lies, intimidation, character assassination, violence, and destruction of property and livelihood are acceptable means to win the power game.

The result of creating such conflict leads to a society at war with itself. In the short term, those in power win. But in the long term, everyone loses.

Thirty years ago, when I would read today’s Scripture, I would wonder how a society built on Judaeo-Christian values could change to become an ungodly culture. Now I see.

When you remove God from institutions, fathers from their home, and educate the young to hate what is good, the fruit is an increase of ungodly acts of human behavior.

America was built on the principles and values of the Triune God. Maybe not perfectly practiced, but the ideals and teachings were the norm in the home, workplace, community, and government. As the Triune God is rejected from these areas, human nature’s bent toward evil becomes more robust and impactful. When the proper fear of God is destroyed, so is the culture and the people within their walls.

Yet, the Bible shows when a people repent, and change their worldview to include God as their Center, prophecy can be altered. There are examples throughout Scripture that shows prophecies may fail because of the change of heart of the people. My prayer is the same; that our leaders change their hearts and acknowledge the God who showers us with His grace by speaking HIS words and behaving with HIS moral compass.

But until then, the pompous, power hungry, and carnal politicians are best left to be avoided. Ignore them, don’t listen to them, and maybe they will repent and change their ways for their sake and for the sake of others. What can be worst for a politician than having no one vote or follow them?

Yes, God loves politicians. But politicians without a relationship with the living God are dangerous and need wisdom from above to truly serve HIS children on earth. So, always pray for them that they will allow us to continue worshiping our God in peace and just as important, they may confront the One True God and change their ways. 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360!
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-2021 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved