In his book The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom describes an outlook on the world which has become very popular. Montreal philosophy professor Charles Taylor summarizes: “relativism was itself an offshoot of a form of individualism, whose principle is something like this: everyone has a right to develop their own form of life, … Continue reading Being true to who?
discipleship
God’s work through you despite you
As a person of faith, you should be aware of (and honest about) your own sin. At the same time, you should be confident that God’s power is not handcuffed by your sin or weakness. Handcuffs are meant to stop someone from doing something. Do you really think your flaws and foibles can bind the … Continue reading God’s work through you despite you
One set of footprints—for when you fail
There’s a famous poem called Footprints in the Sand.* Someone has a dream and is walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from their life flash across the sky. The person looks back at their footprints and notices that during sadness there are only one set of footprints. The dreamer concludes that the Lord … Continue reading One set of footprints—for when you fail
Do you have things, or do they have you?
Do you have things, or do they have you? When we “have” things, we own them. We control them. But when things “have” us, they own us. They control us. Consider the man in Mark 10:21-22: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and … Continue reading Do you have things, or do they have you?
Liberated for greater things
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). When Jesus talks about carrying a cross, he’s using bold language to teach us a bold principle: Whoever does not crucify their own self-serving desires and instead pattern their lives on him cannot be his apprentice. This kind of … Continue reading Liberated for greater things
No matter the cost
The cross is central to the Christian faith. After all, Jesus says: “whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). Clearly, it’s not just about what he did, but about what we do. It’s easy to forget how jarring the cross was (and is). We see it on … Continue reading No matter the cost
Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
With every passing year here in North America Christians will be increasingly criticized. One of the things you sometimes hear is that our ways are “old fashioned” and out-of-date. So today I’d like to invite you to think about this idea from a certain perspective—one that will, I hope, give you confidence and some words … Continue reading Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
You don’t have to be Jesus
Jesus summoned Peter to follow him even though he was imperfect. One of the reasons we relate to Peter so well is because he messes up—just like us! Peter is a reminder that we follow Jesus faithfully, not perfectly. In Luke 5 Jesus told Peter to throw out his nets for a catch of fish. … Continue reading You don’t have to be Jesus
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
Looking like the one we believe in
Children often look like their parents. Sometimes you see a child and the resemblance is so strong that the parent doesn’t even need to be there and you say, ‘I know who your dad is,’ or ‘I know who your mom is’! When God looks upon us he sees what we look like on the … Continue reading Looking like the one we believe in
