Escaping Vanity

“All that we call human history–money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery–[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” C.S. Lewis

To find meaning in life, to look for your “passion in life”, or to attempt to discover ultimate meaning, apart from God, is vanity.  Hey, but that's just the deep stuff.  There are innumerable others paths to the shallows of vanity that each have their own appeal.  I can see the effect of deep and shallow vanity all around me.  I bet you can too.  It is deeply disheartening. Continue reading “Escaping Vanity”

Not Broad Appeal

My message is not intended to be broad appeal… I have come to realize this.   It was troubling at first.

However, I have been given specific things to do and accomplish, and this is why.

I fear for those whose message is, in fact, broadly appealing.  Human favor is an intoxicating and bewitching thing…. and should not be approached without extreme caution.  It's power to seduce must not be underestimated. Continue reading “Not Broad Appeal”

Getting Closer to Jesus

As we get closer to Jesus, the things that illegitimately have influence in our lives get dealt with.  Of course this is a process, and we go through it many times.

In some ways it is simpler, easier, and more comfortable to keep a certain distance from the Lord, especially if you intend to maintain compromise or are listening to and being influenced by other things.  Selfishness is one of the chief motivators that makes us want to maintain a distance from the Lord.  All of this thinking is based on the deception that you are better off without coming into complete surrender.  This idea steals from us more than we can realize.

It takes courage to come close to the Lord, which causes turbulence and drags your stuff out into the light.  For those who overcome this resistance and discomfort, the reward is beyond imagination.  Take courage today.

Defining Reality

Leaders define reality for and guide the values of those they lead.

How is this true? Are you comfortable with this?  Are you comfortable admitting this as a leader, as a follower?

This was recently brought to mind when talking with a friend who returned from a weekend trip, very excited and clearly influenced by the time and it's leaders.  Here is another way of saying it:  Those who have influence provide ways of thought and sometimes rules of thought/interpretation for those who receive their input.

Does that seem more real to you?  It's the same thing.

Continue reading “Defining Reality”