From what I can tell, the word “obedience” in wealthy, western societies (like mine) is a heavy, negative word. It smacks of blindly and mindlessly doing what someone else tells you to do. In popular culture it reeks of oppression. But in Christianity, chosen obedience is a positive thing. Since God and his will are … Continue reading The spirit in which you act
discipleship
Sin is progressive
“Sin is progressive.” That’s what doctor Rosaria Butterfield writes in her book The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. “That is, while sin does not stay contained by type or trope, if ignored, excused, or enjoyed, sin grows and spreads like poison ivy.” When it comes to sin, we often we employ the ostrich strategy. … Continue reading Sin is progressive
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
Standing out and blending in
I’m a Christian who is also trying to be a Christian. Does that sound strange? What I mean is that I am a Christian because I have professed my loyalty to Jesus as the Lord of my life. But I’m also trying to be a Christian because I know there’s still a lot of work … Continue reading Standing out and blending in
I want to do something small…
Albert Schweitzer had a more “impressive” life than I ever will. He was a writer and influential theologian; he was an amazing and accomplished organ player; and he became a medical missionary and doctor to French Equatorial Africa. He was also awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. A biography by James Bentley reveals a … Continue reading I want to do something small…
How perfect or spiritually mature everyone is
A lot of people think the church is based on how perfect or spiritually mature everyone is. If you think that way, you’re always going to be disappointed in God’s church. Why? Because people continually fall short of what you think the appropriate moral standard is. Should we have standards? Of course! But keep this … Continue reading How perfect or spiritually mature everyone is
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
Worth the risk
When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
The beggar and the King
Elisabeth Elliot tells us a story about a beggar and a King. A beggar was sitting at the side of the street with his hat outstretched asking for money. Then he noticed that the King himself was coming, complete with his whole entourage. This was his lucky day! How could the King refuse to give … Continue reading The beggar and the King
When better isn’t easier
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort, and things being quick and easy. 100 years it would have been virtually inconceivable to drive up to a restaurant window, order your meal, and get it back almost instantaneously. Today, fast food drive-thrus are incredibly common. 10 years ago it would have been virtually inconceivable to pick up a … Continue reading When better isn’t easier
