February
19
2010
0
Confronting Empty Religion
I'm continually blessed to hear the stories of people across the globe who are choosing to confront empty religion. Join us
I'm continually blessed to hear the stories of people across the globe who are choosing to confront empty religion. Join us
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Personally, I'm excited about this season ahead. If you've never observed Lent, I would encourage you to consider it this year. But, be cautious - it's not just about having less of something. Instead, it's about a commitment to more of something - God.
For those unfamiliar with the liturgical calendar of the Christian church, one of the most important times of the year occurs during the 40 days leading up to Easter—a season called Lent. For Christians who take this austere season seriously, Lent is more than giving up chocolate; it’s a time of sober reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus; a time when we internalize Christ’s life and death by practicing self-denial and self-reflection.
Read more HERE at Threadsmedia.com (article by Cameron Conant)
Adoption and orphan care is becoming an increasingly popular topic within evangelical circles. I praise God for that. But, as our awareness of this issue arises, it's necessary to go back to the heart of why it's important. It's not because it's the trendy thing to do. It's not to gain some badge of righteousness. At its deepest core, it's not even about the orphans. And, with that said, it's certainly not about us. It is about the Gospel.
Should every Christian adopt? No.
But, the question for Christians is not "Am I called to orphan care?"
It is, "How am I called to orphan care?'"
Some are called to adopt. Some are called to orphan focused mission work. Some are called to give financially. Some are called to pray. And some are called to other things. But, we're all called to something.
Just caring isn't enough. We must respond.
One of my greatest desires is to be humble. When people hear the word humble, I want them to immediately think of me. I want to become the national spokesman for an organization that’s about humility. In fact, I’m hoping to get a large statue of myself erected in downtown Nashville, Tenn., with a huge plaque naming me “a model of humility for the ages.” At the end of the day, I’m striving to become the most celebrated humble person in the world.
OK, OK. What you just read about “humility” is made-up. But unfortunately, a noticeable absence of true biblical humility among some Christians is real. As a result, a prevalence of spiritual snobbery is all too common. Although this arrogance probably doesn’t show itself quite the way I described, it’s certainly happening.
Continue reading HERE as I discuss what it looks like, why it matters, and what we should do to combat it.
Jesus’ call to His disciples was, “Follow Me. Walk where I’m walking. Go where I’m going. And along the way, I’ve got some things to teach you.”
Jesus didn’t necessarily seek out a fig tree, a field, or a farmer. He was walking by those things, and He used those moments that naturally occurred to teach spiritual truth. But He had to be walking with people in order to have that opportunity.
When people from an older generation invite those younger than them into their lives, they have that chance. Whether eating a meal, going to the movies, or having a conversation, the natural circumstances emerge to see and seize teaching opportunities through sharing life together.
Though some specific direction can be emphasized in those relationships, the greatest learning moments will surface during everyday occurrences as they live life together—funerals, weddings, meals, baseball games, and family events. While mentoring does require time and vulnerability, the biggest key is intentionality. That’s what Jesus demonstrated as He walked side by side with others.
Sometimes we confuse intentionality with formality. It's not about blocking extra hours (that you likely don't have) for "mentoring time." Instead, it's about mentoring people within the existing hours that you do have. Regimented weekly meetings are fine for some, but they'll never be as effective as simply bringing others into your everyday life.
