Night Candle Meditations

It is generally accepted that positive reinforcement is a better method than aversive training when modification of animal behavior is desired. These methods are often thought of as the carrot and stick approach to training animals. How effective are these means when modification of human behavior is wanted? The human mind is capable of abstract thought and reasoning which suggests that something more is needed to develop permanency of proper behavior. Many may consider bad behavior the norm in a prison environment, but administration at this institution has implemented an incentive program to encourage good behavior. Every resident who remains free of disciplinary infractions during previous six months will have an orange zip tie attached to ID card. This signals their entitlement to participation in various trivial offerings provided by administration. I have serious doubts that the current construct of this program contributes significantly to positive character development. Som...

It doesn't take much to persuade some people to make the wrong choice; they only need to be convinced that the choice is good. It is unfortunate that the rendered persuasion is often based on invented falsehood, twisted facts, half-truths, or just plain omission of something relevant. The use of these elements in our interaction with others constitute lies or deception, but such is the way of life for many people. I believe we may find the origin to this problem behind the gates of Eden when the serpent told Eve that eating the fruit from the forbidden tree would open her eyes and she would "be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5. Scripture recites stories of others making wrong choices when truth was obscured. One young man was executed after bragging about how he came into possession of a king's crown (see 2 Samuel 1:1-15; 1 Samuel 31:3-8). Abraham risked losing his wife twice by telling a half-truth while omitting a pertinent fact (see Genesis 12:11-13;...

For each of us there are times when questions arise concerning our purpose and achievement in life. Success in academics, business, and personal life may offer reprieve to such introspection, but doubts and insecurity inevitably return to those whose focus remains on self. There is a remedy for those willing to reevaluate their beliefs and follow the guidebook that reveals real purpose for living. I believe that guidebook is the Bible. This belief is not the result of listening to the words of a preacher or any other person. After all, they could be wrong or not have proper understanding of what God says in His Word. The only way it is possible to know this is by reading the Bible for ourselves. But it takes more than just reading it, we must study and contemplate what we read. It is then that the Holy Spirit will draw us into the experience and application of God's Word in our own lives. My reflections on Scripture have enabled the sharing of personal observations and experien...