Is the point of life to be a good person? A lot of people think so. But what do they mean by “good”? Many things that were “good” in our society 50 years ago are no longer “good.” And many things that are “good” today will no longer be considered “good” 50 years from now. … Continue reading Is the point of life to be a good person?
dailydevo
Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
A pastor I respect, John Ortberg, said that “perfection is the great enemy of spiritual growth.” I like that because it makes clear the fact that if you try (or pretend) to be perfect it actually undermines your spiritual growth. What I think he’s getting at is that none of us are perfect. But if … Continue reading Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
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?
Each of you is a part of it
This week I’ve been driving home the point that followers of Jesus don’t “have it all together.” Instead, they have it all, together. The placement of that comma makes all the difference in the world. Today l want to focus on that word “together.” The Bible calls the church the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians … Continue reading Each of you is a part of it
Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
[Scroll down for today’s announcement.] Yesterday I said that Christians don’t “have it all together.” Instead, they have it all, together. (If you missed it you can check it out here.) I also said that the placement of that comma makes all the difference in the world. Here’s what I mean. Contrary to what some … Continue reading Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
Are we supposed to have it all together?
Are followers of Jesus supposed to “have it all together”? Good question! After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -Some Christians do in fact think they have it all together. They drip with religious condescension. -Some people know that they definitely don’t have it all together… … Continue reading Are we supposed to have it all together?
I’d rather be on the right side of eternity than history
“You can’t stop progress.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s the idea that society changes and moves “forward” in certain ways—in ways many people agree with. Therefore, they attach a positive value to that “forward” movement (called “progress”). Saying ‘you can’t stop it’ is a way of saying ‘don’t even bother trying.’ As … Continue reading I’d rather be on the right side of eternity than history
Who is an expert, really?
Several years ago my wife and kids and I were up in Bracebridge, Ontario visiting some family. My daughter got a strange bug bite. And since it looked weird we went to the local walk-in clinic. I was totally impressed by the doctor. First, he listened and didn’t speak down to us. Second, he was … Continue reading Who is an expert, really?
Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” I’m guessing none of us would use that statement for a church outreach campaign. ‘Hey everybody, come discover what it’s like to follow Christ! It’s great; plus, you die in the process!’ The quote is from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He … Continue reading Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
When your mind is stretched to a new dimension
Yesterday I said that God loves you as you are—but that God loves you too much to leave you as you are. I said this because we can sometimes use God’s love as an excuse for stagnancy or disobedience. Just because God loves us that doesn’t mean he necessarily condones everything we do. Although we’re … Continue reading When your mind is stretched to a new dimension