Curiosity on Mars - AMAZING!

Mars Panorama - Curiosity rover: Martian solar day 2 in New Mexico

You can go here for the site.

I Have a Confession to Make...

That's what I told my wife the other day while we were driving down the road. As I felt frustratingly handcuffed by the new laws prohibiting phone usage (namely, texting and use of apps) while driving and while stopped at intersections, I came to the realization that I am a phone addict.

It's a problem that seems so trivial and silly, but it is a problem nonetheless. Though relieved I was only confessing a problem with my phone, my wife did agree with me. Later, I even went and asked my seven-year-old daughter if she thought I loved my phone too much.

She said she did.

I doubt I am alone in this. If you are one who still carries around a flip-phone, you may think it weird I would be writing about such a thing. Or, you may even be saying, "See, that's why I refuse to get an iPhone!" But, if you have a smartphone, you probably know exactly where I am. You probably have had the same concerns.

Am I technically an "addict"? I don't really know. All I know is that I have a problem. And here are some ways I came to this realization.

1. Phone usage in the home has been a touchy issue for some time. My wife and I don't necessarily nag each other about using our phones, but we do recognize when we are using the phones (for whatever reason) too much. I know I have a problem when I get upset with her when she asks me to look away from my handheld devise while the children are speaking to me. If an issue is "touchy," there may be a problem.

2. I can't seem to keep my hands off of it. When I am idle, even for a minute or two, I cannot resist looking at my phone - even when there is no indication of communicative activity. I will just turn it on, look at it, and wonder what I can look at next. News? Facebook? Instagram?

3. I use it when I know I am not supposed to. I have often understood that if a person is willing to sin, or break a good law in order to have something, that something is an idol.

I text while driving.

I even play chess with friends while I'm driving too.

It's hard for me to admit and confess those things. This fact is just adds to the evidence of my problem.

4. As mentioned before, I use my phone when my children are around; and even when they are actively engaging me. This makes me sick when I think about it. The last thing I want them to say when they grow up is their daddy loved his phone more than he loved them. And I sure don't want to confront their potential problems with technology only to have them say, "I learned it from you."

5. It is more common for me to touch my phone in the morning before I touch my wife. It is more common for me to communicate to others via phone (typically through email), before I communicate with my wife via a kiss. Enough said.

6. My phone usage communicates to others that what they are saying to me is not important to me. I text message while in staff meetings. I want to look at my phone during session/elder meetings. I am sure my boss notices this. I am sure friends notice it too. My confession is probably been known for some time by others. My phone is something in my life that makes me less than loving.

7. I think my brain and attention span has been altered - seriously. Before my smartphone days, I could sit and read, study, or think for hours. Now, I can barely do those things for 20 or 30 minutes without looking to my phone. This is a problem.

I am sure I could list other reasons (or symptoms!), but these will suffice for now. I think it would be good at this point to list some things I am doing to address the issue.

1. I confessed and repented of my idolatry. I repented to my wife and my children. I want them to know that my behavior is not right - that it is less than what the Lord desires. Last night, I also prayed with my wife and repented to the Lord for loving my phone (and what my phone gives me) more than him and others.

2. I am trying very hard not to use my phone while I drive (at all). Talking will be a rare exception, but certainly no texting or reading or gaming.

3. While I am with other people (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) I put my phone away. If I am at home, I leave it on the dresser (note: this may be why I am not returning calls, texts, or emails as quickly as I used to). And if I am with others outside of the home, I simply don't look at it. The only exception I have made to this rule is if I receive two consecutive calls as this could mean emergency.

4. I am trying to actively engage my idle times as opportunities for prayer, and waiting on the Lord. I am fighting to think on things above and resist the overwhelming temptation to know more (whether news, "likes" on Facebook, new pics on Instagram, etc.).

Technology is a glorious thing - even a wonderful thing. I am ashamed that I have made it god-like. Please pray for me as I detox and make every effort to love people better. I'm not going to get rid of my iPhone. I don't think that's the solution. Rather, I hope to move forward in faith and repentance, allowing others to correct and encourage me, as I use my phone for the glory of God.

My Thoughts and Concerns about the Book "Fifty Shades of Grey"

There is no questioning the fact that the book, Fifty Shades of Grey, is both popular and scandalous. It is the first book to sell more than 1 million Kindle e-books in the U.K. And it is the topic of undoubtedly many discussions around the world where people praise, question, or even condemn its content. I have personally heard it brought up multiple times by Christians and non-Christians alike. I have been asked what I think about it at least a few times.

My goal here is not to answer every question. I can't. I haven't read the book. My goal therefore is to state what I know to be true about the book, and give my concerns in light of those truths.

First, the book, like I said before, is scandalous. It is full of explicit sexual content - much of which is apparently itself quite scandalous - which provokes the reader to be either morally repulsed or sexually excited. According to an article in Parenting Magazine, there are many people who read this book, women especially, and are drawn into sexual activities (or, the desires for those activities) that were previously either uncommon or non-existent.

Second, the book uses words rather than images to be sexually explicit. The same article calls it "mommy-porn." It is apparently uncomfortably vivid as it describes a variety sexual acts.

Third, because of this, many people question its moral acceptability. Those who don't think porn is wrong have no problem with the book. Parenting Magazine being one of them, praises the book and even promotes it as good for a couple's sex life. Those, however, who believe porn is wrong, question whether the book can and should be categorized as wrong. It's not images, but words. It is not a movie, but a novel. Is the woman who reads this book performing the same activity as a man who views a pornographic movie on the internet? I certainly have my opinion.

Fourth, the content of Fifty Shades of Grey draws people into a world of sexual fantasy. Given the testimonies I have read, it even excites them to sexual action.

Now for my concerns.

First, I am very uneasy with anyone observing, thinking/fantasizing about, or partaking in any sexual activity outside of their own marriage bed. I believe this keeps sex good and holy. I believe it answers the question, "How holy can I be? (which is more pleasurable) than, "What can I get away with?"

Some will undoubtedly ask the question, "What about those who read the book and place their spouse in that fantasy?" We must be careful here. I don't necessarily think fantasizing about one's spouse is wrong? But having those fantasies introduced, dictated, and detailed by an author, with objective characters, is hardly fantasizing about one's spouse. Sure, the person may look like the spouse; but what about that person's actions? Are they the spouses actions? According to what I have heard and read, this is typically not the case.

Second, this type of reading is, at least initially, one-way. It draws a person into being individually excited about certain sexual activities. It is less than relational.

Not only are many singles reading this book (which is difficult in itself); but, when those who are married read it, they are faced with the (often problematic) reality that "it takes two to tango." Beginning sexual activities or conversations this way can be very dangerous and damaging. Because sex is an extension of our selfless and sacrificial love for our spouse, the best way to approach it is with the question, "What would you like?" rather than the statement, "This is what I want."

Is it wrong or unhealthy to inform your spouse what you would like? Of course not, as long as it is done humbly, without expectation, and sacrificially. Books and movies like Fifty Shades do more to prohibit this countenance than encourage it.

Third, the reason why the last statement is true is because pornographic material brings a person to believe, "I must have what I see (with my eyes and/or imagination) or I will not be satisfied." Sexual temptations and fantasies are extremely powerful - powerful enough to override reason and conscience. They commonly leads us into throwing other people into an objective world that exists only for our selfish convenience, dictation and pleasure. When sexual material is being read or watched, sexual images are soon idolized and worshiped.

Fourth, I fear that Fifty Shades may do more damage than pornography, because it successfully avoids the categorical taboo pornography carries. I do believe the book is pornographic. There, I said it.

Anyone will have a hard time convincing me that the words of a novel are not as powerful and productive as images on a screen in exciting the dangerous realms of a persons sexual lusts. My memory, at times, is my own worst enemy in my fight against pornography. And, at times, it is a more dangerous one. It's easy to close a book or turn off a computer. It's not so easy to suppress the imagination or memory.

Fifth, I have a particular concern for women. If this were a book marketed and popular among men, the lines would not be so blurred. But because women have been more the victims than the users of pornographic material, we tend to pay less attention to what may capture and enslave women "pornographically". More and more women, statistics show, are becoming addicted to sexually explicit material.

This book is the serpent's way of stealthily slithering into the lives of many women. I am writing this post because women's hearts are at stake.

Simply put, it is not loving to leave this book uncategorized as harmful, pornographic, and wicked. The fact that many supposedly need this book for "sexual-CPR" is not an indication their marriages are healthy. It is more of an indication that our culture, especially from a marital standpoint, is desperately sick. It is not an indication that these marriages are sexually fulfilled, but that they are emotionally and spiritually deficient.

And in a culture such as ours, mommy-porn is the last thing we should be reading. We would all be far more satisfied reading about One Faithful Savior in White, than fifty shades of grey.

Good News for Those Who Also Hate Fitted Sheets

Thanks to my good friend AV for sharing this via doghousediaries.

God is Not into Microwaves

Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick is one of those books that works its way into the deep fabric of a person's being. In the book Fitzpatrick helps us to understand the deep longings of our heart, and how those longings help or hinder our relationship with God. Here is a snippet I thought especially encouraging:

"I love the convenience of the microwave, don't you? Just pop the casserole in and, presto, instant dinner. Life is better in our house since the invention of the microwave...I enjoy all of our modern conveniences, don't you? But, in the middle of this instant, Give it to me quickly! It better be convenient! culture, we tend to think that God should work in our lives in the same way. Just zap me and make me holy- and quickly, Lord, if you don't mind.

God's work in us is sometimes slow moving. Although it's true that all Christians know some change (even if it's minuscule), God's work, our sanctification, is a process. This process involves learning (what I hope you'll do here), growing, falling, changing, becoming convinced again of the truth, and developing holiness over our lifetimes. With that in mind, don't expect that this book will make you instantly holy. Only God through His Holy Spirit can make you holy, and He's not going to operate according to our hurried lifestyle."

Passages like this help me through the process of sanctification. They help me deal with the irony of being a sinful Christian. It is this understanding of life that supports me as I struggle with significant sins in my own life. I am thankful for people who write books like this. They are a true asset to the Kingdom as they help us manage our redemptive expectations. They help shape our eschatological worldview. And they help deepen our Christian faith.

Confronting Atheism in a World That is Not How It's Supposed to Be

Every time I receive a notification on my phone saying, "Breaking News," my first inclination is to cringe. Lately, breaking news has been nothing less than tragic news - horrifying news about how one person has murderously taken the life of (at least) one other person. It's "breaking news" because it has a tendency to get the attention of the masses. Most people will follow the link out of a deeply strange curiosity - out of a desire to understand why things like this happen.

The Christian faith provides a moral framework by which one can look upon such actions as wrong and inherently evil. Christians can rightly and, without arbitrariness, say, "This is not the way things are supposed to be."

There is another worldview, however, at work in our day. It is the atheistic evolutionary worldview whereby its proponents seek to answer the questions of human existence and experience. Science alone is sufficient to provide us with these answers (given we simply observe the evidence through a naturalistic lens).

To the naturalist, our universe is nothing more than the product one "thing" bumping into another "thing" a long time ago, and producing another "thing" which produced another "thing" when it bumped into some"thing" else (whew!). After billions of years, these chain reactions produced the organism we call human.

For the naturalistic atheist, people are nothing more than the product of genes trying to survive. Staying alive and reproducing other bodies that are good at staying alive is the only purposeful mechanism of cellular life in the world. This is the process of nature to winnow out less-than-efficient molecular organisms. The strong survive. The weak die off. This is just the way things are.

I wonder, however, what the naturalist thinks when he receives the type of "breaking news" I spoke of before. What goes on in his mind when he hears the news of a six year old little girl who was video taped by her father as she was forced to perform oral sex on him (this happened, by the way, a few years back - the man is now, thankfully, in prison).

Do they see it "scientifically" as the cause and effect process of molecular survival? Will they go to straight to the scientific method in an effort to figure out what is going on in this poor girl's sphere of the universe? I wonder if they will begin with a hypothesis before they jump to a judgment. I wonder if their initial deepest problem lies in the question "What is this?" rather than the judgment, "This should not be!"

I doubt it.

The naturalistic, evolutionary world view has no category at all for the repulsive feelings every image bearer feels when they hear such a story. A person like Richard Dawkins can only make observations about "what is". He has, however, absolutely no basis for making assertions as to "what ought to be." He can only state that the father did this to his little girl; not that the father should not have done it.

And this is the danger of atheistic naturalism. It reduces humanity to the product of mindless molecular reactions. It handcuffs these "products" from making moral judgments about what "ought" and what "ought not" be. In a society in which this worldview pervades, and where objective morality is reasoned away, only the strong survive. The weak are left to die off.

This world, for the evolutionist, is nothing more than natural selection taking its course - the genetic quest for survival. Some genes are not so efficient (like the father mentioned above), and consequently die off.

Am I saying all atheists condone what this father did? No. I'm not. I know atheists who would deeply desire the man's judicial punishment. All I am saying is, given their worldview, they have no basis for those judicial desires. The fact that they jump to judgments faster than hypotheses, is evidence that people are more than the product of mindless molecular reactions. The deep conviction they have, that "this is not how things are supposed to be," is evidence of the very God they seek to deny.

Rest: It's What We're All After

If you are human, especially a human who works or parents other small humans, you probably have ingrained within the framework of your day, a longing for the time in the near future when you can rest.  The kids are sleeping and you have just put up the last dish - you turn out the kitchen light, lock the doors, walk over to the bed, sit on the edge of it, and let out a long, vocal breath as you remove your shoes.

Future times of rest are not alien to human experience. They are part of our image-of-God-ness. Life can feel like a high repetition set in the gym; and as your muscles begin to burn, you tough through "two more" because you know the resistance will be soon removed. That's the rest we are all after - the life of no resistance.

In that life, our desires perfectly align with the desires of others. No one asks us to do what we don't want to do. There is no conflict. No mental or emotional strain that comes from being at odds with another individual. Our lives are "in harmony". They are peaceful.

We long for a life of no worldly resistance, when we will no longer worry about money, sickness, natural disasters, national security, or snakes sneaking in the house. There will be no need to constantly ensure our children are safe - safe from predators, speeding cars, poisonous bugs, maverick illnesses, and/or bullies at recess.  The external world will be for us and not against us. And we will be in harmony with that world. We will be at peace with it.

The longing in every human heart for this peaceful life is by design. It is not a fairy tale or arbitrary convention of men. It is godly in every sense, good in every part, and possible for every person.

The fact that our world is not like this now, is indicative of the fact that something is wrong. The big deep breath of relief at the end of the day comes when things are not chaotic, conflicting or crazy. Those small times are shadows of the way things are supposed to be. They direct us to the Substance in whom all things are right and nothing is wrong. The big deep breath is just a small piece of the biblical concept of hope. It is a glimpse of rest which is only found in Christ - the Prince of Peace.

It is important for our life and the lives of those around us that we understand hope properly. Our obedience is at stake, and our love for others as well. There are at least two errors people make in their quest for ultimate peace.

1) We believe ultimate peace will come in this life through earthly means. We live with the expectation that people will be sinless and not invade our quest for peace. We believe that if we just reach a certain corporate position, make a certain amount of money, and have a certain type of phone, car or spouse, everything will finally be fine.

But ultimate peace will not come in this life and it will most certainly not come through earthly means. This is why we become frustrated with our children when they won't go to sleep. This is why we argue with our spouse when she doesn't meet our selfish expectations. It's why we hoard our money in an over desire for occupational retirement.

2) We also commonly disbelieve that ultimate peace could ever happen. And so we give up. Hopeless singles who have no view of heaven often fall into sexual immorality. Fathers who don't believe in glory run from their responsibilities at home. The executive or athlete that didn't make the cut are suddenly confronted with the reasonableness of pointing a revolver at themselves. The 18 year old who thought life outside of their parents home would provide ultimate freedom, finds himself consuming any substance (or person) he can find in an effort to deal with the reality of his conflicted conscience.

We will do anything (moral or not) to make this life different (tattoos, irresponsible vacations, substance abuse, or whatever), because we have lost all hope for heaven. Live it up today, for tomorrow we die.

But if Christ is risen, if he is real, then we have a good reason to enjoy those small times of rest without over-desiring them. When our expectations are interrupted at night by a sick child, we can let go and shift our ultimate hope heavenward. When our spouse is less-than-perfect, we can patiently love with our hope fixed in glory - when they will be all that we knew they could be (and more).

And until that glorious day comes, we can "now" find shade in the shadows of rest, knowing that the Substance is soon to come and bring us home. It will happen Christian. And when he comes on the clouds, you can take that eternally long, restful breath. Life will forever be peaceful.

Derek Minor (formerly known as PRo): New Free Mixtape

Get this. It's free...and really good.

Six Reasons Why Denominations are a Good Thing

There are apparently thousands of evangelical Christian denominations. Most people are familiar with only a few - Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. There are those who have ecumenical goals and are "non-denominational." But even they are a denomination in themselves.  Because of this diversity in evangelicalism, it is not uncommon to hear indictments that these churches are less than unified, loving and/or tolerant of one another. Denominationalism seems to be the glaring blemish on the face of Protestantism.

I don't think it has to be this way. Certainly, there are blemishes; but blemishes are everywhere in a fallen world. This doesn't make the blemishes right, but only admits the reality that the Church survives as a fellowship of saved sinners. This being said, blemishes don't have to eclipse the beauties that lie within the realm of diverse denominational Christianity. Just because a person is a sinner, doesn't mean that we cannot also call them, in another sense, a saint.

Being an ordained minister in the PCA, I live with the reality that I am not ordained in, say, the Baptist church. When I speak with ministers of other denominations, there are differences between us - even disagreements. We know this. It is the truth of our religious situation. I am of the strong opinion that we can use our differences in these matters as wonderful opportunities to love. Yes, the verse still rings true for us, "they shall know we are Christians by our love."

I am implying that denominationalism is loving for many reasons. Here are just a few of them.

First, denominationalism helps us to know each other better. Knowledge is often the best means to deepening our love for others. When I know what denomination my brother or sister is a part of, I immediately place him or her within a categorical sphere. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing if done with love. It is good for us to know where we stand. By knowing, we can both make an informed decision when standing with one another in love.

Second, denominationalism reminds us that a person doesn't have to be right in order to be loved. This truth should ring every Christian ear, as well as flow frequently from every Christian tongue. It is a testimony to a person's Christ-likeness that being right is not a prerequisite for being loved. When denominations willingly embrace one another in love, we embody this truth.

Third, denominationalism protects us from being blindsided by off-the-wall beliefs. A person who will not side with common and clear denominational standards is like a knuckle ball pitcher. You don't really know what to expect. This is simply less than loving. Helping others manage expectations is one of the best things we can do for another person. Most people don't enjoy surprises. Denominationalism eliminates the anxiety associated with the possibility of a theological mine blowing up in your face.

Fourth, denominationalism is a constant call for communal humility. Sure, we may have a healthy level of pride in our church's standards; but for the most part, being at odds with another image bearer, on any big or small point of doctrine, should humble us. Humility is a breading ground for love.

Fifth, if we move forward in humility, we can become stronger in our Christian convictions. When someone I love believes something else, I am more encouraged to consider their words and worldview. We are not persuaded to believe what they believe in order to be in relationship with them (we've already established this doesn't have to happen); but out of respect for them, we listen and value what they believe. When considering their point of view through the lens of Scripture (our only unquestionable authority), we can either stand firm in our convictions, or we can stand corrected - and this without a war, because of love.

Finally, denominationalism should bring us all to hope in heaven. Denominations are only necessary in a fallen world. But one day the world will not be fallen. We will not be fallen. Therefore, denoms will be wholly unnecessary. At that time, everyone who has simply placed their faith in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, will live without sin and disagreement together, forever. Let the Church say, "Amen."

There are plenty of issues I did not address in this post. I simply don't have the time or space for an exhaustive work on the epistemological complexities of denominational Christianity. My purpose is only to state, and show, that denominationalism doesn't have to be only a blemish on the face of Protestant Christianity. And that it can be a wonderful opportunity for Christians to show off the love of our common Lord.

Will Our Grandchildren Be Rich?

With the steady decline of the moral state of America, and with the increasing weight of debt our nation seems to be accumulating, it doesn't take a genius to reasonably postulate that the sun may be setting on the American international enterprise. The camel's back is bending. Any number of straws are ready to add the final breaking blow.

Jesus spoke of how a person should be able to interpret the times. So, I don't think the previous paragraph to be completely uncalled for. Sure, there are some fanatics out there with an artillery in their basement next to their ten-year supply of canned goods. These folks are looking for a national conspiracy under every political rock. I'm not one of those guys, and this post is not the revealing of some proposed conspiracy.

Being a father of four, it is difficult to hear the older generation say things like, "I don't necessarily fear what will happen during our lifetime. It's your grandchildren that I fear for," and not take at least some of what they mean seriously. It is difficult to keep from building strategies to prepare my children now for what they will face when they have children of their own.

Wisdom should remind us of the difficulty of this task. The strategies that will carry a person through difficult times are not superficial "how-to's" but ideological movements of being.

In other words, we ought not be so worried about what our children and grandchildren will do during their lifetime, but what they will be. Should they lose the luxuries of our everyday life, will they be blessed? Should Christian activities be prohibited by law, will they be Christian? Should poverty come upon them, will they be rich? And should they lose their lives, will they be saved?

I don't really know if I am fanatical or not. But I am a bit overwhelmed by the task, not only to actively teach my children what to do (practical steps are necessary in life), but also (and more importantly) to passively teach them how to be. I fear I am failing this task miserably.

And then I am reminded and encouraged of the gospel of grace. Not that it removes my obligations, but that it fulfills them in Christ. It is the gospel that reminds me that should every national sun set, Christ is supremely sufficient to shine through. I may not be there to teach my grandchildren about treasures in heaven. And I may not be there to supply and support with Christian values.

But Christ will. He is more significant than I. He is more powerful than I. And he is closer to my children than I will ever be. I hope and trust that he will use this sinner, along with many other means, to prepare our children for what lies ahead.

Paris Can Wait

The Bible tells us this life is not all there is. If the Scriptures are true, there is a resurrection from the dead, whereby people are "glorified". We will be given new bodies which are not subject to decay, disease, and sin. Our thoughts about this glorification should have a significant impact on our lives now. According to 1 Corinthians 15, there is only one of two lives to live - a life that believes in the resurrection and a life that doesn't.

The resurrection is both spiritual and physical. Because the Lord has created both "realms" both are very important. Neither one is to be neglected. In other words, in eternity, we will probably not be floating around like ghosts; but will more than likely walk around as people (kind of like now but better).

Along with the resurrection comes the recreation. Our bodies will be new (1Cor 15), and so will the heavens and the earth (2Pet 3:11-13). The creation presently groans for this (Rom 8). It will be a creation without decay, disease, and the effects of sin. Revelation 21 gives ample descriptions of what the new heaven and earth will look like. I struggle with believing it will be that good.

The thought and reality of the new heavens and the new earth should also cause us to live differently. We should shape our lives around the fact that this world will one day not be like it is now. Holiness and godliness are a few words to describe how we should be as we long for the coming day of the Lord, when the transition will begin.

The new earth will be more real to us than the old one. There will be one day, in a million years or so, when we look back on this present "breath of life" and shake our heads. We will wonder why we loved it too much. We will wonder why we labored too hard to see all of it, as if we would not have an eternity to do so.

In other words, Paris can wait. The pyramids can wait. The trip to Australia can wait (note for all you travelers out there - notice I did not say Australia should wait. I could not possibly lay that upon your conscience).

The common saying, "I must see [said geographical location] before I die", has no place in the Christian experience. Sure, we may travel as resources permit; albeit in a way that brings glory to God (1Cor10:31). But, there is absolutely no temporal pressure to do so.

For some reason, we have allowed eschatology to fall from its rightful place as the reason for our soteriology (cf. Col 1:3-5).

Given this theological shift, our desire to travel overshadows our obligation to disciple; and our excitement for Europe has eclipsed the expediency to evangelize. And so we are of all people most pitiful. But we are only so if the resurrection and recreation are true. If they are not true, we are pretty smart. We should make every effort to see every speck of geography before we die.

If we never die, however, imagine the possibilities. Imagine the new places. Imagine the glory of a recreated Paris, Egypt, and Australia. And imagine having no less days to visit those places than when we had first begun. O, glorious day! It makes all the sense in the world to labor with all our might storing up treasures in this heaven - living sacrificially now, that we may enjoy our eternal reward then.

A Possible Story Behind the Suicides of NFL Athletes

Imagine being 17 years old and having millions of people hanging on your decisions. Imagine being a physical specimen at an early age, so much so that your abilities are the topic of everyday discussion for many grown men. Your picture is everywhere. Signs are made with your name on them. And it is not uncommon for you to hear tens of thousands of people shouting your praise.

The only distinction between you and the common man is that you can play the game better. The game gives and allows liberties that most will never know. And you are one of the very few who regularly experience the intoxicating surge of public praise.

You are an athlete in the 21st century - the height of human experience and the object of everyone's worshipful attention. With very little regard for who you are, it seems as if everyone loves you for what you are. The only problem is you are not mature enough to know the difference.

Even as a baby, the beer was in your bottle. As soon as you could grab a ball, you heard things like, "You're gonna be a football player one day." You also learned from a very early age that this must be your goal in life if you are to excite your father's attention at all. He screams for those players on television; but when you come home from school with an "A", all you get is a pat on the back. It just makes sense. Your survival lies in the game.

And you finally make it. You sign on with a division-I ball team and do well enough to make it on draft day. You've always heard that this is all you need to retire. The checks have started, surely they will never stop. You've been a player all of your life. You are bigger than life. It will never end. Again, you have made it.

Self-control is something that you were never taught. Those liberties you received as a star athlete have served only to cripple you for the responsibilities of manhood. So you run back to the game, and surround yourself with others who seek their refuge in the game as well. Clothes, cars, homes and jewelry fill the void you are now noticing - but only for a little while.

There is something deep inside of you saying, "I have made it. Why am I still searching?" You answer by holding on tighter. Game day is not too far away. Everyone will love you tomorrow.

Two years fly by. They are a blur. The next star in line starts nudging you out of the way. He's better than you and you know it. Things that you have done and possessions that you have bought are now responsibilities that linger over your head day and night. There was a time when you got a check. Now you need the check. Once you caught life, now life is catching you.

Then it happens. You're done. Whether by injury or whatever, you are forced into retirement. The checks have stopped. The praise on Sundays is over. Liberties have been replaced by liabilities. The doors of freedom are now slammed shut. In a matter of days, you are a nobody. A has-been. Now people begin paying attention to who you are rather than what you are. You are now old enough to feel the difference. And it hurts. It hurts bad.

From the beginning of your life, sports were your life. Now sports are gone. The logic isn't very difficult to follow. Life is not worth living anymore. I can only imagine this may very well be the story of O.J. Murdock and others like him. Behind all of the muscle, speed and talent lies a boy who was never taught how to be a man. He was never warned about life outside of the sport. And when life catches him, he has no where to turn but to end himself. This is nothing short of tragedy.

Three People You Must Have in Your Life

There are three types of people every Christian should have in his or her life. The Christian life is one lived in community where people are sharpened, encouraged, convicted, and edified by other people. One of the biggest ploys of the enemy is to get the believer alone, believing that his life is better off lived that way. Alone we atrophy; but in community we are pruned by the uniqueness of the other as we grow as the family of God.

With this said, each Christian should have at least one mentor, companion, and disciple in his or her life. To say it differently, we should have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy to commune with in this earthly wilderness. Two of these are easy, while one is less so.

A mentor is someone you look up to. They are more seasoned in the faith. Their Christian life is one you admire and seek to exemplify. A mentor should not be a dead person or author. This would be a cop-out. Rather, he or she must be one who is in your life, who loves you and cares for your well being. Your mentor must be strong and intentional enough to confront your sins, address your weaknesses, and encourage your strengths. He or she should be able to lead you to the finish line of faith.

A companion is a little different than a mentor. Barnabas was a companion to Paul as Joshua was to Caleb. Companions are typically on the same spiritual plane as we are. The flow of benefits and needs tends to go both ways. While a mentor knows more about what it means to be [like] Christ, a companion knows more about what it means to be you. They can relate better and tend to know more about you than any other. Companions know all your junk and strive to address all of that junk redemptively. Mentors lead you to the finish line of faith, while companions carry you across.

A disciple is the most difficult person to have in your life. They are a Timothy to Paul, and a Joshua to Moses. They follow you, listen to you, and seek to exemplify things about you. To state it differently: you lead them, you teach them, and you live a life before them worthy of exemplifying. They are spiritual children. You must care enough to confront their sins, help their weaknesses, and encourage their strengths.

Mentors and companions tend to fill us, while disciples tend to drain us. This sounds more negative than it really should. There are enjoyable things we do that fill us (like eating); and there are enjoyable things we do that drain us (like playing a sport).

Quite honestly, if there is one person lacking in most people's lives, it is the disciple. We live in a culture that is overpopulated with the "married-without-children" social group. We like being fed, but often resist feeding others. We like being taught, but resist teaching others. We like choosing our biblical subjects, but resist learning what someone else needs to know. This whole Christian thing is great, as long as I don't have to be inconvenienced by the needs of someone less sanctified. Too many people believe they need to "enjoy their Christianity" before they have "christian children."

If mentors and companions fill our heads with theology, disciples tend to drag that theology into our hearts. Because this is a painful process of "losing one's life" and "carrying one's cross" we tend to neglect the disciple making process. Evangelism now becomes risky. What if they believe? If they accept Christ, they become a spiritual newborn we must feed, care for, and raise up in the faith.

Mentors and companions may tell us to get into the Word, but disciples force us to get into the Word. They ask questions and need answers. They need theology that is processed and more digested. Most disciples need the spiritual bread of good doctrine that has been baked in the oven of our own experience. Disciples do a great deal of keeping us in the faith. If we fall, they may fall. If we grow, they stand a greater chance to grow. Therefore, we cannot fall; we must grow.

This concept is nothing new. You may have read it in a book or heard your friend or pastor talking about it. Nevertheless, it is needed. I hope this encourages you.