Be Better...

In a capitalistic nation where men compete for financial reward, social status, and accolades, this is the author's simple request for any young person reading this passage, "Be Better...Be Better Than Me!"

The author is quickly approaching his fiftieth birthday and came make some rather bold claims concerning his successes which include receiving an acceptance letter from Stanford University personally sign by the Arts and Sciences Dean in the Spring of 1988. But, with a number of academic accomplishments, including time as an adjunct instructor at Southern Methodist, and an influence in modern computing and engineering, as a concept promoter, that has brought the world JAVA, object-orientation, markup languages such as HTML, the popular modern hybrids, in that physics, a career as a modern scientific steward, and work in environmentalism were his original career goals. he learnt a vital truth concerning scripture very late in life. As such, he is little more than an educated fool. So, Be Better Than Me!

While in elementary school, he was asked by a well-meaning Jewish classmate one simple question, "Do Christians love Jesus? Why will they not do what he says?" Then, somewhat perplexed, she quoted Matthew 5:17.

[Mat 5:17-20 KJV] 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

But, most Christians who ears itch for a "free pass" on sin will selectively cite verses from Romans out of context, including verse #22, #28, and #30 in the following passage. and other letters written by the apostle Paul that talk about "justification by faith and faith alone", discounting the Law. Yet, they skirt over verses such as verse #31 in the third chapter of Romans, passages such as excerpt from Galatians 1 below this one, and what was Christ's "Good News" in His Sermon on the Mount in the fifth chapter of Matthew starting at verse seventeen. It is above.

[Rom 3:1-31 KJV] 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: 14 Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

[Gal 1:6-10 KJV] 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Notice verse 8 and 9 immediately above and what was preached in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:17-20.

Truth be told, the verses that Paul preaches concerning "justification by faith" are in the context of adult Gentile men undergoing the painful act of faith known as circumcision. This usually occurs in infant males shortly after they are born. The stinging pain is forgotten by most.

The author remembers his circumcision and the plump brunette nurse who applied the anesthetic salve that eased the pain of the cut flesh. She wore hospital togs that were solid primary colors and white.

Paul states in the second chapter of Galatians below that Peter ate the unclean foods of Gentiles, which was also considered a sin. Yet, all legal scriptural compliance would have cost him was controlling his gullet and resisting temptation. Scriptural adherence and fidelity would not have cost him the sting of cut flesh. And, notice verse 16 in this passage whose true context and topic of discourse is the requirement of circumcision for adult Gentile men joining the fold.
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[Gal 2:1-21 KJV] 1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with [me] also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

And, let us examine the purpose of circumcision. Some say that some of "cleanliness" surround circumcision. Yet, like a a young lady's maiden head, the loosing of the flesh on that part of a circumcised males body can be used as an indicator of sexual activity. So. the body of an adult Gentile male with a wife would only appear "circumcised" for the brief period before they united themselves in a "scriptural acceptable" marital act, based upon His Law. So, the visible nature of the legal compliance would be short-lived. So, demanding such from the Gentile men would require that they perform a painful and effectively futile act. This is why Paul said that those who insist upon the circumcision of adult male converts might as well "emasculate" themselves, as verse 12 of the following, in the NIV translation, states:

[Gal 5:6-12 KJV] 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

When God speaks with men through His Word, we see what our eyes, ears, and heart lust and long for. For as the earlier passages state, Peter, whose name means rock, was a stout man, had a dream given by the Lord. His stomach translated it literally, but many dreams that are presented in scripture are not literal. And, when such contradicts His Word, they should not be taken that way. As such, he ate the food of the Gentile, at times. Yet, a more figurative interpretation of his dream would suggest that the body of Israel which followed Christ should consume and absorb the "unclean" Gentiles, accepting them as part of the fold. The verses describing his dream is below:

[Act 10:8-22 KJV] 8 And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. 16  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what [is] the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Could verse 13 above be interpreted as, "Arise Peter, slay [demons] and consume [your Gentile brethren].

Remember when Christ said:

[Mat 16:13-19 KJV] 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Does that passage put Peter's dream in perspective? Peter, the rock and an apostle, was a pillar of the early church. They both has quite a capricious nature. And, Jesus, the Rock and the Messiah, was the Cornerstone.

Also, note how the dreams which Joseph had and interpreted were not literal. Remember the dream of Pharaoh. Seven gaunt kinne did not devour seven fat kinne on the banks of the Nile. The cattle represented years of prosperity and paucity. [Reference: Genesis 41]

But, on the topic of "by faith alone" touching issues other that circumcision in the epistles of Paul. It really does not.

Teaching otherwise is costly. The author has committed many needless sins in his life because the community of Christian believers as a whole take the Law with a "grain of salt". As such, many of us lose our "saltiness" at an early age. And, we often acquire sinful and addictive behaviors that are self-defeating, self-destructive, and worldly. The author "unwittingly" was one such person. Young men, be better than me! Navigate around the deceptions in this world much better than this author.

We separate ourselves from the Father and His Kingdom through our actions. We thinking ourselves wise are nothing more than fools in our folly bound for damnation.

In second Timothy, Paul himself says:

[2Ti 2:15 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

And, in first Corinthian's he, Paul, says:

[1Co 1:12-13 KJV] 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

If one is looking for a clearer view of Christ's teaching on the Law and godly works, why do we not ask His siblings on this earth. James was His brother and Jude was James' brother-in-law. So, they were all family. What did James say in the book which carries his name?

[Jas 2:14-26 KJV] 14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What did Jude say in the book which carries his name?[Note verse 14 through 19]

[Jde 1:1-25 KJV] 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

And, the disciple that Christ loved, John the Evangelist wrote below ( note verses 3 - 7 in light of Matt 5:17-20 which was one of Christ's commandments ):

[1Jo 2:1-29 KJV] 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also]. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life. 26 These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

As Paul admonished in:

[1Co 10:24 NKJV] 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's [well-being].

This the author does. And, he says. "young man be better than me!" Do not trod the foolish path which which the author compassed and come full-circle at fifty. Make progress. The academic accomplishment without "right living" and "self-discipline" is of little value:

[Pro 17:1 NKJV] 1 Better [is] a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting [with] strife.

[Pro 15:17 KJV] 17 Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

The "quality" of a man's life is not necessarily a function of his financial wealth or academic accomplishment. The author lived his "best" years volunteering in church as a disciplined chaise celibate working for modest wages in his thirties and early forties. A self-chosen non-ordained oblation he was. He spent his "worst" years with a pornography addiction, although he envisioned and promoted concepts during that time at elite college and universities which have revolutionized modern computing and engineering.

It is better that one had done the former without leaving the latter undone. As Christ admonished the Pharisees:

[Mat 23:23 NKJV] 23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Be better than the author of this web-history.

Stop and think. How many of your friends, in this competitive world, who have seen any great successes would suggest that you outperform them and tell you how? How many have truly been genuinely happy for you when you excelled beyond what they could imagine or achieve for themselves? How many would tell you how such could done?

In all honesty, if it were not for all of the author's truly close friends, the bar hopping buddies whose secrets he keeps, he would likely not have any enemies.

Whether you win a Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Field Medal, or National Science Medal, or simply spend your years managing a mop and broom and swabbing toilets stools for a living, live a life of quality and integrity. Young man, be a "better" man than me. You can do it, if you learn the truth early and stay the course. The days that the author spent as a volunteer custodian at local churches has meant more, in terms of his salvation, than the early-entry offer and a four-year Presidential Scholarship at the University of Southern California, the time spent study at Vanderbilt University and Grinnell College, the experience teaching at Southern Methodist University, or the computing visions which he shared with mentors that have netted others Turing Awards and million dollar purses. How can a man ego-trip when he is worse than a dead dog lapping up his refuse as stated in:

[2Pe 2:22 KJV] 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Be a Better Than Me. You have your whole life ahead of you and "true success" is just a prayer away.

Stay Blest Young Man. Be Law Abiding.