Someone once said, “Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.” I think there’s incredible wisdom in that statement. But what does it mean? The last I checked, we humans don’t like to be wrong. But we sometimes are. Even still, we will defend decisions, words or actions … Continue reading Clinging to mistakes
humility
Trampling others down
I’m a big fan of building yourself up, of encouraging yourself for the journey. But there are times when we can get so focused on getting ahead—in life, at work, in our achievements, and even in our spiritual lives—that we start to think we’re better than other people. Recently in my small group a friend … Continue reading Trampling others down
When the past hasn’t passed
Sometimes there’s something hold you back… Holding you back from moving forward in your life with a greater sense of mental freedom, peace of mind, and personal integrity before God. Quite often that “something holding you back” is some unaddressed wrong from your past. But just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean … Continue reading When the past hasn’t passed
Uffgevva
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how individualistic our society has become. Basically, “individualism” is a way of thinking. It’s living like your own immediate needs and wants are more important than the needs of the wider community. It’s a Me-Myself-and-I way of life. I’m not saying your own needs aren’t important. But they’re … Continue reading Uffgevva
Doing something “beneath” you
There are two kinds of pride. The first is simply being proud of your country or a child. I get that. It’s pretty innocent. But the second kind of pride is problematic and has to do with ego. It’s an over-inflated sense of self. It’s having a puffed-up attitude, never admitting you’re wrong, and thinking … Continue reading Doing something “beneath” you
For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
Would you rather praise God or be praised by others? Let’s be honest. Getting a pat on the back feels good. I’m not knocking that. But we shouldn’t be so obsessed by the praise and approval of others that it eclipses the priority of putting God first. So here’s something you and I can do … Continue reading For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
Anti-humble
Yesterday I shared a definition of humility inspired by C.S. Lewis: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but of yourself less.” That means true humility isn’t self-defeating or self-deprecating. It’s about putting God’s will and the interests of others first. In this way you “lose yourself” because you’re not overly concerned with your reputation, your … Continue reading Anti-humble
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
When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
Yesterday we talked about thinking very intentionally about coming up with the reason for the hope that you have within you. The reason we did this is because of 1 Peter 3:15 that says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you … Continue reading When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
One thing we should expect from politicians
On Sunday at church I talked about Christian attitudes toward government. To be honest, I was kind of nervous about it. After all, government and politics is a touchy subject these days. There are divisive and polarizing issues. And sometimes it seems that common sense and civility go out the window! I think the congregation … Continue reading One thing we should expect from politicians
