Before the world of contracts and fine print, do you remember hearing about agreements that were made on the shake of a hand? Remember when someone could be trusted “at their word”? Nowadays, that seems rare. We live in an age of verbal mistrust. So many people break promises that it doesn’t even surprise us … Continue reading Can you remember what you promised?
integrity
Chauffeur knowledge vs Real knowledge
In 1918 Max Plank won the Nobel Prize for physics. As was sometimes customary back then he went on a speaking tour. He traveled Germany with his chauffeur giving lectures on Quantum Mechanics. Every night he gave the same lecture. His chauffeur commented that it had become very predictable. In fact, the material had become … Continue reading Chauffeur knowledge vs Real knowledge
Apply this to yourself first
Yesterday’s devotional was about being “judgmental.” Contrary to what some people think, it’s actually okay to offer a humble word of constructive criticism to someone—just make sure you’ve first applied the same standard to yourself. Today, let’s go a bit further. After making the previous point, Jesus says: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; … Continue reading Apply this to yourself first
Before you correct someone do this
When people tell you to not be “judgmental” they sometimes cite Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That’s definitely a powerful word for all of us! But what many people skip over is what Jesus says in verses 4-5: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let … Continue reading Before you correct someone do this
Is easier always better?
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort and quick-and-easy. But when it comes to faith, does God always make your life better by making it easier?
Hypocrisy (on both ends of the spectrum)
“You’re a hypocrite.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s a nasty and unpleasant thing! A hypocrite is a pretender—someone who says they believe certain ideals but doesn’t actually live them out in their own life. Hypocrites were the people Jesus often railed against. But guess what? Regardless of your theological leanings, it’s easy to become one!
Keep going
Yesterday I talked about difficult circumstances and how they can contribute to your spiritual growth and maturity as a person. Now don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t wish difficulty on someone. And I don’t think that every problem we face is good. But if we shift our perspective, I think we can open ourselves to … Continue reading Keep going
Integrity — no matter what
In 1985 a tornado ripped through Barrie, Ontario—the city where I live. Just recently I was told about something that happened in the midst of that wicked storm. A Mennonite person saw a dollar on the sidewalk and returned it to City Hall. So if anyone had lost it they would be able to find … Continue reading Integrity — no matter what
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
Never too late
On Christmas Eve 1992, a couple noticed something at the end of their driveway. It was a large object wrapped in plastic. Turns out, it was a wicker chair that had been stolen 18 years earlier! Attached to it was a note which read: "To whom it may concern: Approximately 13 to 17 years ago … Continue reading Never too late
