Christian Life

What really makes you mad? If you’re an American, you’ve got an awful lot to choose from.

Do I enjoy this? That goes without answer. Although many applaud boldness, if the truth be told, life would be much easier if I took a secular job and avoided controversy. But I cannot.

There’s no denying the impact of football in America. It seems to be sewn into the very fabric of our country — inspiring not just weekend plans, but a way of life. But is this way of life putting you in danger spiritually?

Humility is an important character quality in the Christian life. Although most of us know this, we also likely know that humility is one of the most difficult qualities to develop and consistently live out in our Christian walk.

Have you ever considered that Christianity could be superstitious? In Scott Redd’s recent article on The Gospel Coalition, he presents us with some startling considerations. Not only do we, as humans, naturally lean towards superstitious behavior; Christians do as well. Here's how the church might be at risk.

Of all the strange stories making news over the weekend, this was perhaps the strangest. A worker went inside an ATM in Corpus Christi to repair the locking mechanism of the door. It shut behind him, locking him in.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said (Mark 12:31).

Who among us wouldn’t agree with that statement?

When I’m sitting in a pew on Sunday and my pastor teaches that concept, I nod my head in agreement. When I’m having quiet time and I happen upon that verse, I feel confident and slightly proud. Of course I love my neighbor. God told me to.

It’s easy, right? Well, yes—until it’s not.

Because reality is rarely as simple as the theoretical. I love the idea of loving my neighbor, truly. I profess love and try to live in such a way as to practice it. I want to offer to others what God gave so freely to me.

But when I look, literally around my neighborhood, what do I see? Houses I pass every day filled with people I’ve never seen. People to nod at as we drive past, but whose names I do not know. Houses that are suddenly empty, and I can only assume someone passed away because my impression is that an elderly man once lived there, but I’m not even sure.

What kind of neighbor does this make me? I’m not wanting to beat myself—or you—up, but the truth is, we all make mistakes when trying to love our neighbor. Even if we mean well, even if we’re intentional about reaching out, there are likely things each of us could do better. Let’s look at 10 of the mistakes every Christian makes when trying to love their neighbor.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Daisy-Daisy

The Bible may be a source of wisdom for many Americans but most don’t read it for themselves, a new survey shows.

Doubt is often viewed as a negative thing in the Christian life. As Christians, we stress having faith in God and trusting Him, and doubting seems to be the antithesis of this faith and trust.

As valuable as these acts of personal sacrifice, spiritual development, and contrition are, Christianity also exhorts us to energetically work to help those in need.