From Peggy Noonan:
In the most successful political careers there is a purpose, a guiding philosophy. Not an ideology-ideology is something imposed from above, something abstract dreamed up by an intellectual. Philosophy isn’t imposed from above, it bubbles up from the ground, from life. And its expression is missing with Mr. McCain. Political staffs inevitably treat philosophy as the last thing, almost an indulgence. But it’s the central fact from which all else flows. Staffs turn each day to scheduling, advance, fundraising, returning the billionaire’s phone call. They’re quick to hold the meeting to agree on the speech on the economy. But they don’t, can’t, give that speech meaning and depth. Only the candidate can, actually.
From the Doctor, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
Read Jonathan Edwards. Stop going to so many meetings; stop craving for the various forms of entertainment which are so popular in evangelical circles at the present time. Learn to stay at home. Learn to read again, and do not merely read the exciting stories of certain modern people. Go back to something solid and deep and real. Are we losing the art of reading? Revivals have often started as the result of people reading volumes such as these two volumes of Edwards’ works [see below]. So read this man. Decide to do so. Read his sermons; read his practical treatises, and then go on to the great discourses on theological subjects.
In light of all the information and the countless perspectives that bombard our minds today, the importance of rest and reflection cannot be overstated. Today, perhaps more than ever, it seems one’s effectiveness in life is directly tied to having a guiding philosophy that filters through all the incoming information and puts it in proper place. This is more than simple discernment. This is a life of study and contemplation, to proactively build a systematic worldview based on the best of what others have thought and written. With all the information at our disposal, people alive right now can do this more than any other time in history. Yet, I wonder how many are really doing this?
I am glad you are. And I am glad it is the weekend. Time to watch hoops, love on my family, and find time to read and reflect on some great books. Peace.
