Revision

In November of 2005 I originally wrote this observation:

"What selfish people don't understand is that they could serve themselves so much more if they would stop trying to serve themselves."

And now, almost 4 years later I would like to make a change to this statement:

"What selfish people don't understand is that we could serve ourselves so much more if we would stop trying to serve ourselves."

More media = less focus?

I've noticed a trend in my life...the more I consume media, the less focused I am able to be the next day (or same day). This made me wonder if there is a connection (inverse relationship) between media consumption and the ability to focus.

I found the article below on the internet that seems to indicate this is the case in very young children. But what about adults? I have a feeling it does. Does anyone know of any studies done on this topic?

I should probably severly limit my media intake (sigh...that means less espn)

Here's the article:

Ethnic Barriers in the Church

     Communication requires similarity, and like attracts like. No one should be surprises or find fault that blacks are more comfortable in black churches, Koreans in Korean churches, and whites in white churches.

     But the barriers are down, and the homogeneous principle cannot guide the church. Cultural preferences must take a backseat to unity in Christ. The most important issue is always identity: What is the strongest defining reality for us - Christ or culture? Culture is important, but Christ not culture, gives the primary definition to life. Culture is the means by which Christ is expressed, but the message is Christ himself. Do ethnic churches exist to preserve a culture or to promote Christ? One often gets the impression that the real center of all our churches is our culture, not our Lord. That attitude needs to change.

     Churches must demonstrate that the barriers are down. That most churches are culturally monolithic is an embarrasment. Church members must show they care about other people in Christ, even if they are different culturally, economically, politically, or socially. A monolithic church in a multicultural context is a failure. Churches need to demonstrate unity with Christians of other cultures, to seek justice, and to evangelize across cultural and racial lines. We have to show the barriers are down.

-Klyne Snodgrass, Commentary on Ephesians, pg 153

I am Christ's slave, and I've never been more free.

Here's a passage from John Bunyan's "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" I found his personal testimony to be very encouraging and convicting. The point he makes here is especially poignant. I have been struggling about preaching on topics that I am guilty of myself, but I am convicted that I need to preach the truth regardless. It is better for me to condemn myself than to compromise God's word: