Goals, Maturity, Life and Lessons

 I used to think of age as a sign of maturity. Finally, at 62, I realize that maturity is a lifelong process. Most of us think of levels of maturity as a set of milestones that we reach at the ages of 13, 16, 18, 21, and so on.

What I have learned - finally - is that we become fully "mature" when we learn how to behave better. So, for all the young people out there, here are some milestones of behavior that we all should strive for (and it's a lifelong process):

When you 

• Become more of a peacemaker than a troublemaker
• Become better at loving and listening than being lewd and loud
• Learn to be more gracious and less rude
• Get better at being more thoughtful and giving than grasping and wanting
• Try being understanding as much as you want to be understood
• Try thinking deeply and critically rather than being quick at the mouth
• Listen more than you talk
• Can disagree with others without hating, belittling, or disrespecting them
• Practice more humility than indulging in pride
• Learn patience and endurance instead of going for the quick wins
• Appreciate beauty in the world without photobombing it with selfies
• Learn to slow down and savor moments and experiences without rushing to the next one
• Accept that you have some of the same flaws that you see in others
• Are happy in peace in stillness
• Can be grateful for every breath you take
• Can recognize when you are wrong and not gloat when you are right
• Realize how much your actions - no matter how small - can have a negative or positive impact 
• Want to be a better person today than you were yesterday - even though you can never be "perfect".

If I could go back in time and change one thing in my life, it would be to know what true maturity is. When I was young, if I had realized that I was building my past, I would have done so many things differently. 

Every breath is a blessing. Every mistake can be a lesson. We are here for such a short time, but we do matter. Live as if you know that.

Peace

--Free

Zechariah 2:1-9

 I just wanted to say today that, as always, I stand with Israel. I am not worried and I am not afraid. God is always in control.

Conversing With Skeptics

A few weeks ago, I watched a video featuring Frank Turek. And, of course, YouTube decided to flood my suggestions with more Turek videos. Personally, I love it. Turek happens to be one of my favorite apologists (along with Jason Lisle, the late Chuck Missler, John Lennox, Chris Rosebrough, and others).

One of the Turek videos was a debate he had with Christopher Hitchens. The debate was really interesting but the comments were also something to see. YouTube then presented me with a debate between John Lennox and Richard Dawkins. Again, the comments were almost as interesting as the debate.

Of course, I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole and watched several more debates. I had to make an effort to stop. 

What I had to admire about the Christian apologists was their anger-free attitudes. They were kind but firm in their arguments. All of them are absolutely intellectually brilliant, as were the people they debated. 

I tend to get frustrated when talking with some skeptics. A lot of the frustration is from my problems keeping my thoughts straight and clear as to what I'm trying to express. 

Any Christian can share their faith but not all of us should get into debates. Debating a skeptic requires the ability to keep a calm and loving attitude. Also, we must know our Bibles That's why Bible study is so important.

I saw an article this morning that reminded me of the most important question to ask a skeptic. I think I first heard this important question some years back and I've since heard Turek and others repeat it. The question, the answers to it, and just the general reaction to it will give you so much information about the skeptic. 

Do you want Christianity to be true?

Or: If I could prove the existence of God, you you accept Him? 

Please do read the article about this. What it reports about Thomas Nagel, Charles Darwin, and Hitchens is so interesting to ponder.

The important thing is that we are to share the gospel. Sometimes this is really hard. We fear being ridiculed or made to look dumb. Again, that is why we need to be diligent about our Bible study. We ourselves are not to believe blindly so we can't expect others to.

Here are some resources for anyone wanting to be a better-prepared apologist:

• CARM - Christian Apologetics and Resource Ministry.
• Got Questions - I find this good for when "friendly" skeptics are asking questions.
• ARC - Apologetics Resource Center
• Books by Norman Geisler, Turek, Lisle, and others. 

But the Bible is the first resource. Study, study, study the Word. You have to know for yourself before you can share with others. Pray for understanding and discernment. Most important, pray for the skeptics. When we talk or debate with skeptics, we are not trying to score points or make ourselves look good. We are trying to spread the gospel so that more people come to know and love Christ and accept salvation.

Peace

--Free