I think we’re spiritually constructed to want to be useful. When someone we know is going through something difficult, how many of us have thought or said something like, “If only there was something I could do to help” or “I just want to be useful”? In a broader sense, you probably feel a strong … Continue reading Being useful makes you more content
helping others
The situation you’re already in
In 1 Corinthians 12:27 Paul says, “you are the body of Christ...” In light of that, we’ve been reflecting on this important question: How can we be useful to Jesus as his hands and feet in a hurting world by being proactive about the well-being of others? Sometimes we respond by getting involved in programs … Continue reading The situation you’re already in
Why your brokenness can be useful
All of us carry a certain amount of brokenness. These are problems we have, mistakes we’ve made, good-plans-gone-wrong that weight us down like the proverbial tonne of bricks. Because we think of these things as negative, we think they have no redeeming value. But know this: Your temporary brokenness can have eternal usefulness. Here’s what I … Continue reading Why your brokenness can be useful
First responder
Two young boys were playing mini hockey in a hallway at the arena. I watched one of them take a wrist shot with a roll of (hard) plastic hockey tape. He hit the other kid in the lip. He fell over and started to bleed. And cry. What do you do in a situation like that? … Continue reading First responder
Tweaking your average life
Day in and day out—the same old thing. Do you ever get down about your average life? But just because your life is “normal” that doesn’t mean it can’t be exceptional. One of the ways to do that is with a “kingdom tweak.” It’s tweaking something you’re already doing to benefit God’s kingdom. Take Erica … Continue reading Tweaking your average life
Desensitized
Unfortunately, because we get bombarded by stories of trauma and travesty on a daily basis, we’re at risk of desensitization. Seeing commercials about suffering children used to be alarming. Now they’re “normal.” Hearing about disasters or shootings used to be rare. Now they seem to be commonplace. Nearly every grocery store line I go through … Continue reading Desensitized
What’s a sundial in the shade?
Benjamin Franklin said, “Hide not your talents, they for use were made / What’s a sundial in the shade?” It’s a great reminder that we should use the talents God has given to us. They contribute to the positive impact we can make in the world. Writing in Ephesians 2:10, Paul said, “we are God’s … Continue reading What’s a sundial in the shade?
The practical needs of people you don’t like
We're supposed to "love one another." But how do we do that for people we don't even like? He's one suggestion. And it's not based on how you "feel"
Ask not what your fellowship can do for you…
One of the most famous speeches in American history was by John F Kennedy in 1961. He said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” It was a call to community, to think about something more than just your own individual needs. Thinking about faith, I’d … Continue reading Ask not what your fellowship can do for you…
The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
