Some people have annoying habits and don't do anything about them. But what if that annoying person was you? Here's what to do about it with the help of a friend.
honesty
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
Honesty in a world of spin
Santa Clara University did a study of 2600 managers. They were trying to identify the top leadership quality. Do you want to know what it was? It was honesty. Honesty ranked higher than intelligence. Honesty ranked higher than competence. And it ranked higher than a leader’s capacity to inspire others. But why? I think it’s … Continue reading Honesty in a world of spin
The poisonous root of bitterness
Yesterday I said that there can be unaddressed wrongs in our past which continue to exert an influence on us. Just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean it has passed. [If you missed it, click here.] That’s why forgiveness is so important. Usually when we think about forgiveness we think about giving … Continue reading The poisonous root of bitterness
Talk is… cheap?
“Talk is cheap.” Have you ever heard someone use that expression? It’s the cousin to “Actions speak louder than words.” I get where it comes from. Quite often, we only know if someone means what they say if they back it up with their actions. But WHY? WHY do so many people think talk is … Continue reading Talk is… cheap?
Soul cinderblocks
There was a church who created a website where people could anonymously confess sins and wrongdoings. They did this because they believed in the healing power of confession. Plus, it was a chance to get other people to pray for them. One young woman wanted to confess her promiscuous life and her feelings of shame. … Continue reading Soul cinderblocks
One habit to live more simply
I love simplicity. And I love things that go along with the idea of simplicity—things like sincerity and practicality. Maybe I really like simplicity because I know that (a) life can get complicated, and (b) I find it very hard to achieve! Writing to the Corinthians Paul says that “we behaved in the world with … Continue reading One habit to live more simply
Tis only a flesh wound!
Most people have some annoying habits. Sometimes they’re no big deal. But sometimes those habits are actually hurtful. Maybe you’re perpetually insensitive. Or maybe you’re quick to criticize or trample on someone’s well-meaning ideas. And here’s why it can be hard to identify the hurtful habits you may have. It’s because people aren’t usually quick … Continue reading Tis only a flesh wound!
Honest about needing help
If you want to be stronger, you need to be honest about your weaknesses. Here's why.
Why it’s easy to be judgmental
Being judgmental is about as attractive as a racist proudly gallivanting around your living room on a high horse. But what does it mean, anyway? If someone says you’re being judgmental, what they usually mean is that you’re acting morally superior—as if you’re always right, others are always wrong, and you’re a better person because … Continue reading Why it’s easy to be judgmental
