Thoughts of a Pastor-Historian

Too often we Christians are not know for our thoughtful reflection on current events.  When we get our talking points from the ideologues on cable news channels and talk radio we become as shrill and reactionary as they are, and just as divisive.

The vacuum that is our failure to think independently is filled with a myriad of voices in our culture. When we merely parrot back the talking points of our culture (whether conservative or liberal), we fail to engage culture as thoughtful Christians.  Feigning thinking through repetition of others thoughts is not a proper substitute for thinking.

Of course, there are occasions when someone in print or media expresses our thoughts on a subject better than we could.  These articulations can and should be recognized if it is helpful in expressing our own thoughtful reflection, but should never be a substitute for thoughtful and biblical reflection.

Sometimes we also sacrifice thoughtful reflection on the altar of a quick reaction.  We think that we must respond immediately to every issue that arises, even before all the facts are in.  This often makes us look foolish and uninformed.

The other danger, of course, is to live in a constant state of equivocation, never taking a stand on the controversial issues of the day.  Each of us by temperament is prone to one extreme or the other.  By Christian commitment we must purpose to be both thoughtful and courageous, or in Biblical terms, to be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  To do this, we must be able to think about the biblical and logical implications of ideas and actions and respond appropriately as the situation warrants.

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Hershael York preached a great sermon today in chapel at SBTS.  I found it very challenging and convicting.  I encourage any preachers who read this blog to watch or listen to this sermon.  At the close of his sermon, Dr. York read a prayer from The Valley of Vision title “A Minister’s Confession”.  The complete text of that prayer is posted below:

O GOD,

I know that I often do thy work without thy power,
and sin by my dead, heartless, blind service,
my lack of inward light, love, delight,
my mind, heart, tongue moving without thy help.

I see sin in my heart in seeking the approbation of others;
This is my vileness, to make men’s opinion my rule,
whereas I should see what good I have done, and give thee glory,
consider what sin I have committed and mourn for that.

It is my deceit to preach, and pray
and to stir up others’ spiritual affections in order to beget commendations,
whereas my rule should be daily to consider myself more vile than any man in my own eyes.

But thou dost show thy power by my frailty,
so that the more feeble I am, the more fit to be used,
for thou dost pitch a tent of grace in my weakness.

Help me to rejoice in my infirmities and give thee praise,
to acknowledge my deficiencies before others and not be discouraged by them,
that they may see thy glory more clearly.

Teach me that I must act by a power supernatural,
whereby I can attempt things above my strength,
and bear evils beyond my strength,
acting for Christ in all,
and have his superior power to help me.

Let me learn of Paul
whose presence was mean,
his weakness great,
his utterance contemptible,
yet thou didst account him faithful and blessed.

Lord, let me lean on thee as he did,
and find my ministry thine.

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David Robinson was recently elected to the NBA Hall of Fame.  Below is his testimony which he shared shortly before he retired from playing.

His Hall of Fame acceptance speech is below.  Note his gratitude to others (which is noted by Voddie Baucham here).

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