R. Alan Culpepper says: “The most dangerous excuses are those with which we fool ourselves.”* Ouch. Excuses are escape hatches. We use them to somehow excuse ourselves from doing what is right. We excuse a way of thinking, or speaking, or a habit, or a decision, or whatever. As a result we compromise our integrity. … Continue reading The excuses we use to fool ourselves
integrity
Embody one of these traits this week
On Friday we explored the idea of wisdom. After looking at James 3:17 we found that wisdom is not just stuff you know; it’s who you’re known to be. Today let’s try to apply James’ insight about wisdom to our own lives. Let’s look at that verse again: “But the wisdom from above is first … Continue reading Embody one of these traits this week
Wisdom: who you’re known to be
Who or what is a wise person like? Many people, when they try to describe someone who is wise, start to list things they know—usually profound bits of knowledge which have been tried and tested though time and the refining grind of real-life experiences. I would tend to agree. That certainly sounds a lot like … Continue reading Wisdom: who you’re known to be
Integrity and mini-putt
Craig Groeschel played on his high school’s tennis team. One evening at an out-of-town tournament, the team went mini-putting. At the end of the round, each of the players stole their golf balls as a memento, including Craig. Back at the hotel, the coach saw Craig with his ball and realized he had stolen it. … Continue reading Integrity and mini-putt
Humility holds a mirror
Jesus’ half-brother James was known for his wisdom and faithfulness. In fact, his nickname was “camel knees” because he apparently spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they swelled and became calloused and huge! He wrote: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is … Continue reading Humility holds a mirror
Virtue standeth
People are motivated by different things. Some people feel motivated to do something if they know they’ll get a nice reward at the end. Others are motivated if they know they are doing something that will make someone feel good. Today I want to appeal to those who (a) are experiencing difficulty, and (b) are … Continue reading Virtue standeth
The distance you’ve already come
Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As a follower of Jesus, these traits will start to grow in your life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that list and scratched your head in … Continue reading The distance you’ve already come
The prayer list
I remember a cartoon that was really funny. An unnamed man sees someone named Bob walking toward him. That triggers in his mind that he had said he would pray for Bob. But he had forgotten! So, very quietly, and as Bob quickly approaches, he whispers, “Dear God, please help Bob.” Seconds later he calls … Continue reading The prayer list
Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
St. Francis is one of great heroes of the faith. He died in 1226. I’ve always been inspired by his example of humility, sincerity, love, poverty and charity. There’s a little known story about an interaction he had with someone named Friar Bernard. Apparently, Francis had a negative thought about the Friar. Upon realizing this, and … Continue reading Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
Life can be chaotic. And volatile. And hard. That’s why friendship is so important. Christian ethicist Lewis Smedes wrote an article about the power of making a promise. He says that when you make a promise to someone, “You have created a small sanctuary of trust within the jungle of unpredictability.” I think that’s great … Continue reading Trust in the jungle of unpredictability
