David's out of the office today, taking some time to rejuvinate after throwing himself into the new website design and restructuring. Since it was only my wife and I in the office and since my back is causing great pain (when I stand up the love handles on one side are way over in extension as my back is crooked and my back muscles are reacting...I lean against a wall and then the handle on the other side "pops out." It's a disc problem. Anyway, since it's aching, I decided, 'I'm gonna go lay in the tub for a while.' It's kinda weird and fun doing that at the office where I work. I had the door closed, of course. It wasn't that weird.
As I lay in the warm water, surrendering my muscles to the heat, I read the latest chapter in my Purpose Driven Lifejourney. It was cool reading about Noah's faith, surrender and abandon to God's plan, even though it must've been kinda weird and scary not having experience with rain or boats prior to this.
I was impressed by a quote from Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, who signed a contract with God, stating "I'm a slave for Christ." As much as any leader takes heat once he rises up and gets attention, I know this guy has. I myself have looked at some of his methods, the style of the organizations under his umbrella that are all over the place and I have thought, 'I'd do this better,' or I've looked down at the "Four Spiritual Laws" tract as if it were an attempt that could be improved upon. Whatever the thoughts, it was always that slight, 'looking down my nose at him as if I was better than him' attitude. Sure, I don't have to agree with all his doctrines or methods, but the impact of his ministry has had something to do with 150 million people coming to know Christ. You know what? This man deserves respect for that.
I think about how often our worldly attitudes take us in a direction that is often so opposite that of God's. Like the mockery of the latest fads -- whether it's Jesus Beanies, Testamints, or Passion nail necklaces. You know, I am not real proud of those things, either; but somewhere behind those things might be a sincere, devout, and humble fellow servant of Christ. I don't want to waste my time gnashing my teeth in criticism of what they're doing. I don't have to love Jesus Beanies, but I also don't have to criticize them.
I had the privilege of speaking at Graceview Baptist Church in Tomball, TX last night. It was neat sharing what's going on these days. One of the things I shared is my love for spiritual talk. There's something really cool about just talking about God, the Bible, spiritual things.
South By Southwest is kicking off this weekend here in Austin. That's going to make the next two weeks of deadline crazy, schedule-wise, as I work hard at wrapping up the magazine's production, writing, and ad sales and then ducking out downtown to partake in seminars, movies, exhibits, meetings, parties, and showcases. It's fun to have the music industry descend upon the city for a week and a half (interactive - film - music).
Watched more of the Disciple DVD today. Listened to the rest of Matt Leonetti's Producer's Commentary. He really did a good job of capturing the band's personality.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at March 11, 2004 01:18 PM