Listening is rudimentary to being a good human; it’s one of the most fundamental forms of respect. Further, it’s a basic signifier of our humility. And our wisdom: Proverbs tells us it’s only the fool that utters all his mind[1] and “He that answers a matter before listening it is a folly and shame to him.”[2] The fundamental loss of … Read More
Hero-dads grow in competence to influence
Dads who come out of their caves learn to care about their communities. They are like the dad connected to the virtuous woman in Prov. 31: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (23, ESV). To sit by the city gates was to sit among the civic leaders: listening, discussing problems, … Read More
The Universal Fatherhood of God, Part 2 of 2
“The Bible calls on us to develop a theological imagination within which we see the world as a community and not a collection of hostilities.” Esau McCaulley, Reading While Black Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 4 of 4
In this multi-layered passage we’ve been considering (Luke 10:38-42), Mary is our example in both her listening and, specifically, in her listening to Jesus. And this brings us to our final and most important point for 2021: Jesus tells us that Mary shows us a better way to live. (42) A close friend casually looking at this story has often … Read More
Healing Our Divide
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Jesus (Matthew 5:9, NIV) In the evangelical, pro-life culture I serve in, I have some of the best of friends. Politically, we don’t always see eye-to-eye; in fact, sometimes it can seem like we’re on different planets. BUT… we love and trust one another and, post-election, we’re trying … Read More
Heaven’s Proud Reward and Crown, Part 3 of 3
“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our … Read More
The Art of Conversation
One of the purposes of this blog is to promote honesty and “constructive conversations” in your sphere of influence. With that in mind, and reflecting on the first Presidential debate, I thought I’d share a section on “The Art of Conversation” from a subscription-only list-serve I’m on. It’s a very practical piece from one of my favorite ministries, Axis, that … Read More
Reaching Those Who’ve Been Hurt by the Church, Part 2 of 3
***Last week (Part 1) we made the “awareness” case. This week (Part 2) and next (Part 3) we get more practical, sharing the remaining nine of ten essentials for reaching those who’ve been hurt or disillusioned by the Church. For a full version of this article see here. 2) Empathy: It’s at this point that we, as believers, have a … Read More