What Would They Hear?

Politics aside, how do you feel about the Bush Administration's admission of wiretaps and request (May 10th USA Today) that several long distance providers turn over millions of billing records to the NSA? Some legal minds far more knowledgeable than me on this topic, say it's an invasion of privacy and a possible violation of the constitution. A few critics are questioning the boundaries of the Executive Branch of government. Others may even agree on the privacy issue, but simply reason that this is life in a post 911 world fraught with terrorism. My point here isn't to weigh in on the political discussion. The Beltway conversations, recent news reports and those television armchairpolitical pundits have prompted me to consider something similar as it relates to the lives of Christ-followers.

Question: What if the NSA went beyond phone records and began monitoring our daily, domestic phone calls? What do you suppose they would hear? How would I sound to Big Brother?

Would my voice always be pleasant? Would they shudder to hear the content and tone of our calls with children and spouses? Would they occasionally hear the frequent bathroom humor that is associated with sailors and locker rooms? Would they hear concern, compassion and empathy toward people who are hurting or in great need? Or, would the silence of indifference scream volumes? Would my words exalt Christ and build people up, or would they overhear the stinging remarks of a critical spirit? You get the point.

Maybe we should live our lives in a way that acknowledges that people are listening in on our conversations and watching our actions. No, I'm not saying we have to be perfect. We're all so far from it. However, what if we were mindful of every call and conversation? Rest assured God is listening in. Ouch! As I reflect on some of my recent conversations the thought of God listening is downright scary. Scripture teaches that our words and actions never escape Him.
If you've got one bone of sincerity toward Christ in your body, that thought ought haunt our daily conversations and actions. Not as in Freddie Krueger terror, but with the awe and reverance reserved for holy fear.

Now, I'm really afraid to answer the phone!

P.S. Years ago theologian and futurist Leonard Sweet noted at a conference I attended that if they (government/scientists) had cloned a sheep (Dolly) and admitted it, what have they done that they aren't telling us? Oh my, that's not a particularly comforting thought on this topic of wiretaps and phone conversations.

Recent Ponderings

Recent Ponderings

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  Recently I’ve been pondering over some things which always seem to get me into trouble. Most of the time I have more questions than I do answers. These are in no particular order or preference. Ponder with me if you will.

• Why do so many evangelical, American Christians try to wrap Jesus in the flag, but ignore the fact that the largest growth in God’s Kingdom is coming from the Pacific Rim (Asian countries) South and Latin America? Scripture teaches that God transcends countries and cultures. He’s so much bigger than our country and world. Why do you suppose He’s blessing those countries in such alarming numbers, while American churches continue to raise funds for more buildings and church marketing campaigns? Ummmm! Before you write me on this one, you need to know that I proudly fly my flag on national holidays and throughout the year, I cry during July 4th firework displays, I am deeply indebted to every man or woman who has worn an American uniform, and regardless of their party affiliation the person in the Oval Office will always be Mr. President to me. And that could be Madame President in my lifetime.

• I’m complaining about the inconvenience of high gas prices for both our cars and 180,000 people have died in the genocide and civil violence in Darfur and the Sudan! Now there’s perspective. Shame on me and my petty concerns!

• Christ followers can disagree on unlawful immigration, but we cannot disagree on Jesus’ command that we love others as He has loved us. May we be known by our love in action, not our protests. Trust me I do have a personal opinion on this matter, but I have a higher calling as a Christ follower to love others. This is hard for me sometimes.