Monthly Archives: August 2014

FASHIONABLE IS FLEETING

I am regularly asked what I think about some new approach or insight to living the Christian life.  Trendy stuff catches the imaginations of many Christians.  I could give many examples.  They come and go, but sadly many Christians continue to hold out hope that there will be some new breakthrough for their lackluster, spiritual life.

Whenever I am asked about one of these new, sexy approaches to walking with Jesus, I am saddened and sometimes a bit outraged.  There are so many better (and many times accessible) riches available.  For example, the Puritans had much to say about discouragement, temptations of all sorts, even what to do with recurring dreams where one is enticed sexually.

I am constantly asked what I thought about books like the best-selling, The Prayer of Jabez.  No one asks me about that book anymore.   Fashionable is fleeting!

 

NO CHEST BEATING!

Our dear friends, Allison and Darin Maurer, served on Cru staff with us at Stanford University.  Allison recently reminded me of a visit they paid to us when we were living in the “Chicagoland” area.

We went to Willow Creek and they were having a celebration for their church.  They had a nifty brochure for the event, but it was the information inside which shocked and thrilled me.  Along with the wonderful things which happened over the years, they candidly described some of their failures, including mention (not by name) of former pastors infidelity.  

I was edified by Willow Creek’s humility, and their saying no to the temptation of beating their collective chest.