One take away we could observe from the recent U.S. mid-term elections is that character was a major factor. To clarify, there are two types of character. One is the way the world looks at character, and the other is from God’s point of view. We need to be clear about the difference.The world looks at character more in the realm of personality which means that character has no real boundaries. It is just the way someone is. The Britannica Dictionary defines character as: The way someone thinks, … [Read more...] about True Character
Sin
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 don’t mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let “righteousness” become an idol. It’s an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness
Adjusting Our Focus
All around us the world is coming unraveled. Many elements of our society believe right is wrong and wrong is right. Morality of any form is out the door as a basis for all our institutions. Our economies have been pushed into the worst recession in a generation, with our government convinced that they can spend their way out of debt. Food supply disruptions causing shortages could result in millions of deaths this year alone in the poorest of countries. It is easy for … [Read more...] about Adjusting Our Focus
The Lying Epidemic
The position of being separated from God leaves a person very exposed to the forces of destruction. Through the prophet Isaiah, God states, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin and God simply do not mix. Not that God doesn’t give space for sin to be repented of – He does. But when sin is a way of life, certain characteristics develop as a result. One of the main destroying forces that quickly develops is lying. “… your lips have spoken lies … they trust … [Read more...] about The Lying Epidemic