Why so many problems begin with frustrated desire
Every day, headlines assault us with troubling news. These recent titles from a local news website are just a small sampling:
- Two Shotgunned to Death [source]
- Joyriding Gang Member Slain; Crash Injures Family [source]
- Local Soldier Dies in Afghanistan [source]
- School Gets Tough on Commencement Outbursts [source]
- Wife Gets $184 Million in Divorce Ruling [source]
From international to household warfare, roadway to classroom outrage, and mortal to financial loss, such stories reveal our fallen, human propensity to sin.
The cause of these impulsive, sinful outbursts is no secret: When we want what we cannot get, we lash out.
What causes fights and quarrels among
Yesterday, I wrote about values, and what I think they are — especially how our values are revealed by behavior, along with some suggestions on how to assess your own core values.
So, I was asked some pointed values-questions by email from an online friend who knows my position. I thought I'd post my replies here so you, my Gentle Readers, can get to know me a little better. This was a useful exercise for me, perhaps it would be for you, too?
I've always been suspicious of the word "values" when used as anything other than a verb. As in:
"Johnny values his bicycle."
I'm suspicious because it feels like a noble word that has been debased by liberal educators in order to pander "values-based" curriculum. (Remember the dreaded "values clarification" exercises? — see my thoughts on this at: "The Basis for Christian Ethics.")
Unfortunately, for those who don't recognize absolutes in morality and ethics, then one man's "values" are as good and worthwhile as the next with the only distinction being, "How's that working for you?"
These are a few of the things I've recently found interesting, but don't have the time to properly blog on. I don't necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they're interesting. And just in case you do, too, enjoy.
(You can view past Del.icio.us links here or subscribe to my Del.icio.us feed here. 
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