Playing it safe?

Am I standing firm in the faith or playing it safe?
Rick Howerton writes…………true words that nail that sickening lukewarm state in which we could so easily get stuck: coasting instead of watching and praying. 

Over to Rick:
“It’s easy, really. If you’re tired of your faith growing, all you have to do is

Play it safe.

1. Don’t be generous with your resources. That’s risky, and takes faith. 
2. Don’t be generous with the grace you give others. You will probably get burned.
3. Don’t join a small group. You could be asked to be vulnerable. And you could be stretched. That’s no way to live.
4. Don’t read your Bible and act on it. Just stick to reading it. Much safer.
5. Don’t invite your neighbors to church with you. Stay in your comfort zone.
6. Don’t go on a mission trip. That’s crazy talk. 
7. Don’t go serve the homeless in your city. You might get dirty.
8. Don’t tithe. Planned giving? We’re going for minimal risk here. Come on.
9. Don’t maintain close relationships with people. People are too messy and difficult.
10. Don’t build relationships with people outside of the faith. If someone doesn’t trust Jesus, give ‘em a tract and move on. If you try to stick around and love them, you’re being dangerous.
11. Don’t worship with other believers. Just quit going to church. They ask you to do things like ‘participate in worship.’ Not safe at all.
12. Don’t do anything difficult. When things get tough, run the other way. That’ll *stick it* to your faith.

Just minimize the risk in everything you do. That way you keep things safe, easy, and manageable.
And watch your faith shrivel right up.

Here is how to land on the webpage where I found this bad advice that is such good advice – thanks to Rick Howerton!

Ben A’an–the Trossachs, Scotland

 

Today, 25th May 2013, it was my joy to scramble up Ben A’an on a sparkling day filled with sunshine.

Ben A'an is one of the most popular amongst Scotland's smaller hills. Often known as the mountain in miniature, its position at the heart of the Trossachs makes it a truly wonderful viewpoint.

 

Walk Description

STAGE 1

Ben A'an has its own car park on the south side of the A821 close by the shores of Loch Achray. The walk begins across the road, where a sign indicates the start of a path which immediately climbs steeply close to the edge of the woods. The climb continues as the path heads deeper into the forest, close beside a tumbling stream.

 

STAGE 2

The stream is crossed on a wooden footbridge and the ascend continues on the far side. At one point a rocky knoll to the left of the path has a bench and a good view back down to Loch Achray. Continue up the path which soon crosses the now small stream once more. Further on the denser part of the forest is left behind and there is an excellent view of the steep and pointed summit of Ben A'an rising ahead.

 

STAGE 3

The climb relents briefly as the conifers are replaced with beautiful birch woods. The path heads for the gap to the right of the seemingly unassailable summit pyramid (Ben A'an is well known for its rock climbing). The next section is steep and rocky as the last trees are left behind, but there are good views across to Ben Venue.

 

STAGE 4

Stay on the main path as it continues to ascend around the back of the summit. As it finally swings to the left it is worth continuing a few steps ahead for the wonderful views of Loch Katrine. The path now leads fairly easily up to the summit area, with just one last rocky section.

STAGE 5

The rocky summit of Ben A'an is a truly wonderful viewpoint, well repaying the modest (by hill-walking standards) amount of ascent needed to reach it. It isn't truly the a hill-top, as you can now see it is merely a prominent rocky pyramid on the side of the higher but uninteresting moorland summit of Meall Gainmheich, but it is Ben A'an that is deservedly known and loved by so many. Almost the full length of Loch Katrine is in view, with Ben Venue rising above the magnificent woodland at the foot of the loch, whilst looking the other way is Loch Achray and part of Loch Venachar. Ben Lomond is the prominent summit away to the west.

STAGE 6

The return walk is best made the same way,

Please, if you wish,  refer to "Walking Highlands" for a full description.   I’m looking forward  to substitute my own photos of backlit forests, tiny, tiny flowers and very good views from the rocky outcrop, for these good ones.  In good time, I would also like to write my own short description and diary.

When it comes to disagreeing..

dear Reader!

Here are seven reminders worthy to keep in mind when it is necessary to disagree:

Let’s not assume the worst about people. Let’s not shame those who aren't immediately credulous when someone with a history of bad thinking says something that could be construed as maybe okay. Let’s be very cautious in assigning motive. Let’s not take everything personally or make everything personal. Let’s not get our kicks from criticizing others and mucking around in controversy. Let’s avoid facile condemnations of all criticism, realizing that the statement itself is a criticism and the Bible is full of heroes who had a lot of bones to pick. Let’s accept that in this fallen world only the Lord can fully sort some things out and we don’t have to go twelve rounds in every conflict.

I owe these wise reminders to the author of this blog site.