Category Archives: Approval of Others
Glad to Be a Fool
I don’t remember the context of the conversation, but I remember that I had been talking with our son, Caleb, and something he said made me think this would be a good opportunity to teach him something about God. So, I asked him, “who is the only person who knows everything?” At first, he was not sure how to respond, but after some prodding and after I had repeated the question a few more times, he finally responded. “Mom?” Well, not exactly the answer I was looking for, but we got a good laugh out of it. And, in the end, it is not a bad answer, especially if you are talking to mom! Obviously, the answer I was looking for was “God.” When you think about it, it is quite astonishing to think about the vast knowledge of God. There is absolutely nothing that escapes His knowledge or attention. There is nothing that he can’t comprehend. No thought, however brief or secret, that He does not know perfectly. Darkness does not hide anything from Him. Psalm 139 is a great reminder of this truth. God has perfect knowledge. In Romans 11:33, the apostle Paul exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” However, for many, or most, people in the world, His knowledge and wisdom are ignored, dismissed, or even ridiculed. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 that Christ and His cross are … Continue reading
Posted in Approval of Others, Faith, God's Wisdom
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Bachelor Degree
Recently, my wife and youngest son, Caleb, were watching the evening news. The news team was doing a report on jobs and career searches. As part of that, a reporter mentioned that for many types of jobs, it was important to have a Bachelor degree. Instantly, Caleb started laughing. He thought it was hilarious that someone would go to college to get a degree in being a single man. Obviously, Caleb did not understand the meaning of Bachelor degree (nor do many young men who go to college). However, it points out the importance of how we interpret the meanings of things. For instance, there are many religions in the world that would use some of the same words, expressions, and practices as Christianity. At first glance, it can appear that they believe the same thing as taught in the Bible. But if you look below the surface, the differences start to emerge and, in many cases, are completely contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. I have heard many people say that all religions essentially point to the same God and that as long as you are sincere, that is what is most important. But what if you are sincerely wrong? How can different religions lead to the same God if they teach philosophies and doctrines that are contrary to each other? Ultimately, this does not make sense. Under the umbrella of Christianity, there are churches and people who live out their lives holding to beliefs that … Continue reading
Posted in Approval of Others, Christian Living, Foundations, Truth
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Two Copper Coins
“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-4 The world looks at outward appearances. No doubt that the eyes of many people were focused on the large amounts of money that were being placed in the offering boxes that day. They were likely impressed by the size of the gifts to the temple. No one probably noticed the widow as she placed her two small coins into the box. If they did, they may have scoffed or even been embarrassed by her. As we go about our daily lives, trying to live for the Lord, the world will not usually be impressed with us. They judge by earthly standards and, most often, miss the most important things. God never misses anything. God looks at the heart. Jesus singled out the widow, as an example for his disciples. She had given a very small gift in the eyes of most. It was worth almost nothing and would have had no impact on the ministry of the temple if she had not given it. But Jesus knew her situation and He knew her heart. He knew this was all that she had … Continue reading
Posted in Approval of Others, Faith, Giving, God's Faithfulness, Pride, Self-Righteousness, Trust
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My Idolatrous Heart: Approval of God or Others
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 In this week’s journey, I want to look into one of things that many of us, or all of us, struggle with, if we are honest. I think everyone appreciates being told that they have done a good job. When I have worked hard on some project, it is gratifying to know that someone else recognizes the value of what I have done. I also appreciate knowing that my life and ministry have positively influenced someone’s life and helped them grow in their relationship with Christ. Feedback, whether we are giving or receiving it, is an important part of our lives and growth as individuals and followers of Christ. We see numerous examples of feedback, both encouragement and criticism, in the pages of Scripture. Yet, we also see warnings against seeking the approval of others or placing too much value on what others perceive or say. How do we navigate this path without allowing what others say to us, or think about us, to become an idol in our lives? Here are some things that can help us to accomplish this. Work for the Lord, regardless of whether our efforts are recognized by others. The passage in Colossians 3:23-24, shown above, is interesting in that the apostle Paul is addressing slaves with these verses. Slaves may … Continue reading
Posted in Approval of Others, Christian Living, Idolatry, Pride
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