This, That, & the Other: 11/7-11/13/2021
An Article to Read
10 Visualizations Every Data Scientist Should Know
This is one of the many articles I had to read for one of my Master’s classes. The visual display of data is a very interesting topic and this article gives an interesting overview of different visualization methods. A very interesting read and, as I have written about before, Christians would do well to learn some general ideas about data analysis since the field connects with hermeneutics.
A Teaching to Listen To
The States of Christ by R. C. Sproul
This systematic theology series put out by Ligioner is incredible. This teaching, in particular, focuses on Christ’s glory and humiliation at different points throughout His ministry. Sproul, as always, is an amazing teacher, and this teaching deals with a topic I have not heard discussed frequently. I recommend you purchase the entire series and listen to this excellent meditation on the glories of Jesus.
A Quote to Consider
When there’s something in the Word of God that I don’t like, the problem is not with the Word of God. It’s with me.
R. C. Sproul
A Product to Buy
Banner Board Book Set
As a new parent, I have found myself in possession of dozens of board books. “Goodnight Moon” and “Curious George” don’t contain much spiritually profitable discussion, however, so I was overjoyed when my parents purchased a board book about Martin Lloyd-Jones. This entire set is a welcome addition for parents who want to read books that aren’t merely cartoon animals doing random things. This would be a perfect Christmas gift for a young family that you know.
A Recipe to Try
Sweet Potato and Sausage Hash
I don’t know why sweet potatoes and chorizo is such a delicious combination, but it is. This recipe is perfect for brunch but is equally delicious as a dinner. The fried eggs at the end are optional, but they are a tasty touch to a recipe that is already jam packed with flavor. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
A Question for Reflection
How are you investing your money into people?
I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke concurrently with a book on personal finance. What has struck me lately is how often Jesus in Luke teaches and instructs those around Him on proper and improper uses for money. And the primary investment Jesus recommends: people.
This stands in stark contrast with the financial advice you see in most personal finance books. Their focus is on growing your wealth, not on spending it for the benefits of others. In fact, spending money on others according to secular finance books is an expense or a loss, not an investment. But Jesus paints a different picture in Luke:
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:13-14, ESV emphasis added
Investing in stocks and other assets requires a long-term perspective. But Biblically, there is a longer-term perspective a Christian must have with money: eternity.
You must invest your money into others not because it will make you wealthier in this life. Rather, you invest in others because Jesus promises you will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just.
So, how is your investment portfolio taking into account what Jesus says in Luke? I recommend reading through the Gospel and underlining every time Jesus talks about money. For Christians are called to be faithful with their money, as Jesus says: “If you have not been faithful with unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine?” (Luke 16:11)
A Truth that is Impacting Me
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:15-21, ESV emphasis added
Every time I read this parable I am struck by how counter-cultural Jesus words are in modern day America. I would argue our entire society is built open the idea that your life does consist in the abundance of possessions. And if you need evidence of this, just observe what happens to our society as it approaches Christmas.
Consumerism is not just an aspect of our modern culture; it is one of it’s defining features.
And consumerism promises the same exact thing the rich man wants: relaxation. An easy life. Pleasure. The rich man in the parable is spending all his time and resources making his life easier. Again, is that not our modern obsession? Everyone wants to retire early or get rich or have a life of non-stop pleasure. What is the problem with this according to Jesus? It is a short-sighted perspective.
The rich man laid up all sorts of treasure for himself but failed to remember he lived in a world where God exists and death is a certainty. The realities of God and death cast a new light on the values of the rich man. I think Jesus’ implication here is your life should be about glorifying and serving God, not in building up more and more possessions for yourself.
There are two mutually exclusive worldviews in this parable: worship and serving self, or worshiping and serving God.
Now, what convicts me in this parable is how easy it is for my own heart to fall into the traps of the rich man. To focus on getting more and more for myself rather than giving more and more of myself to God. Is the goal of my life day to day to “relax, eat, drink, be merry” or to be rich towards God? Let us heed Christ’s warning in these verses and live for the Lord, not for ourselves. Because as tempting as consumerism and hedonism are, in the end, they lead to death.
This post is part of an ongoing series “This, That, & the Other.” For other tools I have created to aid you in Bible Study and Church life, visit the “Tools” page. If you found this post helpful, share it below and subscribe to get resources like this delivered into your inbox. Follow The Average Churchman on Instagram to get more curated resources.