The internet has a polarizing effect. Recently a well-respected Christian organization posted a blog. Since it touched on the topic of politics, the comments came fast and furious. (Apparently, politics can be a touchy subject these days. Have you noticed?) Unfortunately, the comments were highly charged, accusatory, derogatory, and unfair. Have you noticed how quickly … Continue reading The polarizing internet
character
Embody one of these traits this week
On Friday we explored the idea of wisdom. After looking at James 3:17 we found that wisdom is not just stuff you know; it’s who you’re known to be. Today let’s try to apply James’ insight about wisdom to our own lives. Let’s look at that verse again: “But the wisdom from above is first … Continue reading Embody one of these traits this week
A soul rooted in humility
Hello! After a week away, the ‘Up!’ devotional is back to your email inbox and social media feeds. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” God OPPOSES the proud, but shows FAVOUR to the humble. Would you rather God oppose you, or show you favour? Yeah, me too! Here's … Continue reading A soul rooted in humility
Integrity and mini-putt
Craig Groeschel played on his high school’s tennis team. One evening at an out-of-town tournament, the team went mini-putting. At the end of the round, each of the players stole their golf balls as a memento, including Craig. Back at the hotel, the coach saw Craig with his ball and realized he had stolen it. … Continue reading Integrity and mini-putt
When success isn’t success
A lot of people want to be “successful.” In fact, since so many people think that success is a good thing, and since the drive for success can be so powerful, we can rationalize doing questionable things to get there. But it’s not success if you fail at virtue. In Colossians, Paul talks about putting … Continue reading When success isn’t success
Be a California Redwood
The California Redwoods are massive trees, apparently the biggest living things on earth. Some are higher than 360 feet, and some are more than 60 feet around. Many are over 100 years old, and some are even over a thousand years old. Some of them have even been somewhat burned in forest fires—but they still … Continue reading Be a California Redwood
Virtue standeth
People are motivated by different things. Some people feel motivated to do something if they know they’ll get a nice reward at the end. Others are motivated if they know they are doing something that will make someone feel good. Today I want to appeal to those who (a) are experiencing difficulty, and (b) are … Continue reading Virtue standeth
Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
St. Francis is one of great heroes of the faith. He died in 1226. I’ve always been inspired by his example of humility, sincerity, love, poverty and charity. There’s a little known story about an interaction he had with someone named Friar Bernard. Apparently, Francis had a negative thought about the Friar. Upon realizing this, and … Continue reading Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
Life can be chaotic. And volatile. And hard. That’s why friendship is so important. Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes wrote an article about the power of making a promise. He says that when you make a promise to someone, “You have created a small sanctuary of trust within the jungle of unpredictability.” I think that’s great … Continue reading Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
Dragged away
Unfortunately, temptation is often a part of life. Some people are tempted to over-spend or worry too much. Some are tempted to engage in habits they know dishonour God. Some people are tempted to laziness or excessive screen time. It really just depends on the person. Recently I was reading the book of James and … Continue reading Dragged away
