From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. — Luke 12:48 This verse, often misinterpreted as solely referring to material wealth, carries a far deeper meaning. While financial prosperity is certainly a blessing, it’s merely one…
Bad Language
In my upbringing, profanity and derogatory language were strictly forbidden. My grandfather and father, ever vigilant, kept a bar of soap nearby to encourage mindful speech. This conservative approach, while perhaps unconventional by today’s standards, instilled in me a deep respect for language and a strong aversion to its misuse. While I recognize that my…
Halloween Lessons
Every Halloween, as I reflect on childhood memories, a particular longing surfaces. I yearned to don a cowboy hat, holster a toy pistol, and gallop through the neighborhood. But my father, like many of their generation, held a strict stance against such toys. Dad, a staunch conservative, had a surprising aversion to firearms, toy pistols,…
Blessings
Luke 11:28 reminds us, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” This verse illuminates the true meaning of being blessed. It’s not just about receiving gifts or good fortune, but about actively living a life aligned with God’s will. The Southern expression “bless your heart” can be a double-edged…
Exclusion
Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentile who are turning to God. — Acts 15:19. The passage in Acts 15:19 underscores a fundamental principle of Christianity: inclusivity. It’s a call to welcome all, regardless of their background, into the fold of faith. The early church faced a dilemma, grappling with the…