Leave Your Ego

Dear Victorious,

When someone says, "Leave your ego at the door," what does he (or she) mean?

Dottie N. - Tampa, FL

Dear Dottie,

It usually means that they think your decision-making criteria is flawed. It typically indicates they don't believe you are being objective or trying to base decisions on the facts. It most often means they don't trust your motives, and aren't convinced that you're trying to do the next best thing.

Celebrity Deaths

Dear Victorious,

Three in one week: what do you make of the deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson?

Devastated Fan

Dear Devastated,

And yesterday, Billy Mays died too. (He was the guy shouting out in the infomercials about OxyClean and other amazing products.) What do I make of them? Basically I don't make anything of these deaths. Death is a natural part of life. Consider it the "graduation ceremony" that each of us gets to attend at least once in our lifetime. It is the circumstances of a death that seem to change that dynamic into something else for most of us.

Ed McMahon's circumstances weren't too unusual. He had lived a good, long life. It had been a life of privilege. It appeared toward the end not to be much of a life of responsibility. He was in foreclosure last year - living beyond his means. One might have imagined that by the time someone gets into their 80's they've learned how to live within their means. Not so with Mr. McMahon. I suspect the world isn't particularly going to miss him. He hadn't done much to be remarkable. Perhaps the saddest thing about his passing is the life that he never lived.

Farrah Fawcett's circumstances weren't unexpected. She'd been very ill for a very long time. She wasn't a particularly impactful individual in terms of leaving a lasting impression on our culture. Her famous red swimsuit poster was a favorite of men across the generations. Her hair seemed to set off a fashion trend for women (and a fantasy trend for men). I have read reports that Farrah made an impact on individuals though. There is evidence that she reached out in some remarkable ways. Perhaps the saddest thing about her passing is the potential that she'll never reach.

Michael Jackson's circumstances were perhaps the saddest thing of all. A life squandered for money. It would seem Michael had become a slave in his childhood - and never escaped from that slavery. He lived in a world that was quite far from reality. From all appearances, he may have been a kind individual ... but he led a very troubled life. He seemed to find joy in children. He was noteworthy in his contributions to worthy causes (though from a percentage perspective he wasn't very generous with his money). Perhaps the saddest thing about his passing is the life that was wasted. My only hope is that his three children might escape the slavery he lived in and somehow turn out reasonably well adjusted.

Celebrity deaths may serve to remind all of us of our own immortality. They force us to examine what we value most. Sometimes, we rush out to grab remembrances of them. (Farrah posters and Michael's music are flying of the shelves this week.) But at the end of the day, those remembrances will be put away, on the shelf. Life will go on with or without our favorite celebrity. What I think is that this reality has yet to take hold in the lives of most Americans.

Christianity A Crutch?

Dear Victorious,

Isn't Christianity really just a crutch? (Be honest about it.)

No God Needed

Dear No God,

I'll admit that I've heard that argument before, but I really have never thought much of it. Even when I view Christians in all their weakness, I don't see Christianity as a crutch. If anything, it is a whole new set of legs. A living relationship with Jesus makes everything else look like a crutch. It’s the power to face problems head on.

There is a God-sized hole in all of us. We were created by God to be in relationship with God. Religion was never part of the equation - but devotion and submission to God were always part of His plan for us. Jesus fills the unfillable hole within us. He makes us whole. He meets our deepest needs. As the song goes, you and I were made for worship. Christ alone releases our full potential.

Everything anyone has ever enjoyed springs from God’s creative genius and generosity. But the human condition seems to take everything from God and in the height of selfishness try to disregard the creator of it all. To become a Christian is to come of age. It is to take up your responsibilities with the One to whom you owe everything.

Until we face our spiritual inadequacy, we are shutting our eyes to reality, hiding from the truth, avoiding the reality that faces us squarely on. (John 3:19)

Christ followers are very ordinary people who dared confront the spiritual need the rest of us fearfully suppress. Through Jesus they somehow found the courage to push against the torrent of popular opinion and say good-bye to their favorite sins and the stranglehold of almost life-long habits. They put their life on the line and to their surprise found the warm presence of God.

No, Christianity isn't a crutch. In act, it is anything but.

National Health Care

Dear Victorious,

What do you think of socialized medicine? Is it necessary? Would it be better?

R.L. - Santa Cruz, CA

Dear R.L.,

I'm not sure what I think. I don't have enough facts to feel like I have an educated opinion. I've read many pros and cons. It appears to me that most Americans get what medical care they need most of the time. So in that sense, it seems as if our current system (of private health care) works.

On the other hand, I'm not blind to the fact that millions of Americans are being marginalized economically ... forced to the periphery of fiscal society. So it seems likely that their access to health care will also be eroded.

Is socialized medicine necessary? I suspect it may be. The alternative is for them to be deadbeats, not paying for the medical services they get - and raising the prices for the rest of us. Or we could let them die earlier. To be honest, I don't see such alternatives as being very rational or sustainable.

It may be that socialized medicine in some form or fashion, is the lesser of the evils.

Muslims in Heaven?

Dear Victorious,

I've read that you believe the only people who will ever see God face to face, who will be in heaven one day - are the ones who believe in Christ. So does that mean that you are certain there will be no Muslims, Hindu or Jews in heaven?

Theophil K. - Albuquerque, NM

Dear Theophil,

Jesus said that He is the only way. I accept that as truth. But I also know the difference between what Jesus said and man-made religions. It is possible for someone to be born into the Muslim faith, for example, and still choose Christ. It is possible or someone to live in Islamic tradition, and still choose Christ.

I don't know who will be in heaven or who won't. I believe only God knows that for sure. So I accept the fact that anyone I see who looks like they are Muslim or Jew or anything else may be viewed by God another way. And at the end of the day, it is God's view that counts. Not yours or mine.

Art of Persuasion?

Dear Victorious,

How do you win people over? Isn't there a place for persuasion, salesmanship, convincing, etc.? Somehow it seems that we need to get someone to see things our way. But it feels manipulative and perhaps even wrong. Is it?

Arnold H. - St. Paul, MN

Dear Arnold,

Well, on the surface it's not necessarily wrong to try and sell someone something. But there are two factors that need to be considered. The first is the biblical mandate to love your neighbor as you would want to be loved yourself. The second is more pragmatic and simply questions what is more effective. Ironically, this latter one can benefit from biblical wisdom as well.

Is your communication really manipulative? If so, then you aren't loving the other party as you would want to be loved yourself. That makes it sin. On the other hand, if it's simply marketing, having a debate or offering an opinion, you're still on solid ground. It's a slippery slope though, so check your motives. Your motives will help reveal whether or not you've moved from marketing or lobbying to manipulation and deception.

What is the most effective way to "sell?" Usually it is by simply presenting the facts - and letting the facts speak for themselves. This would be true in the scenario you've described. When I am not on the same page with someone, the best effort is not to try and persuade them to come over to my side. I find it is far more effective to simply offer them the facts. I also find it helpful to be willing to at least consider the possibility that I may be wrong.

Jon & Kate

Dear Victorious,

What do you make of the recent divorce announcement for Jon & Kate (the TV couple with the eight kids)?

Angela Z. - King of Prussia, PA

Dear Angela,

Well, Jon and Kate haven't asked me for marital advice. But based on what I've read and what I've seen of their interaction on their reality show (which I have watched a couple of times) - I do have an opinion. (You knew I would!)

I tuned in this week to see the "divorce episode," where they constructed the kids' play houses. What I saw was really sad. Kate continued to throw Jon under the bus throughout the show. I believe this marriage could be salvaged. But in order to do so, Kate would have to set aside her resentments against Jon for what he is - and what he isn't. She would have to stop blaming him for everything. On the other hand, I believe Jon would have to start leading his family.

I don't believe in gossip. But I do believe in marriage. And I do believe that marriages can be worked out. Problems can be walked out. But it takes two people to each lay down their respective swords. Each has to decide whether it's more important to be right - or to be reconciled. At this point, at least one person in that marriage seems to have chosen the former.

Iranian Elections

Dear Victorious,

What do you think of the recent presidential election in Iran - and the protests at the grass roots level that has resulted from it?

Nick W. - New Port Richey, FL

Dear Nick,

I have, as has much of the world, watched the mess unfold in Iran with intrigue. The only thing that I've read or heard about the current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is that he is great at ticking off the west and that most of the people of Iran don't believe he represents them. For some time now, I've understood that Iranians general like the west and get on well with the west. Most of them are annoyed that their president doesn't share their views.

This morning, the news emerged that the actual votes cast in about 50 Iranian cities exceeded the number of registered voters in those cities. Iranian officials admit that this could account for as many as 3 million votes - or possibly more. But Ahmadinejad won by a margin of more than 11 million votes. So even if the government finds and admits to this voter fraud ... it won't account for the wide margin that Ahmadinejad actually won with.

So was there voter fraud in Iran? Was the election rigged? Do the results actually represent the views of the Iranian people? The fact is that probably only people who know Iran well can have an educated view. I suspect myself that Ahmadinejad is not the people's choice for a leader. But I recognize that is the case in most Muslim countries.

I'm hopeful for two things here. First, I hope the reaction of the protesters will be a wake-up call to the Iranian government to take the interests and views of its people more seriously. Second, I hope and pray that this doesn't become a lightning rod with America. Let us relate to Iran now in a professional and dignified manner that is genuine. In other words, I'm not sure what the problem in Iran is, but I hope America's response is to take the high road.

Fatherhood Defined

Dear Victorious,

What do you think is the definition of a good father?

Tammy L. - Victoria, TX

Dear Tammy,

A lot of money has been made (and spent) on books, greeting cards and editorials defining fatherhood for us. It is ironic to me that we have so much trouble grasping that definition. Like many things in life, I suspect the truest definition is the one that will escape most of us.

God is the consummate father. So I look to God for the best definition of fatherhood. He is the ideal model. I study His character and nature. I look at how He treats His children. (Inevitably, I notice that what I see doesn't look very much like many of the so-called fatherhood models that we pursue today in modern society.) Here are some conclusions I can draw.

A father loves the mother of his children unconditionally. He sacrifices self for we safety and well-being.

A father draws firm boundaries and enforces them sternly.

A father brings out the best in his wife and in each of his children.

A father is rich in wisdom and wise counsel. Moreover, he gains influence in the lives of his children by convincing them that he loves them and always has their best interests at heart.

A father is transparent with his feelings and emotions. His tender side is well known to his children.

A father earns the fearful respect of his children. He is a force to be reckoned with. He will not be ignored.

A father doesn't have more children than he can successfully parent.

A true father isn't defined by blood lineage. Anyone can impregnate a woman to produce offspring. True fathers aren't defined by birthrights. Rather it is the spiritual dimension of the relationship that makes someone a true father.

Notice the absence of modern concepts like "quality time" (whatever that might be) or "love languages," and other such nonsense that society wants us to believe defines the quality of relationships.

I read the sappy greeting cards every year. I see the sappy TV shows and read the sappy write ups in the newspaper and magazines. But I notice that the truly memorable and noteworthy father stories always depict a man who acts and lives with the character and heart of God.

Trust the Bible

Dear Victorious,

I know that we are supposed to believe the Bible is the "true word of God" and everything in it is true. How can we put such blind faith in such a book though?

Ronald N. - Tucumcari, NM

Dear Ron,

Basically because it contains the words of a holy, trustworthy and unchanging God. That may sound like some kind of rhetoric - but the fact is you put your faith in God. The same God that you believe in and trust to save you breathed these words that we call the Bible. So the Bible wouldn't have any credibility unless this God had credibility. Fortunately, He does!

In the history of the world, there has never been an incidence of anything in the Bible not being true. In the study of theology, there has never been an incidence of any part of the Bible contradicting another part of the Bible. Perhaps most compelling though is the fact that for thousands of years, the life experiences of God's people have testified to the accuracy of the Bible. In other words, my life gives me experiential knowledge of the truth of the Bible. So does the life experience of millions of other people throughout time.

Finally, let me speak to the various translations of the Bible. Some would discount the credibility or integrity of the Bible because it has been translated so many times. Here again, we have to put our faith in the God who breathed these words. He protects the translations. His Holy Spirit guides the translators and preserves the integrity of those translations. And again, we know this is true because in the various translations that He allows to be completed, there are no contradictions, no parts that are ever proven untrue - and millions of people's lives that give testament to the truthfulness of those translations.

Insurance

Dear Victorious,

Is insurance biblical?

Self-Insured

Dear Self,

What a fascinating question! Unfortunately, the way you signed it reveals that you already decided what the answer must be before you asked it.

I find no biblical basis for concluding that insurance of any kind is ungodly. Ironically, I do find Scripture that be used to support a requirement for insurance.

Some states, for example, have laws that require car insurance. The Bible instructs us to obey the laws of the land. So either get the insurance or don't drive. Anything else would be sinful.

Your mortgage lender might require insurance on your house. That's a contractual provision for making the loan. So get the insurance or sell (or pay off) the house. Anything else would be sinful.

Even a basis for life insurance could be found in biblical mandates to love one another as we would love ourselves. If I have the ability to purchase life insurance for my wife and family, for example, and don't - my death would create hardship on them. Of course I could use that money selfishly ... maybe to buy a boat I've been wanting. But if I die, the boat won't pay for my kids' college.

Simply put, there may not be a biblical prohibition against insurance. In addition, there is no direct biblical mandate to get insurance. But there are plenty of Scripture references that could easily support a decision to get insurance. Least among them might just be simple stewardship.

If I were you, I'd get the insurance.

God's Guidance?

Dear Victorious,

I hear people say that God told them this or that, or that He spoke to them in one way or another. I've been a Christian for years, pray regularly --- and never have heard God speak to me or tell me anything. Why? How do I get God to tell me things like He apparently does with other people?

Norma N. - Waxahachie, TX

Dear Norma,

Understand that God doesn't usually speak to anyone just for the sake of communicating. Rather when God speaks, He always has a purpose. Usually, that purpose is to guide us in some way. It may be a decision we are about to make, or it may be thinking that He wants us to change. But if God speaks to anyone, it is usually for the sake of providing them with guidance.

So how do we get God's guidance (on anything)? We first have to want to be guided. That sounds simple enough, but the truth is that many people pray --- asking God to give things to them their way. They've already decided on the matter and they just want God to affirm their decision. The thing is, God knows the difference. He can tell whether we're truly seeking His guidance ... or whether we're mostly just seeking His approval for how we want things to be.

God's primary means of communicating with us is not through some prophetic word or a burning bush or miraculous sign. Rather His primary method of communicating is His Word - the Bible. By reading the Bible regularly and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God's direction for our lives. You see, God's communication is often subtle. Only minds that are tuned into Him will notice it. (The others will miss it!)

We may be tempted to demand answers from God. But successful Christians ask for direction instead. When we become willing to seek God, to learn from His Word daily and to obey His commands, then we will receive His specific guidance. We will know how to live and we will know it is direction that He's given specifically to us.

Bible Characers

Dear Victorious,

Besides Jesus, who in the Bible impresses you the most - and why?

Andy B. - Del Rio, TX

Dear Andy,

Besides Jesus, there are quite a few characters in both the Old and New Testament that I believe are remarkable. I suppose there are two that particularly stand out for me. In the Old Testament it is King David. In the New Testament it is the Apostle Paul. Frankly, David is more impressive to me than Paul.

Why are either of these men so impressive? The brokenness and the holiness of these men are evident at the same time. I am intrigued with this tension - where someone who is so broken can be used by God in such a great way. There is an interesting dichotomy for the man who is a sinner and a saint - at the same time. (Frankly, this gives me hope for myself!)

So why does David come before Paul in my mind? In my opinion, David was considerably more open about his brokenness. We get to see David's sin in a very transparent way. David expresses his pain and anguish to God - and provides us a very intimate look at his relationship with God as well as his relationship with himself. (Again, this gives me hope for myself.)

Cross Sex

Dear Victorious,

I read in the news that Chastity Bono (daughter of Cher and the late Sonny Bono) is transforming herself into a man and will hereafter be known as "Chaz." What do you make of this? How should Christ-followers look at things like this? How do you think Jesus sees it?

Edward G. - Elyria, OH

Dear Edward,

I think she is a confused, deceived individual. She is searching for something to change the way she feels. Unfortunately she is looking in the wrong places.

How should Christ-followers look at things like this? We should look with pity on such people. They are deceived. They are in pain. They deserve our love and forgiveness - and not our judgement. They deserve to be confronted with the truth - in love.

How do I think Jesus sees this? I believe Jesus loves such people very much. The Bible tells us that our sin "grieves the Holy Spirit." I believe situations such as this are what provoke great sadness and grief in Jesus. Ultimately, God will be forced to judge those who have access to the truth and fail to respond to it. I'm quite certain that this (judgment) gives God no pleasure. Jesus hung on the cross to give each us victorious life in its fullest measure. I'm equally certain that this is not what that life looks like.

We should all pray that such deception be overcome with God's truth. And we should all present ourselves to God to be used to carry this good news and truth to the hurting world.

AntiChrist?

Dear Victorious,

More than once I've heard someone refer to a public figure as the antichrist. What do you think? Is it possible?

Doubting Thomas

Dear Thomas,

You are right to be doubting. It is very unlikely that any of us would recognize the antichrist when he (or she) arrives on the scene. This will be a very crafty and deceiving individual - according to what the Bible tells us. He or she will also only arrive after a number of prophecies will be fulfilled. Chief of among those (in my opinion) is that the entire world will have heard the gospel and had an opportunity to respond to it. This of course has yet to happen. I don't expect to see the antichrist on the scene until it does. And like I said, when he or she arrives, it is very likely that you and I won't be the first to recognize ... even if it were to happen in our lifetimes (which I very much doubt).

Wild Music

Dear Victorious,

My teen-aged daughters listen to some of the worst music ever. We are constantly fighting about this, but I think it's important. What they're listening to is not good for their spiritual, moral or even mental health. What can I do?

Maureen R. - Lawton, OK

Dear Maureen,

You can start being a parent. Seriously. You are in charge. You have the wisdom and discernment to know what's best for your minor children. Stop trying to have a battle of wits with unarmed opponents. Put your foot down, so to speak. Control their access to the music. Destroy the music if necessary. If it has no place in a godly household, then your children do not have permission to listen to it. Read Philippians 4:8, and ask yourself if it describes what your kids are listening to. If it doesn't, then take a stand. No arguing. No discussion. You are the parent. Act like one.

Admirable Pastors

Dear Victorious,

Are there any high profile pastors or religious leaders that you particularly admire? If so, why?

Elian T. - Upper Darby, PA

Dear Elian,

Yes, most of the high profile pastors that I would admire today would not have .com after their name. They would be the pastors or public speakers and authors who don't capitalize on their personal brand. It troubles me to see influential leaders set up their own web sites and build their own brands. Name their ministries after themselves is also a concern. The pastor or leader that I most admire is the one who will influence many - and then fade into the sunset one day without leaving a brand behind. Brands are for celebrities and movie stars - not for men and women of God.

Arguments

Dear Victorious,

What is the best way to settle an argument?

Dan M. - Cleburne, TX

Dear Dan,

There are several ways to respond to such a question. For example, one way to settle an argument is with a whisper. But that is a technique. Most of the answers that mankind would come up with would likely be techniques or strategies. I believe the high road here would be to examine your motives. If you find yourself in an argument ... examine your motives. Ask yourself why you're really arguing. Then ask yourself if that reason is really worth more to you than the relationship you are destroying in the argument.

We like to think that healthy relationships include a healthy dose of arguing. Our society rewards debate teams and other forms of honing one's skills in the art of arguing. But I believe we cross a line from healthy debate or dialogue into argument when we stop seeking to understand or get to the truth --- and start seeking to be right or win. When this happens, the relationship is being damaged, if not destroyed. I'm a firm believer in picking your battles. So the best way to settle an argument is to decide beforehand if it's really worth it.

Pets in Heaven

Dear Victorious,

Do dogs or cats go to heaven?

Charlene B. - Schaumburg, IL

Dear Charlene,

No, they don't. In the beginning, God created man (and woman) in His own (spiritual) image. The only beings that get into heaven are those that God created for that purpose --- basically angels and people. No other created beings are spiritual beings. When they die, they die. There is no such concept as eternal life for any animals.

General Motors

Dear Victorious,

What do you think of the government basically nationalizing General Motors?

Edward C. - Dayton, OH

Dear Edward,

I don't think very much of it. I suppose it is no worse than the nationalization of so much of our banking system. But I think it has been much worse in that the government has taken unviable banks and allowed them to continue to operate in their basic business model. In the case of GM, however, the government has assumed it knows better how to run an auto industry. I wonder if that's really the case.

It seems to me that the government will force GM to build cars that people may not want. It also seems ironic to me that the UAW will own a substantial piece of GM. This is the same UAW that drove the company into bankruptcy with its chronic outrageous demands. I doubt very much that the UAW has GM's best interests at heart. I suspect the government will regret getting in bed with such an enemy as the UAW.

Finally, I am sad to see some brands go by the wayside. Pontiac had a rich legacy of classic cars. Who could forget the Pontiac Catalina of the 70's? Or the Grand Prix? The Bonneville was always a classic too. Even Saturn had been a breath of fresh air when it came on the market. It seems to me that GM already knows how to build good cars. But the business model that GM was stuck in needs to change. The question is whether or not what the government is forcing will really bring the change that GM needs. The truth is that none of us can really know.

Pastor Submission

Dear Victorious,

Do you really obey your pastor? I don't know if I can really do that.

Darrell C. - Tulsa, OK

Dear Darrell,

Yes, I think I do. I attend a large church and don't have a relationship with my pastor though. So he doesn't ask much of me personally. But I was called by God to attend that church. When I got there, I saw the pastor preaching on the stage. God told me, "Submit yourself to this man." I've been there going on three years now - and have done my best to submit myself to that man.

Having said this, I will confess that I don't always agree with what's going on in my church. I have had less than pleasant experiences with some of the church ministries and staff. But those are times that test my submission to the pastor of the church. I have to go away, talk to God about my disappointment or frustration - and decide whether I'm submitted there or not. You see, it is not a matter of submitting only when I agree. True submission isn't proven until we get to points where I disagree.

If you're not sure if you can submit yourself to your pastor, I encourage you to examine the reasons why. Is it that your pastor is an ungodly man and God tells you not to submit to him? Or is it that you are immature, weak, or selfish? If it is the former - then you need to ask God where you are supposed to be and to whom you are supposed to submit. But if it is the latter, then you need to get to work on the roadblocks to your godly submission.

In my life, submission has been a journey. It wasn't that many years ago that I wasn't very good at submitting to my pastor - and a dear brother in Christ told me so in no uncertain terms! He was right. And his rebuke forced me to examine myself. As I've grown in Christ, I've found that submitting to the spiritual leaders God places in my life gets easier. I bet it will for you too.

Forgiven?

Dear Victorious,

I just read your answer about when an apology is not an apology. What about forgiveness? How do I know if I've really forgiven someone?

Thelma R. - Dallas, TX

Dear Thelma,

Forgiveness is only possible when we give up the hope that the past can be any different. I've heard it said that if you encountered someone in the supermarket and ducked down the next aisle to avoid speaking to them --- you've not forgiven them.

The thing I've learned about forgiveness is that it isn't a static accomplishment. You don't do it once and then be done with it. If I forgive you, I will have to keep forgiving you over and over ... for the same thing.

Unforgiveness is like a demanding cat. You get rid of the unforgiveness. But then it crawls back into your lap when you least expect it. I will think I've forgiven someone, and I can be very sincere in that thinking. But then I can find myself in a state of unforgiveness toward them. If I allow that state to reign --- bitterness and resentment come rushing in with it.

So I really to have to "take every thought captive." When I start thinking those negative thoughts of unforgiveness again, I must check myself, stop and remind myself that I have forgiven you for that. Perhaps the truest measure of forgiveness is when I remain willing to forgive you over and over again ... for the same thing.

Divorce Advice

Dear Victorious,

I am thinking of getting a divorce. My marriage is miserable and I've decided to get some advice from people who've gotten a divorce. What kind of questions should I ask them?

Yahlee P. - Murfreesboro, TN

Dear Yahlee,

I believe you are looking at this the wrong way. Instead of asking people who've gotten divorced how they made that decision - you should find some people who've stayed married and ask them how they made that decision! I'm serious. People who've gotten divorced have nothing to offer you but their own perspective on their own failed marriage. If you selfishly want out of your marriage and don't want to sacrifice and put forth the effort to make it work, then talk to your divorced friends. But if you seriously want to love your spouse and have a marriage that works, then get some advice from some people who've done it. Look for the longest, most stable marriages you can find. Then talk to those people and ask them how they've handled diversity, doubts, guilt, anger, resentment and bitterness, frustration, boredom and all the other things that you may be struggling with in your own marriage.

Real Apology

Dear Victor,

When is an apology not an apology?

Sharon C. - Metairie, LA

Dear Sharon,

When it is forced or when it includes rationalization, excuses or blame. If someone is truly sorry, that is all he or she will want to say.

Ministry Credentials

Dear Victorious,

What are the most important credentials for ministry as a profession?

Edward C. - Dallas, TX

Dear Edward,

I suppose it would depend on who you ask. Ask most churches, denominations or other organized religions and you'll get one kind of answer. It will usually include things like a Master of Divinity degree, seminary graduate and maybe some experience in a church. Oddly enough, most job listings for positions in churches or major ministries tend not to require the things that are Biblical. (Seminary - for example - is not a requirement for New Testament churches.)

The book of Acts talks about the first church, after Jesus. The Holy Spirit came upon them and they were changed. Peter preached and 3,000 made commitments to Christ. Thereafter their numbers increased daily. They were all in agreement, and even sold what they had to provide for each other. Yet Peter didn't have ministry credentials as we know them. He had simply been with Jesus, learned the character and nature of Christ, and was changed to the point that he was sold out for Christ.

The book of First Timothy also gives us credentials for church leaders. They are to live lives above reproach. They are to be faithful, good stewards, good husbands and fathers, submitted to the authority over them, etc. Simply put, they are to have become righteous men and women. Of course none of us is righteous, so we would be well on our way to sanctification by the time we meet this kind of criteria.

So what are the most important credentials for ministry as a profession?

First, you would have to stop thinking of it as a profession. You would have to be so sold out for Christ that it would not be possible for you to do anything else. (If you can do something else, then you probably should!)

Second, you would need to be so close to Christ as to be changed by His very presence. His will, criteria for decisions and desires would all have to become yours. (Jesus said anyone who wants to be His disciple must deny themselves and carry the cross for Him.)

Skills and knowledge can be acquired in many different ways but just about anyone. But I believe the above two credentials are the most important.