Temptation is a part of everyone’s life. James states it this way, ‘each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.’(Jms 1:14) Some people may despair and say, ‘Well, I can’t get away from myself so I might as well not fight it.’ But everyone has their weak spot, their Achilles heel. The temptation may be as mundane as overeating or not exercising enough. It may be as difficult as addiction to alcohol or pornography. But there is enormous hope for overcoming temptation and bringing about Christ-centered change in your life. Here are several practical ways to be empowered to do what you really want to do, and not fall prey to temptation.
Read MoreMany of us have longed for a carefree life at one time or another. We become overwhelmed and stressed by too many commitments and just want a reprieve. Unfortunately, that isn’t the way life works. I don’t know a single adult who has been truly carefree. God doesn’t promise us a carefree life; instead, we are promised a “cared-for” life. In Matt 6, Jesus affirms that we have many needs including the basics of food and clothing. He tells us that those without faith are constantly striving to be able to care for themselves. The ones who trust in God don’t have to because, ‘Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.’ (Mt 6:32) Yet, we worry, we fret, and we fear not having what we need.
Read MoreI remember as a kid striving for approval from others. I wanted my dad and mom to approve of me with a smile and words of praise. I wanted my teachers to approve of my work with good grades. I wanted my friends to approve of me with invitations to activities and overnights. As I grew older, I sought approval from my wife, my children, my supervisors, my bishop, and even my dog. It is amazing how many people (and pets) we want to think well of us. All of this is ingrained in us with performance conditioning using rewards and punishments. It helps us navigate different relationships and expectations. When we are within the parameters of the person we are trying to please, we find a measure of satisfaction.
Read MoreI know you never lie – let’s just get that out of the way – but you may want to consider this blog from the perspective of a hypothetical person, ‘a friend’.
Read MoreToday there is a lot of talk about tribalism in our culture. What is tribalism? It is the idea that a person is only accepted if he or she shares one or two outward characteristics. Tribes may be created by one or more distinguishing features – race, gender, ethnicity, social class, etc. While dividing people by tribes may be helpful to speak of people in broad strokes, it has two dangerous downsides. First, tribalism simplifies people who in reality are very complex. Everyone has a distinct back story, experiences, family, education, and interests. Describing people in narrow terms is a power play to manipulate and use people. Second, tribalism creates division. It typically divides people according to outward characteristics rather than inner characteristics of shared belief, values, and goals. Tribalism pits one group against another on the basis of singular outward characteristics. It creates us/them, good/bad, righteous/evil language that only serves to make enemies of people. In the end, people are told that outward accidentals are more important than inner character.
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