People are fascinating, aren’t they? A lot of folks will dodge a conversation even when the topic isn’t hard at all. Shame is usually what’s fogging up the windshield. Sometimes a little reframing of the words you use is all it takes to turn an awkward moment into an open door.
When I speak to groups about attitude and opportunity, I like to tell them about my high school job. I say I was a “gourmet express chef in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment,” in charge of multitasking and keeping operations running smoothly. Then I let them sit with that for a second before I tell them what the job really was. It was Burger King.
I still don’t usually lead with “I’m a preacher.” That one word can clear a room faster than a fire drill. Instead, I tell people I’ve spent the last 29 years in personal development, helping others grow in career direction, mindset, knowledge, goal setting, and achievement. My work is rooted in ancient wisdom and applied to modern life.
Sooner or later, somebody asks who I work for, and that’s my favorite part. I tell them I work for the largest real estate owner in the world, someone who provides for the wealthy and the poor alike. I serve the richest man alive, who is also the most humble. He offers opportunity to everybody, looks past skin color, and pays attention to what’s possible in a person’s heart.
Then I ask if they’d like to work for Him too. Same truth, different door, and you’d be surprised how many people walk right through it.
Your turn. What do you do, and how are you saying it?
As Christmas approaches, this is a meaningful time to strengthen relationships with both your physical family and your spiritual family. Christmas has a way of gathering people together, but it also reminds us how much we need one another. Here are a few simple, practical ways to lean into that blessing while keeping our minds on the Lord.
Put down the phone and be present. Choose a face-to-face conversation over another scroll or text. Nothing replaces kind words spoken in person and sincere attention given to someone you love. This season is a great time to practice genuine love and honor within the home. (Romans 12:9–13)
Worship with the saints—and bring someone with you. When family visits, invite them to join you for worship and time with the church. Christmas can open doors for spiritual conversations that might not happen any other time of year. And for many, this season can be heavy on hearts—people need their spiritual family more than they may admit. “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:24)
Read the Word with fresh Christ-filled eyes. Christmas is a powerful opportunity to point hearts back to Jesus. Take time before the day arrives to read (or reread) the story of Christ and the hope He brings. Like the Bereans, let’s be people who search the Scriptures with readiness. (Acts 17:11) Consider reading Luke 2, Matthew 1, John 1, and Isaiah 9:6–7.
Serve in ways that reflect the love of Christ. Christmas creates countless opportunities to serve—preparing food, checking on someone who may be lonely, helping a member in need, or quietly meeting a need without being asked. These moments may feel small, but they honor the Lord. “Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
The Lord blesses us with many opportunities every year, but Christmas has a special way of putting them right in front of us. Let’s use this season to strengthen our relationships—and to keep Christ at the center of it all.
Words matter. Words make a difference to the one speaking them, and the one hearing them.Years ago, many of us were taught the phrase of “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” In our younger years, we used this phrase to deflect the harmful words of others. But words hurt. I would imagine you have been hurt by words.
Words not only hurt, but words can influence others. James writes, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brother, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3.1; ESV)
The influence of words is like that of a ship’s rudder. Even though a rudder is small, it can influence a large ship and take it where it wants to travel. (James 3.4)
What steps can we take to be sure we are using words properly?
Change your mind. What proceeds from your lips is a product of what lives in our hearts. (Matthew 15.18) Our minds should be focused on things above (Colossians 3.2) and we should meditate on the higher things (Philippians 4.8).
Are the words I speak helping? Are the words you are speaking encouraging to others? (Hebrews 3.13) Are the words we speak spoken out of love? (Ephesians 4.15)
Personally, I cannot understand why anyone would know they may suffer eternal punishment and be satisfied to suffer the consequences. Further, I cannot understand how someone can believe that Jesus is real and still choose not to follow Him. Maybe I am partial because I grew up going to services, attending Bible classes, and being taught of the power of the Word.
Did you know the demons believe and even shudder (tremble) that God is one?
“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19 ESV)
It is hard to believe the demons believe that God is one and still work against Him. It is hard to believe they shudder (tremble) in their belief, but still do what they do?
How can someone, who knows the oneness of God and the power God has over the world, still reject Him? The demons have chosen their fate, but people walking the Earth today still have a choice to obey Him before it is too late. Why do they not choose God?
If the demons, Satan’s army, know the power of God and shudder, should not everyone be mindful of the opportunity we have to obey God?
Christians are people of action! Being a Christian transcends beyond mere belief; it’s an active pursuit of a life modeled after Jesus Christ. This journey is not confined to Sundays but is an everyday commitment to living out one’s faith through actions that draw one closer to God.
First, if you ask God in faith for the wisdom to go through trials, He will grant you wisdom. (James 1.8) Faith is not just about weathering storms but seeking the wisdom to navigate them. When faced with trials, a Christian’s faith is a request for divine guidance, a wisdom that God promises to provide generously.
Second, the man who stands firm throughout trials will receive a reward from God—a crown of life. (James 1.12) The crown of life is a promise from God, just as Paul spoke in 2 Timothy 4.6-8)
Third, God is the giver of ever perfect and good gift. (James 1.17) We know this to be true because every spiritual blessing is found in Christ. (Ephesians 1.3) We know God will take care of His children. Matthew 6.19-34)
Fourth, we still must act. James writes, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1.22) If we only hear the word and then do nothing about it, we deceive ourselves because our actions do not follow through with our beliefs.
Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
