The Politics of MacGyver

"In 1991, the conservative Media Research Center named "MacGyver" one of the ten most "liberally biased" TV shows of the 1990-1991 season because of its focus on the environment, gun control, and foreign affairs." MacGvyer Online

So when did focus on the environment become a political issue? And spinning off on that, when is ANY issue become political? I found issues can be social, moral, military, foreign affairs and such. But when an issue becomes political, it clouds people's judgment and motives. I suspect sometimes, if most times, politicians oppose whatever the other party suggested, without considering if the idea has any merit or not. One could disagree with an issue within the party, but is pressured to follow along. Sometimes I think, politicians and voters alike, are too focused on insulting the other party to think of constructive solutions for problems in our country.

Maybe it's better to eliminate all political parties, and everyone runs for the office as independent. That way the candidates can truly states their stands on issues without the the distraction and the dirt of politics. But I guess the founding fathers did have a point about setting up our current governing system–to prevent anyone nor any group of people gaining too much power. For a country made up of imperfect and fallible humans, this is probably the best system to have.

At least we have something to forward to: when God establishes His Kingdom here at the end of the time we'll have one leader, one ruler that we all know can't be wrong on ANY issue. And we won't have to debate to death about them.

How Not to Judge

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged". Matthew 7:1

A presidential candidate recently used this Bible verse to support his stance on a social issue. This verse is probably one of the most quoted out of context, misunderstood and misapplied verses.

In Romans, the "Do Not Judge" idea is repeated and expanded:

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Romans 2:1-4

The "therefore" in the verse 1 was referring to the previous verses, where the Apostle Paul was saying how NO ONE was righteous, therefore we shouldn't judge others.

So what should we do? Eliminate the whole judicial system? Keep quiet when we see the wrongs in the world? Tolerate, accept and approve all behaviors?

As Christians, the Holy Spirit in us enable us to discern what's right and wrong according to God, not man. And this is a good thing. However, what are in our hearts, what are our attitudes when we recognize sins in others? Do we:

• Feel great about ourselves because we don't/think we don't commit the same sin?
• Feel superior? Prideful?
• Have a sense of self-righteousness?
• Extend condemnation instead of compassion?

What we should be doing instead:
• Be humble and recognize that it's ONLY through God's grace and mercy that we can be free from any sin.
• Recognize that we too are sinners, not better than them.
• Be thankful for God's "kindness, tolerance and patience," Romans 2:4
• Be compassionate. Serve, minister and pray instead of condemn.
• Grief for their sins, and ours.
• Repent our own sins.

One of the impressions many has of Christians are that we are all too eager to wag our fingers at what others do. Unfortunately, it's true for many Christians, both true and self-proclaimed ones. I, too, have done this. When we are prideful and self-righteous, we are much less effective in ministering and being a light for God. Not to mention "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2.

Now go read your Bible again, Mr. Presidential Candidate.

Mad World

The top news stories on the internet today includes a natural disaster, a presidential race filled with candidates with less than desire values, and no peace in sight for war-torn countries. Even the entertainment section headlines a young actor's tragic death.

It's no big revelation that we live in a messed up world. And it has been this way since Adam and Eve, instead of trusting and obeying God, believed Satan's lies and choose to decide for themselves what's right and what's wrong instead.

As long as sin is in the world, suffering on this world is inevitable. As Christians, we have an eternal hope that through Jesus complete work on the cross, one day we'll be where "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4

Global Warming and God's Will

In previous post I wrote about Greg Craven's series of videos on global climate change, and I found one of them is called "God's Will". In it he tries to tackle the viewpoint of global warming is God's will, therefore we're powerless to stop it. He gave an illustration of how we would take the matter into our own hands if the scale of pollution is small, and challenged us to think where should the line be drawn between human's doing versus God's doing as the scale gets bigger.

Craven handled this viewpoint respectfully. However, he made some unmentioned assumptions:

1. He presented those who believe global warming is God's will thinks since there's nothing we can do about it, hence we don't need to do anything.
Maybe some people do think this way. However, just because it's God's will doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything about it. It's like saying it's God's will for my roof to leak, therefore I shouldn't go fix it. It's God's will for the crops to grow, but we still have to water and fertilize them. God regular carries out His will using us as His tool.

2. That if the size of the problem is small it's all men's doing.
God has EVERYTHING to do with EVERYTHING. If I did good on an exam, it is because I studied hard. But God is the one that deal with all my brain cells that remember what I read, and deal with how my eyes see and transmit the information to my brain. He kept my heart beating and alive so I can study. He didn't put me in an accident on the way to the exam. And the list goes on and on.

In summary, I think nothing falls outside of God's will, but we should still take actions as God can work through us.

How It All Ends

Oregon high-school science teacher Greg Craven's series of videos on global warming, How It All Ends, has made him somewhat of a celebrity. His simple argument, "the risk of not acting on climate change far outweighs the risk of acting," and his earnest and quirky appeal, has won him more than 4 million views worldwide through YouTube and other video posting websites.

But this is not what this blog entry is about. While the video title is "How it All Ends", it really doesn't tell us about the very very end. The ultimate end. The Grand Finale. The fat-lady-sing type of end.

To learn about that end, you have to read this.

Yes, that's the "final-showdown-between-God-and-Satan" end. To oversimplify, the following will happen:

1. Satan will be defeated once and for all: (not a big surprise, isn't it?)
"and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Revelation 20:10

2. Those whose names are in God's Book of Life will dwell with God, where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

3. I hate to do a "fire and brimstone", but the fact is:
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

If you think thank goodness I'm not a murderer, a sexually immoral...etc. Well, think again. In Roman 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". You can also read this again. (Yes, I actually finished reading that book, though I kind of just browse through the last few chapters. Got to go reread it again some time.)

The good news comes in the very next verses in Roman 3:24-25:
"and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith."

So if you don't believe the Bible is the Word of God, or if you believe you need or can add something other than Jesus work on the cross (good works, religion...etc.) to bridge the great gap of men and God, use the logic of Mr. Craven: the risk of not acting far outweighs the risk of acting. With an open mind, read the Bible from beginning to end. Don't take verses out of its context. Go do some research on how the Bible come about, pray for guidance. Don't believe something just because someone in authority tells you. Find it out for yourself. If the Bible is wrong, the most you'll lost are some time and energy. But if what the Bible says it's true, the worst-case scenario for you will be extremely far worse than those from global climate change.

Go Ahead, Hug a Tree

Christians aren't exactly known for our efforts in protecting the environment. That is a shame because we should be good stewards of what God has given us, including the planet Earth. We all can, and should, make more effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. It's a healthier, simpler, and more frugal lifestyle that preserve God's creation for future generations.

3 things you can do RIGHT NOW:

1. Switch to homemade household cleaners. You can find tons of recipes online using simple and inexpensive ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar. Try these from The Green Guide.

2. Buy used items. With summer approaching, garage sales are around every corner.

3. Get a dryer rack and air dry at least some clothing items.

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31

Outlaw Country

Imagine if you broke a law, for example, you robbed a bank. I'd think if you didn't get caught, you'd thank your lucky stars and go enjoy your loot. You wouldn't think of getting together with other bank robbers and march on the streets and demand rights.

But wait! This is America! Apparently if you gather enough people that broke the same law, and have politicians that have no backbone, not only you won't get punished for breaking the law, but actually you might get reward for that.

This is the case for illegal immigrants. How can we maintain respect for the law, when we allow them to scoff at it? Before the bar of justice, shouldn't we all be accountable for disobeying the law?

But what about compassion and mercy? After all, as Christians we are called to love our neighbors. America does have legal immigration available, even though the system is flawed. We can also have aid and missionaries sent to countries in need.

I know this issue does not have an easy solution, as the problem has never been properly dealt with and has grown into a monstrous size. But the basics, like securing the borders, discouraging companies from hiring illegals residents, and offer help to fight poverty in poor countries, can at least slow down the population growth of the illegal residents.

As a legal immigrant, I filled out all the paperwork, paid all the fees, and lined up at the crack of dawn outside the immigration office building. I say it's all worth it. I consider my US citizenship a blessing from God and I'm very thankful for it. Let's pray that we can find ways to balance justice and compassion, quickly.

Whole Again

Today, on a rare outing to the grocery store by myself, I put in Jennifer Knapp's CD Lay It Down. It was a nice change from the classical music and children's songs we listen to at home.

It gave me a lump in my throat, as I heard the song Whole Again, the part that goes:

If I give my life
If I lay it down
Can you turn this life around
Can I be made clean by this offering of my soul
Can I be made whole again?

In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, this song reminds me of the hurt and brokenness that we all experience to different degrees. Whether it was caused by sins of our own or others. Whether it happened in the past, present or future.

But there's hope. When we confess to God that we can't do this life by our own power and strength, when we surrender to God and ask Him to take over our lives, He will give us rest, heal us and yes, He will make us whole again.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30

Farewell, Johnny Hart!

From John Deering, editorial cartoonist

Not Our Choice to Make

It's the 34th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. I have so much to say on this issue but I'd keep it short (relatively) this time.

I've yet to find an remotely strong argument against life begins at conception.

It's not about women's right. It's not about telling women what do to with their bodies. It's not about limiting women's choices. It's about life that's totally different from the women's own. The unborn baby/fetus has a different DNA right from the beginning.

I do want to extend sympathies to those who got pregnant by means they didn't consent. However, two wrongs don't make a right.

The government should increase awareness on support for unwanted pregnant women (and men). The public, including teens and children, should be educated on the development of babies inside the mother's womb. And teaching on taking responsibility on your own actions will help too.

I had an ultrasound on my second baby at 9 weeks after conception. And I saw AND heard his heartbeat. At 9 WEEKS ONLY! Stopping that heartbeat intentionally is anything but murder is really beyond me.

AAAAAH! She's In!

First of all, I don't agree with her views on social issues, and possibly more when I have time to check out her positions.

Is it just me or does she often appears arrogant and mean? She's a very smart lady, no doubt about it. But you can display your intelligence and confidence without appearing arrogant, a la Ms. Condoleezza Rice. Now there's a smart, confident AND cool and collected lady I'd like to see continue working in the White House.

It'd be interesting to see how Hillary and her spin doctors try to soften her image during her campaign.

I have a feeling the '08 Presidential election is going to be a "who'll-do-the-least-damage type of vote". Yikes.

The Death of Saddam

I know this is old news, but there're thoughts that I need to get out of my system.

The death of Saddam. Does he deserve it? I'm pretty sure. Is it going to make a difference in the development of peace and democracy in Iraq and other Middle East countries? Probably not, at least not in the near future.

So what does this accomplish? For one thing, he needs to pay his penalty for his order of torturing and killing of thousands of people. Is his penalty fits the crime? Well, his death is probably less painful than many of his victims, however, I don't think the justice system should get down to his level.

There're people in the world that rejoice in his execution. I'm not one of them. I think his life is a tragedy. And for people who filmed, posted, and watched his execution, what you did make me sick.

I'm sad by the whole thing. I'm sad by what Saddam has done. I'm sad for the people and countries that he so ruthlessly destroyed. I'm sad that there are so much darkness in his life. I'm sad for a life that lives constantly under fear for betrayal. I'm sad for a life that is defined by insatiable appetite for absolute power and hate. I'm sad for the fact that real evil exists in this world. I'm fearful for him for what God's wrath has installed for him.

I wonder if he ever truly loved someone more than he loved power. I wonder if he was born in a different family, or if he has a different life circumstances if he'd be different. I wonder if anyone of us was put in his situation, if we'd turn out the same as he did.

I know "sin" is the correct, but very general answer of why he did what he did. But I'm eager to search for some other answers so that I can believe there's good even in a person like Saddam. I wonder what God's purpose for him was, and how does that going to fit in the whole picture of the human history.

With these thoughts written, my mind is now a little less crowded. A few more adoring looks at my sleeping sweet baby boy and I'll be back to my usual cheerful mood.