What do you want to be when you grow up?  According to a 2015 survey of children age 1-10, the top 5 answers were: athlete, doctor, teacher, veterinarian, and firefighter.  Among girls, “princess” ranked number 7.  But among boys, “prince” did not come up at all.
            Proverbs 31 includes, “the sayings of King Lemuel, which his mother taught him” (v. 1).  I imagine Lemuel knew that he would grow up to be a king, so his mother hinted at another question: what kind of a king?  Who do you want to be? 
            A king could use his position to live a life of luxury and privilege, including plenty of women.  But his mother said, “Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings” (Proverbs 31:3).  That phrase is especially perceptive because of what happened to King Solomon, who wrote most of the other Proverbs.  His many wives turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:4).  It must have been a lot of wives because it is recorded as a round number: “700 wives and 300 concubines” (1 Kings 11:3).  If you are telling someone how many wives you have, your answer should not begin with the word “about.”
            A king could use his wealth for his own pleasure: “it is not for kings to drink wine. . . lest they drink and forget” (v.4). Lemuel’s mother continued with a note of sarcasm: “Let beer be for those who are . . . in anguish.  Let them drink . . . and remember their misery no more” (v.6-7).  It is not for kings to drink the painkillers of those who need it; rulers need a sound mind.
            Or a king could use his position to serve those who are most vulnerable in the kingdom.  “Speak up . . . for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (v.8-9)
            In all this, Lemuel’s mother posed the question: what kind of king do you want to be?  And her voice echoes to us: how will you use the power and influence given to you?

 ​            Back in March, just after the shut down, I wrote an article about how I expected churches to adjust.  For the most part, I was right.  Churches didn’t close, they changed format.  Online services replaced in-person services, and church leadership rose to the challenge of a quickly changing situation.
            Six months have passed.  We have had a partial re-opening (although we never truly closed), and we have settled in to the new normal, including measures to slow the spread of the virus.  Some key challenges remain. 
            It is even harder to get visitors in the door of the church. Not only do you have to contend with all the nervousness of an unfamiliar building, rituals, and people, there is also the unseen threat of a deadly virus.
            It is even easier to find an excuse not to show up: concern for the virus, the discomfort of wearing a mask, the fear of others who won’t wear one, and the convenience of participating online instead.
            I’ve always been fascinated with the description of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 (and a similar section in 4:32-35).  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (v.42).   They met regularly, both in their homes and in the temple courts (v.46). They shared their possessions and “had everything in common” (v.44).  It’s a description full of friendship, joy, and care for one another. 
            It was not without conflicts or challenges; as the next few chapters describe.  The biggest challenge came when severe persecution broke out, and the believers were scattered (8:1).  No more meeting daily in the temple courts; no more hearing from the apostles every day.  But those who were scattered “preached the word wherever they went” (8:4).  They continued the habits that were the core of the Christian life. 
            And the church continued to grow.  It wasn’t a reliance on the excitement of a large crowd, it was something more personal and powerful.  It was the bond of brotherly love, the power of the gospel message word as they lived out their faith in front of one another, and an authentic relationship with Jesus. 
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

In almost every city in Europe, there is a guy on a horse, noted Brian Zahnd, pastor and occasional writer (to whom I am indebted for the observation). The stand in a prominent public square, posing larger than life, frozen in time by the skill of the sculptor. His horse, as noble as they come, perched motionless atop a pedestal. He usually holds reins in one hand and a sword in the other; a hat on his head, a confident look on his face, and pigeon droppings on his shoulder.

He holds a key position in the history of the city, has great achievements on his resume, and is a role model of civic pride. The monument not only tells the story of history, it signals which part is worth celebrating. 

In Edson, we don’t have a dude on horseback, we have Eddie the squirrel. He’s cute, innocent, playful, and an honest hard worker. He’s all the things we can aspire to be to make Edson a great place to live. Also, he doesn’t have any dark secrets to sully his reputation – that’s the advantage of a fictional mascot.
In the pages of the Bible, the heroes of the faith stand on lower pedestals.

We might expect to find larger than life descriptions, with finely polished edges – heroes to look up to and emulate. But as we read closer, even the heroes have flaws. Abraham was dishonest with Abimelech (Genesis 20:2), Isaac showed favoritism to his eldest son (Genesis 25:28), Jacob was described as a deceiver (Genesis 27:36) and also had a favorite son (Genesis 37:3). Why include all these failings?

So that the pedestals don’t get too high. Readers can look up to the achievements without whitewashing the failures. If they had no faults, I would be tempted to think they were fictional.

It shows God loves imperfect people. All those who have moments of greatness, and moments despair. He keeps the heroes of the faith real, and flawed.
​
There is one biblical hero who showed no flaws, and he didn’t ride on a warhorse, he rode on a donkey. “Behold, your king is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey . . . and he shall speak peace to the nations” (Zechariah 9:9-10).

Why is it that the people who think of themselves as smart are often the least informed? In 1999, Dunning and Kruger described a tendency in which people overestimate their expertise in areas in which they know very little (the Dunning-Kruger effect). Basically, those who are most confident in their understanding actually are the least informed. And those with more expertise in a subject understand how much they don’t yet know, and are less confident.

Dunning and Kruger defined what King Solomon had noticed 3000 years earlier. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).

The book of Proverbs was used in ancient Israel to teach young men to live wisely – young men who would be especially prone to the Dunning Kruger effect. To this weakness, Solomon wrote “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)

I can say with confidence that Solomon did not want his students to check their brain at the door, or simply trust with blind faith. Nor is the concept of “follow your heart,” or “listen to your feelings” anywhere to be found in the chapter. He is speaking to the human tendency to over-estimate our knowledge. “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (3:7). And he is encouraging his readers to accept God’s commands if they don’t yet understand them.

What can we do with this information? Shall we use it to laugh at the fools who aren’t aware of their foolishness? Maybe. Shall we be aware that much of what is posted on social media is the result of overconfident fools? Yes. But first we should be aware of our own bias, and have a peek at what else Solomon says.

In the context, Solomon urges, “My son, do not forget my teaching” (3:1). And put it into practice, even if you don’t understand it yet. “In all your ways submit to [God], and he will make your paths straight” (3:6 NIV).

The key to wisdom and knowledge, according to Solomon, is this: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom begins with a humility that admits God is smarter than you.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7)

This may be an unpopular opinion.

Each of us has a choice: to wear, or not to wear, a facemask.  The guidelines from Alberta’s Ministry of Health are pretty clear: “wear a mask in public when distancing is not possible”.  It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19.     

I’ve noticed that a person’s attitude toward the facemask and physical distancing guidelines has a lot to do with their views towards authority.  Those who value individual freedom tend to resist such guidelines, while those who value social responsibility are more willing to embrace them, as seen in places like South Korea and Taiwan. 

The Christian has two great reasons to follow the guidelines.  First, the Bible calls us to care for the vulnerable.  If we can stop the spread of the virus, fewer people will die.  That should be reason enough.  But let’s go on.

 The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome that Christians should submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-4). He even said that “he is God's servant for your good” (v.4), and whoever resists government authority resists what God has put in place (v.2).  Of course, there is a huge exception for policies which contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29), but I don’t think these health guidelines qualify. 
 
When Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan river to be healed of leprosy, the commander went away angry, until his servant said “if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed!” (1 Kings 5:13). If you have ever prayed, “God show me what to do,” would you be satisfied with a simple answer, “wear a mask in public . . .”?

 What I’m suggesting is that wearing a facemask can be an act of worship, of obedience, of faith, of patriotism, and of solidarity with our doctors.  Wear it as a badge of honor.

            “Everything about this chapter seems wrong”, I thought to myself as I pondered the events of Genesis 16.  Even taking into account the cultural differences, it was still bad.  It was socially acceptable to buy and sell slaves, and to ask a slave to become a surrogate parent.  Which is exactly what Sarah did. 
            Normally this story is told as a failure of Abraham and Sarah’s faith: a cautionary tale of trying to fulfil God’s promises on your own.  God had promised them a child, but Sarah was well past the age of childbearing, so she came up with the plan to borrow the womb of her servant.  Was it socially acceptable?  Yes.  Was is an act of faith?  No.
            But the narrator takes time to focus on Hagar’s experience.  This is unusual, as slaves normally play the role of an extra in the theatre of history.  Yet the biblical text yields center stage to this mistreated servant, and shines a spotlight on the consequences of Sarah’s decision.  The relationship between the two women grew toxic.  Hagar despised her master; Sarah mistreated her servant.
            Think of how jarring this story would be for the ancient Israelites, and how it would blur the categories of victim and oppressor.  Their history included generations of bondage in Egypt, and also the fact that their matriarch owned and mistreated an Egyptian slave.   
            When she couldn’t take it anymore, Hagar fled to the desert.  There she was, alone in the wilderness, a runaway slave in a foreign land, a single mother in a patriarchal world.  At a well in the desert, the angel of the Lord met with her, and gave her new hope.
            In that moment, she gave God a new name that embodied the comfort she felt: “the God who sees me” (v.15). 

​            In the classic children’s book Green Eggs and Ham, Sam I Am relentlessly offers a plate of green eggs and ham to a furry creature who is sure he (or maybe her) does not like it.  “Would you eat them here or there?”  “I would not eat them anywhere.” Sam I Am patiently continues through a multitude of scenarios, “would you eat them with a fox . . . in a box . . . on a train . . . in the rain”.  Still the answer is no.  Only in the closing pages of the book, as the characters float in the water with the wreckage of a train and a boat, does he finally give them a try.  And wouldn’t you know, he likes them.  With a smile on his face and bounce in his step he rhymes about all the ways he will now eat them.
            The psalmist says “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).  That sounds wonderful, especially the promise in the second line.  But there is a problem.  Humans are not naturally inclined to “delight” in God.  The Bible bears this out in stark terms “the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21).  Just like green eggs and ham, the choice to serve God doesn’t naturally have appeal. And yet, the psalmist says as he looks back on his life (see v.25), it satisfies the desires of the heart.  Even the desires you don’t yet know about.
            How would Sam I Am present such a dish?
            Part of the answer is found in the next verse: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” (Psalm 37:5). 

            For several weeks, the class had been studying the details of the law.  Not Canadian law, but the Law of Moses as recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – books of the Bible which are often skipped over for lack of exciting content.  
            The professor made an observation, “notice how many of these laws talk about human rights.”  I paused as my mind flipped through the catalog of commandments.  Even with a search engine, I only found one example: “If [a man] takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish [his first wife’s] food, her clothing, or her marital rights” (Exodus 21:10).  It was a law which addressed some of the injustices of polygamy.
            He continued, “Instead using the language of rights, the Law of Moses focused on responsibility”.  It was true; almost every command assumed personal responsibility.  In fact, in the example above, the King James translates the phrase “duty of marriage”.  Moses didn’t call on the orphans and widows to stand up for their rights.  Instead, he said, “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless” (Exodus 22:22), and “[God] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow” (Deut. 10:18).
            I’m not saying that we should throw out the concept of human rights.  Rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin; for every right there is a responsibility.  Let’s use two modern examples, even though neither of them is articulated in scripture.  Along with the right to free speech is a responsibility to say what is true and helpful.  “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour” (Exodus 20:16).  Along with the right to bear arms is a responsibility to use your weapon safely and for the good of others.
            And in all things, remember the example of Christ, who willingly set aside his rights for us (cf. Philippians 2:5-8).

What is the key ingredient in a viral social media post?  What helps an idea occupy more cyberspace?  In the 2015 video, “This Video Will Make You Angry”, CGP Grey addressed the question. Ironically, the video did not make me angry; it left me impressed by the carefully crafted script, cheeky animation, and insights into social media ecology.  

The ideas that flourish or fade in this ecosystem are those that hold the attention of users.  Successful ideas are not necessarily true or helpful, but what finds real estate in the mind.  The key variable, measured by research, is whether an idea elicits a strong emotion, such as wonder, curiosity, or disgust.  But the easiest emotion to exploit is anger.  If a meme, article, or Facebook post makes readers angry, the more it is shared. 

When it comes to our own minds, we have some control over what kinds of ideas gain ground.  Anger isn’t necessarily bad; God wired us to experience it.  But “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). 

The apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  (Philippians 4:8).  Notably, anger is not on the list.

​In this text, the imperative is in the positive: “think on such things”.  Paul doesn’t tell us what to keep out, but what to put in.  Focus on what is true, what is hopeful, what is inspiring. Here’s a good place to start: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

​[Written on March 18, 2020]
        These are unprecedented times. Never in my lifetime have I ever experienced a mandatory or even a voluntary quarantine, nor was I familiar with the term “social distancing”.  There have been many outbreaks of disease, but never on such a global scale.
            It is uncertain times for churches as well.  Never have churches been asked not to meet together – at least not in the free world.  For a pastor, it feels very weird to ask people not to come to church.  Yet that is the reality of a global pandemic. 
            This morning (Wednesday, March 18), I met with other Edson pastors, and we discussed how our churches could respond, and what we were planning.  Here’s some of our hopes and expectations in the days to come.  .
1) Churches will follow the instructions from the government of Alberta.
            Our independent spirit is not so strong as to ignore the advice of our doctors.  Romans 13:1 instructs us to submit to governing authorities.  So that is what we plan to do.  In the interest of public health, we will do our part to “flatten the curve”.  Personally, I have no desire for extra funerals.
2) Church services will go online.
            Throughout the history of the church, Christians have met together to worship, to learn, and to encourage one another. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . .” (Hebrews 10:25).  Now, we must be creative in finding ways to continue meeting together without meeting together.
            Some churches, especially larger ones, already broadcast their services online.  So, moving to an online platform is easy to do.  My own church has been working on posting the services on our website, mainly for those with mobility issues.  Now there is more of a sense of urgency. 
            As we do this, I have several hopes and fears.  I hope to people will continue to participate with their local church, and to feel connected to their congregation.  I hope that the saying proves true: absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I hope that when the pandemic is over, we can come together with renewed love for one another. 
            I hope that those without a church family will take the opportunity to check out local churches, without the awkwardness of visiting a strange church in person.  Maybe seeing a service online will help.  Often in times of stress, people look to God – and this is a time of stress.
3) The doors will still be open.
            None of the pastors I spoke with are going to slam the doors of the church.  Even if the services are online and everyone stays home, the church doors are still open, and we’re still here to serve the community.  But we probably won’t offer a handshake.
4) Creativity
            With each new challenge comes creative answers.  I expect and hope that church leaders will discover ways to encourage participation.  How can people share prayer requests?  Can you break bread during an online service? 
5) Strengthen family ties.
            As church services move online, I hope that families are able to have their own little church service.  Try having Sunday school in the living room.  Do a craft.  Discuss the sermon.  Act out the Bible story.
            For those who live alone, invite a friend or neighbor to join you for online church.  Social distancing should not mean complete isolation.  Use the time to deepen relationships with those close to you.
6) Wear pajamas to church – if you want.
            When you have church in your living room, the dress code is what you make it.  Personally, I’m a fan of flannel.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
 
Pastor Aaron Kauffman