"Thinking" It's A Good Thing

When I first became a Christian, I remember being extremely touched by the love of God. I was especially touch by the fact that He relates to me as my heavenly Father. For a child who grew up without a father this was a sticking point. As the first few years went by, I started to realize that "Thinking" critically about things was viewed as a bad thing (at least within my Christian community). Now I understand being negative isn't edifying to the body of believers and there is a difference between encouraging others to think correctly about God and just constantly tearing things down. But isn't there value in making sure we are thinking rightly about God? For years I felt like I was the only one fighting the anti-intellectualism within the church. I often hear people just tell me that "Knowledge puffs up! (so you better not learn anything was the implication)" Knowledge puffs up? And your answer is to be ignorant? And this makes sense, how? "Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life" is a wonderful truth. But doesn't it take some thinking to know what that plan is? I'm not exactly sure why the Lord would give us such a big bible if that were not the case.

The day I got to Biola University was one of the most liberating days of my life. I felt like I was not only free to think but in thinking, it resulted in enhanced worship and service to the Lord. I'll never forget the experience I had there with friends and professor who taught me how to THINK correctly about the Lord and how this leads to proper worship to our God. The thinking also lead to a growing emotional connection with the Lord. This was unexpected until I realized how the heart and mind are essential parts of being human beings. So if the emotions and the intellect are essential parts of the human being, then does it not stand to reason that we need to mature in both areas in order to grow as human beings?

Summer is now here. I've been mapping out how I'm going to spend the summer to make sure that it's productive and that I continue my pursuit of Jesus. One of the things I planned was to again read The Swans Are Not Silent series by John Piper (or Johnny Master P, as I like to call him). Reading through that series, I've learned that the great men of faith who have come before us, all thought about things carefully and felt things deeply as a result. Interestingly, Johnny Master P is having a conference on this very topic. No I don't plan on attending because it's in Minnesota. I would actually have to buy warm clothes. However, I do plan on listening to the conference when they are made available either through book form or MP3(s). I'm already extremely encouraged by the fact that these great men of God realize it's an issue that is hurting the church. The issue needs to be addressed and I know of no better men than these to do it. I guess I'm not alone after all.

Here is a youtube clip of the conference:

A Tribute to John Wooden

We have lost one of the greatest human beings you will ever hear about. John Wooden, "The Wizard of Westwood" went home to be with the Lord (1910-2010). There is a common theme throughout people's reactions and experiences with Mr. Wooden. He truly impacted the game of basketball but more than that, he impacted the lives he encountered. There have been so many great articles written, I won't repeat them because I have some of the same thoughts so I'll post of the links here:

J.A. Adande - ESPN Los Angeles To mourn the loss of John Wooden because we consider him an irreplaceable source of wisdom would be to miss the point of his 99 incredible years on this earth. Wooden's gift was to understand that greatness is all around; it's up to individuals to find it within themselves and realize it. It's not about a single source. There is knowledge to be gained from everyone. Even a pigeon.

Forum Blue & Gold “Love has dominated my coaching career.”

By Phil Elderkin Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden was an every-day Bible reader from Indiana who took some of the most challenging egos in the country and fit them into a championship mold of his own making. He did farm chores as a boy when they began before the sun came up and took hours to complete.

David Wharton from LA Times Confined to a hospital bed, nearing death, legendary coach John Wooden held onto his sense of humor.
"He hadn't shaved in a couple of days," recalled UCLA Coach Ben Howland, who visited him this week. "He scratched his whiskers and quietly said, 'I feel like Bill Walton.'"

Lakers, Celtics and ESPN analysts share reflections on John Wooden NBA Finals participants express their thoughts on John Wooden a day after the legendary coach's death at age 99. Below is a video featuring ESPN analysts Jack Ramsey, Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson as well as Lakers reserve forwards Lamar Odom and Luke Walton.

Mr. Wooden,

Thank you for all you have done for the game of basketball but more importantly thank you for your faithfulness to your wife throughout the years, the love you gave to others by mentoring young minds, and most of all, thank you for serving our Lord well by showing us we are able to touch so many lives simply by living out your philosophy. The legacy you have left behind will be an example of greatness for all of us to aspire to be.

Junior J.