Nobody wants to be a wimp. You like the idea of being the hero who saves the day, right? Me, too. Courage is an important virtue. Without it, we fail to stand up for ourselves and others. We let evil rule while we run for cover. Remember the beginning of "It's a Wonderful Life," starring Jimmy Stewart? Clarence, the angel assigned to help George Bailey, wants to know what George is struggling with. "Is he sick?" he queries. "Worse," comes the reply. "He's discouraged." Or the moment in "Toy Story" when Buzz Light Year realizes he is Continue Reading
Why It Can’t Be All About Just Getting Along
If you're anything like me, you don't like conflict. You avoid taking a position on tough issues, because you'd rather not offend others. Aren't we supposed to work at getting along with each other? Didn't Jesus teach that we should love others? Kumbayah, and all that? If your perception of Jesus is the Hippy Boyfriend version, that works. Kris Kristofferson's song comes to mind, "Jesus was a Capricorn, he ate organic food; he believed in love and peace, and never wore no shoes..." Okay, now you know how old I am. But I digress. Here's my focus: Continue Reading
Why I Give You Permission to Judge Me
It's the mantra of the day: "I try not to judge people." Popular sayings roll off the tongue so easily, don't they? Problem is, popular doesn't always equal wise. As with other commonly held philosophies, Christians can get confused and believe this way of looking at things is biblical. After all, Jesus said we shouldn't judge, right? Yes, but let's take a closer look: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in Continue Reading
Why Christians Shouldn’t Try to Make the World a Better Place
Well, that's a weird thing to say. Aren't good deeds part of the Christian life? Isn't the world full of needs? Yes, and yes. Let's examine the difference between a goal and a by-product. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." -- Matt. 28:19-20. Our goal as Christians -- the Great Commission -- is to make disciples of Jesus. In doing so, we show mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with our Continue Reading