3 Things to Remember if you Want to “Work as unto the Lord”
Michael Kelley:
Notice that Paul doesn’t say we need to get a new job; he doesn’t even qualify the kind of work that we are doing. Instead, he makes a holistic and inclusive statement about whatever work it is we are doing. It is possible, according to Colossians, for us to mow grass, work on spreadsheets, crunch numbers, or rebuild engines as unto the Lord. This is a different perspective indeed that just “putting your nose to the grindstone” in order to bring home a paycheck.
How do we gain that perspective? What do we need to remember if we truly want to do our work, whatever it is, as unto the Lord?Â
General Revelation Explained
We’re kicking off our Thursday series on the 99 essential Christian doctrines on The Hero of the Story by looking at the doctrine of General Revelation. This was a fun conversation and I hope you’ll check it out (and subscribe).
The Millennial Pastor and the Looming Midlife Crisis
Jared Sparks:
Why do so many middle-aged pastors have affairs? It seems like a new scandal comes out each month! Why are there so many late 30-year-old pastors who dress like hipsters? That midlife crisis is sneaky. There is something in a man that wants to be respected and honored. Home life for a middle-aged man can be quite hard. The kids are growing up and marriage seems to be more about who is taking the kids to practice than it is about the next date night. As home life gets more difficult, church life seems to be taking off. The 40-year-old pastor has really hit stride. He knows what he is doing and has finally landed with what he believes to be the best model of ministry. The people at church are taking notice of how well he is managing and leading the family of God. He has honor and respect in this family. But at home? It’s hard! The writing is on the wall. Scandal is coming!
Why Niceness Weakens Our Witness
Sharon Hodde Miller:
“Niceness” is a form of superficial kindness that’s used as a means to a selfish end. I identify it as an idol in my life because I have served it tirelessly, and it has served me well in return. My devotion to it has won me a lot of acceptance and praise, but it has also inhibited my courage, fed my self-righteousness, encouraged my inauthenticity, and produced in me a flimsy sweetness that easily gives way to disdain.
Reflections on Three 10th Anniversaries
Jared Wilson:
This year is a milestone year for me in a few ways. For instance, it was 25 years ago (Summer 1994) that I took my first ministry position—youth director at Zion Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. But it’s some more recent milestones I’m reflecting on today. This very day (August 8) 10 years ago was my first day as the pastor of Middletown Springs Community Church in Middletown Springs, Vermont. But this summer marks two other 10th anniversaries —it was 2009 when my first book was published and when I had my first public speaking engagement. Below some reflections on these three “10th anniversaries.”
