Have you ever heard the expression that someone is “sitting on the fence”? It’s about being neutral, or perhaps being slow to make a decision about something. With that in mind, let me say this: You can’t follow Jesus if you’re sitting on the fence. The exact expression “follow me” occurs twenty times in the Gospels. For example, … Continue reading If you’re sitting on the fence
relationships
Surround yourself with people who make you…
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).I sometimes see T-shirts or online memes that say something like this: “Surround yourself with people who make you happy.” I get it. But that’s an unfortunately shallow way to look at life. Now, before you think I’m being too harsh or … Continue reading Surround yourself with people who make you…
Arguing in polarizing times
In some ways, these are polarizing times. People are becoming very good at arguing. It can happen face-to-face. It can also happen online. Sometimes it’s with someone you know, and sometimes it’s with a complete stranger.As people of faith we know we have to stand up for certain things. I totally agree with that. We need … Continue reading Arguing in polarizing times
If you’re singing the same song
“…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). You can only have harmony if you’re singing the same song. That kind of seems obvious, doesn’t it? A song has a melody. A harmony is a different series of notes, but they complement … Continue reading If you’re singing the same song
Is something “off”?
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen…” (James 1:19) Something still seems “off.” I’ve sensed it. Have you? Maybe not for everyone, but for more people than you realize. I’m talking about life after the pandemic. Have you said (or felt) these things? Or has someone you … Continue reading Is something “off”?
Take the relationship seriously
Relationships can be a source of great joy in our lives. They can also be a source of pain. Quite often they are somewhere in between. Sometimes they are life-giving, and sometimes they are draining. We modern westerners are at risk of treating people like commodities. Since there is so much individualism and consumerism in … Continue reading Take the relationship seriously
Speaking the truth in love
One of the most famous verses in Ephesians is chapter 4 verse 15: “speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” The famous part is right at the start: speak the truth in love. My guess is that … Continue reading Speaking the truth in love
It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem
It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem. Let me explain. Have you ever had one of those days where other people are always a problem? They say the wrong thing. They get on your nerves. They just don’t “get” you. They just seem so… annoying! Granted, there are times when people … Continue reading It’s probably a problem if other people are always the problem
Just because something doesn’t have a bow
Just because something doesn’t have a bow, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a gift. Let me explain. Gifts often come in packages with bows. When someone gives us a gift it is pretty obvious what is happening, especially if we’re at a birthday party, at a graduation, or on Christmas morning. But we need to … Continue reading Just because something doesn’t have a bow
Making someone look dumb or bad
Every day we are exposed to countless arguments. We witness them on the news, online, and sometimes in our own homes. I’ve noticed a pattern. A lot of people try to belittle someone else’s viewpoint to make their own sound superior. There are two simple steps in this process. Step one: Oversimplify someone’s viewpoint to … Continue reading Making someone look dumb or bad
