Issues with Issues

When writing a book, I like to make sure that I am providing an entertaining read, but I also want my writing to provoke thought for those who are reading my material. I want them to see something and compile their own thoughts on certain topics, or issues. Therefore, I also like to address issues that I notice, or think about, via the protagonist (sometimes some of the rest of the cast) and the experiences he/she has (this being for fictional works). Sometimes I suggest a solution to an issue, but I often leave the issue open-ended so that people can think and develop their own conclusion on the topic.

Since I try and use (thought)provoking content, I've been thinking recently on what issues I need/would like to address in my upcoming book. I would like to thank those friends and family members who have unknowingly gotten me thinking about certain topics that I would now like to include in my list. Here's a list of some of the topics that have been brought to the front of my mind recently.

Personal Choices:

Profanity: Not many people give too much thought about it. Admittedly, I didn't until recently when I was given the opportunity to think about it by some good friends. Profanity is something that can be a challenge in some people's life. People are not typically (only once) born perfect, so many people also end up growing in an environment that may be full of poor language, and don't often see the need to abandon such speech after they choose to follow Christ. Profane words can tear people down, though. As stated in Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”. This verse reminds us that we need to speak things that build up those around us and provide encouragement for those we meet. The Bible also points out that we need to be very cautious so as to avoid doing things that cause someone to stumble in their efforts to follow Christ. Romans 14:21 says “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thingwhereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." This verse reminds us to abstain from those things that would cause our friends to lose their faith (faith, not salvation, as we can never lose our salvation) as a result of our actions . What we choose to saturate ourself in: What we watch, what we listen to, what we read, this all affects our lives greatly. Our eyes are a wonderful gift, but we also need to choose what we allow our eyes to see. The world is full of things that can cause us to stumble in our walk of faith. We need to choose to avoid these things, and ask for help from strong friends who can mentor us if we are struggling.

Daily Habits(this includes devotions, exercise, lifestyle.......): What we choose to do on a daily basis greatly influences our entire life. Devotions will change the way we look at the world. Being able to understand the Bible, God's own word, is a great benefit, and reading God's word will greatly aid in that understanding. Exercise will keep our bodies in good condition ('duh' moment, I know :-) ), and since our bodies are God's temple (“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”) we should strive to take good care of them to honor the Lord.

How we choose to build up those around us: Those around us are important. We all have good friends and our 'circle' that we choose to hang out with. These people are important to us, so we try to be helpful to them (most of the time, that is). Now, your circle may not be as 'fun' as other people's circles. So, what do you expect from other people? Their attention, right? When we are feeling alone we naturally want people to come along side us and encourage us. There are days where I don't feel my 'status quo' (surprise, right?) and the simplest thing (such as a friend saying hello, or a complete stranger in class doing something remotely funny) will throw me right back into a good mood. So, if we enjoy these type of moments in our days, why not try to create moments like these for other people around you (maybe not deliberately causing scenes in the classroom......). Smile to someone you don't know today, tell someone you like their _________(attire, demeanor, technology, etc.). Doing something simple can be the factor needed to change their day from the worst to the best.

The 'crowd' we choose:

You can never avoid 'those' people in life. Also, you should still try to be an encouragement to them. However, there is a difference between trying to help people who need help and hanging out with the type of crowd that can get you into trouble. Sure, spend time with the people you love, regardless of their life choices(to a certain extent, to be sure), but make sure that you are spending enough time with those who are encouraging you to do the right things in life. Recent readings in the Psalms (thanks to those who are doing this with me) allow this verse from Psalm 1 to be at the surface of my mind. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” This first verse of the first chapter of Psalms cautions us against heeding the (poor) advice of the ungodly (which is all of us, apart from Jesus), so maybe we should turn to God and His advice and plans for us.

Well, feel free to disagree with what I've written, but make sure that what you believe is backed by research in the ultimate source of wisdom and purity, the Bible. Have any questions? I'd love to discuss them with you in the comment section below!