Yesterday’s devotional was about being a person of your word. I said that people who keep their promises keep track of their promises. It makes total sense. If you’re going to be a person who is trustworthy and who keeps their promises, you have to know what they are. You need to keep track of … Continue reading A light, even in your words
character
Can you remember what you promised?
Before the world of contracts and fine print, do you remember hearing about agreements that were made on the shake of a hand? Remember when someone could be trusted “at their word”? Nowadays, that seems rare. We live in an age of verbal mistrust. So many people break promises that it doesn’t even surprise us … Continue reading Can you remember what you promised?
Hypocrisy (on both ends of the spectrum)
“You’re a hypocrite.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s a nasty and unpleasant thing! A hypocrite is a pretender—someone who says they believe certain ideals but doesn’t actually live them out in their own life. Hypocrites were the people Jesus often railed against. But guess what? Regardless of your theological leanings, it’s easy to become one!
Don’t be a sore… winner?
“Don’t be a sore loser.” It’s a way of saying you shouldn’t sulk around when you lose. Don’t be so sore about your loss that you draw attention to yourself and dampen the victory and accomplishment of somebody else. But today I’d like to alter that phrase a bit: Don’t be a sore WINNER. A … Continue reading Don’t be a sore… winner?
Keep going
Yesterday I talked about difficult circumstances and how they can contribute to your spiritual growth and maturity as a person. Now don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t wish difficulty on someone. And I don’t think that every problem we face is good. But if we shift our perspective, I think we can open ourselves to … Continue reading Keep going
Integrity — no matter what
In 1985 a tornado ripped through Barrie, Ontario—the city where I live. Just recently I was told about something that happened in the midst of that wicked storm. A Mennonite person saw a dollar on the sidewalk and returned it to City Hall. So if anyone had lost it they would be able to find … Continue reading Integrity — no matter what
Doing something “beneath” you
There are two kinds of pride. The first is simply being proud of your country or a child. I get that. It’s pretty innocent. But the second kind of pride is problematic and has to do with ego. It’s an over-inflated sense of self. It’s having a puffed-up attitude, never admitting you’re wrong, and thinking … Continue reading Doing something “beneath” you
Humility defined
“Hey, follow me!” That’s something you hear in a playground or park. One person leads, and everyone else follows. In Christianity, the Leader is Jesus. The rest of us are followers. But if our understanding of Jesus is somehow distorted that means we can easily get off track. One of the much-neglected traits of Jesus … Continue reading Humility defined
The Great Disarmer
This week you will meet someone who upsets you. They might upset you a little. Or they might upset you a lot. Maybe they’re in your own family and say something to rub you the wrong way. Or maybe they’re a friend, classmate or co-worker whose actions scratch the invisible chalkboard of your brain. So … Continue reading The Great Disarmer
When trauma and danger come
In 2008 it rained for days and days in northern England. A family in Chester-le-Street went out for a walk. The 3-year-old daughter, Laura, wanted to jump in the puddles. So that’s just what she did. She ran toward a puddle at the side of the street and jumped! Then she disappeared. Laura’s parents ran … Continue reading When trauma and danger come
