Reporting.

I try to stay current on trends in society, whether it’s nerd stuff like the latest unaffordable device from Apple or the differences in Gen X vs Gen Y. The trend I’ve seen on the rise lately, however, is subtle and much more serious. I saw it again and again during the tragic shooting at Fort Hood this afternoon.

“…because he was not authorized to discuss the case publicly.”

Did you see it? Here it is again, in the same article…

*click to enlarge

“…spoke on condition of anonymity because military records are confidential.”

I’m not downplaying the murders that happened. It was a terrible tragedy. I have a brother-in-law serving in Guantanamo Bay, and I can’t imagine what my sister (or any other military family) is going through just having him away from home, let alone losing a loved through an event like this one. My heart goes out to the families of the soldiers.

But outside of sympathy, I’m frustrated. Our society has devolved morally as to consider any act acceptable as long as you (the perpetrator) don’t have to pay any penance for your actions. So long as we speak anonymously, it doesn’t matter if we walk on our integrity.

This isn’t new, but in a way it is.

After seeing “Jessica Simpson calls Melrose Place crap” as a front page CNN headline, I’m not surprised by the media diving to new lows, but there’s just something about our military instigating the breach of trust – the one group supposedly living in integrity to honor one another – that makes it just sad.

(via isaacdowning.com)

Wrecked.

Just when I begin to feel confident in my calling and ministry, it never fails that He sends a message or messenger to counteract it. Sometimes it’s a sermon, sometimes through speaking with a friend… but I always walk away realizing how far away I truly am from where I had thought (or hoped) I was.

That happened again last night when I read the following paragraph:

“…if you say you are called to be where you are, a few questions need to be answered. For example, how would you be missed if you left this place? What would change? …what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?”
- Francis Chan, Forgotten God

(via isaacdowning.com)