On Sin – Hatred

Greetings Dear Reader,

We hate things.  We do not even need to practice it.  We can hate things without trying.  We commonly say that we “hate” this or that.  It is just as abused as our statements about loving things. 

Something I am supposed to hate is sin.  Unfortunately we fail to hate the things we should and instead hate people.  We created enemies because we fail to forgive and show grace.  We decide we want something a certain way and when we do not get it we get angry at others.  We do not discard our resentment and it builds. 

We transfer our anger and dislike to people.  We reject people based on our wants and standards instead of refusing to see them as God sees them.  We judge, malign, and condemn.  We justify our dislike based on our own standards instead of seeing our sin in rejecting others based on God’s standards.

We hate. We do not love enough.  I must assure that I do not hate anyone.  I must assure that I do not allow others to act in hateful ways.  I must balance setting healthy boundaries for myself whilst doing all that I can to show love and grace to others.  The only thing I am allowed to hate is that which is wrong.  I may not hate the one doing the wrong.  It really is that simple.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Sin – Comparing Sin

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that I have spoken of this before.  It bears repeating even if the only one who listens is me.  Too often I find my attention engaged in the severity of another’s sin as compared to mine.

Sin is sin. We do not need to define the word “is” here.   As we covered earlier sin is anything that is not in line with the nature of God.  Any attempt of mine to measure how far out of alignment someone else is only distracts me from seeing my own misalignment. 

I have to focus on my own realignment and hope that the effort becomes a good example for others.  There is not sin greater than mine when considering my relationship with God.  If I focus on my own following then I will not have time to prognosticate on the sins of others. 

The trick is that this is true for everyone.  I cannot measure someone else in his or her success or failure at not comparing sin.  I can say that every moment focused on someone else’s sin is a moment lost in dealing with one’s own sin.

Every moment I must focus on the following.  God will deal with me and he will deal with others.  He will show me my sin and give me the grace to overcome it if I am willing. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Second Thoughts - Coming Soon - 81

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Most of you know that one of my favorite past times is baseball.  I am a lifelong Braves fan and love watching baseball at any level of play.  It is a great summer for baseball.  The local semi-pro team won the league championship.  My Braves are the best team in baseball even with some key players out with injuries. 

Early in the summer my Son, Bezel suggested a short story about baseball.  This month I will publish a section each week in the evening.  The story is a fantasy.  It is a dream that those who love baseball dare to dream though the chances of it coming true are slim. 

The first chapter will appear this Friday evening.  Please feel free to interact with the tale as it unfolds. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Sin – There is no Sin

Greetings Dear Reader,

The first real problem with sin is that we deny its existence.  John, Jesus’ best friend explained that if we say we have not sin then we are lying.  The logical impact there is that lying is a sin, therefore, when we say that we do not sin we sin.

I do not need to dwell on my sin but I do need to be constantly aware that part of me seeks to be selfish, greedy, and unloving most of the time.  This focus is why God makes it so clear that our primary responsibilities are to love him and each other.

In many areas we hear that the first step to solving a problem is to acknowledge that we have a problem.  Since anything I do that is not in harmony with God is sin then I must acknowledge that I do things that are not in harmony with God.  This is partially because of my own choices and also because I have a nature that is not aligned with God.

I am prone to sin.  It can be seen in small children so easily.  They are sweet but can be very selfish without be taught to be so.  I have a predisposition to do that which is outside of the nature of God.  I am, therefore, I sin.

This is not a hopeless situation but it is a dire one.  That which is not in line with who God is separates me from him.  The problem of sin is that it is a barrier in my journey toward God.  That is what is so unacceptable about it.  If I say I do not sin then I am bound by a barrier I refuse to acknowledge.  I cannot overcome what I deny.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

On Sin – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that this word has fallen out of fashion in polite society.  I also realize that if I speak of someone else’s sin I am immediately in danger of being seen as judgmental or unloving.  So let me begin by saying a few things clearly.

The first is that I wish do define sin very clearly.  Dictionary.com defines sin as “transgression against divine law.”  That is a good simple definition and an excellent starting point.  I think of sin as anything that does not align with the character of God.  When I disagree with God then I am wrong. 

As I try to discuss this I am not going to rail against any individual or group of people.  I am not going to generalize about the faith or following of others.  I am not going to engage in categorizing sin. 

What I hope to do is take an honest look at the depth and distance between who I am in relation to God and who he wishes me to be as his child.  Back in February I took on a Thirty Day Challenge to see my sin honestly.  Six months down the road I know that some of the lessons learned during that time have made a difference.

I also know that my sin is still a daily struggle.  I weary most days with that struggle.  When I see the sin of others that I love it breaks my heart.  I must love them.  I must do my best to set an example.  I must focus on the things Christ wishes of me so that I do not fall into the foolishness of judging others and comparing sin.

I am going to take a few days to think through the essence of sin and why it matters so much.  Walk with me if you wish and let me know if I tread to heavily.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Old Letters Still Speak

Greetings Dear Reader,

Over the weekend I spent some time cleaning out old emails from my Exchange.  I have several email addresses I use for differing purposes and the flotsam and jetsam can accrue unnoticed over time. 

At the bottom of the “stack” in one account were emails from a dear friend who passed away in late 2010. 

She is one of those people for whom humility and encouragement are natural traits. It stuck me how much her words still reach my heart.  It resounded within me how much good she did with her life when she would have been justified to allow others to care for her.

Even though we can no longer talk her past letters still remind me of who I can be when I choose to follow Christ with all my heart.  The letters also put me in mind of how permanent things that are said can be for others.  When we write, post, or blog we are putting things out there that will not go away.

When we say things that are loving and kind we build things that are good.  When we intrude and do not observe the boundaries of others we do damage both socially and publically.  I have a friend who constantly refuses to respect the boundaries of others and he/she wonders why people keep their distance. 

What I put out there tells others who I am much more clearly that who I say I am.  It does not matter what my intent may be I must assure that what I say is positive and uplifting.  I must focus on giving not getting.  I must seek to love others selflessly not so that I can feel loved.  I must leave a legacy of words that fill others with love, hope, and faith.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Slow Down Son – Day Three

Greetings Dear Reader,

So to those of you who know me yesterday’s post might have seemed a wee bit disjointed.  I should not be allowed access to pain medication and a computer at the same time.  My system always overreacts to opioids.  For the record I did not drive anywhere. 

I did rest the entire day and will do so most of today as well.  I hate naps but slept for a good bit of the arvo.  I am learning so much about the need to rest and think.  I have realized how much I value my mobility.  I am thankful for health that I have and the freedom to do most of what I wish that it provides.

I will journey out his arvo for a meal and to visit my family.  Other than that I continue to rest and learn.  The pain is much less today but it is there.  Even in the pain and need I can see how it draws me closer to Christ.  I can see how it moves me to follow more closely.  If I could learn to see this in all my experiences life would be so much richer. 

  

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Slow Down Son – Day Two

Greetings Dear Reader,

I thought it would be good to see how I am doing with the enforced slow down.  The first thing I thought of was to list the things I have done today or intended to do today.  Then it occurred to me to do less, just rest, and post later.  So here I am.

Hobbit Meal Schedule

I have been very low key so far.  I am reading and watching some TV.  Second breakfast was a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel and some tea.  I did get to chat with a friend or two and think I will skip elevenses.  I may go down to the servo and get sub for luncheon.  I have some tea biscuits for afternoon tea and will likely have pizza for supper.

All that talk about food is proof that I am relaxing.  For the last few years when I am busy I forget to eat. Oh and I did fix the toaster so I could toast my bagel.  It was simple and the instructions were right on the internet.  They even said that if the fix did not work I should stop wasting my time and just buy a new one.  I did not think it would work so I picked out one I liked.  I guess I will have to wait until it breaks again but that is good money management.

If this all seems a little disjointed that is probably because I am forcing myself not to be very serious at the moment.  Part of relaxing for me is to refrain from over thinking what I am writing.  Thank you for being understanding about this.  I hope you have a lovely day.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Slow Down Son

Greetings Dear Reader,

I must have heard this from my Grandfather fifteen million times whenever we went somewhere together.  He would kindly say, “Slow down son, you are missing the world.”  I was all energy and hurry back then. 

This week I took a spill and injured my knee.  I had great plans for the weekend and all of them are off whilst I immobilize the knee until the bruising subsides.  I spent last evening grumbling about having to cancel my plans and pondering how “unfair” it was. 

It was if my beloved Grandfather were in the room.  I heard his voice saying, “Slow down Son; just slow down.”  I was not on any medication and I have not gone mad enough to have auditory hallucinations yet.  So I listened. 

I had forgotten that when things happen that immobilize me there is a purpose.  I had fallen into the mindset of wanting things my way.  As I ponder this I realize that I can use the “down” time to care for some things that I need to care for at home.  I can also use it to meditate on the truth that God has a purpose for everything he allows in my life.

There are no moments where the path is not clear to God.  There are no “accidents” for those who follow Christ.  As much as I want to go out this evening and go to the event I was going to tomorrow I want to learn what Christ has for me more.  Sometimes sitting and healing is part of the journey.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Why We Do It

Greetings Dear Reader,

A friend of mine recently posted a question as to why Conservatives attack a certain social group.  I am not going to address that particular group as the answer does not matter relative to the group.  The answer is much broader and a deep concern.

The benchmark of those who follow Christ is to be their love.  Any time I rail against any group of people that I disagree with I am not being loving.  I feel that I am a conservative person but will not identify myself with “Conservatives” politically. 

It is my responsibility to promote love, grace, kindness, and mercy.  I cannot do this if I am promoting anything less to a group that I socially or politically disagree with.  Whilst it is true that there are those who do things that are wrong in terms of a biblical definition of sin that is not to be my focus.  I do things all the time that fit the biblical definition of sin and it is hypocritical to dwell on the sin of others.

What I am supposed to do is align my thoughts, attitudes, and actions with Christ and let him deal with the sin (both mine and theirs).  Whether I consider the actions of someone as the actions of a friend or an enemy I am not allowed to hate him.  I am required to love him. 

That is where I must loving part with those who call themselves political “Conservatives.”  I must also address the notion that just because I think something is wrong means that I hate that person.  That is a lie.  I think it is wrong to run a stop sign but I do not hate people who run them.  I think that it is wrong to do many things but I do not hate people that do those things.  Assuming that my conservative position on an issue means that I hate you is an error.

Do not paint all those who follow Christ with the same brush with which you paint the “religious right”.  It is not a logical choice.  We tend to paint people with broad strokes so that we do not have to get too close.  I will not hate any or all members of a group just because I think that what they do is wrong.  I will ask in return that you not treat all of us who claim Christ in the same way.  I promise not to hate you, however, if you do.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."