“Living with the end in mind.”

“Begin with the end in mind.”
Steven Covey (7 Habits… # 2)

I’m a guy who likes to know where I’m going and what I can expect along the way. I don’t need all the details filled in, but I do need to know my general direction. “Whatever” doesn’t cut it for me. But that has not always been the case here in The Peanut Gallery… particularly during the last election cycle. At times I’ve been disoriented… off on tangents. So, I’d like to re-focus in 2013.

Refocus with the end in mind.

As I see it, America has crossed the spiritual/cultural “Rubicon” – our nation is rapidly moving into post-Christian territory. Where it will all end, I don’t know. But the failed secular/socialist European states have become our government’s role model. And, to turn a phrase, “I have never been more ashamed of my country.” Truth be told, I never thought I would ever say those words about America. But the lights are dimming on “the shining city on a hill.”

And… there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I’m a dinosaur… a Christian social, economic, constitutional, and national security conservative… one of the aging remnant – yesterday’s news. So what now?

Live knowing the end is near.

“Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.” Ephesians 5. 15-17 (Phillips NT)

At my age, the end will come sooner… rather than later. My 4 year old grandson asked me, “Poppa, how old are you?’ I said, “I’m old.” But he wanted a number, and pressed, “But how old?” I said, “I’m 72.” He said, “That is old.” Then thought about it, and added, “I can’t even count up to 72.”

So the Apostle Paul’s counsel “to make the best use of [my] time… and live life as one who knows its meaning and purpose” is a timely word to me… especially in relation to The Peanut Gallery. I want to address the issues that I believe are important to God, to the future of my grandchildren, to America and to the world.

“Jesus at the center of it all” will be the theme of The Peanut Gallery in 2013 – offering “help and hope” as best I can… albeit from an old guy’s perspective, sitting in the cheap seats.

Thank you for reading this far. And thank you for your insights and blogging contributions that broaden my Christian world view. You are greatly appreciated.