Today's Journal
CONVERTED CONDUCT
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) poet and author wrote, “Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct.” This is good advice whether it is philosophy, theology, science or civil responsibility. The conversion of our convictions is the basic foundation of a post-modern society. We are now almost bored of hearing ‘the problem’ and want to deal with ‘the solution.’Paul Hohnen of Greenpeace says, “The new activism is a corporate activism. The world has moved from ‘there’s a problem’ to ‘what do we do about it?’ Chaining yourself to a tree belongs in the awareness-building phase, but we’ve entered the solution-building phase where this kind of tree hugging might be counterproductive.’ This is why Hohnen, and others, think corporate leadership working inside businesses, banks, universities, government and non-governmental agencies is the way for ‘deep and rapid change.’”
For a post-modern church, it seems the same counsel is valid. We know the statistics for divorce, homelessness, single parenting, school dropouts, excessive phone use, teenage pregnancy, bankruptcy, unemployment…etc. It is self-righteous to quote these issues and offer no solutions. Chaining oneself to a church chair/pew is counter- productive. Our convictions have to be converted into conduct. If we are going to talk it…we have to walk it. Or, go have another Smashburger with Secret Sauce and a Mountain Dew.
“Even though you do not believe me, believe the works that I do.” Jesus