Last time I raised the question: “What are people to you?” We’re talking about the meanings we give to ourselves, to the experiences in our lives, and to others. So, please stop and consider: what meaning have you attached to people? I don’t mean your ex, or your mother-in-law, or your favorite Olympic athlete. I […]
The Meaning we Make Up (part three) Read More »
I thank God for the gift of repentance. For the provision in the atonement, of forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration of relationship when I do. What’s troubled me, though, is how often I seem to be “returning to the well”: asking forgiveness over and over again for the same things. What about you? Since “repentance” means
Repentance that Lasts a Lifetime (part one) Read More »
I remember it well. Helping with a character development workshop in Grand Rapids, my trainer, Lawrence Edwards, made this startling observation: Comparison is the seedbed of envy. Huh? Envy – that ugly, distasteful character defect that fuels pettiness, judgments, isolation, and division – grows in the soil of comparison? I never thought about that before…
The seedbed of envy Read More »
#4: The Responsibility Riddle QUESTION: Pastor, who is responsible for your spiritual maturity and vitality? ANSWER: I am, of course! Ok, fine. Now answer this… QUESTION: Pastor, who is responsible for the spiritual maturity and vitality of your congregation? ANSWER: Again, I am! Really? Are you sure? If you are responsible for your congregation’s spiritual
Leadership Courage Series Read More »
Principle #8- Who gets to choose? This entry concludes the Being in Conflict series. At least for now. While there is much for a Christian leader to learn when in conflict — if you choose to apply it — today’s principle will keep you from falling into conflict, a great deal of the time. So,
Leadership Skills Series- Being in Conflict Read More »