John Climacus wrote a book in the early 7th century that became very influential among Christians. It was called The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Among other things it was a book about becoming more like Jesus. In it he wrote: "Demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs."* He put a high value on concentration. He was … Continue reading They fear concentration
hebrews 12:1-2
Crooked lines?
A father was teaching his son how to plow a field in straight lines. His advice was this. “Pick an object on the other side of the field, and then walk towards it with the plow.” So that’s what the boy did. But when he got to the other side and looked back on his … Continue reading Crooked lines?
Entangling media
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In these verses, the writer of Hebrews is drawing imagery … Continue reading Entangling media
Don’t be a swivel head
A few years ago I was watching my son play a hockey game. There was a father of a boy on the other team bellowing instructions at his son on the ice—instructions which, I should add, weren’t very smart. As a result, the boy was confused. Should he listen to his coach, or should he … Continue reading Don’t be a swivel head
