BOOK REVIEWS

State Missionary Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Other Recent Blog Entries:

The Caleb Spirit in 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
In my mind, Caleb is the Barnabas of the Old Testament. When others seemed to lose hope, he offered encouragement to them.

A Year to Remember
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
This can be the most wonderful time of the year if we allow the Christ of Christmas to guide us through the experience. Rather than being caught up in the routined frenzy of long lines at stores shopping for gifts and the endless social gatherings during the season, we can focus on what is called the Advent.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Thursday, December 8, 2011
This can be the most wonderful time of the year if we allow the Christ of Christmas to guide us through the experience. Rather than being caught up in the routined frenzy of long lines at stores shopping for gifts and the endless social gatherings during the season, we can focus on what is called the Advent.

Finishing Strong
Monday, November 21, 2011
I do not pretend to be a football coach, but I do believe this "sports experience" translates into our everyday lives, most notably in our Christian lives. There are times when we have seemingly given our all and we feel spent, emotionally, physically and even spiritually.

Be Encouraged!
Thursday, October 28, 2011
In periods of history like the one we now face, Christians have often done some of their most effective service for Christ. But in order to be an effective servant, we must find our source of encouragement in the face of these discouraging situations.

SBC Today: An Interview
Thursday, October 16, 2011
Managing ourselves means more than controlling the calendar, staying morally and ethically pure, reading the latest books, keeping family time balanced, and running things smoothly in one's ministry. I am convinced this means staying in touch with Lord and with yourself in such a way that you make the right decisions and lead in the right direction.

July 2010

Do you believe in "teachable moments"?

The panel was being featured one afternoon on Fox News Channel. I had just arrived home for a quick meal. The panel of four political pundits from across the ideological spectrum was having a heated discussion related to health care reform or financial reform or the pervasive problem of budget deficits and the national debt.

To be honest with you, I cannot exactly remember which subject was being discussed on this particular day. What I do recall is a comment made by the provocative yet profound political columnist Charles Krauthammer. In the midst of the stimulating debate involving Juan Williams, Bill Kristol, Mara Liasson and Charles Krauthammer. The host asked Krauthammer, "Charles, do you believe in teachable moments"?

Apparently, that phrase had been used to describe how there had been an adjustment in policy and one of the other panelist said, "This is a teachable moment.” Charles Krauthammer is known for his precise use of language and sarcastic sense of humor. With a tongue-in-cheek kind of smile, Krauthammer quickly exclaimed, "I don't believe in teachable moments.”

I do not have the faintest idea what was said after that comment. I was stuck on the statement. It was ringing in my ears and rolling around in my mind for the next few minutes. Later in the week, I returned to that exchange and gave the "teachable moment" comment more consideration.

The word "disciple" kept coming to my mind. Disciples are "learners" and followers of Christ who are called to be life long learners from the Master Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ. With this worldview, Christians are to see life as filled with teachable moments.

All of us could catalogue a list of teachable moments we have experienced in this pilgrimage with Christ. When we became believers, we were made aware by the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit that we are sinners, lost and condemned without Christ. That awareness was the consummate teachable moment for the new believer.

When I was called to preach and to give my life to Christ in full-time Christian service, it was a teachable moment indeed. I cannot fully explain the calling experience, I just know that the Lord's claim on my life was and is real. Nothing can convince me otherwise.

During my ministry, I have been stopped in my tracks by the amazing realization of how the Lord was getting my attention and teaching me something very important. There are too many of these "teachable moments" to name and to describe. But that is not necessary for me to do for you, because you have you own "teachable moments" in your life.

Charles Krauthammer is a very intelligent man. He is often so profound in his observations and insights concerning current events. However, even the wisest and most intelligent person can be wrong or can speak without really thinking through comments. Perhaps Charles Krauthammer has had a "teachable moment" as a result of his statement about "teachable moments.” I pray that people everywhere will experience the biggest "teachable moment" in life. That is the moment when Jesus Christ becomes real to them as Lord and Savior.