Walking In The Fast Lane
Newser reports:
If you don't enjoy getting stuck behind slow walkers while shopping, you're not alone—and you might consider a trip to the UK to try out the country's first ever fast lane for pedestrians being tested this week in the Liverpool One shopping complex, reports the Telegraph. The move comes after retailer Argos announced that 47% of people it surveyed are more annoyed by slow walkers than anything else. "As the research demonstrates, a faster high street could vastly improve the overall shopping experience for British shoppers across the UK," an independent retail expert says. "With nearly 30 million Brits saying they'd like one on their own high street, the pilot [which runs through Sunday] is set to be a success ... And while the top reason to support the fast lane was to save time, one in three surveyed said they were simply annoyed by people blocking the pavement.
The fast pace and selfish priorities of this world cause many to resent those who move a bit too slow. But as Christians, we have a different take on such things. Our Savior's example teaches us that the people who slow us down are not the problem, they are the whole point. We realize that we have not been placed on this planet to win at all costs, stepping on or over the defeated. We are here to share, by word and example, the good news of God’s love and grace, especially to those who have been relegated to the slow lane, to those who are sick or weak or lowly or disadvantaged.
"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15:1, ESV).
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35, ESV).
Women Compete to Be Bitten by Mosquitoes
Many of us watch what we eat, exercise and refrain from harmful lifestyle choices for the sake of health, happiness and longevity. Now there’s a new motivation for living well: to attract as many blood sucking insects as possible! This sounds pretty bazaar, unless you happen to live in Berezniki, Russia, and you’re vying for the title “Most Delicious Girl” at the annual Russian Mosquito Festival.
The object of this annual contest is to determine which of the scantily dressed women can attract the most mosquito bites in the course of 20 minutes. A recent winner boasted of more than 100 bites. How does one train for such a completion, you might wonder? According the fest’s organizers those who have the best luck, “eat well, don’t drink and don’t smoke.”
What is your motivation for living well? Most of us live well in hopes of avoiding all of the negative consequences of not living well, i.e. hangovers, unnecessary stress and drama, waste of time and/or money, health related concerns, social standing etc. Did you know that Jesus offers us a new motivation for making wise lifestyle choices? Jesus said, "When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father" (John 15:8).
You may not win the "Most Delicious Girl" award by living to glorify God, but you just might earn the right to stand before Him and hear, "well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Super Bowl 47 Pits Brother Against Brother
2013's Super Bowl 47 pitted not only two competitive teams against one another, but two competitive brothers, as well. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, saw his team go down in defeat to the World Champion Baltimore Ravens, coached by none other than his brother, John Harbaugh.
"It was a great joy," John would say of competing against his brother. "It was also the most difficult thing in the world to understand that he is over there. … I just love him, obviously … I am hurting for him."
Does church ever feel like a world championship competition to you? Brother taking a stand against brother over clashes of conviction, preference, or protocol?
Disagreements in church are inevitable, but it needn't get ugly. When you find yourself in contention with another brother, remember to play fair, be respectful, and never forget that it's "your brother over there" . . . whom you should love!
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10).