Musings on Idolatry
What is an idol? Everybody has at least one, most likely, more than one. How do I discover my idols? How do you find out yours?
Read moreSkillful Counsel
Topic Description
Christians often feel inept when they interact with someone struggling with unruly emotions or skewed thoughts or hurtful choices. We’re unsure how (or if) God addresses such troubles … so we back off and turn soulish issues over to the experts. God, however, encourages us to come alongside others in the midst of their struggles. Read in these posts how God equips us to offer practical help with wisdom and skill.
Have You Ever Felt Invisible?
Personal interactions may be most impersonal. Others may see our surface, ignore our heart, and leave us feeling invisible and alone.
Personal interactions may be most impersonal. Others may see our surface, ignore our heart, and leave us feeling invisible and alone.
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The Difference Between Shame and Sorrow
Shame triggers hypocrisy and ignores dignity. Sorrow triggers compassion and dismantles condemnation.
Shame triggers hypocrisy and ignores dignity.
Sorrow triggers compassion and dismantles condemnation.
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Attunement, Awareness, and Jazz
Attunement is the ability to be aware of our surroundings and respond helpfully. How do we practice this skill? Start by paying more attention to input than to output.
Read moreUnderstanding Mindset
We choose what we pay attention to – that person or object or feeling on which we set our minds. I can look at the person I’m having lunch with or take in the hockey game on the big screen behind their head. You can listen to what your friend is saying or think about what you’re going to take out of the freezer for dinner. And each of us can attend to either our independent inclinations or the guiding of the Spirit. We know about wavering between hockey and our lunch companion; we understand the conflict between friend and freezer, but what does it mean to set our minds on the Spirit? The question is of utmost importance, because this mindset shapes the entire tone of our lives.
Read moreSin Is a Mixture
Many years ago I met with a married woman who was deeply in love – but not with her husband. Torn between that love and her guilt, she had reached the end of her rope.
She hadn’t stopped her affair for a very good reason. She hated the sin, but (and this is what kept her involved in it) she thought that giving up her sin meant giving up her longing to be cherished. She really did hate the sin. She just couldn’t figure out how to stop it without this deep sense of losing something that shouldn’t be lost.
Read moreBeliefs, Emotions, and Behavior – How Change Occurs
What best helps people change? Do we start with beliefs, emotions, or behavior? Do we emphasize one of the three or do we address them all? What do the professionals recommend? And what does God say?
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