Margin- Chapter 2

(A few friends and I are reading this book together. Each week we are reading one chapter. On Fridays, I am posting my comments, then giving them the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)

Chapter 2: "The Pain of Progress"

- He pointed out that our society has many of the things previous generations would have wished for, yet our society has still not found happiness.  In the chapter, he shows that problems, and not just blessings have come with progress.

- I think he is right in saying we trust progress more than we realize.  We quickly put our faith in a new product because it has advantages over the old, but we often don't take into account the potential accompanying problems.

- His list of the problems that we have in America, probably the most developed nation in the world, was sobering.  As he later points out, we have made advances in the wrong things and more important things have been shoved aside.

- "The American definition of happiness is, after all, 'more than I have now.'" (Page 26) Isn't that so true?  If happiness depended on things, there would be a clear "plateau."  Those below the plateau would be unhappy, those above would be happy.  We see that is not the case.

- Another quote I liked: "Our relationships are being starved to death by velocity." (Page 27) This is true in our families, churches, workplaces, etc.

- Some of you alluded to the fact that it is almost looked at as spiritual in some circles if we are super busy.  I thought of that when I read these well thought-out questions: "Is God now pro-exhaustion?  Doesn't He lead people beside the still waters anymore?" (Page 27)

- To me, one of the most helpful lessons from the chapter is when he showed that the things our society has progressed in care little, if anything, about our transcendent needs (spiritual, emotional, social).  Instead, the progress areas relate to money, technology and education.

- He challenged people to make progress subservient to relationships (with God, self, and others) and to not consider something progress if we advanced in money, technology or education to the detriment of those relationships. 

- Overall, I had trouble following his thought all through the chapter.  He said some good things, but I had trouble seeing where it was going.  It was better when skimming it again to write this post.  I think this is a good summary of the chapter's thrust: "While the progress we boast of is found within the material and cognitive environments, most of the pain we suffer is found within the social, emotional, and spiritual."  (Page 31)

- I agree with him that our society tries to solve its problems by throwing more money at it, or providing further education.  Need more reading to convince you?  (Ok, so it is a Wikipedia link.  Just because it is on Wikipedia doesn't mean that everything is a lie!)

- My understanding of the last section of the chapter: true progress comes as individuals become more like Christ, thus effecting change in their homes, churches, companies, and communities.

I've had my say, what say you?

Discussion on Chapter 1
Discussion on Chapter 3

Hughes News #43








"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

 

Last month, we mentioned the Lord’s leading us to team up with David and Stephanie Gross. (Here is a link to their website.) We also mentioned our plans to base our ministry in Soroca. We would like to further introduce you to this city. Soroca is located along the Nistru River in northeastern Moldova. It is the capital of its region (about the size of a county in the States) and about 35,000 people call the city home.

  

 

An acquaintance told David Gross about the possibility of Soroca for a church plant. Last summer, he and I went there to explore the possibility. In the following weeks, we learned that there is not a single Baptist church in Soroca, nor in the region. Our desire is to see people saved and a church planted in Soroca with outreaches into surrounding villages. We are praying that God will help us to develop a Biblical church-planting model that can be used by Moldovan believers for future ministries. Please pray for the Lord to equip us and to prepare hearts in Soroca. 

 

Language study continues to be our number one task. I was able to complete my third semester of Romanian last week and start the fourth this week. Russian is coming along- we have our days when everything makes sense and our days when we wonder if we are making any progress. Our prayer is that the Lord will help us to continue to make small steps in the right direction.

In His service,

Jacob and Viola Hughes

For Prayer:

1. Russian and Romanian study
2. The Lord to prepare us and the Grosses
3. Selection of materials and resources for future

For Praise:
1. Semester #3 of Romanian completed!
2. We were able to sing our first duet in Russian
3. Jacob celebrated birthday #29

Margin- Chapter 1

(A few friends and I are reading this book together. Each week we are reading one chapter. On Fridays, I am posting my comments, then giving them the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)

Chapter 1: "Marginless Living"

- In introducing the topic, the author showed what margin and marginless look like.  He then pointed out that "Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture."  (pg. 13)  In starting this book, I found it helpful to be reminded that seeking to establish margin will go against the flow.  Therefore, it will be difficult.

- He correctly pointed out that marginless living is rampant despite all of our modern conveniences that make life easier.  My mind went to the Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder which Viola and I have been reading.  Laura's family worked hard and had to do many things by hand.  However, they found time to have quiet evenings together reading, sewing, and listening to Pa's fiddle.  Something close to that is my goal!

- He phrased it that he "purchased back margin," something "that cost me significant income."  (pg. 16)  It helped me to again realize that establishing margin in my life may cost me something that I think I want now, but in the end, I will be glad I gave it up.  The blessings will outweigh the cost.

- I'm sure each of you "fellows" has felt pressure because of all that needs to be done.  I certainly have as well.  For me, I think a lack of margin is often a big contributor to that pressure.  Hence, this book is for me.

- As ministers, part of our job is to apply the Bible to practical life situations.  I think it is important for us to understand this problem because we will be ministering to many who are facing it as well.

- I liked this: "Pain first gets our attention- as it does so well- and then moves us in the opposite direction of the danger."  (pg. 17)  Unfortunately, I often don't try to move the other direction; I just wiggle around to try to get it to stop.

I've had my say, what say you?
[For your information: Be careful of trying to add too long a comment.  (Don't think that'll be a problem for this chapter.)  In the last reading project a couple of guys found out the hard way there is a limit.  I tried to find out what it is, but couldn't.  You have been warned- don't come crying to me now if it happens!]

Discussion on Chapter 2