The goodness of people

"The difference is instinct and reason...What is instinct, what is reason?  Dr. Moreau wanted to make animals into people and people into gods..."

- From HG Wells'

The Island of Dr. Moreau

 

Ever had one of those days where your mind is going over about 214 different things and it is rarely in the "present"?  That was my day yesterday. Michelle was home sick.  I had the kids at church, where I taught the 4 & 5 year olds (what fun!  I love children's ministry!). 

I decided I would try and keep the kids out of the house as long as possible to give Michelle a break to rest.  We had two main objectives: 1) a new bike for Madison, and 2) food for a family at church who just had their third child (Byron is TOO cute!).

So, we had lunch at Rubio's, spent about a half-hour at Toys-R-Us, went to Target for a bunch of stuff, then to Sports Authority to get a new bike for Madison (photos forthcoming...).  Then, since she had a new bike, we could officially give her old bike to Marcus.  However, we couldn't put him on a pink "Sittin Pretty" bike!  So we went to Home Depot to let him pick out a can of spray paint for his new bike.  He chose yellow (photos forthcoming).  After that, it was EB Games to check on a DS charger for Matthew. (Which we could not find).

Finally, we were ready to go to Boston Market (it was already 5pm!) to get the food and head back home.  When we got to the car I realized that I had left my Palm PDA in the Target Shopping Cart! Fortunately, I had my Driver's License, a credit card, and most of my cash in my pocket clip, but I had my PDA, debit cards, a Best Buy gift card, and about $100 in cash in my PDA Wallet!  CRAP!

Well, we went back to Target to see if anyone had turned it in, but no luck.  So, we completed our errands and returned home with me cursing my absent-mindedness (ironically, I had just been telling someone at church how absent minded I have always been).    The kids were so sweet..  They were all very apologetic, "I'm SO sorry, Daddy!".  I felt like a total wienie.  When we got home, I remembered that I had several business cards in the wallet and maybe someone would find it and call my office number. 

Sure enough, there was message on my voice-mail from a family in Camarillo who had found it and offered to return it to me at work today.  So, my beautiful bride drove all the way to Oxnard today to retrieve my wallet. 

So, despite the foils of human nature (which were reinforced by a neighborhood viewing of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" last night), my children, my wife, and a complete stranger all demonstrated a selfless compassion and kindness that were contrary to our baser instincts.  I guess people really can be "good"...even without genetic manipulation.

Good news at Webster!

Great news!  We enrolled the kids at school yesterday and discovered the following wonderful facts!

• One of the big bullies from school's mom recently married and they have switched to the elementary school on the other side of town.
• Due to the difficulties last year several kids Matt's age pulled out of school.  Now they only have enough students for one of his grade, and one shared class with kids one year younger.  We are hoping Matt winds up in that class.
• Tiny will almost definitely get Ms. Harris for second grade.

All of that said, we're really happy.  Things are looking up here in sunny Malibu!

My Last Day of Summer...

Well, this is it.  My final day of summer.  I can't believe it.  I've been out of the class since late April and now I have to return.  I'm looking forward to a fresh batch of students to work with, but I wish I had more research completed this summer. :(

Some thoughts on sin, election, and will

I've been corresponding with a dear friend the last few weeks on the issues of election, calling, and sanctification.  I wrote a long email today about it and thought I'd post it here just in case anyone needed to hear these things today.

<mlw>

Yes, these are undoubtedly challenging subjects.  I believe you will have to search for your own answers to them.  However, my own view is that apart from the sovereign grace and calling of God we are unable to choose what is right.  We are in fact "slaves to sin" (esp. see Rom 6).  As a slave, we were bound to a life ruled by sin.  Since Satan is the "ruler of this world" (eph 2:2), he has a tyranical influence over all of those who are his.  however, once the Father chooses us (either by His grace, or by his divine calling in either case the first action is His, not ours), and we respond with faith and receive the promise of the Holy Spirit we then are free from sin's tyranny (Rom 6, Eph 2, Col 2).  That being said, sin continues to be "at war with our members" (Rom 7) and crouches like a tiger at the door of our hearts wanting to have us (Gen 4:7).

However, because of the power of the Holy Spirit, the blood of Christ, and the grace of God we have "all we need for a life of godliness" (2 Pet 1).  However, the ongoing work of sanctification is not one Christ does for us.  Instead, it is one he gives us the power (and freedom) to do, but still requires our own willful effort (2 Pet 2, Rom 6-7, Acts 16...).

Therefore, in my own life when I see sin visibly at war within me, I do not count it as evidence that I am not of the elect.  Rather, I see that I have the freedom to choose righteousness over sin.  The freedom to so choose is evidence of my election.  I recall--too easily--how my unregerate heart was a slave to sin--constantly obeying my wondering heart's every whim.  Those days were not characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness or self-control but were lost in endless pursuit of pleasure which always failed to please my longings. 

Therefore, my encouragement is to "make every effort" at Godliness.  Give thanks to God that by his grace and calling you are free to choose what is right.  You are no longer a SLAVE to sin, but it still longs to have your willful allegience.  You must now choose your master each day...each hour...each minute.  In either case, you can not be free.  You are either a slave to sin which leads to death, or a slave to Christ which leads to righteousness (rom 6:16).  However, while freedom is elusive your new master does not capture your will but gives you the freedom to obey.  His work is in breaking sin's power and guilt.  Your work is in constantly choosing to remain free from it's power and enslaved to righteousness.

Thus, I do not believe I will ever achieve the state of sanctification until I am with my beloved Lord.  While I remain here in this world ruled by the "kingdom of the air" I will constantly face the turmoil of sin calling for the renewed allegiance of my heart.  While the siren song of sin sounds sweet, I am too familiar with its fruit to choose it for long.  After a short while, I recall the peace, love, and joy that comes from obedience--or I taste the bitter residue sin leaves on my heart and I return again to God's grace.  May we all have the power and will to choose the right.

He's Back!!!

Matthew had a great time at camp.  His first words when he got home on Saturday were, "I can't wait for next year!"  Highlights included the BB gun range, Zip and Zap the Superheroes, throwing his counselor in the pool (and getting pulled in himself!), and late night talks in his cabin.  It's really nice to have him back though.  We all missed him a ton.

Back on the Court with the Count...

Puffy finally returned from his vacation and we all met on the Mariposa Court yesterday.  My game was awful, but we had a blast.  Our dear friend Janae came and played yesterday.  Fun, fun, fun!  Props to J.A. for making about 132 three point baskets yesterday.  Holy cow was his shot on.  Also a shoutout to Newman's mom for letting him come and play. :)

Matthew is at camp!

This is a big week for us!  We drove up to Idyllwild this weekend and dropped Matthew off at King's Kamp.  He is there all week without us!  I'm sure he's having a blast with his friends, but we miss him terribly!  Here are a few photos of when we dropped him off.