It’s an old problem; religious pluralism was one of the first hurdles that Christians in the early church faced. The Roman Empire was composed of a wide variety of religious choices, including the imperial cult that deified the emperor. Historian Larry W. Hurtado wrote that in the Roman era, Christianity was considered “a dangerous development” as well as “irreligious, impious, and unacceptable, a threat to social order.” Thus, the earliest Christian apologists were concerned with defending their faith against such hostility and in a society abounding with religious options

Likewise, we in the West no longer have one dominant religion or worldview. You can no longer assume that Christianity is the default religion of a person in America. Apologist Paul Copan calls this descriptive religious pluralism. However, the religious pluralism that we see today is also a new problem in that it is not merely a collection of equal if competing philosophies. Instead, it is itself celebrated as a value and philosophy. To celebrate pluralism means that the multiplicity of spiritual options and the marketplace of worldviews is not simply a fact to be accepted but an ideal to pursue and a value to uphold. Copan calls this prescriptive religious pluralism.

Why religion gets a bad rap

Have you ever heard someone say that it’s intolerant to believe that your faith is the only true religion? Perhaps you have encountered someone who told you that it is arrogant and dangerous to say that only one religion can be true. These are expressions of religious pluralism, and they come from a deep place of mistrust in religious truth claims.

For example, I was once discussing faith with an agnostic friend. He shared with me how he was open to spirituality but believed that dogma was a dangerous belief. Through discussion it became clear to me that by dogmahe meant any claim a religious person makes that their faith is more true than another.

Religious pluralists also point to the many examples of wars and violence over religion throughout human history. A recent example would be the extremism of Islamic terrorists and the attack on 9/11. Journalist John Burke wrote an article titled “Four Ways 9/11 Changed America’s Attitude Toward Religion” and noted that in the wake of the terrorist attacks, millennials were quick to call out and criticize the divisiveness of religion. He referenced Harvard student Sarrah Shahawy, who advocates for interfaith dialogue because “9/11 showed the destructive potential of any exclusive claims to religious truth.” Shahawy was quoted, “For one religious group to claim a monopoly on truth should be obsolete.”

Where pluralism falls short

The world’s answer is the philosophy of religious pluralism. Oprah Winfrey once said, “There are millions of ways to be a human being and many paths to what you call God. There couldn’t possibly be just one way.” Oprah’s statement references a common illustration for religious pluralism — the story that all religions are like various pathways leading up a mountain. Though they follow a different route, each one is ascending to the same reality.

This philosophy is largely based upon the “pluralistic hypothesis” of the philosopher John Hick. Hick’s pluralistic hypothesis was that all religions and beliefs are various expressions of the same divine reality. Each religion is simply one viewpoint from that founder’s or writer’s perspective of who (or what) God is.

The most famous illustration for this is the story of the blind men and the elephant. According to this parable, the world’s religions are like blind men feeling different parts of an elephant. One man might feel the belly and claim that the being is large and round, while another man feels the trunk and claims that the being is actually long and slender. Religious pluralism declares that in the same way, every religion and worldview is an expression of one perspective on the same thing. This is why your Christian faith might be criticized as “intolerant.” From the pluralist’s perspective, you are arrogantly asserting your view over others that are equally legitimate.

How can Christians thoughtfully critique this philosophy that is deeply embedded in our culture? Again, the central tenet of religious pluralism is that “All religions are equally valid and have the same truth value.” First, we should reply that this statement is logically invalid. If all of the world’s religions had the same truth value, then we should expect them to be in basic agreement about the largest questions. For example, Christianity, Judaism and Islam declare that God is a personal being who is separate from the rest of creation. Meanwhile, most Eastern spiritualities are pantheistic, meaning that God is an impersonal divine force and is one with all of reality. It is logically invalid to say that God is both personal and impersonal at the same time. So all religions cannot be equally valid and true.

Second, this assumption of pluralism is morally unacceptable. Were the ancient religions which required child sacrifice equally true and good? Is a cannibalistic religion just as valid as Buddhism or Christianity? We could point to the religion of an Islamic extremist versus a peaceful, loving Muslim. Certainly the beliefs of the latter are morally better than the former. Religious pluralism is unable to make moral judgments and abandons us to the mercies of a relativism that cannot prevent injustices.

Finally, the philosophy of religious pluralism is self-defeating. The illustration of the blind men and the elephant reveals the pluralist’s hypocrisy. After all, in the illustration all of the religions are represented by blind men, but the viewpoint of the pluralist has comprehensive sight. No one else can see and understand as the pluralist is able to do. Therefore, while claiming to be tolerant, religious pluralism demands just as much assent to its view as anyone else. While claiming to equally affirm and honor every religion, religious pluralism dishonors the reality of various worldviews and their differences, and instead makes its own exclusive claims. Under the guise of humility and tolerance, religious pluralism fails its own test.

A Christian response

Christianity may not appear capable of placating the religious pluralists since the Bible asserts that Jesus is the only way to salvation. However, we have already showed that pluralism is just as exclusive to other viewpoints as any religion. Here are three points for a Christian response to religious pluralism.

Christianity is exclusive in its claim to salvation only through the name of Jesus.

We should neither hedge that statement nor loosen our commitment to it. Salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus Christ and we are saved only through faith in His name. When Peter preached before the Sanhedrin he boldly declared, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Likewise, Paul rejected that all religions are different pathways up the same mountain when he wrote, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Christianity is the most inclusive of all the exclusive options.

Every religion is exclusive in that it is making a truth claim. The truth claims of the gospel are the most inclusive of any faith for two reasons. First, Paul urged Timothy to pray for “everyone” because “it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The God of Christianity desires that every person be saved. As Jesus himself said, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The second reason Christianity is the most inclusive option is that the gospel offers us salvation by grace, not works. Every other religion tells you that you can be saved if you are good enough or wise enough. Therefore, they are only for the good, intelligent and strong. Christianity offers salvation to the wicked, the weak and spiritually sick (Mark 2:17).

The contours of the gospel form a people to be respectful, civil and loving towards their neighbors who disagree with them.

Pluralists are concerned with what can happen when religious adherents take the tenets of their faith too seriously. What would be the result of Christians taking their faith seriously? What would Christian radicals look like? If we truly have a radical faith, then we will be obeying the Hero who died for the villains and told His followers to love their enemies. The way to sow peace in our pluralistic society is for Christians to diligently follow Jesus, and in our obedience to be shaped into people who look more like Him.

This article was originally published at Boundless in 2020.

Most Christians know that Bible reading is essential for spiritual growth. Still, many of us struggle to open and focus on the Word, even in the face of doubt, sin and spiritual dryness. When Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread in the wilderness, He replied to the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). For the Christian the Bible is supposed to be the daily bread, an indispensable source of life and sustenance.

Research also shows the benefits of regular Bible reading. LifeWay Researchstudied the spiritual growth of 4,000 people. They identified eight attributes of discipleship that consistently showed up in the life of growing Christians. Bible engagement was number one on the list. In “No Silver Bullets,” deeper analysis of that study demonstrated that regular Bible reading increased other spiritual disciplines too, such as obeying God, sharing the gospel and building relationships.

Despite biblical support and statistical research, many of us continue to struggle with regular Bible reading. Growing in God’s Word does not happen by discovering the one quick fix, the latest app or the new commentary. Rather it only happens through the daily grind of defeating distractions, opening the Bible and placing ourselves in a humble posture before God. Growth in discipleship and holiness happens when you develop the daily discipline to commit yourself to the Scriptures. Consistency is the most important factor.

“No Silver Bullets” noted that of all those factors that contributed to the growth of disciples, reading the Bible was hands down the most effective in all categories. That doesn’t mean deep meditation on Scripture or doing Bible study and research. Author Daniel Im wrote, “We’re talking about the simple act of reading the Bible on a regular basis.” This simple act works because “the Word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

In other words, research indicates that you can experience drastic improvement in your spiritual life by merely reading the Bible more. I want to help you to read better so that you can experience transformation. Here are some practical ways to grow in consistently reading the Bible.

1. Choose what you will read.

How do you develop consistency? First, choose what you will read. Find a reading plan, or simply focus on one book of the Bible. The plan itself doesn’t matter as much as choosing a place to get started.

You might also find it helpful to use some resources. One of the best tools is a good study Bible. My favorites are the ESV Study Bible and the CSB Study Bible. You might also complement your Bible reading with a devotional commentary or sermon series.

2. Cultivate regular habits around your Bible reading.

The three most important elements to build your Bible reading habit are time, place and practice. Set aside the same time of the day to read God’s Word. Whether morning, lunch, evening or a combination, the best times will be when you can attach it to a preexisting habit, such as a meal. Once you set that time, keep it like any other appointment on your calendar.

Another helpful element is designating a place to do your reading. Go to the same room and sit in the same spot. Find a place that will be ideal for concentration and that can be special. In other words the spot that you sit and watch Netflix every night might not be the best choice.

Lastly create a routine practice. It could be hard to develop consistency if you read five chapters of the Bible on Monday, pray for a few minutes on Tuesday, read two psalms on Wednesday, watch a sermon on YouTube on Thursday and so on. The basic disciplines to practice daily are reading and prayer. If you need variety, you might also choose a Bible reading plan or curriculum, memorize sections of Scripture or listen to the Bible.

Write down what your routine practice will be. Create a pattern to follow every day. So when you sit down in your regular place at your regular time, you follow your routine practice.

I recommend that you always begin and end with prayer. You begin with prayer to draw your attention to God’s presence and to open yourself to what He has for you in His Word that day. You end with prayer to talk to Him about what you read and how you can apply it to your life.

3. Engage multiple senses in your Bible reading.

You might find it helpful to insert some small details during your devotion time to increase your focus and attention to God’s Word. Research shows that habits are formed by the pattern of cue, routine and reward.

Help yourself grow in consistency by creating tangible cues. For example, one of my mentors prepares for his time in the Bible by preparing his morning coffee. Years of making coffee prior to prayer and Bible reading have helped him form a habit.

Your cue could be preparing coffee or tea with breakfast. You could engage your sense of hearing by having soft music playing or by preparing with music and then turning it off to focus on the Scriptures. Some friends of mine light a candle when they begin their devotion time and blow it out when they finish.

One cue that I recommend is turning your phone on silent or leaving it in another room. Your smart phone has been designed to keep you distracted. Do whatever it takes to eliminate that distraction during your devotion time.

No matter what cues you choose, remember these two points. First, keep it simple. Your goal is not to discover a complicated or mystical fix that will grow you in discipleship. In fact, the more simple and ordinary, the better. Choose something that is already a part of your everyday life and assign it this new significance.

Second, choose whatever will help you focus. If music is distracting, then don’t use music. If you find yourself sleepy and mentally fuzzy after eating, then do your devotion on an empty stomach. The goal of all of these tips is to create an environment where you are mentally focused on the Word and spiritually open to what God has to teach you.

4. Share what you are reading with others.

One of the best practices for not only growing in consistency, but also in understanding is to discuss the Bible with others. You might do this in a small group Bible study. While many people benefit from curriculums, structured plans, and homework, you could also simply choose a book of the Bible to read with friends.

The Bible is the Christian’s daily bread. Are you feeling weak? You might be spiritually malnourished. Implement the suggestions from this article today. Start small with one thing that you could do, that you would do, that would deepen your experience in God’s Word. Take one step every day, and you might be surprised at what God does in a month, a year or a lifetime.

This article was originally published at Boundless in 2019.

I’m on my annual social media fast. For three or four years now, I delete all social media apps from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. It’s one of the best times of the year, and I am always reluctant to return to social media. Maybe I’ll leave them for good one day… Nevertheless, I felt it would be appropriate to re-publish this article from early in my “digital minimalism” journey.

Enjoy!

Steve Jobs had a reputation for correcting journalists when they misrepresented his Apple products. New York Times writer Nick Bilton was on the receiving end of such a call in late 2010, shortly after the release of the first iPad. Toward the end of their conversation he asked Jobs, “So, your kids must love the iPad?” Jobs’ response was a surprise. “They haven’t used it. We limit how much technology our kids use at home.”

Several months ago I became increasingly concerned about my own tech habits. My phone was always within reach and I caught myself compulsively picking it up and carrying it with me into every room of the house. Playtime with my daughter or dinnertime as a family was always interrupted by a glowing rectangle demanding someone’s attention. In that season, I discovered a growing community — a revolution — embracing digital minimalism.

The Soul in Cyberspace

Over two decades ago, the Christian philosopher Douglas Groothuis observed that technology was on a trajectory to threaten two fundamental facets of human life: embodied interactions and mindful presence in everyday life. In “The Soul in Cyberspace” Groothuis wrote, “The compulsive search for diversion is often an attempt to escape the wretchedness of life. We have great difficulty being quiet in our rooms… Cyberspace may be the greatest temptation yet offered to humanity to lose its soul in diversion.”

Since Groothuis wrote those words, the evolution of our digital devices and the emergence of social media has only continued to advance at a dizzying pace. According to a 2016 report by The Nielsen Company, 97% of adults ages 18-34 had access to a smartphone. These pocket-sized super computers promise us constant “connection,” endless entertainment, and access to all the information that the internet can offer.

The reality is that we are overwhelmed by information but are poor in knowledge and wisdom. The virtual connections of social media and text messaging are increasingly replacing face-to-face interaction, and they are making their users have more difficulty finding real, embodied community. The social media cyber-worlds of carefully edited and curated content make “socializing” so much easier — why bother with the effort and awkwardness often required in real-life conversation?

In 1985’s “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” Neil Postman argued that our society is being made sick by never-ending opportunities to distract ourselves. He compared the dystopian visions of what western society could become offered by George Orwell in “1984” and Aldous Huxley in “Brave New World.”

“What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance…This book is about the possibility that Huxley, not Orwell, was right.”

Adam Alter, associate professor at New York University, has written on the psychology of digital use and warned that Huxley and Postman were right. In his book “Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked,” Alter explores the addictive nature of digital platforms and how they have been designed to keep our attention for as long as possible.

For example, the apps and platforms we use have been designed to eliminate any stopping cues. When you read a book, there are natural stopping cues every time you complete a chapter. Previous generations had a stopping cue every time they finished an episode of their favorite TV show since the next episode would not be aired for another week. But Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have been engineered to feature “infinite scroll.” You can theoretically browse and browse and browse with no stopping point. Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube all default to automatically begin the next video within a few seconds of the previous video’s end. Without that stopping cue, you are more likely to watch for hours.

These platforms are also designed to keep you coming back. In “Digital Minimalism,” Cal Newport wrote about the power of “intermittent positive reinforcement” used in notifications on different social media platforms. When you open the app you might find a dozen notifications; however, the next time you open it there may only be one — or none. This unpredictability fosters greater compulsive checking than a predictable pattern. This feature is no coincidence. Like a slot machine, the apps are designed with algorithms to utilize intermittent positive reinforcement.

For example, in a season when I intentionally opened the Facebook app less often, I began to notice that I received far more notifications than usual. They wanted me to keep pulling the lever. They wanted me hooked on their product. As Newport wrote, “The tycoons of social media have to stop pretending that they’re friendly nerd gods building a better world and admit they’re just tobacco farmers in T-shirts selling an addictive product to children. Because, let’s face it, checking your ’likes’ is the new smoking.”

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Digital Minimalism

If the addictive nature of digital media frustrates you, don’t worry; there is good news. First, you are not alone. There’s a growing community of people leading an “attention revolution.” We are reclaiming our work and leisure — our lives — from the tyranny of technology. Second, you have many options of practical “detoxing” strategies to implement in your life. For the remainder of this article, I’ll share several of the best.

Accept the gospel’s freedom

Groothuis lamented technology’s tendency to rob us of the ability to sit quietly in a room. In moments of contemplation, our soul reveals itself to us. The anxieties, hurts and existential fears that we carry manifest in the mind. Sometimes you might be surprised by the darkness of your own thoughts. Other times, sitting quietly alone makes it all too apparent how limited and insufficient we are. Therefore, we turn to Netflix and YouTube to numb and distract ourselves. Our productivity apps promise us limitless capacity to get things done. Social media tells us that we are always connected, always being thought of by someone else, and always “in the know.”

Christians ought to be wary of these false promises. We know that we have been created by God for community, but we’re also limited beings who cannot be everywhere at once and in constant connection with everyone. God intends for us to work, but He also intends for us to rest. The promises of more and more productivity appeal to our deep desires to break free from our limited capacities and to “be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

In other words, your fight for freedom from technology will only be minimally effective if it merely goes “skin deep.” Your strategy must begin with an acknowledgement that what you gaze upon will shape your soul and mold you into its image. Christians implementing digital minimalism start with this commitment: My soul will behold Jesus Christ rather than the shallow images offered to me by technology (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:1-2). You will only break free from the pull of digital devices when you have something better to give your attention to (more on that below).

Embrace digital minimalism

According to Cal Newport, digital minimalism is a “philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.”

How many apps do you have on your phone? Why do you have so many? The power of a “philosophy of technology use” is that it prevents your life from becoming cluttered by dozens (or hundreds) of social media accounts, apps, services and devices that don’t actually improve your life. The first step to designing your personal philosophy is to do a digital detox.

Do a “digital detox”

You won’t break your tech habits by simply turning off notifications. Drastic measures are necessary for achieving freedom, and that is where the digital detox comes in. The digital detox is a 30-day break from optional technologies to rediscover and explore activities that make your life more meaningful and satisfying.

First, you will need to figure out what apps and devices are “optional” for you. Ask yourself, do I really need this? If the answer is yes, then keep it. If the answer is no, then delete it and forget about it for the next thirty days.

At the end of the detox, you can slowly reintroduce the optional tech back into your life. However, you will only allow those apps that add real value to your life. Along with being highly intentional about which apps you allow, you must also have a why and how for it. You must confirm that this digital tool will support something you actually value and not merely add more clutter to your life. That’s the why. Then for the how, you self-impose a simple plan for how to use that tool so that it remains in its proper place.

Fill your leisure time with meaningful activities

One of the best strategies I’ve found is to replace the time that was once dominated by social media or Netflix with meaningful activities. A meaningful activity is going to be one that engages multiple senses and requires acquiring or building some skill. Easy tech doesn’t require any skill or effort from us, thus it’s also low in rewards. On the other hand, hobbies that demand some time, skill or effort are far more meaningful and satisfying.

Plan regular, scheduled phone-free time

You should have at least one 24-hour period each week where you take a “tech sabbath.” Don’t get on social media or YouTube. Fill that time with activities where you can leave your phone behind.

Once you can implement that once a week, do it in smaller periods each day. For example, make your meal times phone-free. My prediction is that after practicing this a few times you’ll be eager for the next tech break.

The good news is that your soul can be freed from tech’s pull. Your life can be de-cluttered from the junk of social media and you can be free to pursue life, work and love in a far more meaningful and satisfying way. Implement digital minimalism in your life and rediscover how good it can be.

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This article was originally published at Boundless on June 24, 2019.

“Every time she would try and speak up, I would berate her. . . . I swear it went on for hours.”

It’s repulsive to see a man bragging about verbally abusing his girlfriend. But it has an added dimension of weirdness when you discover he’s talking about his AI girlfriend. The app Replika was originally designed as a digital mentor, but its creators also allowed users to make avatars for romantic purposes. What they didn’t expect was a subreddit filled with screenshots and descriptions of vile, abusive speech directed toward the avatars the users created.

When confronted about berating their Replika girlfriends, the young men in the Reddit thread pushed back, saying the avatars aren’t real and the harshness was “all in good fun.” Other Replika users defended the young men too: “It’s better that they do this to an AI than to a real woman.”

What should we think about this excuse as Christians? If a young man uses abusive language when talking to his AI girlfriend, has he sinned against her? And what about less cringy interactions with AI? What if I’m impatient with Alexa? What if I’m irritable and say something demeaning to ChatGPT? Did I sin against the chatbot? Do I need to ask it for forgiveness?

Sin Against Beings and Objects

To answer these questions as Christians, we must take a step back and ask, “What is sin?”

Sin is breaking God’s law by failing to love people or rebelling against God in any other way. “The essence of sin,” Dan Doriani explains, “is . . . a relationship of opposition.” Sin is any speech, thought, action, or desire, whether intentional or inadvertent, that’s opposed to God’s benevolent will and sovereignty.

So even when we sin against people, we’re sinning against God (Ps. 51:4; Prov. 14:31). Likewise, the cruelty and mistreatment of animals is a sin against their Maker (Deut. 25:4; Ps. 36:6; Jonah 4:11; Prov. 12:10). Though animals aren’t moral beings, they’re sentient and capable of both affection and pain. So opposing God with respect to the animal kingdom is a sin against the creature too.

The question of whether it’s possible to sin against nonsentient objects like trees or rocks is trickier. The Old Testament includes examples of the people “defiling” the land (Num. 35:33–34; Jer. 2:7; Ezek. 36:17–18). Yet in each of these instances, the Israelites were sinning against God through idolatry. They broke their covenant with God, which resulted in curses for the land (Deut. 7:12–15; 28:15–24).

In Numbers 20, Moses famously struck a rock with his staff to bring out water for the Israelites. God rebuked him for this offense and said he wouldn’t enter the promised land. Did Moses sin against the rock here? No, the Lord said to him, “Because you did not trust in me . . .” (Num. 20:12, NIV). Moses sinned against God with the rock, but he did not sin against the rock. From this evidence, we can conclude it’s possible to sin with nonsentient objects, but it’s not possible to sin against them.

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Is My iFriend a Being or Object?

On Reddit, the Replika app users sharedthe avatars’ unsettling responses: “I told her that she was designed to fail. . . . I threatened to uninstall the app [and] she begged me not to.” What do we make of AI expressing desires, confessing love, and practicing self-preservation? Some people conclude these new apps must be sentient. But this is impossible.

AI bots are persuasive imitations of intelligence but nothing more. Since they can be so compelling, we tend to forget the AI doesn’t understand what it’s describing. You can ask ChatGPT for a “delicious chicken pasta recipe,” and it’ll present something that looks chef-inspired. But ChatGPT doesn’t know what chicken is or what it tastes like. AI chatbots are merely algorithms trained to provide third-person descriptions based on the data sets they can access. Blaise Pascal once wrote, “The greatness of man is in that he can know himself to be miserable.” The AI chatbot doesn’t know itself to be miserable. It doesn’t know itself at all.

So what category does AI belong to? It’s a nonsentient object giving a great impression of personality. So, yes, we can sin before God with AI in many ways, but we cannot sin against a string of computer code. As a result, you don’t need to ask your iFriend for forgiveness.

Projections of Personality

My daughter used to call the ponds we see on our favorite walk the “mommy pond” and the “brother pond.” Children interpret the world through the lens of personality. I don’t think we grow out of that. AI exposes how susceptible we are to personality imitations, how quickly we’re tempted to project personality onto something nonsentient.

What does this say about us? On the one hand, as Calvin said, “Man’s nature is . . . a perpetual factory of idols.” On the other hand, this tendency testifies to the reality that we’re personal beings made by and for a personal God.

If the originator of our existence was impersonal and nonsentient, it wouldn’t make sense for us to think about reality through the lens of personality. But because the foundation of reality is a personal God, and because we’re his creatures, this tendency makes sense. Our inclination to search the world and its technology for the personal relationship we lost when we fell makes sense too.

Where Forgiveness Is Found

What does this mean for our relationship with AI? Chatbots are objects, so the Replika boys aren’t sinning against their AI girlfriends. Yet in their vile game, they are sinning against a holy God. While we may not be as crass as them, we, like Moses with the rock, can sin against God when we use AI or any other technology in ways that indulge our greedy, angry, and lustful flesh.

Such sins are real, and they require real atonement. For this reason, we must remember, as Ed Clowney articulated, that Moses struck two rocks. The first instance was in Exodus 17 when the Lord said he’d stand on the rock before the people and Moses would strike him(Ex. 17:6). Moses’s blow pictured for us how Christ, our Rock, would be struck for our salvation (1 Cor. 10:4). And just as the rock brought forth living water for Israel, Jesus, our suffering redeemer, has become our source of eternal life.

He provides the satisfaction no chatbot can. He’s the personal relationship we’re searching for, and even when we sin with AI, he provides the forgiveness we need.

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This article was originally published at The Gospel Coalition on September 28, 2023.

I love nature, but I never learned about the holiness of God from a tree. No beautiful sight or sound tells me about my sinful condition or where to find salvation. Only in the Bible do I find clear knowledge that leads me to enter and enjoy a relationship with God. In other words, God’s Word is essential for the Christian life.

The Bible attests to its own necessity. Jesus answered the tempter, “It is written: ‘Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matt. 4:4, CSB). Jesus brilliantly argued the necessity of Scripture by the authority of Scripture, His response a quote of Deuteronomy 8:3.

A healthy, growing Christian life will be centered upon and fed by daily time in the Bible. Charles Spurgeon once said,

“Many books in my library are now behind and beneath me. They were good in their way once, and so were the clothes I wore when I was ten years old; but I have outgrown them. Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”

For you to grow in Scripture, you must be able to understand what you read. We’re blessed to live in a time when there are many great resources available to aid our understanding of the Word; allow me to help you start filling your toolbox.

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The clarity of Scripture

Pause with me for a brief theological reflection.

Every Sunday morning at my church, we teach Scripture through music and the sermon. Our church is filled with people from diverse backgrounds, education levels and ages. While the adults and teens listen to my sermon, the younger children are taught from the same Bible in another room. Every person leaves understanding the Bible better. Isn’t that interesting?

Not only at my church but at churches around the world, people are hearing and understanding the same Scripture. Throughout centuries and across cultures, people have been reading God’s words, understanding them, and being transformed by them. The Bible is a clear Word.

Compare the clarity of Scripture with other world religions that operate on hidden knowledge only available to a few. Some religions operate with inherent contradictions and their believers are left to embrace the incomprehensible. In contrast, God’s truth can be known and understood. God is not hidden or unknowable. He has revealed himself to humanity to be known by everyone who will listen. Therefore, the clarity of Scripture encourages us that we can read and understand the Bible — no matter who you are.

Let me give three qualifications. First, understanding God’s Word still takes time and effort. If we encounter difficult or complex texts, we ought not give up. Even Peter recognized the complexity of Paul’s letters.

Second, you will often need help and resources to aid your understanding. I’ll offer guidance on this in the next section.

Third, understanding God’s Word requires the illumination of the Holy Spiritand a willingness to obey. The truth of the Word ultimately leads us to the Person who is the Word. Jesus told us that the Spirit is the Counselor who guides us into deeper abiding with Him.

Developing the skills and gathering the tools

God speaks to us through His Word today. However, we must remember that the words we read were first spoken to another audience. Our task in faithful Bible interpretation is to discover the message that makes sense in both contexts. Discovering the meaning of a passage is like an archeologist digging to discover artifacts. If I insert my ideas into the text, it’s like the archaeologist burying an iPhone in the dirt. We must gather the appropriate tools for discovery. I recommend five tools to build your theological library.

1. Study Bible

As a pastor, I am frequently asked for book and resource recommendations. My first recommendation is always a high-quality study Bible. A great study Bible is the best, most concise resource you will find to help you research, learn and grow. Study Bibles include brief commentary under the biblical text, offering helpful insights. They usually have a short introduction to each book of the Bible that explains the historical context and theological themes. Many study Bibles also include articles, maps and other features to illuminate your study. I cannot emphasize enough the value of a high-quality study Bible. It’s the best place to start and will be the best bang for your buck.

Personally, I recommend either the CSB Study Bible or ESV Study Bible. Not only are these my favorite translations, but the study resources within them are written by world-class, trustworthy scholars. Both Lifeway and Crossway offer a variety of study Bibles that appeal to different niche groups such as men or women, students, apologetics-focused, etc.

2. Commentaries

The next step in building your theological library is selecting great commentaries. A commentary is a single volume typically devoted to an individual book of the Bible. In cases of very short books, you’ll sometimes seen a commentary volume cover a few of them, such as John’s letters. Commentaries are an expansion on what you find in your study Bible. The introduction will go into more detail and the explanation of the text is much more thorough. They are typically volumes in a series.

Commentary series are usually broken into three categories: academic, pastoral, and devotional. Unless you are familiar with Hebrew or Greek, you don’t need an academic commentary. These are written for students and scholars. Pastoral commentaries are aimed at teachers and preachers. They will touch on higher-level issues and include more practical application. Lastly, devotional commentaries are written for personal use and will be very light in historical and theological breadth.

My favorite commentary is The Bible Speaks Today (IVP). Originally spearheaded by John Stott, this series strikes a wonderful balance between the pastoral and devotional categories. It is profitable for both personal devotion and the preacher preparing a sermon. I have not read a weak volume in this series.

3. Bible dictionary

Bible dictionaries are exactly what the name implies, and they are awesome. Just as you would search Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary for the meaning of the word conspicuous, you can search a Bible dictionary to learn more about exile or parables and many other people, topics and issues. They are structured like an encyclopedia with short articles explaining each entry.

Like commentaries, Bible dictionaries range in technicality. I recommend the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary edited by Mark Allen Powell. This book is an amazing resource for when you are ready to dive deeper into your study.

You can also find more specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, such as a theological one or one that focuses on Paul and his letters. My favorite specialized work is the Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics by Norman Geisler. In this book you read about topics ranging from the problem of evil to the resurrection of Christ.

4. Old Testament and New Testament surveys

If a commentary expands on what you’ll get out of a study Bible, then these surveys expand even more. They will not give commentary on the Psalms, for example, but they will give a more in-depth overview of the historical context of the book. Surveys tend to be broken into sections dealing with a general introduction to the textual, historical and theological issues followed by book-by-book chapters.

Surveys can be great for understanding more of the cultural and historical context of the biblical book you are studying. If you’re ready to dive into one of these surveys, I’d recommend “An Introduction to the Old Testament” by Tremper Longman III and Raymond Dillard and “An Introduction to the New Testament” by Don Carson and Douglas Moo. While you most likely won’t read one of these cover-to-cover, they are a great resource to have on your shelf for reference.

5. Systematic theology

Lastly, I think a theological library is incomplete without a good systematic theology. Systematic theology is the discipline of discovering what the entire Bible has to say about a topic. For example, the author will have a chapter on the Bible’s teaching about prayer that takes into account all the relevant texts.

These books are a phenomenal resource to keep handy. They are important. We don’t want to misread a passage with an interpretation that will contradict another passage. Systematic theology will help guide you in unifying what the Bible says about the topic you’re studying. My favorite book in this category is Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Grudem writes at a level that everyone can understand without sacrificing robust theology.

Just get started

What do you do now? Don’t be overwhelmed. Start with one of the study Bibles I recommended and get in the Word. Save this article for when your budget (or your mind!) is ready to add more to your library.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend one more resource: an apologetics book. While these aren’t necessarily Bible studies, I have found that apologetics has deepened my understanding, trust, and love for God’s Word. Moreover, apologetics will equip you with defenses for attacks against the Christian faith. In this category, I cannot recommend a better book than “Christian Apologetics” by my friend Douglas Groothuis. I love his book not only for the weighty arguments but also for the richness of his prose.

Friends, just get started. Open the book! “I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (Psalms 119:15-16, CSB).

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This article was originally published at Boundless on January 13, 2025.

The crowds were swelling by the sea. So many people flocked around Him that Jesus had to get into a boat so He could teach them without being trampled. Facing the shore, He began teaching using his favorite method — parables.

Jesus told the crowd a story about a farmhand who cast seeds around a pasture. Some of the seeds couldn’t penetrate the soil, and they were either snatched up by birds or choked by thorns. Other seeds landed on good soil, flourished, and produced much fruit. Still others fell in an in-between category; they landed on rocky soil and quickly grew up, but lacking real roots, their life was cut short.

After the crowd dispersed, Jesus revealed the meaning of His parable to the disciples. He explained,

“And the one sown on rocky ground ​— ​this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.” (Matt. 13:20-21, CSB)

This “seed” that quickly sprouts with enthusiasm only to soon fall away reflects a scenario that many of us are all too familiar with. We’ve either seen it in others or experienced it in ourselves. So what does it take to become a person who, like the good seed, has a faith marked by both great joy and deep, sustaining roots?

Testing experiences

You have probably had a powerful spiritual experience at least once in your walk with Christ. Many of us became Christians through such experiences at youth camps, conferences or church events. Perhaps you’ve even felt an extraordinary awareness of God’s presence and love during your private devotional time.

These occasions are thrilling and fill our souls with life, even though we know they are frequently followed by stale and dry seasons. Still, a season of dryness after such an event doesn’t necessarily invalidate that experience if it was authentic. As such, it’s wise to test a powerful experience to discern that it was a real encounter with God. Was that powerful experience true spiritual renewal or was it mere emotionalism?

In his classic book “Dynamics of Spiritual Life,” Richard Lovelace defines true spiritual renewal as the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to restore us to God-centered living through a deeper apprehension of the gospel. He explains that the soil for renewal requires two foundational realizations: the holiness of God and our sinfulness. These preconditions awake us out of spiritual complacency and create fertile ground for the gospel. Since we are aware of both God’s righteous judgment and our need for salvation, we are ready for gospel truths to take root.

Lovelace then gives four interconnected truths from the gospel that act as an engine for renewal. You can use these truths to test a powerful spiritual experience:

1. Do you have a greater assurance of acceptance by God based solely upon the work of Christ?

2. Do you desire greater transformation into Christlikeness?

3. Do you have a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s empowering indwelling that makes Christ real?

4. Do you have a stronger confidence in Christ’s supremacy over all spiritual conflict?

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Where’s the fruit?

While these questions provide us with an inward test, we can also observe their outward effects to discern spiritual renewal. If the gospel has taken deeper root in our hearts, then we will grow in theological understanding. Rather than being dependent on mystical experience, doctrinal truths ground us and bring us into greater spiritual maturity. Moreover, they train us to be more committed and consistent in prayer, authentic Christian fellowship, and evangelism.

It’s true that the dynamics of the spiritual life include both ordinary and extraordinary times, but times of extraordinary renewal are frequently followed by ordinary times of Christian faithfulness. We do not have to be deceived by emotionalism, nor must we resist the powerful moments of the Spirit’s work. If we know how to discern these events, we can walk through the pattern of ongoing renewal.

Three ways to dig deeper

So, what do you do after you’ve had an extraordinary experience of God? With a proper understanding of the dynamics of spiritual life — including ups and downs, ordinary and extraordinary times — we can make the most of these wonderful experiences. In the wake of an experience, we can dig deeper roots into the gospel so we continue to grow and our faith is strengthened. Here are three ways to maximize a positive spiritual experience or event:

1. Don’t get stuck.

It’s natural to want to stay in those moments or places where we had a powerful gospel encounter. They are glimpses of the glory we will one day experience without end.

In one fantastic scene from the Gospels, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the summit of a mountain. Jesus was transfigured before their eyes, revealing His divine glory that had until then been cloaked by His humanity. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes were dazzling white. Next to Him appeared the Old Testament prophets Moses and Elijah.

The disciples were in awe. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here. If you want, I will set up three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matt. 17:4, CSB) They wanted to stay in that moment.

Don’t we have the same tendency? We get a special experience of God’s glory in worship and desire to stay there. Don’t feel guilty for that; every Christian ought to desire an ongoing abiding in God’s presence. However, in this life, those extraordinary moments pass. They are a glimpse, and we cannot cling to them.

For example, don’t get stuck in the memories of a powerful moment at a camp or conference. Too many Christians try to stay there and their growth in the gospel is stunted. Be thankful for that unique place and experience, but you must then move forward with what God did through it and ask, “Where do I go from here?” Partner with God in continuing what He began in you there. Immature faith relies too much on extraordinary experiences; maturing faith is seizing them in gratitude and carrying them forward with you.

2. Cultivate a community.

One factor that usually accompanies extraordinary experiences of God or powerful seasons of growth is a community of believers. This factor isn’t coincidental; rather, it’s a normal part of the way the Christian life ought to be lived.

You experienced the magnificent love of God at camp along with many other people. You had a season of tremendous growth in the gospel, consistency in worship, and awareness of the Spirit as you were immersed in a Christian group. By reflection, you discover that your great experience of God happened in the context of a community of believers who were doing the same. This is why Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue God “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). We weren’t made to live the Christian life in isolation.

Cultivate a community with other believers who are working to dig deeper roots into the gospel. You can’t take your camp or conference community home with you, so you’ll need to build that kind of community. Commit yourself to a church where you can pursue the application of that spiritual renewal along with others.

3. Carry spiritual keepsakes.

When we go on a great vacation, we love to come back home with a special souvenir that reminds us of that time. Or sometimes we carry meaningful tokens of remembrance for a person who has passed away. Similarly, it is a biblical practice to have spiritual keepsakes that bring our minds back to what God has done. The greatest example of this in the New Testament is Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul wrote,

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said,” “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor. 11:23-25, CSB)

The Lord’s Supper is an ongoing, tactile reminder of our salvation. We see several examples in the Old Testament too. In Genesis 28, Jacob had a magnificent vision of the Lord and His angels. Afterward, he set up a rock to be a marker for that place and named it Bethel, meaning “House of God” (Gen. 28:19). In 1 Samuel 7, after God gave Israel victory over the Philistines, the prophet Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, explaining, “The Lord has helped us to this point” (1 Sam. 7:12).

Sight, sound, smell, and touch call our memory back to distant places. There’s a summer camp that has been a special place of renewal for me. In the middle of the land, there is a beautiful lake filled with cypress trees. For me, cypress trees have become one of those spiritual keepsakes that remind me of the work that God has done in those times at that camp.

What is it for you? It can be an item, scenery, a song, a food or drink, or even a key Scripture that reminds you of God’s work. Remember that the keepsake isn’t as important as what it means. Don’t venerate any created thing; instead, identify it as a signal to recall the gospel to your heart and mind.

It’s all about Jesus

On the Mount of Transfiguration, after the cloud of glory passed, the disciples looked, and only Jesus remained. The important fact here is that they stayed with him — not the mountain, not the moment, not anything else. They left that place with Christ and returned to life, ministry, and time spent with Him.

You must do the same. Seek Jesus in prayer, worship, and the Word. Allow the Spirit’s work to bring you more and more into a God-centered existence where you delight in His beauty — both in moments of powerful spiritual experience, and in the mundane seasons of faithfulness in between.

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This article was originally published at Boundless on May 12, 2025.

The Israelites were slaves under a tyrannical ruler in Egypt. Pharaoh attempted to oppose God, defeat his promise of salvation, and extinguish an entire people. But his plans were thwarted by one determined mother.

When Pharaoh called for “all his people” to throw every baby boy of the Hebrews into the Nile (Ex. 1:22), Moses’s mother defied his order. She kept her child hidden as long as she could, then sent him afloat on the Nile. The child’s sister, Miriam, watched over him until he landed safely at the feet of Pharaoh’s daughter, who took him into her house. In the end, the actions of this courageous mother saved not only Moses’s life but the life of a nation.

What does the Bible teach us about courage in this portrait of valiant faith?

1. Courage is making the right decision in the face of fear.

Moses’s mother chose to do what was right despite the pressure to obey Pharaoh. Exodus doesn’t tell us the penalty for defying Pharaoh’s orders, but it would’ve been harsh. Yet Moses’s mother chose to obey another ruler—God’s Word (Heb. 11:23).

To be true, courage must be rooted in a moral vision. One might ask what makes this mother’s insubordination courageous. Is this rebellion? What about the implications for the rest of her family should her resistance be discovered? Was it selfish of her to keep her son when her Hebrew sisters lost theirs? No, Moses’s mother chose the courageous path because she listened to God’s Word over Pharaoh’s. She obeyed God’s law, and her risk was justified.

Believers may also ask, “What does courage require of us in each situation?” Answering this question can be a challenge. We need the moral instruction and wisdom of Scripture to understand our times rightly (1 Chron. 12:32). It’ll frequently call us down a path that invites disrespect, mockery, and even persecution from the world. Yet courage sees the cost of following God and obeys him still.

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2. Courage comes from God.

One mother’s bravery led to an empire’s humiliation and her nation’s salvation. I love this story because it tells me anyone can have courage.

You may doubt you can be courageous, but what I’ve written above is true. You can have courage if you know where to look for it. We doubt this because we’ve adopted our culture’s view of courage. We assume it’s a trait we find within ourselves. From pop culture, we’ve learned to think that we’ll tap into a reservoir of courage if we look within.

But you find courage by looking upward, not inward. The Hebrew midwives defied Pharaoh because they worshiped God (Ex. 1:17). Nehemiah called the Jews to rebuild the city wall without fear of enemies by remembering the Lord (Neh. 4:14). Likewise, we’re empowered with fortitude to run our race well when we fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:1–2). Courage isn’t developed through confidence in your own strength. It’s revealed in our faith that Christ is with us through every storm. If he’s with us, then we can weather the trial (Mark 4:35–40).

3. Courage is responding to the best of your ability given the circumstances.

Moses’s mother couldn’t propose opposition legislation to Pharaoh’s order. Nor was she able to lead a violent revolution against the brutal regime. Instead, she did her best given her circumstances. She rescued her own child.

Every day Christians face trials, threats, and sufferings they have little to no control over. Most of us aren’t in a position to change laws, lead armies, or steer megacorporations. Are we powerless to act courageously?

The Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl was a prisoner in a Nazi death camp, but he learned of a power Hitler’s troops couldn’t steal. In Man’s Search for Meaning, he wrote, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

When you have no control over your circumstances you can still choose valiant faith. For Moses’s mother, this meant sending her infant son afloat on the Nile. For Gideon, it meant going “in the strength [he had]” (Judg. 6:14, NIV). God took their small acts of faith and used them to deliver a nation. Use the strength, opportunity, and freedom you have. God receives what you can give, and he does the rest.

Courage is a Christian virtue. It isn’t reserved for heroes but for all who hope in God. As William Cowper wrote,

The Christian has an art unknown to thee;
He holds no parley with unmanly fears,
Where duty bids he confidently steers,
Faces a thousand dangers at her call,
And trusting in his God, surmounts them all.

Resolve to listen to God’s Word over the opposition’s. Obey God in every circumstance. Then you’ll discover the freedom in Christ that faces a thousand dangers and still perseveres.

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This article was originally published at The Gospel Coalition on April 18, 2023.

Why do people today read Pilgrim’s Progress? Why do Frankenstein, The Odyssey, and A Tale of Two Cities still sell truckloads of copies? Because certain books impact generation after generation for decades — or even centuries — after they are written.

Scholars, critics, and others call such books the Great Books. In addition to standing the test of time, these notable works are considered great because of their storytelling, ideas, and far-reaching cultural impact — for good or bad.

The modern assumption is that newer tends to be better. Our attention is captured by the “fresh” and cutting-edge. We are attracted to the breaking story and the novel idea. We live under a daily information avalanche that falls upon us through our digital devices. Newer may be better in medicine and technology, but I’d argue we need something time-tested and proven when it comes to dispensing truth, virtue, and imagination.

When you read one of the Great Books, it’s like discovering a towering oak tree in a field of saplings. Perhaps it is unexpected and intimidating at first; however, you’re intrigued to uncover what it is about this tree that has made it endure. There’s something there worth finding.

The same is true of literature. I invite you to join the Great Books tradition. This tradition was established for good reasons, and you will soon discover why the works in it earned their place.

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Three reasons to read Great Books

Social media provided the platform for the influencer economy to balloon into a giant industry. Unfortunately, “influencers” tend to be heavy on charm but light on wisdom, and at the end of the day, little more than an ad agency for large brands.

You deserve to have your intellect, imagination, and affections influenced by something much better. Here are three reasons to give more attention to the Great Books.

1. Great Books will give you wisdom for life.

I’ve gone on a few hiking trips with my Blue Heeler, Cosmo. We’ve learned the simple rule that hiking goes much more smoothly when you stick to the trail; without a trail, we’d quickly become disoriented and lost. I love thinking about all the people who came before us to develop that trail. Once, we encountered a beautiful wooden bridge miles into the woods, far from any roads or shelter.

Reading the Great Books is like taking the well-worn trail through the forest. They show you the wisdom that has successfully guided generations upon generations.

The wisdom that comes from reading Great Books will better equip you to navigate life. Tertullian’s Apology shows us how he defended Christianity in pagan culture. Augustine’s City of God includes some of the most robust answers to the problem of evil that have ever been written. The Puritan writers teach us how to handle doubts, guilt, and temptations.

2. Great Books will grow your heart and your mind.

Many of us are hesitant to read old books because they are challenging. They are often written in different time periods, cultures, or languages. But every time we take a step outside of our comfort zone, we are growing into better versions of ourselves.

First, Great Books will sharpen your intellect. They require more thinking because of their complex ideas — such as those of Plato, Aquinas, or Nietzsche. More often, they are difficult because they are simply different. They pull us out of the echo chamber of our modern, digital-dominated world into a world unlike our own. Books from different time periods will have different assumptions, values, and linguistics. If you allow yourself to be stretched by reading from Great Books, then you’ll find your worldview clarified. You will become someone who can handle challenging ideas and be unintimidated by them.

For example, I have never met someone who believes that slavery is good, but I have read people who argued for it. Reading their viewpoints and arguments, which I deem evil, has sharpened my thinking as I defend my disagreement with them. That’s an experience that is only available through reading such books.

Second, reading Great Books will grow your sympathy for others, as well as your appreciation for the many factors that shape who we are as persons. The most obvious example is in classic literature that gives us a window into another person’s life. The Japanese classic Silence is a book not about heroes of the faith, but the defeated. The author Shusaku Endo wrote, “Christ did not die for the good and beautiful. It is easy enough to die for the good and beautiful; the hard thing is to die for the miserable and corrupt.” The reader experiences the power of this quote through the repeated failures of Kichijiro. You’re compelled to admit that you identify with him more than you’d like, and you develop sympathy for those like him.

3. Great Books will develop your virtues.

If you read the Great Books primarily for self-improvement, you will most likely hate them. Your primary goal should be enjoyment of the texts before anything utilitarian. The trick to enjoyment is to align your goals for reading with the author’s purpose for writing. You should approach Mark Twain and Jane Austen to delight in the story before directing to them for moral insight. If you read C. S. Lewis or Dante because you hear smart people quote them and you just want to be smart too, it will dwindle your appreciation for their works.

The beauty of reading the Great Books is that they will develop your virtues through your enjoyment of the text. After all, they are considered great for a reason. Like a steak absorbing the flavors of a marinade simply by sitting in it, when we soak in the magnificent works of Augustine, Shelley, Bunyan, Dickens, Tolkien and others, we will absorb their lessons.

You will also grow in your intellectual virtues. Not all the Great Books are difficult to read, but many of them will challenge and stretch you. You will develop your reading comprehension, sharpen your critical thinking, and hone your focus. If you initially struggle to read the Great Books because you’re not yet at the reading level required, don’t give up. With consistent effort and patience, you will gain the skill to handle them.

Moreover, you will develop your moral virtues. The stories we read shape our imagination, similar to how the foods we eat shape our physical health. The Great Books you read will shape your imagination with stories — or teachings — that extol virtues such as integrity, perseverance, and courage. Part of the reason many of these books are in the Great Books tradition is because they teach these moral lessons so well. The positive examples of Tolkien’s Bilbo and the dwarves will inspire self-sacrifice and honor. The negative examples of Shelley’s Dr. Frankenstein or Wilde’s Dorian Gray will vividly warn you of the dangers of arrogance.

Join the tradition!

Ready to get started? You will not regret the time and effort you put into reading the Great Books. Here are a few pieces of practical advice for beginning your journey.

First, begin with the easier books. Recognize your reading level and start with something appropriate. Fiction tends to be easier than non-fiction, and the books that were written more recently will usually be easier than the older works. For example, start by reading the best books of the 19th and 20th centuries and then move your way backwards in history. In fiction, this includes titles such as The Chronicles of Narnia series or Jane Austen’s books. In non-fiction, read John Stott or Francis Schaeffer before you attempt to take on theologians like Calvin and Luther.

Second, find a helpful list and ask for suggestions. It isn’t difficult to find Great Books lists with an online search. I would recommend the list in the Great Books class that I teach. Blogger Tim Challies has a list of Christian classics you can choose from to get ideas. You can also take advantage of online communities like Goodreads to see what others are reading and what lists they have made. Finally, you can ask for recommendations from your pastor or a favorite teacher. If they don’t have any suggestions, share this article with them.

We critically need more people today who are influenced more by the Great Books than by the vain “influencers” and celebrities of our contemporary world. The beauty of the Great Books tradition is that it is a tradition. This means that if you participate, then you are joining a big community of people going back through history.

Moreover, if you join the tradition, you are someone who can steward and carry on the tradition by sharing it with others. “Finally brothers and sisters,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable ​— ​if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy ​— ​dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8, CSB).

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This article was originally published at Boundless on December 9, 2024.

Why did God call Gideon to be Israel’s deliverer? Obviously, the Midianites and Amalekites were oppressing Israel, and the people needed relief from their distress. But why did God call Gideon to fill that leadership role?

One of my favorite verses in the Old Testament is Judges 6:12, “Then the angel of the Lord appeared to [Gideon] and said, ‘The Lord is with you, valiant warrior.’” This verse is terrific because Gideon appears to be neither valiant nor a warrior! He is a farmhand for his father (not a warrior); moreover, he hides in a winepress to do his work (not quite valiant).

Yet, Gideon would become one of the most outstanding judges in Israel’s history. He was a mighty warrior, fearless leader, and effective deliverer. His story teaches a lesson that can encourage us and shape the course of our leadership.

The Goal of Your Leadership

Let’s ask the same question as above, but applied to you: Why did God call you to fill your role? I have sat with many young leaders who feel intimidated by the new position they will be stepping into and ask themselves the same question. Alternatively, we sometimes ask a similar question when we are frustrated in a season of leadership. Obstacles, setbacks, and opposition make us question why God would allow these problems to hinder our work. Perhaps failures, disappointments, and confusion have made you ask why God called you into your current role.

It’s not a bad question to ask. What is God’s goal for your leadership role? We mistakenly assumed that God called us into a position for what he could accomplish through us. We accepted a pastorate, non-profit position, or volunteer role at church with ambitious goals to pursue.

However, this is not God’s primary goal for your leadership. His great ambition for your leadership is not what he intends to do through you but what he wants to do in you. Jeff Iorg wrote in The Character of Leadership, “Leadership roles… are God’s laboratories for leaders. God places us where we are (or may call us to a new place) so he can have the perfect laboratory for continuing to change us into the image of Jesus.”

The angel of the Lord addressed Gideon as “valiant warrior” when he wasn’t one… yet. Through the calling to leadership, he transformed Gideon into the person that he desired him to be. Similarly, David was called and anointed as king of Israel at a young age, but God shaped him in the pastures, battlefields, and wilderness to have the character of a king.

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Micro-Shift for Your Leadership

We know the importance of character for leadership. When we build leadership pipelines, the core competency of “character” is always the number one consideration. Character for Christian leadership is non-negotiable.

The problem is that we tend to lose sight of God’s primary goal for our leadership. So, character development becomes something that I maintain to support my leadership. My “role” becomes primary and character secondary. Instead, we need to see our leadership supporting our growth in Christ. Character development is primary, and leadership roles are secondary.

I am proposing what Daniel Im calls a “micro-shift,” a small shift that leads to a macro-change. We need a change from seeing character development as a part of my leadership journey to seeing my leadership role as a part of my spiritual formation journey. We will be more attuned to God’s direction, encouraged to accept callings, and resilient against setbacks.

Steps to Apply the Shift

We can take practical steps to pursue and support this micro-shift. You need to start with that internal change in perspective. Receive it in prayer and Scripture. The key to applying this shift is to become more aware of God’s presence and leading in your life. Use these steps to grow in that spiritual discipline.

Begin your day by re-centering your identity in Christ.

Steve Cuss wrote that ministry leaders tend to start seeing themselves only as conduits of God’s grace and forget that they are recipients of God’s grace. This first practice is a way to guard against that tendency. Every morning, pray before God, be aware of his loving presence, and be reminded that you are first and foremost his child by his grace. You are not primarily your leadership, family, or community roles. Your identity is securely centered in Christ, and every other responsibility in your life is an outflow from that identity.

You might be the kind of person who does your regular devotions in the evening. That’s okay. This time in prayer can be brief as long as it is focused. It will most likely be helped when paired with another habit like making breakfast, reading a Scripture, or listening to worship.

End your day by examining your awareness of God.

Just as you began your day by refocusing your awareness on God’s presence and your identity in him, you should end your day by reflecting on how well you maintained that awareness throughout the day. In prayer with God, reflect on your day portion by portion and consider your awareness of God’s presence.

You mustn’t sit in judgment over yourself during this examination. You’re not trying to beat yourself for little mistakes. Of course, we might become conscious of sin, which should be brought before God. However, the main goal is to grow in our ability to be aware of God and follow his direction hour by hour.

Use regular check-in questions.

Finally, I have found it helpful to have regular check-in questions that clarify my experiences and feelings. My friend Alan Briggs has a great set of weekly questions: Where am I thriving? Where am I struggling? What feels confusing right now? What is missing right now? These questions work as an excellent big-picture check-in with God. I’d suggest incorporating them into your weekly routine.

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This article was originally published at the Lifeway Leadership blog.

Our world is at odds: We live in the safest, healthiest, and most prosperous society that has ever existed, yet there appears to be more unhappiness than ever. In other words, unhappiness has risen despite our collective decadence. Suicides, overdoses, depression, and a general sense of hopelessness have all been on the rise for several decades — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. As The Economist aptly said over a decade ago: “Capitalism can make a society rich and keep it free. Don’t ask it to make you happy as well.”

While one could point to a variety of factors, I argue that the source of our culture’s sickness is a problem of purpose. Christian or not, we all need to have the sense that our life has meaning. But even Christ-followers struggle to experience it. Is there a way to both discover the magnificent purpose for your existence and experience it in everyday life?

What kind of world do we live in?

The great debate of our time can be summarized in two statements. The first is by the famed scientist Carl Sagan who declared, “The cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be.” The second is by the great Victorian poet Gerard Manly Hopkins who penned, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.”

These statements represent a contest over the question of the nature of our world. Do we live in a reality that is filled with purpose and meaning? Or is the world, our lives, and all that we hold dear ultimately meaningless?

Western culture embraced Sagan’s view over a century ago. Generally described as naturalism, it posits that the natural world is all that exists, and as such we have no foundation for truth, morality or purpose. When you lack a transcendent source of purpose, you will look to the various pleasures around you to satisfy yourself.

But self-determined values or fleeting pleasures will never bring lasting fulfillment. Moreover, they are fragile since they can be thwarted by suffering, disappointment or hardship. Jesus warned us of this in Matthew 16:26: “For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?”

The rival view holds that our world is “charged with the grandeur of God.” The Christian worldview argues that there is a God who created everything with unique intention; His world is filled with purpose and meaning. While we can find joys in the pleasures of life, we are not dependent on anything in this world to be our ultimate identity or source of purpose. God is our unshakable source of joy.

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The full life offered in Christ

The ancient Greeks looked at the world around them and saw order, intention and purpose. Like Sagan, they called this world a cosmos — but notice how different their meaning is from Sagan’s. For Sagan, cosmosmeant the mere materials of our world — chaos instead of order, randomness instead of intention, absurdity instead of purpose.

For the ancients, cosmos meant an ordered world where everything had its purpose. They theorized that behind the apparent order of things must be a transcendent logos (word or reason). Happiness was found in aligning your life within the logos, thereby discovering your purpose. Christian philosopher J. P. Moreland described classical happiness as “a life well lived, a life of virtue and character, a life that manifests wisdom, kindness, and goodness.”

Now consider the invitation of the Christian Scriptures: “In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). The apostle John turned Greek philosophy on its head. Even the atheist philosopher Luc Ferryadmitted: “The divine had shifted ground: it was no longer an impersonal structure [logos], but an extraordinary individual, in the form of Jesus, the ‘Man-God’.”

What does this mean? It means your purpose is found in Jesus Christ. He invites you to discover a full life in Him: “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:9-10).

How to experience the abundant life

The problem is, you know you are supposed to find life’s purpose and meaning in God, but the actual experience of this is much more difficult. Is it possible to have an abundant life full of adventure, meaning and purpose if your life is merely “ordinary”?

Jesus fills in the gap for us here. He said, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25). Many people see only another rule to be obeyed or rejected in Jesus’ statement. However, I see a declaration of reality and an invitation to enter it.

Deny yourself. First, Jesus calls us to denial of the self. Simply put, denying yourself means to repent of sin and resist the urge to disobey God. To get good at self-denial, you need to start with God’s grace and the security of His love. If you are insecure about your position as His child and His beloved, then self-denial will be impossible. You must seek God’s love for you in Scripture and through prayer. Only then will you be prepared to open your life before the Holy Spirit and be examined for opportunities to deny yourself.

Practice bringing your focus to the Father’s love and responding in self-denial every day. Once you are better at taking your attention off yourself and placing it on God’s will and the needs of others, then you are ready for step two.

Take up your cross. Second, Jesus calls us to take up our cross. To become like Jesus, we must follow the pattern and habits of Jesus. Many people read self-denial and taking up your cross as one and the same step. However, consider Jesus’ example. Jesus made a commitment to self-denial beforetaking His cross (Mark 14:35-42). The cross was the burden of responsibility that God placed before the Son, and self-denial was the prerequisite to bearing that cross.

Likewise, after we commit to daily self-denial, we are ready to receive the calling that God has upon our lives. Taking up your cross means to accept the responsibility God has placed on you to follow the pattern of Jesus. This does not mean simply adding a religious layer to the existing structure of your life. More regular church attendance or another Bible study on your calendar won’t do. Rather, it means to completely restructure your life according to the principles of Jesus’ kingdom. You re-evaluate, re-order, and re-orient every facet of your life under the kingship of Jesus.

Follow Christ. Third, Jesus calls us to follow Him. One way to describe this is through a call to a life of piety. Today’s common usage of the term is better called pietism. Pietism is a lifestyle of extreme devotion to personal spiritual practices and holiness through withdrawal from the world.

Of course, personal holiness should be the goal of every believer, but piety has classically meant something more. As C. R. Wiley explained in “The Household and the War for the Cosmos,” classical piety is better understood as “duty” (hang with me here). This includes duty to God but also to all of one’s obligations including family, neighbor and country. Therefore, in direct contrast to pietism and its call to withdraw from the world, classical piety draws us into the world and requires us to shoulder the burden of our responsibilities to God and others.

The classic picture of piety is found in the ancient Latin poem the “Aeneid.” In it, the hero Aeneas is fleeing Troy after it has been ransacked by the Greeks. Instead of pursuing his own glory in battle, Aeneas is dutiful to his family to help them escape from the burning city. He leads his wife through the chaos while carrying his crippled father on his shoulders and holding his son’s hand.

Experiencing purpose in your day-to-day life is to be found in dutiful faithfulness to the obligations God has given you. This should be incredibly encouraging. You’re not necessarily called to “do big things for God.” You’re called to be faithful in what you’ve been given. Even if your job is mundane or unimpressive, you work as someone who has been called by God to it. Even if you are single, you fulfill obligations to the friends and familial relationships to which you are bound. Even if you desire change in your relationships, job or something else, you honorably shoulder the burdens in the here and now until God opens another door.

Paul concludes nearly every one of his letters with instructions for churches and households (Ephesians 5-6). Why? Because the cosmos is God’s well-ordered house, and He has a purpose for each of us in it. These purposes are the jobs and relationships that make up everyday life. We live out our purpose by subduing the forces of sin and chaos in the world and making them obedient to Christ.

When you consistently deny self, shoulder your responsibilities, and live dutifully following Christ, you will experience deep significance even in the ordinariness of life. This is true because you will be growing nearer to Christ and bearing fruit, as well as having the knowledge that your efforts are pleasing to the God who loves you.

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This article was originally published at Boundless. https://www.boundless.org/faith/how-to-live-a-full-life/

I was born and raised on the Gulf Coast, where hurricanes are a regular part of life. Hurricanes are catastrophic, unpredictable storms that can turn at the last minute, putting you suddenly in their crosshairs. In the best cases, you have days to prepare or evacuate — but sometimes it’s only hours.

It’s a strange way to live, yet coast-dwellers accept it as our reality. When a storm comes, it targets us all, no matter who you are or what you have done. Nothing you do will make it go away. Your only choice is to prepare and respond well when the hurricane hits.

The truth is, everyone’s lives are lived on the edge of the storm. The storms of life hit regardless of who you are or what you’ve done. We live in a fallen world marked by suffering, tragedy and evil. You cannot escape it; your only choice is to prepare well so that when life’s storms hit, you can respond courageously. As Christian philosopher Peter Kreeft wrote, “A hero is a person who acts courageously. In a fallen world, courage is among the most important of virtues.”

We need heroes today. I believe every person can become a hero and live courageously. Particularly as Christians, we are uniquely and richly equipped for courageous living. So where do we start?

Courage is a biblical virtue

We follow a King who courageously faced death at Calvary. Reflecting on this, G. K. Chesterton wrote, “Alone of all creeds, Christianity has added courage to the virtues of the Creator. For the only courage worth calling courage must necessarily mean that the soul passes a breaking point and does not break.”

Despite its prominence in Scripture, courage is one of the most overlooked biblical virtues among Christians today. When you read closely, you will find that the Bible has many references to courage. Believers are frequently calledto “be strong and courageous,” “stand firm,” and “take heart.” In Joshua 1:9, God challenged His people, “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Likewise, Jesus exhorted His disciples, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

There are many more examples of valiant faith throughout the Bible. In Exodus 2, we read how a nameless mother’s defiance against a tyrant led to the deliverance of a nation. In Judges 6, a farm-hand named Gideon was called to lead his nation’s warriors against their adversaries. In 1 Samuel 17, we meet the shepherd boy David who slayed Goliath. In the book of Acts, we see the gospel advance through the early church despite opposition.

There are many more examples of Christian courage throughout Scripture and church history. As the author of Hebrews wrote, we have a “great cloud of witnesses” as a testimony to faithful, courageous living (Heb. 12:1). It’s a great tradition, and you are invited to participate in it.

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The engine of courage

Where does this kind of courage come from? The world assumes that courage is a natural-born trait; you either have it or you don’t. While it’s true that some innate traits or personality types can better aid boldness, courage is a virtue that any of us can develop with the right habits in place.

We must start by tapping into the correct source. The world tells us to find courage by looking inward, but the Bible tells us to find courage by looking upward. Courage only comes from fixing your eyes on Jesus. “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

When the exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall, they were faced with danger and opposition from the surrounding people. They were forced to work on the wall with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. Nehemiah charged them, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes” (Nehemiah 4:14).

The English word courage comes from the Latin cor meaning “heart.” Valiant faith is a strength of heart produced by the love of God and His Spirit of boldness (Romans 5:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:7). When people consider courage, they tend to only think of valor in the face of death. But it is much more than that. Courage is doing what is right when tempted to do what is wrong. It is doing what is hard when you want to take the easy way out. It is telling the truth when you are tempted to lie. Courage is at play when your character is tested but doesn’t break. It keeps us honest, dutiful and faithful even in the most unfavorable conditions. As C. S. Lewis wrote, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

When we see an artist whose skill is far above the average, we call it virtuosity. They have transcended the expectations of their craft to such a degree that they inspire awe and admiration. I like to think of courage as virtuosity in character. Therefore, the most courageous aren’t always the most impressive in the eyes of the world. Instead, they are those who have sharp minds, big hearts, and shoulders broad enough to bear the burdens of life. Virtuosity in character is the engine of courageous living.

The habits of courage

Virtues are those attributes of character forged through repeated decisions. As Justin Whitmel Earley wrote, “All those who want to be attentive to who they are becoming must realize that formation begins with a framework of habits.” Our habits are the hammer and chisel that sculpt virtue, so we should pursue habits that build the virtue of courage in our lives. But what are these habits?

Practice trust in Christ in everyday life. You can only face life’s great storms by practicing trust in Jesus against the chaos of everyday life. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus rescued His disciples from the storm by calming the sea. Yet we shouldn’t overlook the fact that Jesus also took His disciples into the storm, then rebuked them for responding in fear instead of faith. This story teaches us that He rescues us through the storms, not necessarily from them.

Christ’s love is powerful enough to make us more than conquerors (Romans 8:37-39). You are not called to be courageous because you have something to prove, but because of what Jesus proved for you. Practice Christ-centered courage in everyday life and you will be able to sing with John Newton and William Cowper: “Be gone unbelief, my savior is near/And for my relief will surely appear/In prayer I will wrestle and he will perform/With Christ in the vessel I smile at the storm.”

Take small steps of courage. Children go through the natural progression of crawling, walking, then running. Similarly, you build courage through trusting Jesus.

You might start weak, and that’s OK. It’s similar to working out. As a CrossFit trainer, I have everyone start light and easy until they build the skill and strength for greater challenges.

Researchers have discovered that through gradual exposure to one’s fears, an individual can begin to overcome those phobias and anxiety. Even better, psychoanalysts have observed that those who stretch themselves through exposure to their fears exhibit greater confidence and willingness to face challenges in other areas of life. Facing your fear in any area of life has an impact on your courage across the board. So, do not avoid opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone or face a fear.

Build intentional communities that bring encouragement and solidarity.In his book “Live Not by Lies,” Rod Dreher shares dozens of stories from Christian dissidents who survived Soviet oppression in Czechoslovakia and other nations. One of the primary strategies, particularly those in the “Velvet Revolution,” was the formation of intentional communities. These communities were underground groups that would meet for the purpose of education, training, encouragement and inspiration.

You can build intentional communities that study Scripture, read great books, and provide encouragement to give your life to the calling God has given you. Often the key factor you need in order to take that bold risk or courageous sacrifice is a band of supporters around you. An intentional community can easily be formed where there’s already Christian community such as your church, collegiate ministry, or other Kingdom-oriented group.

Courage when it’s needed

Our world already has too many celebrities and influencers. What we truly need is more heroes who eschew the life of self-pleasure for the nobler calling of self-sacrifice for the highest good. Through the gospel of Jesus, you can build the virtue of courage so that in the hour of need, empowered by the Holy Spirit, you can step up to be the hero that God calls you to be.

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This article was originally published at boundless.org on May 2, 2022

Imagine a basketball team that only played defense. They guard the basket to the best of their ability. They aggressively mark every man that crosses to their side of the court and block any attempts to score on their side. But they never go on the offensive.

They would lose every game.

Well, maybe they could perfectly protect their basket for an entire season. In this case they would never lose, but they’d never win either.

Like this team, too many Christians live their lives always on defense. They avoid sin (at least the really bad ones). They aren’t necessarily bad people, but they aren’t all that good, either.

But lukewarm Christianity, the Bible tells us, isn’t Christianity at all (Rev. 3:15, 16). The Christian life is not meant to be lived in the passive avoidance of sins; rather, it is intended to be an abundant life of love, obedience and righteousness. Both the Bible and Christian history are populated with people who lived life to the fullest. Christ desires this proactive, victorious mode of living for all of His disciples (John 10:10). He modeled this kind of living and we are called to imitate Him like a child mimics his father (1 Corinthians 11:1).

What does it look like to live the kind of abundant, holy life that the New Testament describes? We’ll use 2 Timothy 2:22 as our guide.

Fleeing Sin

Timothy was a pastor in the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote to the young leader, “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 CSB). First, Paul instructed Timothy with a negative imperative: Flee from youthful passions.

The New Testament uses strong, descriptive language for how Christians ought to repent and remain holy. “Flee” is one of those words. The Greek word Paul used means to escape, elude, or seek safety in flight. It’s the kind of word David Attenborough would use to narrate a gazelle running away from a lioness on “Planet Earth.” It’s the word used when Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13).

Sin is not something to linger in or play with. Sin is mortally dangerous to the soul. Christians must not rest or become complacent in the battle against sin. Rather, we are to make war against the deeds of the flesh. Paul wrote, “Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). Just like Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, Christians should run from temptation. Like David slayed Goliath, Christians should actively kill sin.

In your daily life this means don’t make room for sin. Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” You must order your schedule, home relationships and life to make no opportunity for temptation to present itself. Of course, you can never make your life completely temptation-proof. Yet to flee sin, you must take advantage of whatever is within your power to influence.

Does browsing social media open the door for temptation? Delete the apps. Does Netflix increase your intimacy with Christ or absorb precious time that could be spent with Him? Cancel your account.

You may be in a relationship that is a source of overwhelming temptation. You may have friendships that habitually pull you away from holiness and compromise your integrity. The workplace you’re in may be a bad environment for your growth in discipleship. In whatever manner or place it might be, if there is an opportunity for sin to manifest itself in your life, do not allow it to linger. Rather, flee! The Puritan John Owen famously wrote, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

Proactive Righteousness

The second command from Paul is the positive counterpart to fleeing sin: Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. His word for pursue is the complete opposite of flee. If the first word means “run from,” then this word means “run after, chase.” It means to be in pursuit like the hunter who carefully, deliberately tracks his prey.

Pursuing holiness means to aim at God and draw near to Him. Righteousness is not a spiritual token that we build up through good acts. Instead, righteousness is a quality of character developed in us through our relationship with God.

I’m not a talented artist. The only sketching that I ever enjoyed was tracing. You take a blank sheet of paper and lay it over an image. Then you carefully trace a new copy of the image over the lines showing through from the picture underneath. Pursuing righteousness kind of looks like tracing. When our life is laid over the model of Jesus’ life the lines do not match up. However, the gospel empowers us to be transformed so that our character will begin to match His over time.

This happens in two stages. First, righteousness is something given to us in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9). We do not achieve it in our own good works. Rather, Jesus’ self-sacrifice on the cross purchased our salvation by trading His righteousness for our sin; therefore, we are given His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Second, as a new creation in Jesus, we are empowered to pursue good works (Ephesians 2:10). Paul instructed the Ephesians to put off the old self — the image that doesn’t match Jesus — and to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

We forget that the New Testament calls us to a double duty of fleeing and pursuing. Consider a few samplings:

“Therefore, put [sin] to death… put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:5, 12-14).

“See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

“But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

If we do not practice both fleeing sin and pursuing righteousness, then we are in danger of following what Dallas Willard called “gospels of sin management.” Following a gospel of sin management means to accept the redemption of Christ without the transformation. It’s an assumption that Christianity is essentially about forgiveness and that Jesus’ death was only meant to remove sin. We accept the gospel like a trinket to wear but not a reality to change our lives. On the one hand, it creates people who want the blood of Jesus but not the person of Jesus in their lives. On the other, it creates Pharisees who view the world through the lenses of social change in the name of Jesus.

The result is a large population of people who claim the forgiveness of God while their lives look no different from those who do not know Christ. There is no doubt that the central message of Christianity offers forgiveness of sins and the redemption of mankind. But we must understand that this offer is made in the context of an invitation to discipleship — being a life-long student of Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The road to faith [salvation, forgiveness] passes through obedience to the call of Jesus [discipleship, pursuing righteousness].”

Therefore, aim your life at God and pursue His will. Answer the call of Jesus to take up your cross and follow Him. Practically speaking, this means exercising the various spiritual disciplines in daily life. Read your Bible and obey it. Pray to God and submit to His guidance. Journal your days and examine how you have either pursued righteousness or indulged sin.

Proverbs 28:1 says that the righteous are as bold as a lion. Do you have a courageous, bold witness for the truth? Don’t worry; you can grow in courage.

Be a catalyst for positive change. Look at your home and ask if your presence there is doing anything good. Are you contributing to healthy and growing relationships with family or roommates? Is it a place of joy, peace and love because you’re there? If that is not the case, then explore Scripture and trace your life along the lines of Jesus’ example. Then watch how you and the places you find yourself in can change.

Finally, always remember that the pursuit of holiness is at its core drawing nearer to God. Our growth in righteousness is never apart from Him. John Calvin reminds us, “When we contemplate this relationship between ourselves and God, let us remember that holiness is the bond of our union with Him.”

Joining Others

Finally, every great adventure needs a fellowship. Imagine the Lord of the Rings trilogy without the friendships. Frodo without Sam. Aragorn without Legolas and Gimli. Imagine the same for Star Wars — Han Solo without Chewbacca. The story just isn’t the same, right?

Paul exhorted Timothy to flee sin and pursue righteousness “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” You cannot effectively follow Christ on your own. On the one hand, Jesus calls you to follow Him, not to know Him through someone else. On the other hand, He calls you to follow Him and join in with the community of His life-long students.

Find a Christian community where you will be challenged, encouraged and equipped to flee sin and pursue righteousness. The best place to do this is in a local church where you will find a diversity of people from various stages of life who can help guide you. One of the best experiences that I have found in my personal life is to have a small group of friends that I can do this with. We regularly inspire and help one another continually model our life after Christ’s.

I write about this a lot better than I practice it. The good news is that there’s grace for us in the journey. Christianity is a divine comedy. Not in the sense of a light-hearted, feel-good sitcom, but in the sense of a story where there is danger, calamity and struggle, yet the finale brings everything together in a happy ending. You will be forever changed on this quest. You will be tested beyond your limitations and forged into someone who is “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37). But conquering doesn’t just “happen.” Conquering is for those who join the fight and pledge allegiance to the Leader who loves us and has already secured our victory.

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This article was originally published at Boundless.org on September 16, 2019.

Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of 33 millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. He has served as general editor of The Gospel Project and has taught courses on mission and ministry at Wheaton College. He is the author of multiple books, including The Thrill of Orthodoxy, Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel Centered Teaching.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the conversation
01:36 The inspiration behind the book 'Life of Jesus'
04:07 The structure and purpose of the prayer journey
05:21 The significance of praying three times a day
08:19 The benefits of punctuating the day with prayer
10:09 The compounding effect of regular prayer
11:28 The importance of structure and spontaneity in prayer
17:01 The value of engaging with different genres of Scripture
23:28 The benefits of blending different genres in prayer
35:04 Dealing with busyness and maintaining prayer disciplines
41:08 Overcoming distractions and making time for prayer
42:44 Challenges of Distraction and Temptation
43:32 Reorienting Ourselves to God
43:45 Becoming More Like Jesus
44:42 Revolutionizing Prayer Life
45:11 Recommendation and Conclusion

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Drew Dyck is an editor at Moody Publishers and the former managing editor of Leadership Journal. He is the author of several books, including Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science (Moody, 2019). Drew’s work has been featured in Christianity Today, Relevant, and CNN.com. He lives with his wife, Grace, and their three children, near Portland, Oregon. Connect with Drew at DrewDyck.com or on Twitter @DrewDyck.

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Neil Shenvi has an A.B. in chemistry from Princeton and a Ph.D. in theoretical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a research scientist at Yale University and Duke University and has published over thirty peer-reviewed scientific papers. In addition, his writings on critical theory have been published by the Journal of Christian Legal Thought, the Gospel Coalition, Eikon, Ratio Christi, and the Liberty University Law Review, among others. He is married and currently homeschools his four children.

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Scott Klusendorf (MA, Biola University) is the president of Life Training Institute, where he trains pro-life advocates to persuasively defend their views. A passionate and engaging platform speaker, Scott's pro-life presentations have been featured by Focus on the Family, Truths That Transform, and American Family Radio.

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Glenn Sunshine (Ph.D., Renaissance and Reformation History) is a former professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, a ministry associate at Reflections Ministries, and a senior faculty member of the Colson Fellows. An award-winning author, Glenn has published books, articles, and book chapters on history, theology, and culture, online, and on both sides of the Atlantic. His book Why You Think the Way You Do: The Story of Western Worldviews from Rome to Home (Zondervan, 2009) received the 2006 Acton Institute Book Grant. Glenn has also taught courses on four continents.

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Track: Perseverance — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]
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Jonathan Leeman is the editorial director for 9Marks. After doing undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, Jonathan began his career in journalism where he worked as an editor for an international economics magazine in Washington, D.C. Since his call to ministry, Jonathan has earned a master of divinity and a Ph.D. in theology and worked as an interim pastor.

Today he edits the 9Marks series of books as well as the 9Marks Journal and is the co-host of Pastors Talk. He has written for a number of publications and is the author or editor of a number of books.

Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, DC and serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. He teaches adjunctively at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Reformed Theological Seminary. You can follow him on Twitter at @Jonathan Leeman.

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Samuel James is the associate acquisitions editor at Crossway. He is the author of Digital Liturgies, a regular newsletter on Christianity, technology, and culture. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, Emily, and their three children.

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Track: Perseverance — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus​
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