Proverbs 2, Sir Fred Goodwin and the Devil’s Dilemma

Here is just a thought about the Sir Fred Goodwin situation.

I still think it is absolutely ridiculous that a man responsible for leading a bank as it spiralled out of control to the point of having to be taken over by the government gets a whopping huge pension. That is morally wrong. However, if those are the terms of the contractual arrangement that has been made, who can justifiably intervene in that case? Can the government really back up their case of forcing the brother to hand back the money? Is that even right?

The concern I have is that this could set a dangerous precedent based on the government taking it upon themselves to selectively be the moral arbitrator in such situations. The danger of that is who are the government to behave in such a manner? That’s why if there are issues with the exorbitant amount fat cats get it should be addressed by the proper structures within the company and the culture of the business world that allows such excesses to happen in the first place.

I am not convinced that there is any way in which the government can sort an issue without addressing the root of the problems. It appears to me that this is the case and because the heart of the matter is not being addressed or even being seen to be addressed then this witch-hunt of Goodwin is another cynical political ploy to win political points. That’s just a thought. (I write this note later because it so happens that I come across this article which would make it appear as though Mr. Brown is back-tracking somewhat.)

Today is Proverbs 2 and I’m fascinated by the opening rejoinder by the writer. I was reading the ESV and noted the following:

Verses 1-4: Receive words; treasure commandments; making ear attentive; inkling heart; call out; raise voice; seek like silver; search as for hidden treasure. The quest for wisdom knowledge and understanding has to be taken very seriously indeed.

Verses 5-8: Benefit A of the quest – fear and knowledge of God; He is the source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding; it’s all there waiting for those who want it and protecting those who follow it

Verse 9-11: Key life values (righteousness, justice, equity (I wonder what this word is meant to mean), right direction) understood properly as you get them and enjoy them and their protection

Verse 12-15: The protective mechanisms are put in the light of the various predators that would seek to dismantle the individual – like those who neglect these ways and promote opposing values.

Verse 16-19: The protection given by wisdom is highlighted against the adulteress whose ways are so bad that whoever is ensnared in her ways are doomed.

Verse 20-22: Like Psalm 1 this is a summary point of the benefit of following wisdom when we really pursue it and the devastating end of those who oppose it.

Finally for the blog today here is a marvellous portrayal of the devil’s dilemma.

For His Name's Sake
Shalom
dmcd

Sign Of Things To Come? A Typical CD Note Taking Session

I guess this is something I should have been doing throughout the year to keep a record of the sort of things I come across as I do my daily stuff. I’ll look into doing that in 2009. In the meantime here’s an insight in a typical day’s notes that I’m taking … completely unedited so there.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd

· Naked Pastor does some good cartoons and this one is a good example.

· Piper’s done it again – what did they pray for in the NT? Ah here it is.

· Don’t know if I’m going to do a reading plan for 2009, but if I do I’ll take this on board.

· Not silent but holy – good way of putting it.

· So there was a conference dealing with an issue close to my sin, so their findings will be of interest.

· As Hughie prepares to start what could be the most important series of teachings our young church engages in based on the authority of scripture, the article on Evangelical Outpost sums up what I’d been looking at yesterday and the day before concerning Lisa Miller’s misguided riposte to the Christian approach to homosexuality and marriage.

· I’ve been advised by a good source to check this site, so I will.

· Another good cartoon about the birth of the Saviour.

· Faith and repentance. A phrase I’ve read and heard quite a lot recently and in my current mind-set is something very challenging. It’s not a one off thing but an ongoing behaviour – it’s what I keep on doing. I turn from what I think towards God and I believe what He says. I turn to God and believe Him on what He says I should do as a worker, husband, father, brother, teacher, student and follower of Christ. It’s something I do. It’s something we do. It’s something we call others to do. It’s something that can only be done by the power of the Spirit by the preaching of the gospel as that’s the only way to connect to God recognising where people are currently looking and where they need to be looking. That’s why the three lessons I’m scheduled to teach are so important. I don’t do it – the Spirit does it.

· Wow – this is a heavy approach to the whole homosexuality issue. Again, though it is spot on, biblically rich and spiritually balanced in sharing what His nature is all about. When I read it though I find that the advice given is applicable to any sin – not just homosexuality. Quality stuff.

· More by Carl Trueman on the above subject – all playing into our understanding of the importance of the authority of scriptures and a right way of reading it.

· Pip Wilson – youth work legend – has a blog. Apparently its worth my while checking it.

· This definition of agnosticism is crucial for our engagement with unbelievers – it’s not that they’re undecided – they have decided that it’s not worth making a decision on it.

· Yep I read The Shack. Yep I thought it was a good book. Yep it is a book I would recommend to others. Similarly I’d also recommend serious Christians to check this out as well to get a balanced approach on it.

· Making much out of God and not of ourselves has to be the spring from which we do life.

· In line with our year of Compassion in 2009 I’m thinking of the morning session looking at episodes where compassion is mentioned and the first one I thought we would look at was Luke 15. This blog entry appears to confirm especially that last parable which for some reason we’ve only entitled the Prodigal Son.

· One of the key reasons for doing this series of basics now is that people need to know why they believe what they believe before they can share it. Reading the news of the students at university only reinforces that and I know full well that’s not just a student thing at all.I have seen some things in my time. I’ve heard some things in my time. I have never ever come across a network that would put on someone whose position completely opposes the network. If there is anyone who would be against TBN it would be John MacArthur. So who does Kirk put on TBN? Watch this and get back to me! Wowsers! Now especially check the second clip and here the reference to Luke 4 (Jesus goes to his home town and tells them …) Now that opened my understanding to the section in a way I had never read it before! Jesus is telling His own people that He fulfils the scripture to help those in chains and blind – which is His own people which wouldn’t have gone down too well.