Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Wisdom, Identity
John Beeson
The Power of Ownership

One of the many disappointing realities about the American political landscape is the lack of ownership. It’s not just politicians who shirk ownership – we all do. When my microphone sounds wonky, my mind immediately goes to the sound tech wondering if he will remedy his mistake, not to the more likely responsible party: myself. I probably moved the microphone or pulled the cord.

Of course we know that avoiding ownership usually backfires. Our esteem falls for those who dodge responsibility. But even still, the temptation to blame shift is strong in all of us.

The Power of Ownership
Identity, Biblical Studies, Christian Living, Death, Spiritual Growth
John Beeson
Our Desires Lead to Death

“I am what I feel” sums up expressive individualism.  Our culture frames identity around discovering what our deepest desires and longings are. To know our longings is to know ourselves.

 

In Billie Eilish’s 2023 song “What was I made for?” written for “Barbie,” Eilish reflects on the confusing journey to understand her feelings. It’s this journey, she assures herself that will lead to her happiness.

Our Desires Lead to Death
Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Forgiveness, Wisdom
John Beeson
A Dire Warning for Me? Where?

“The end is near!” “Repent!”

Have you ever seen a statement of prophetic warning spray-painted on a wall or in a subway station? got to be honest, I don’t take much notice to such warnings. But what if those warnings were for me and for you?

A Dire Warning for Me? Where?
Identity, Parenting
John Beeson
Do You Have a Graduate in Your Life?

We are feeling all the feels. Our youngest, Soren, is about to graduate from high school. This has been a season of reflection for Angel and me and a season of preparation. In our children’s ministry hallways at New Life next to each age level we have containers that represent how many days of influence remain for you as a parent before your child launches. I recognize, of course, that there is no finish line for parenting, but one’s influence and role changes significantly in each season.

 As we look back on our parenting, the most important things we taught our children were who God is and who they were.

Do You Have a Graduate in Your Life?
Fear, Identity, Prayer, Spiritual Growth
John Beeson
Exchanging Intrusive Thoughts for God-talk

Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome and hard to control. I can remember having intrusive thoughts from the time I was a child. When we drove, I often felt the compulsion to press one foot down on the floor between the telephone poles (and yes, I also hopped over the cracks in the sidewalk). At other times, when walking alone, I remember the persistent thought, “He’s watching you.” I would search the bushes and trees for the one my mind told me was watching me.

Exchanging Intrusive Thoughts for God-talk

enemies

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Rooting Against the Patriots: on Enemies and Criticism

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Rooting Against the Patriots: on Enemies and Criticism

Life is more comfortable in black and white. Life is simpler when our enemies are despicable and our friends are admirable.

Outside of New England, America hates the New England Patriots. In the past twenty years, the Patriots have been in the Superbowl an astonishing nine times, winning six of those. Over that span they’ve had the incredible fortune of having perhaps the greatest coach, Bill Belichick, and the greatest quarterback, Tom Brady, in the NFL’s history team-up. On several occasions, the league caught them playing fast and loose with the rules. The combination of success and a marred record has made New England the perfect villain for American football fans.

My son rejoiced when the Patriots’ Tom Brady left the Patriots and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving the Patriots high and dry. And he celebrated when one of his least favorite football players, Cam Newton, signed as the Patriots new quarterback. Why? Because we like it when our enemies are easy to hate.

THE EVIL EMPIRE

He’s just like his dad and grandfather. I grew up hating the Yankees. My dad used to joke that his two favorite baseball teams were “the Royals, and whoever is playing the Yankees.” I agreed. The problem was, at the height of their powers in the 90s, there weren’t very many unlikable Yankees. I rejoiced when the unlikeable, steroid-abusing A-Rod signed with the “Evil Empire” in 2004. His presence helped justify my hatred.

For those of you who are rolling your eyes at my immaturity, I wonder if you might suffer the same disease in different areas? Did you hope for the worst candidate from the opposition party to make it out of the primaries? When the opposing party is in power, do you hope that they shine, or do you want them to fail (just as long as it doesn’t hurt you)?

For many of us, if we are honest, politics are a team sport, and if our team can’t win, we root for the opposing team to lose.

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