TTTO -- Have you ever noticed that many people have most of the same opinions as their parents and/or their peers? It seems to be a common human tendency to believe what we have been taught and/or what the majority of those around us believe.

This is true about politics, morality, religion, sports, entertainment and just about every other subject. Our opinions are more taught or caught than thought! We claim we want freedom, but few use their freedom to think for themselves and to come to their own original opinions.

It is much easier to mentally download prepackaged opinions about war, about race, about sex, about religion, about patriotism -- than it is to think through to our own opinions. TTTO means "Think Through To Opinions."

Have you ever honestly asked yourself why you believe what you do about various subjects? Here are some examples. 1) Why do you believe in your religion or lack of one? Is it because you have searched and thought it out, or is it because you were taught it or caught it? 2) Why do you hold your political views? Thought or taught/caught? 3) Why do you think military violence is a patriotic thing when done in the name of your country? Thought or taught/caught? 4) Why do you use the words that you use? Have you chosen them by thought or caught them from those around you? 5) Why do you watch the entertainment or sports that you do? Caught/taught or thought?

Here is a TTTO challenge. Pick one thing that you believe and honestly ask yourself, "Why do I believe that?" Ask: "What other opinions could I possible have about that?" "Which opinion is the most logical, whether I like it or not?" Dare to use your neck-top computer! Move beyond your feelings/emotions; beyond tradition; beyond loyalty; beyond family and friends' opinions. Ask: "If I grew up and was taught and caught the opposite viewpoint on this subject, what would I believe about it today?" Why?

I challenge you today, to pick one subject and "Think Through To Opinions" about it. It is possible you could find a new, more effective way of looking at life! TTTO today!

I keep seeing a sign in front of a big church that reads "Divorce Care." In fact, I have seen the same sign in front of many churches. I think I have heard that "Divorce Care" is some kind of support group that helps people "get over" divorce. And that seems good enough. People do need help dealing with their pain after they divorce. But shouldn't churches be involved in helping people with their marriages way before divorce?

Where are the "Marriage Care" signs? I have never seen even one! Or how about the "Divorce Prevention" signs. I have never seen a church with one of those either. Why don't churches have "Divorce Reconciliation" groups? Or a "Divorce Repentance" group?

I mean, if you read the New Testament you will find that Biblical Christianity is not a big fan of divorce. It sees divorce as a failure, as a sin. Divorce is not God's ideal. It does allow divorce in the case of adultery and in the case of an unbeliever who chooses not to live with a believer. And I think we can make a case for divorce when there is physical violence involved. But it should not be a normal thing. Does the idea of divorce care address the real problem?

In marriage we make a promise, a vow, to each other and in many cases to God. Then we break our solemn promise and act like it is no big deal -- just give me a little divorce care and I'll be fine. Really?

Divorce is dishonest. It breaks a vow and makes a liar out of you. Divorce is selfish. It puts personal happiness above commitment and family. Divorce is cruel. It inflicts severe pain on innocent children. Divorce is rebellion against God. It turns against His word. Divorce is devastating. It inflicts its pain, rebellion, and recklessness far and wide through out our society.

So is Divorce Care the answer? I think not! What then is the answer to divorce? Deep repentance for the divorce, admitting our sin, turning away from blame and accusation, seeking God's mercy for healing, finding humility and brokenness. Reconciliation where possible. Keeping yourself sexually pure. Not seeking another relationship but rather seeking to follow and obey Jesus and leaving that matter in His hands.

This is not just a theory for me. I got married at 33 and it was a disaster from day one. I didn't believe in divorce, but after three years she divorced me. I have been through the above process and can testify that it works. I didn't need to be pampered or justified after the divorce. I needed to humbly seek God and a righteous lifestyle with all my heart. He is the only One who can heal the hurt, the anger, the guilt, the shame and restore you to God's wonderful plan for marriage.

When is a death producing boom, terrorism? Bombs and their human death producing booms are constantly in our news -- people randomly killing innocent people to further their political aims. And we rightly call that terrorism.

So when one of the world's most peaceful environments is invaded by a boom in the womb that pulls the inhabitant into pieces in order to promote another person's personal agenda; why is that not also considered terrorism?

I wonder, where is heart-moving, life-changing Christianity in America?

I hear the preaching, the teaching, the doctrines, the creeds; but where is the passion to follow and obey Jesus every day?

I see the beautiful buildings, the preachers' promotional pictures, the 'Christian celebrities', the hyped-up and personality promoting meetings and TV shows; but where are the tears, the humility, the brokenness, the sacrifices?

I have attended the religious services, the Sunday meetings, the contemporary concerts, the revivals, the conferences; but where is the 'consider others better than yourself' and the service of love to the broken, the poor, and the 'least of these'.

I hear the fund raising, the promise of wealth, the manipulation, the personal kingdom building, the unabashed self-promotion; but where are those who want no name recognition so that Christ can receive all the glory?

I see those seeking for material blessing, spiritual feel-good experiences, miracles, a thrill, a rescue; but where are those seeking to lay down their pride, their rights, their position, their life, and give their all for Jesus?

I attended a unique talent show yesterday. It was cosponsored by a huge, rich church in Brentwood, Tennessee (Fellowship Bible Church) and by an inner city community center in a poor part of East Nashville (The Salvation Army's Magness Potter Center). The contestants were all black children and teens. The workers just about all white.

An adult singles group from Fellowship Bible Church has been working weekly with the kids from the community center for about a year. They have also sponsored several major events for them.

Everybody that entered the talent show received a ribbon and about half of the participants won an award or prize. You could see on their faces that the kids were very blessed by the attention and affirmation.

What was the greatest "talent" I saw yesterday? People crossing racial and economic lines to show love to and give help to young people who are struggling through some extremely difficult circumstances.