A COMMON QUESTION?

A COMMON QUESTION?

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

  A sister in Christ once told Ann and I that their family’s church has a new pastor, and that he is insistent about every parishioner bringing their own Bible, and looking up the Scripture he is preaching/teaching on, and following along as he does so.

  My silent reaction was “Wonderful!” and remembering that prior to coming to Omaha in 84’, our family never attended a church where everyone didn’t carry their personal Bible, turn to the subject verses and follow along in preaching and teaching settings. (References given, you would hear the rustling of pages.) Nor until 31 years ago had we been around so many Christians that had difficulty locating books and passages in the Bible when required to do so.

  Is this because there is a common question that we seldom now ask or hear: Does the Bible say anything about this event, stress, problem, need, want, habit, decision to be made et al? Plus, if so, how do I find it in God’s Word?

  None of the above is meant to be holier-than-thou criticism on my part, but a call for those of us that claim Jesus is Lord, saying we believe His Word, to turn to His Book. Consider the thoughts of some of our forerunners on this topic.

  St. Augustine (354-430) “The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home.”

  Martin Luther (1483-1546) “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

  George Mueller (1805-1898) “The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.”

  Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

  Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.”

  Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are all indebted for all the true progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”

  Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) “”I never had any doubt about it being of divine origin …. Point out to me any similar collection of writings that has lasted for as many thousands of years and is still a bestseller, worldwide. It had to be of divine origin.”

  These days I enjoy the at-hand convenience of several Bible translations, commentaries, and Hebrew and Greek definitions in my pocket downloaded free in my iPhone.    EBB4 

HERMENEUTIC SENSES

HERMENEUTIC SENSES

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

2Timothy [GW] chapter 2 [Apostle Paul writing to younger Timothy]  … Understand what I'm saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always think about Jesus Christ. He was brought back to life and is a descendant of David. This is the Good News that I tell others. I'm suffering disgrace for spreading this Good News. I have even been put into prison like a criminal. However, God's word is not imprisoned. For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive salvation from Christ Jesus with glory that lasts forever. This is a statement that can be trusted: If we have died with him, we will live with him. If we endure, we will rule with him. If we disown him, he will disown us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself. Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn't do any good but only destroys those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly. …

  One of the most beneficial education courses I took at Maryland Bible Institute is PRINCIPALS of BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS. Lessons pertaining to Bible study that I utilize constantly in the decades since.

  Our classroom and homework text was of the same name written by J. Edwin Hartill. The book again this morning lays open on desktop to my right. For those interested in serious study of God’s Word, the paperback book can be had for $16.99 plus S+H at Christian Book Distributors http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=Hartill&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1 or used hardback from Amazon. There are other good books available on the topic.

  Mr. Hartill explains “Biblical Hermeneutics is the science of interpreting the Bible. The aim of this book is to explain and illustrate the various principles of Bible interpretation which must be followed if one is to understand the teachings of God’s Word correctly. Such a study is pivotal to anyone who studies the Bible. Unless consistent principles of interpreting its passages are followed the truth of God becomes blurred and confused. Determining what the Bible means must precede all application of its words to the lives of its readers and hearers.”

  Let us not forget or negate for one moment that though it may be helpful to read authors’ writings on and about God’s Word (Including DTs!), that He as the Sovereign Author plainly requires personal responsibility in the study, nderstanding and application of His Word. (Mt.13:52; 2Tim.2:15; 2Pet.2:10)

  Using another very useful tool, I close today with KJV 2Timothy2:15 with a bit of Greek: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [G3718 -

ὀρθοτομέω; orthotomeō; or-thot-om-eh'-o  From a compound of G3717 and the base of G5114; to make a straight cut, that is, (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message): - rightly divide. ] the word of truth.”

EBB4

  

A BASIC CHOICE OF WORDS

A BASIC CHOICE OF WORDS

Monday, July 06, 2015

2Corinthians [GW] 5:17-21 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him.

James [GW] 3 Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers. You know that we who teach will be judged more severely. All of us make a lot of mistakes. If someone doesn't make any mistakes when he speaks, he would be perfect. He would be able to control everything he does. We put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, and we have control over everything they do. The same thing is true for ships. They are very big and are driven by strong winds. Yet, by using small rudders, pilots steer ships wherever they want them to go. In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame. The tongue is that kind of flame. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. People have tamed all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures. Yet, no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God's likeness. Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen! …

Dear all, 

  Last Monday’s DT “IF F” produced more responses than any previous DT, especially from Facebook readers. Wonderful! I like the discussion by which we are provoked to thoughtful study.

  Lest you’ve forgotten: Decades ago profanity was common for me in workplace. The usage of I did cease and desist after trusting Lord Jesus Christ as eternal and present Redeemer. My coworkers of course did not. An angel zone did however develop over a period of time.

  I do not use or approve of profanity for a number of reasons, the greatest coming under the heading TO SERVE HIM ALL MY DAYS. (Eccl.12:13-14)

  I do not however isolate myself from profane speakers, for I was the same many decades ago when I was a John 3:18 person. Now a 2Corinthians agent of reconciliation, I am compelled by God’s love to treat others in kind.

  Now it will seem I’m segueing to another topic, but I am not.

  Of the many required classroom hours in my past days of financially gainful employment, I was blessed with a number of classes dealing with making difficult and/or avoiding kneejerk decisions.

  A classroom example appropriate to our profanity discussion: In making personal or personnel decisions trustworthiness is an overarching deciding factor. So I have profane friends and acquaintances that I know I can trust. And I know others that speak lily-white-piety that I cannot trust as far as I can throw them.

  Now let’s look at Luke 6:45; Ephesians 4:29; 1Peter 3:10; James 3:9-12 having to do with conversation. Exactly what people are being addressed by these words? The followers of Christ or those having never experienced 2Corinthians 5:17?

Sincerely,

EBB4

WORSHIP

WORSHIP

Sunday, July 5, 2015

  What makes for the greatest quality of worship?

  Ambience with its distinctive atmosphere of stained glass, lighting, art and statuary, the quality of the music, liturgy and order, the reading of and preaching on The Word; Or a keen high sense of appreciative respect and adoration for Jehovah God, He who is Sovereign in all things; God of love, justice, and righteousness? 

  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised … (Ps.18:3)

  You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. (Rev.4:11)

EBB4

EBB4 RESPONDS TO "IF F"

EBB4 RESPONDS TO “IF F”

Friday, July 03, 2015

At the risk of being unfriended I write today:

  Decades ago before experiencing John 3:3 I was a profane speaker at work in an all-male foundry. Though there as a standing company rule against, management excused profanity as “workplace language”. When the recession of 1958 hit I lost several pay grades, monthly production bonuses, and learned in my new placement that there are women that, though dressed like ladies, would have fit in with the shoptalking foundry workers.

  After John 3:3 became noticed in my life most profane coworkers’ curtailed speech within what they laughingly referred to as an “Angel zone.” But there was of course those that delighted in testing and probing my serenity.

  Of the profanity spoken the F word was least used then. This obviously has changed.

  I do not unfriend users on Facebook or otherwise. I do however politely ask them to not use profanity.

  Why don’t I unfriend profane people? (Or criticize those that do so.)

·         Jesus is my example as He did not exercise the unfriending of those profane in word or deed. "John came neither eating nor drinking, and people say, 'There's a demon in him!' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He's a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' "Yet, wisdom is proved right by its actions." (GW Mt.11:18-19; Lk.7:34.) “Later Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house. Many tax collectors and sinners who were followers of Jesus were eating with him and his disciples. When the scribes who were Pharisees saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard that, he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval." (GW Mk.2:15-17)

·         Jesus has left me instruction pertaining to the matter. "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do.” (GW Mt.9:12; Mk.2:17; Lk.5:31)

·         Jesus’ disciples emulated the same love for people. “Levi held a large reception at his home for Jesus. A huge crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus' disciples. They asked, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners to change the way they think and act, not to call people who think they have God's approval." (GW Lk.29-32)

·         Paul explained that I am an agent of reconciliation. “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God.” (GW 2Cor.5:17-20)

·         Bud Bond and the Germeroth (sp) brothers, my earliest Biblical examples, guides, and instructors manifested “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.” (GW Gal.5:22-23)

  Ah, but what of the a little bit of leaven corrupts argument? Every bit true as all of the above Word; the distinction is that with such yeast it must be taken in. And if done you will soon recognize the uncomfortable sensation of expanding pride and angst.

EBB4

IF F RESPONSES

IF F

Thursday, July 02, 2015

On Monday, June 29, 2015 I presented the following:

“Hey ya’ll!

  I’m back! Some asked why I only said I wouldn’t be writing for a while but didn’t say I was going on vacation. In 20 years of going behind the walls, inmates taught me many things. One being “Never broadcast that you are vacating your home for a period of time!”

  For the curious I will later write a DT on my vacation experiences.

  Today, without a single Scripture reference to influence your response, I pose a scenario with question.

  You may or may not be on Facebook. Whether you are or not is not here important.

  For some the F word is now common language. I even read/hear professing Christians using it. I do not. Not simply because profane and rude, but mainly because of misuse; the act itself a wonderful gift from God within marriage.

  The scene: Some individuals are unfriending (Facebook term and action.) and/or severing relationship with users of the F word.

  The question: Do you think we should unfriend and/or severe relationship with users of the F word? Regardless of your position, please explain.

Sincerely, Edwin Bennett Bullock 4^th (EBB4)”

  I don’t keep track of amount of responses to DTs, but responses to “IF F” is definitely the most ever.

Please read on:

“hi - i unfriend them because: i don't want others to see their bad language on my wall, when they post.  i have a right to not listen/hear/read offensive language” Michelle (NE)

“I agree with you Ed, I have a niece that uses the f word everyday on face book.  She wasn't raised to use such language, really makes me sick to see our younger

generation and sometimes the older ones use the f word.” Bette (MD)

“Welcome home Ed! I too do not believe it’s wise to make it public when one is on vacation.

I too don’t appreciate hearing the f word. If there were more of the Fear of the Lord, we’d not hear the other f word. I would tend to unfriend someone who uses foul language. Why make our ears and mind a garbage dump.”  Mary (NE)

“Of course, we should "unfriend" them. (Eph. 4:29, 2 Cor. 6:17)  I'm not on Facebook, and the way I understand "unfriend" is to interrupt an on-going, repeated, or regular relationship.  I don't think it means to be rude to them or ignore them. In the case of unwholesome talk, I think it simply means that it is now the time to move on with your life by separating yourself from the on-going, repeated, or regular relationships with unnecessary unwholesome influences.”  Tom (IL)

“I remember one time when I was on travel in the middle east, that one marine was on the post bus and every other word that came out of his mouth was the "F" word.  I finally asked him if he had any other vocabulary other than the "F" word.  He stumbled and started minding his speech.    I also reminded him that profanity is the sign of a small mind since they don't have a very developed vocabulary.  I don't know what he said once I got off the bus, but . . .  LOL!! 
I think of episodes/readings of Sherlock Holmes where he could put a person in their place with his words and never once rely on profanity.  As you say the "F" word is a verb and should be reserved for interaction between husband and wife.  It is not an adjective nor an adverb nor a preposition nor . . .  LOL!!   A few verses come to mind:
Eph 4:29 - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Prov 10:11 - "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life:  but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked." … Here is another verse that came to mind.  Don't know if this fits the "F" discussion or not. 
Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."  Randy (MD)

“What do you mean some?  You mean me!  But I understand your methods as I continue to lead the way for you.”  Al (KS)

“If I severed relations with all around me who use the f word I would be a little lonely.  I have stopped the use of profanity, including the f word, at our shop.  I told all the guys that Jesus, Christ and God are sacred to me and Mike and they should only use them if they are praying out loud.  I told them the f word is just gross and low class.  Language has changed a lot. :)”  Cheri (NV)

“Depending on who it is, I either unfriend them or quit following them. Of course, there are other reasons I would do this. Not just the "f" word.  GOD BLESS!”  Artie (MD)

“No, I'm guilty of using it more often than I should but my friends don't stop talking to me because of that. However, as I'm drawing closer to God I have no desire to curse. Let this be an opportunity to witness to others if one feels the need to block someone because of their choice of language.”  Kaitlan (MD)

“Due to an early appointment I was unable to reply yesterday and when I got home I was too tired to express the thoughts I'd been pondering all day.  The Bible tells us to be salt and light to the world and to treat others with love and respect.  We need to associate with people who 'ruffle our feathers' in order to do this.  I believe it is the attitude of the person who is 'unfriending' another that determines if it is right or wrong.  If it is done with a 'holier than thou" attitude it is sinful pride.  Some may need to set boundaries for themselves (i.e. removing self from language one can't tolerate)  but it must be done in a loving, respectful way. Christians should have a group of like minded people speaking into their lives which should equip them to interact with at least one person who challenges their faith or disagrees on an important issue.  One reason I don't participate in social media is that people reply quickly without thinking through the situation and say hurtful things that they wouldn't say in  a face to face situation.  I prefer hearing the tone of voice and seeing body language to help me understand what is being said.”
srf (NE)

“Ed, I'm glad you are back!!!!!  I would like to get together with you sometime.  I see you as a tower of strength and knowledge and an encourager and have been blessed knowing you and your family.  My reply to your question:  I have never heard a Christian use that term, whether I knew them, read their work or heard them on TV or radio, so I am shocked that this is happening.  Yes, I would unfriend them.”  Sue (NE)

“This is an interesting question.  I believe that those who wish to stand against the use of this word and unfriend in order to emphasize their opinions are perfectly within their rights to do so.  That doesn’t really help to solve the problem, though.  Although the vilest of cuss words, I must admit that this word does not scare me or offend me.  And I have found it much more effective to simply consistently correct the offender by offering alternative swear word until they are retrained.  It can be done and has been done with great success.  Just an alternative option to the shunning technique.  My personal favorite is schnikees! 😊  Penny (NE)

And from Facebook:

·         Roger Riha I wouldn't unfriend or sever ties with them. If it became something I didn't want to look at, I would demote their status to acquaintance. Then I wouldn't have to look at it and they would still be a "friend". This gives them the chance to improve and grow, without severing ties to them completely.

·         Valarie Hall-Blackman First, So glad ur back:)))) To answer.....I don't use the "F" word often, but do admit using it at times!! It's a word that is ugly, degrading, harmful and evil. When reading posts or hearing this word, it makes me want to judge in a way that I have no control over! I feel like I need to pray over those who misuse this kind of language. Wanting to reach out and share my love!

·         Lana Parks i have used the word not proud of the fact but i would not unfriend someone that does i would hope that things that i post would leave an impression on their hearts and that i could be a positive influence in some way

·         Tonda L Tavernier When I see that someone uses derogatory language - I don't unfriend them at first. I drop their "status" to acquaintance if they persist which restricts their posts on my page , though I remain their friend. (And I usually apologize to the man upstairs for the language)

·         Stephanie Smith Glad you are back. Miss your posts yet true never say where or what's what's. When we are gone hubby won't let me post till we are home. As for the F word. Yes I have may or may not of said yet not as to be insulting towards others, out of frustration maybe on myself, or frustrated in something I might not have control on. I also believe that I am forgiven as long as I confess I am wrong in my ill actions. And most importantly I am loved. I can not defriend someone who I have no control in their action or words they do. I can tell them how it bothers me if needed, yet most of time I let it go. Maybe and hopefully my actions will be a better benefit for them and they see how it could be. Hope this make sense.

·         Al Heger From what I’ve read the F word is really about fornication. Yet another unChristian act accepted freely in the American society. To me the use of the F word is an extreme method of expressing exasperation in a very direct filthy manner used in a disparaging personal attack on an individual as is the middle finger jester. In today’s society I’d say it’s use it is just about as common in use as today's young people saying “like” multiple times in a sentence. It is simply another example of the deterioration of the Christian influence in the America society.  Many of the people I have blocked on Face Book have been conservative supportive friends…if you want to grow a good garden you must keep the weeds out! To the Christians who see no problem with it, do you use it in church, when talking with your pastor or priest, when taking your mother out for mothers day, around the people you may want to witness to or maybe while disciplining your children...how about the dinner table? Personally, Iwonder if the people who think my halo fits to tight have even read their Bible that morning before they Judged me about not Judging others. In short if you have time to write the F word out, post something you’ve found with the F word in large bold print or a youtube that uses the F word and even with mother in front of it after you watched and heard it...I’d say you should know it is there. It isn’t about forgivness and judging it is about walking and talking as God would have us to do…not make excuses for acting like the world!

·         PJ Steelman I agree with everyone else, great to have you back, Brother Ed. I'm really glad you had the chance to get away. Well no, I don't use the word and it generally lowers my opinion somewhat if a friend or acquaintance might use it. But, no, I wouldn't unfriend them unless I felt they were doing it to get on my nerves or get my goat....and that's someone I probably do not need as a friend anyway. As a musician/writer, some of my friends might tend to be a bit crusty, but, that doesn't mean that they aren't wonderful people....and someone who should have a chance to get to heaven. If I stayed away from these folks, it would cut down on their possibility to hear the gospel. In the long run, that's what I am here for...to spread the gospel. Somebody using the f-word, well, they are the folks who need it....and I am the guy to tell it.

·         Trish Hernandez I came under a barrage of the use of this word over the past several months. While I have rarely unfriended anyone over anything, I did post the following a little over a week ago: " A message to some on my "friends" list: I am so weary of seeing the f-bomb anywhere and everywhere in posts and reposts, including the name of the source. Foul and profane language is unnecessary and offensive and ruins everything else your post. I do not wish to see it appear on my home page. If you have any respect for me, please, please, please filter your posts and stop including me in your list of recipients of such garbage or I will have no choice but to protect my heart and mind by unfriending the guilty. Thank you." I am not terribly computer savvy and the threat of unfriending was the only course of action I knew of at the time to take. Since then, I have learned how to do what Tonda described. I would also like to report a significant decrease in posts to my profile containing offensive language. In fact, only two -- and those two people, I private messaged a loving reminder and both responded with an apology.

·         Al Heger I have done this type of thing a number of times...now I block

·         Melissa Harmon Hi Ed, glad you are back! I will admit, I've occasionally used this word when extremely frustrated or angry, but then Holy Spirit convicts me of it. As for Facebook, I just basically ignore it, unless someone gets REALLY extreme with their use of it.

I’ll post any further comments in this Saturday DT FORUM.  EBB4

ANTHROPOCENTRICISM

ANTHROPOCENTRICISM = PRIDE

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Isaiah GW 53:1-12 … He was despised and rejected by people. He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. He was despised like one from whom people turn their faces, and we didn't consider him to be worth anything. He certainly has taken upon himself our suffering and carried our sorrows, but we thought that God had wounded him, beat him, and punished him. He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. …

1Thessalonians 5:14-24 We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Make sure that no one ever pays back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to do what is good for each other and everyone else. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don't put out the Spirit's fire. Don't despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil. May the God who gives peace make you holy in every way. May he keep your whole being-spirit, soul, and body-blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

  “Anthropocentricism” sounds like a fatal disease, doesn’t it?

  Everyone has it, and without proper treatment it reaps havoc in spirit, soul, and body unto sickening or even death. (1Cor.11:30)

  Anthropocentricism is belief humans are nature’s most important entity in the universe, the treating of humans as preeminent; including and never apart from seeing life and all things in human terms, especially judging everything according to human perceptions, values, and experiences. (Sadly, in some Christian circles, this latter characteristic is common religious practice.)

  Anthropocentricism is the lordly mindset that others are to please, serve, respect, and meet my needs, all this while I judge, criticize, impress, and manipulate them.

  Anthropocentricism seeks and works at domesticating God to a god of my own making, seeing Him as being here for me, obedience to him (if at all) being selective according to my pleasure.

  Anthropocentricism can be easily recognized, but with the more sophisticated personality it is not so obvious and can even be misconstrued and lauded as leadership quality.

  Since Eden’s calamity everyone is afflicted with anthropocentricism, and without proper treatment it reaps havoc in spirit, soul, and body, even unto to the death of one or all.

  What might that treatment be?

  It is godly humility; realized only through submission to Holy Spirit directed spirit of meekness, other-mindedness, worshipping the Sovereign Alpha and Omega as Master of all. (Ps.8:1-9; Jn.15:5; Rom.3:10; 12:1-3)

  Let us heed Paul’s exhortation: “If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others. For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (MKJV Phil.2:1-8)

  Oh, and one more thing . . . if you’re like me and have trouble remembering or pronouncing anthropocentricism, just say “Pride”, it’s the same thing.  EBB4