Yesterday I shared a definition of humility inspired by C.S. Lewis: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” That means true humility isn’t self-defeating or self-deprecating. It’s about putting God’s will and the interests of others first. In this way you “lose yourself” because you’re not overly concerned with your reputation, your … Continue reading Anti-humble
christianity
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
On the wall of a slave’s cell
If you go out of your way to worship God, and if someone asked you WHY you did that, what would you say? -That it spiritually feeds you? -That you like the music? -That it helps you pray? -That the sense of community is meaningful? -That it’s a sense of duty? -That God deserves it? … Continue reading On the wall of a slave’s cell
Just one person
On Sunday a man in my congregation, Jeff Walther, delivered a sermon about making a difference in someone’s life. As a part of that, he told a story about a man walking along a beach. He saw someone moving in the distance, almost like they were dancing. As he got closer he realized that it … Continue reading Just one person
Never too late
On Christmas Eve 1992, a couple noticed something at the end of their driveway. It was a large object wrapped in plastic. Turns out, it was a wicker chair that had been stolen 18 years earlier! Attached to it was a note which read: "To whom it may concern: Approximately 13 to 17 years ago … Continue reading Never too late
When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
Yesterday we talked about thinking very intentionally about coming up with the reason for the hope that you have within you. The reason we did this is because of 1 Peter 3:15 that says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you … Continue reading When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
What is the (real) reason for your hope?
“You don’t actually believe in God, do you?” “Why on earth would you read the Bible?” “What reason would possibly make you want to go to church?” Have you ever heard any of those questions? I’m guessing yes. And unfortunately, many of you feel overwhelmed and unprepared to give a response when someone questions your … Continue reading What is the (real) reason for your hope?
To make life richer…
At a recent small group gathering, a friend named David shared something he had seen on a fridge magnet: “To make life richer, make life simpler.” We all nodded in agreement. But HOW do you make life richer by making it simpler? Here’s a tip for those among us who resonate with this idea deep … Continue reading To make life richer…
Giving troubles over
Susanna Wesley lived a few hundred years ago. She gave birth to 19 children. 10 survived infancy. To say she was busy is an understatement. Plus, she had a difficult life—marital troubles, financial hardship, and illness were frequent visitors. And that’s not to mention the pain and difficulty of coping with the death of 9 … Continue reading Giving troubles over
Blame
Blaming. Other. People. It’s easy to do. And to be honest, there are times when other people do in fact need to be called to account for having done something wrong or hurtful. But what I’m talking about today is being quick to notice when OTHER people have done something wrong... but being slow to notice … Continue reading Blame
