Fearlessly Courageous

Desk of Dennis Piller

1/18/2021

Who Taught You What You See and How You Think

I am really blessed and honored to be teaching a book called “Don’t waste your life” by John Piper to my two daughters and two of their high school friends. I’m really humbled by their trust and God giving me the ability to keep them interested and engaged. Who Taught You What You See and How You Think? Who teaches us that? Let’s look at teachers and professors. (Both honorable professions). But for us parents, we must know that they also teach their perspectives and their worldly views for hours and semesters on end. Logical, philosophical – in college, often above our ability to debate, if we dared! – (like the movie, “God‘s not dead”). Do you think we might debate with a professor? – not me! I would get mentally stomped and backed into a corner – look ridiculous and be classified ancient and conservative — old-fashioned — disillusioned and the worst… Christian! And then ostracized. So, what is obvious to us in the world we grow up in and then factor in a modern-day education? The workplace, social media, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, college? Often, they teach, and we must accept what our boss, professor or teacher states is obvious.

(Because few people challenge anything today).

These are not the foundational, forever, before time began truths! – the Bible! – These new truths have evolved with man and the times. Of course, this is modern-day thinking.

Learning the obvious:

Today elitism and snobbery of conservative views seems to be the prevailing obvious truth.

Who teaches us the obviousness that newness is no virtue… And oldness… is no vice? That NOTHING is inferior for being old… and NOTHING is valuable for being modern.

At least that is what C. S. Lewis said. (And I agree) Sadly, I haven’t taught that to my children either but God has given me another chance. But I would declare… knowing the beginning of life — according to God. (Genesis 1) Frees you from the tyranny of novelty, the New Age, young philosophy, and the prevailing – obvious world view. To discover the obvious – to discover the real wisdom of the ages. – can only be found in God‘s unfailing word – “that he is the same yesterday today and forever”. Heb 13:8 People often waste their lives looking to fill the hole in their hearts… this ache that says there must be more… (And there is)

Only to find it is the pearl in their own back yard.

Gods Holy Foundational Truth is from Everlasting to Everlasting.

I asked my kids for some time to teach something, (Not preach something) beyond the serving on Sunday religion. Beyond being a good person, we all think we are. Beyond the knowledge that Christ died for us and rose so we could be with him… head knowledge. I wanted to introduce them to a relationship with a living, loving God who like every good father wants what is best for his kids. He wants to talk with them when they get up in the morning and give them answers as they sort through the world’s view of the Social obviousnesses of life. (Everyone does it. It’s a new century, get with it. I want to be accepted. Stop judging me with your character and virtue. I have a “right” to do what I think is best for me! So should you! Join us or be alone!) What kind of pressure is that for a teen or college student or even for an adult in the workplace? I don’t want them to “waste their life” trying to fit in or have the wrong truths to pass on as their legacy. Anything that isn’t God first, then spouse, children, and work in that order will not honor, bring glory to God or please him. Lord, I want to know you… really know you. I want to talk with you and know you care and really have plans you want to tell me about. Lord, I want to put you first in my life and trust you for the rest. I want to live for you and not retirement and the American Dream. I want to pass on your unchanging truth and be your instrument of saving grace to a world that makes its own standards. I have the hope of Eternity is my view. There’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do – Passion Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI8ji2EjGE4