Looking Forward To The Fulfillment Of The Purposes Of Our Lives

This post is about our future hope, the anchor for our lives. First, think back to the Garden of Eden. Consider the callings (we could also refer to them as missions or commissions) that God gave to Adam and Eve. They lived in a paradise, but God did not want them to just sit and enjoy the scenery. Rather, he made them in his image and likeness giving them tremendous abilities and individual gifts so that they could expand the Garden of Eden and create beautiful societies in a beautiful world. Below are the eleven callings God gave to them; these are the purposes for our existence: The Eleven Callings for Humans in the Garden of Eden Bear the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) Be fruitful (Gen. 1:28) Multiply (Gen. 1:28) Fill the earth (Gen. 1:28) Subdue the earth (Gen. 1:28) Exercise dominion over animals (Gen. 1:28) Work the garden Continue Reading →

Do You Show Christlike Empathy?

Empathy is one of the most valuable qualities of a disciple of Jesus. Empathy goes to the very heart of Christianity. The supreme act of empathy was the incarnation. God chose to identify with us, put himself “in our shoes”, by becoming a human. He became what we were so we could become the full image of what he is. He did this by choosing to experience the same troubles, pain and suffering that we do. Even more, he allowed himself to be crucified to take the responsibility for our sins. If God is willing to be that empathetic for us shouldn’t we become known for our empathy for others? Empathy means training ourselves to stop our thoughts about ourselves and focus on where the other is coming from. It means being willing to consider the challenges and pain the other has faced or is facing. Or maybe just making Continue Reading →

Are You Fulfilling Your Responsibility to Admonish Others?

Scripture instructs us to do something we do not like to do: admonish our brothers and sisters. Admonish means to warn or correct someone. Galatians 6:1 instructs us: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” (NLT). Colossians 3:16 states: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (ESV). Paul said to the Ephesians that he “did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears” (Acts 20:31, ESV). He also told the Colossians: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28, ESV). (See also 1 Thess. 5:12, 14; 2 Thess. 3:15.) Considering the biblical passages about admonishing others, we need to take advantage of opportunities to Continue Reading →

Overcoming Anxious Communication

To build healthy relationships it is important to examine the issue of anxiety in our communication. No matter what type of conversation we are in, it will be very helpful to make ourselves aware of any anxiety we are feeling. Signs of anxiety include stuttering, incomplete sentences, hurried speech and being at a loss for words. Anxiety is a warning light that something is out of order. Most of us feel anxiety in conversations because of insecurity about ourselves and about how others are perceiving us. When our words are influenced by anxiety we cannot be our true selves nor can we connect very well with the listener. Have you noticed that when you are speaking with someone who is insecure it is more work to communicate and more stressful for you? Their fears are veiling their true selves. Likewise, our anxiety puts extra pressure on the listener and hinders Continue Reading →

Do Your Words Edify Others?

It seems like God gave us a superpower when he gave us the gift of speech; he gave us some of his power. God used words to create the universe, including humans and the Garden of Eden. He used words to reveal himself in Scripture and his Son is the living Word of God. Since he made humans in his image, God also gave humans the ability to exercise power through words. But with this great gift comes great responsibility. Jesus warned us: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37, NIV). Why such a dire warning?  Because God so tremendously loves the humans he has made and he doesn’t want us harming them with words. Jesus Continue Reading →