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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
April 6 2014
The Next Page: Promoting peace with a 'biblical passport'
Carnegie Samuel Calian devised a 'biblical passport'¨to help travelers
leave the right kind of footprints
April 5, 2014 9:38 PM
By Carnegie Samuel Calian
The idea of a biblical passport came to me as I was examining my U.S.
passport at home.
Before me was my bookshelf with different Bible translations I have
found useful in my study of Scripture. It was then that I envisioned
having my own biblical passport, consisting of several pages of
Scripture and thoughts that would accompany me on my travels. My
biblical passport would be brief in content, enabling me to commit
basic points to memory for easy use as I seek to establish meaningful,
respectful connections with people I meet on my journeys. The
following is my seven-point model for a biblical passport for use at
home and abroad during this holy season and all other times.
1. Start your day right (Psalm 139: 23-24). My biblical passport
begins with this prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me
and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead
me in the way everlasting." New Revised Standard Version.
That is my morning prayer. My quiet time also includes Scripture
readings, reflections and thanksgiving to God for another day of
grace, whatever the weather might be.
2. Treat individuals as sacred (Galatians 5:6). Getting acquainted
with strangers is an essential first step in developing partnerships
and discovering values that are shared, even if they're expressed
differently and influenced by different backgrounds.
We are called to nurture and enjoy not only our families and friends
but also to enrich our circle of fellowship to include strangers and
even those who are our competitors and enemies. Otherwise, what real
chances have we for lasting peace, prosperity or justice as a global
community?
Paul's Letter to the Galatians, often referred to as the Magna Carta
of Christian Liberty, reminds us that in Jesus Christ, "neither
circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which
worketh by love." King James Version.
3. Be generous (Acts 4:32-5:11). In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn
that the early community of believers was strengthened and grew
through its spirit of generosity. Property and other possessions were
given to the community to sell and the general funds distributed
according to each member's need.
Commitment to one's "biblical passport" will promote generosity and a
willingness to meet community responsibilities. The Message: The Bible
in Contemporary Language.
4. Practice moderation (Galatians 5:22-23). It can be said that we are
as ethical as the last time we were tempted.
None of us is immune from temptation. Obsession in its many forms
seems to trump our best intentions. However, when we reflect on the
importance of moderation, as Scripture encourages us to do, we find
ourselves tasting the fruits of the Spirit -- "love, joy, peace,
patience, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." New
Revised Standard Version.
5. Disclose mistakes (Mark 4:22-23). Confession and restitution are
necessary to restore ethical character in the global community.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus warned his disciples, "For there is nothing
hidden but it must be disclosed; nothing kept secret except to be
brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this."
The Jerusalem Bible.
6. Speak briefly and act wisely ( I Kings 3:27-28). Lies are endemic
to our lives; even etiquette fosters deceit in our relationships.
Speaking the truth is an effort to do the right thing by all persons
involved. To act wisely in delicate matters affecting the lives of
others requires that leaders stay well-informed and act on facts, not
rumor or anger. Having all the evidence may be impossible, but we are
obligated to maximize our knowledge as a prerequisite for coming to a
just judgment.
In the days of King Solomon, two women fought over a baby, each
claiming to be its mother. Who was telling the truth? Solomon listened
silently. Then he asked for a sword and ordered the baby cut in two,
so half could be given to each woman. The true mother, loving the
child too much to see it killed, pleaded with the king to give the
baby to the other woman.
And then Solomon said, "Give the living baby to the first woman; do
not kill it. She is its mother." And the people of Israel saw that
their king had divine wisdom and the ability to administer justice.
The New English Bible.
7. Don't quit on God, others or yourself (Psalm 138). When the waters
of life are stormy, we have that scary feeling that perhaps God is
absent.
Enroute to Antarctica on an educational trip, my wife, Doris, and I
were sitting in the ship's library. I was preparing the next day's
worship service as the Protestant chaplain when we saw two 80-foot
waves strike the ship. Library books came down, and tables turned
over. It was indeed a very frightening experience. The ship was like a
cork surrounded by high waves as the dedicated captain and crew made
every effort to head back to port some distance away. Amid the anxiety
and fear, many found themselves praying.
The next day, after calm set in, we experienced an overflowing worship
service in the ship's theater, to everyone's joy. The "Easter crowd"
was back at church.
For a moment, we had the passing thought that God had quit on us. We
may have neighbors and family members who feel like that today with
their economic fears and job concerns, poverty and health issues.
When I was 9 or 10, finances were tight for my Armenian immigrant
parents trying to make ends meet in America, where my sister and I
were born. Hope seemed far away. Then one day, returning to our rented
flat, we found a large unmarked package outside the door. I asked our
neighbors, but no one expected any package. For some time, we kept
thinking someone would claim it. Eventually, we opened it and saw that
it was a large family Bible. We took it as a divine sign of hope and
love that lifted our spirits. God had not quit on us.
The big question in life, however, remains for all of us. How faithful
will we be when tested to serve God, others or ourselves first? What
will our priorities be under pressure?
My model of a biblical passport closes with an abiding note of comfort
in the midst of our unanswered questions; namely, to begin and end
each day in a spirit of thanksgiving to remind us that we live by
grace surrounded by loving relationships, divine and human, known and
unknown to us. It is these spiritual realities of faith that enable us
to face our journeys in life, empowered not to quit on God, others or
ourselves when tempted to do otherwise. This is why the psalmist prays
so powerfully, "When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive
in the angry turmoil. With one hand, strike my foes; with your other
hand, save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is
eternal -- don't quit on me now." The Message: The Bible in
Contemporary Language.
- - - -
A version of this story previously appeared in Forum, the journal of
the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America. Carnegie Samuel
Calian ([email protected]) is the retired president of Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary. Also, as a visiting professor at the University
of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business, he explored
leadership ethics and management issues at for-profit and nonprofit
organizations. His latest book is "The Spirit-Driven Leader: Seven
Keys To Succeeding Under Pressure."
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2014/04/06/The-Next-Page-Promoting-peace-Carnegie-Samuel-Calian/stories/201404060134
April 6 2014
The Next Page: Promoting peace with a 'biblical passport'
Carnegie Samuel Calian devised a 'biblical passport'¨to help travelers
leave the right kind of footprints
April 5, 2014 9:38 PM
By Carnegie Samuel Calian
The idea of a biblical passport came to me as I was examining my U.S.
passport at home.
Before me was my bookshelf with different Bible translations I have
found useful in my study of Scripture. It was then that I envisioned
having my own biblical passport, consisting of several pages of
Scripture and thoughts that would accompany me on my travels. My
biblical passport would be brief in content, enabling me to commit
basic points to memory for easy use as I seek to establish meaningful,
respectful connections with people I meet on my journeys. The
following is my seven-point model for a biblical passport for use at
home and abroad during this holy season and all other times.
1. Start your day right (Psalm 139: 23-24). My biblical passport
begins with this prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me
and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead
me in the way everlasting." New Revised Standard Version.
That is my morning prayer. My quiet time also includes Scripture
readings, reflections and thanksgiving to God for another day of
grace, whatever the weather might be.
2. Treat individuals as sacred (Galatians 5:6). Getting acquainted
with strangers is an essential first step in developing partnerships
and discovering values that are shared, even if they're expressed
differently and influenced by different backgrounds.
We are called to nurture and enjoy not only our families and friends
but also to enrich our circle of fellowship to include strangers and
even those who are our competitors and enemies. Otherwise, what real
chances have we for lasting peace, prosperity or justice as a global
community?
Paul's Letter to the Galatians, often referred to as the Magna Carta
of Christian Liberty, reminds us that in Jesus Christ, "neither
circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which
worketh by love." King James Version.
3. Be generous (Acts 4:32-5:11). In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn
that the early community of believers was strengthened and grew
through its spirit of generosity. Property and other possessions were
given to the community to sell and the general funds distributed
according to each member's need.
Commitment to one's "biblical passport" will promote generosity and a
willingness to meet community responsibilities. The Message: The Bible
in Contemporary Language.
4. Practice moderation (Galatians 5:22-23). It can be said that we are
as ethical as the last time we were tempted.
None of us is immune from temptation. Obsession in its many forms
seems to trump our best intentions. However, when we reflect on the
importance of moderation, as Scripture encourages us to do, we find
ourselves tasting the fruits of the Spirit -- "love, joy, peace,
patience, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." New
Revised Standard Version.
5. Disclose mistakes (Mark 4:22-23). Confession and restitution are
necessary to restore ethical character in the global community.
In Mark's Gospel, Jesus warned his disciples, "For there is nothing
hidden but it must be disclosed; nothing kept secret except to be
brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this."
The Jerusalem Bible.
6. Speak briefly and act wisely ( I Kings 3:27-28). Lies are endemic
to our lives; even etiquette fosters deceit in our relationships.
Speaking the truth is an effort to do the right thing by all persons
involved. To act wisely in delicate matters affecting the lives of
others requires that leaders stay well-informed and act on facts, not
rumor or anger. Having all the evidence may be impossible, but we are
obligated to maximize our knowledge as a prerequisite for coming to a
just judgment.
In the days of King Solomon, two women fought over a baby, each
claiming to be its mother. Who was telling the truth? Solomon listened
silently. Then he asked for a sword and ordered the baby cut in two,
so half could be given to each woman. The true mother, loving the
child too much to see it killed, pleaded with the king to give the
baby to the other woman.
And then Solomon said, "Give the living baby to the first woman; do
not kill it. She is its mother." And the people of Israel saw that
their king had divine wisdom and the ability to administer justice.
The New English Bible.
7. Don't quit on God, others or yourself (Psalm 138). When the waters
of life are stormy, we have that scary feeling that perhaps God is
absent.
Enroute to Antarctica on an educational trip, my wife, Doris, and I
were sitting in the ship's library. I was preparing the next day's
worship service as the Protestant chaplain when we saw two 80-foot
waves strike the ship. Library books came down, and tables turned
over. It was indeed a very frightening experience. The ship was like a
cork surrounded by high waves as the dedicated captain and crew made
every effort to head back to port some distance away. Amid the anxiety
and fear, many found themselves praying.
The next day, after calm set in, we experienced an overflowing worship
service in the ship's theater, to everyone's joy. The "Easter crowd"
was back at church.
For a moment, we had the passing thought that God had quit on us. We
may have neighbors and family members who feel like that today with
their economic fears and job concerns, poverty and health issues.
When I was 9 or 10, finances were tight for my Armenian immigrant
parents trying to make ends meet in America, where my sister and I
were born. Hope seemed far away. Then one day, returning to our rented
flat, we found a large unmarked package outside the door. I asked our
neighbors, but no one expected any package. For some time, we kept
thinking someone would claim it. Eventually, we opened it and saw that
it was a large family Bible. We took it as a divine sign of hope and
love that lifted our spirits. God had not quit on us.
The big question in life, however, remains for all of us. How faithful
will we be when tested to serve God, others or ourselves first? What
will our priorities be under pressure?
My model of a biblical passport closes with an abiding note of comfort
in the midst of our unanswered questions; namely, to begin and end
each day in a spirit of thanksgiving to remind us that we live by
grace surrounded by loving relationships, divine and human, known and
unknown to us. It is these spiritual realities of faith that enable us
to face our journeys in life, empowered not to quit on God, others or
ourselves when tempted to do otherwise. This is why the psalmist prays
so powerfully, "When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive
in the angry turmoil. With one hand, strike my foes; with your other
hand, save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is
eternal -- don't quit on me now." The Message: The Bible in
Contemporary Language.
- - - -
A version of this story previously appeared in Forum, the journal of
the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America. Carnegie Samuel
Calian ([email protected]) is the retired president of Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary. Also, as a visiting professor at the University
of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business, he explored
leadership ethics and management issues at for-profit and nonprofit
organizations. His latest book is "The Spirit-Driven Leader: Seven
Keys To Succeeding Under Pressure."
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2014/04/06/The-Next-Page-Promoting-peace-Carnegie-Samuel-Calian/stories/201404060134