We know that our physical life is designed to end. So, it is helpful to realize that our physical lives are simply a means to an end. âMeansâ is the action or path one takes to reach a goal. âEndâ is the goal distinct from what one does to reach the goal. Understanding what these are and being able to distinguish which is the âmeansâ and which is the âendâ is important as it helps all of us reach our intended goal. But what is the goal of human physical life? What goal … [Read more...] about Our Life â A Means to the End
Practical Christain Living
The Age of Uncertainty
The Centennial Edition of the Foreign Affairs Journal was a very interesting edition. The cover was absolutely black. And down on the bottom in a smaller space there was an individual holding what looked like a lantern, but it was the globe of the earth, giving off a very faint light and showing up very dimly around the ground that this individual was standing on indicating of course not very much light in a very dark world. The title of this edition at the bottom, underneath all of this was … [Read more...] about The Age of Uncertainty
Three Levels of Listening
Personally, I always thought I was a fairly good listener. That was until I attended a class on listening. It was only then that I realized I had been a very poor listener for most of my life. The Presenter spoke about the different levels of listening. He represented listening as a team building experience because we often get into trouble since we donât want to hear the other person before we speak. Scriptures has several comments about our human proclivity to prefer speaking … [Read more...] about Three Levels of Listening
Misunderstood Authority?
The subject of authority is a difficult one because of the many negative applications we see around us. Itâs primary association with power, clashes with the natural human desire for autonomy. In our present day, the subject of authority is often confused with authoritarianism and the abuse of power, which creates a negative perception. Authority is a vital ingredient for godly living, and it is therefore important for us to be clear minded about what it is and what it is not. … [Read more...] about Misunderstood Authority?
Pride vs Humility
Humility is not one the fruits of Godâs Holy Spirit but it is an integral part â the soil â of the process that produces the fruit. Christ said that we should produce fruit: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you" (John 15.16). "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk … [Read more...] about Pride vs Humility
Healthy Attitudes
I want to look at the concept of attitude and see just what kind of potent force it is. An attitude is a manner of acting, feeling or thinking that reveals oneâs disposition, opinion, and overall mindset. Oneâs attitude is a mental disposition. How we are inside. Our approach to life. Itâs the way we view the world in general terms and how we look at other individuals. A good attitude means different things in different circumstances. Generally, it signifies an approach … [Read more...] about Healthy Attitudes
The Purpose of Righteousness
Even within Christian churches that look fairly homogeneous doctrinally-speaking, we can find diverse attitudes. For example, there are currents of more liberal or fundamentalist approaches to religious practice. One such current that can be problematic within churches is self-rightness. I donât mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let ârighteousnessâ become an idol. Itâs an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness