Walking the Tightrope

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

– John 16:33

If you were around in the 1970s, you probably remember Evel Knievel — the daredevil who once vaulted his motorcycle over Las Vegas’ Grand Fountains at Caesars Palace. In 1974 he failed to leap Idaho’s Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered cycle, but the showman survived the stunt with only minor injuries. Knievel also attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps over his career … and broke nearly 40 bones in the process.

More than a century before Evel’s exploits, Charles Blondin was the nation’s headline-grabbing risk-taker. And in 1859, he made a name for himself by being the first person to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Even more impressive was that he accomplished this feat in different ways: on stilts, in a sack, and even in the dark. Once, Blondin walked the tightrope over the falls blindfolded while pushing a wheelbarrow. The audience that had gathered along the riverbank roared their approval of the death-defying spectacle.

“Do you believe that I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?” he asked the excited crowd.

“Yes, yes!” they replied. “You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything!”

“OK,” said the daredevil. “Get in the wheelbarrow.”

Blondin’s admirers claimed that they believed in him. But when he asked them to leave the safety of solid ground and take a step of faith, no one came forward. Likewise, Christ-followers like you and me can sometimes fail to step out of our own comfort zones. 

Let’s ask ourselves: When we face tough situations at home or at work, do we compromise — or do we trust that God’s way is the right way — regardless of the cost? For example, your boss might want you to exaggerate the company's sales figures so your department will impress the CEO. And your spouse might even tell you to fudge your family’s tax return to claim a bigger refund. 

They’re scary scenarios. But fear, uncertainty, and danger are always present in one form or another. The good news, however, is that we can find security through God when we rely on his provision rather than trying to protect ourselves with our money, possessions, or relationships. The key is to do things God’s way. And that can be costly — and particularly uncomfortable — when everyone is watching. 

Let’s remember that when we walk the tightrope of faith, it exalts our Creator. And when we seek to honor him, he’ll seek to honor us.

Trial by Fire

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

– 2 Thessalonians 2:15

It’s been about 2,000 years since the apostle Paul sent this admonition to the embattled church at Thessalonica — a group of Believers living in what’s now northern Greece. Aren’t his words just as relevant to modern-day Christ-followers like you and me? Surf the web and turn on the TV these days and try to avoid the stormy headlines about political turmoil, natural disasters, and military conflicts. It’s by understanding God’s message to us through the Bible that we can put it all into perspective and continue walking the narrow path of the Kingdom.

Whether the storms are literal or figurative, Believers can count on facing them. And there’s no escape — even after we’ve switched off the smartphone and changed the TV channel. For some people that storm might be a job loss or financial setback. For others it’s a chronic illness or the prospect of major surgery. Or maybe the trouble involves family or relationship issues like a divorce or the loss of a loved one. In our fallen world, these trials by fire are a harsh reality of the human experience.

Christ-followers, however, have the hope of better days ahead. That’s because we worship a God who’s much greater than our circumstances, no matter how discouraging they may be. Ours is a Creator who literally spoke the universe into existence, formed great mountain ranges with his hands, and parted the seas with a breath.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” asks the writer of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.

So, let’s take God at his word. His reassuring message to us is that he works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purposes. But let’s also remember that we’re not exempt from storms and setbacks once we turn over our lives to Jesus. What does change, however, is that eternal assurance that helps us endure any difficulty or trial — trivial or immense. 

“Why are you afraid?” Christ once asked his apostles. “Do you still have no faith?"

In one form or another, the storms of life surround everyone. The lightning flashes and the thunder rumbles. But for Christ-followers, it's blue skies on the horizon while our trials by fire refine our faith. With that in mind, let’s embrace Jesus’ message to us through Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Justice of the Peace

All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ... 

– 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6

The saying goes that death and taxes are the only certainties in life. But what about the certainties of suffering, pain, and injustice? Every day, good people lose their jobs, endure family conflicts, and are stricken by disease. At the same time, those who mock Jesus and live sin-filled lives seem to get ahead. They cheat, steal, work the system, and reap the benefits. Why does God allow it?

Long ago, paradise on earth was forever ruined when Adam and Eve chose to disobey their Creator in the Garden of Eden. And ever since, death — both literal and spiritual — has followed in the wake of that original sin. Meanwhile, no good deed seems to go unpunished. Those who strive to walk life’s narrow path, love their neighbors, and otherwise do the right thing can find themselves holding the short end of the stick.

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about enduring injustice: 

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” he explains in 2 Corinthians. “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

We live in a dark, broken, and dying world. But it won’t be like this forever. So, when you and I are treated unfairly, let’s remember that God sees our suffering — and he’ll bring us justice. Moreover, the day is coming soon when Jesus will call home every Believer to receive their reward and share in His joy for eternity. It’s His imminent return that gives us hope, shapes our grief, and calls us to live awake and ready. As Paul reassures us through Romans 8:18: 

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”

Little Christs

Then John agreed to his baptism. Jesus came straight out of the water afterwards, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting upon him. And a voice came out of Heaven saying, “This is my dearly-loved son, in whom I am well pleased.”

– Matthew 3:16-17

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their newfound faith had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — were markedly different from the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease sorrow and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much greater.

In a word, they were changed.

And that says a lot for their leader — an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire who just happened to be God’s own Son. Few recognized that at the time. But because some did and led changed lives while following Jesus, millions in future generations would in turn help to change the world for the better.

Modern-day Christ-followers like you and me must also set aside their selfish desires in favor of following Jesus’ example of righteousness. And like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, we, too, should recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance:

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explains Jesus, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

It’s a radical approach that’s just as life-changing today as it was 2,000 years ago. And it’s also one that calls for personal action, commitment, and sacrifice. So whether you’ve followed Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. And ask God to work through you with the Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation.

It’s change that makes a difference. And eventually, through the trials of life and the whispers of his leadings, we’ll become the faithful servant-leaders that Jesus desires us to be.

 

 

Practical Faith

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive
to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:15

When asked by one of the Pharisees — a strict religious sect — to name the greatest of God’s laws, Jesus astounded his audience by the simplicity and clarity of his response:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment,” Jesus said. “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

With just a few brief words, our Savior summarized a key biblical principle: That God’s love, translated into beneficial motivations and actions through our faith in Jesus Christ, is an unstoppable, world-changing force.

It’s also a reminder that LOVE is an action word. But that's a hard concept for many people because they link it to weddings, chocolates, and Valentine’s Day. But Jesus wasn’t talking about some fleeting, awkward emotion. Instead, he's calling you and me to walk in step with him by transforming our love into practical action. That’s everything from helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries to revealing God’s light to inmates through a prison ministry. It could also translate into changing a co-worker’s life by showing them how Jesus changed our own. The possibilities and potential are endless. 

Such practicalities aren’t restricted to perfect strangers and that neighbor down the street. As a family of faith, we should also pray for one another, celebrate each other's triumphs, mourn each other's losses, and sacrifice our own selfish interests for the good of fellow Believers. And it’s by consistently putting our faith into action that the world will know us as The Church: everyone on Earth who trusts in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As the apostle Paul reminds us:

^“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

Ready … Set … Go!

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

– Matthew 24:44

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia — one of the largest temblors ever recorded by modern seismic instruments. The subsequent Pacific-wide tsunami was much weaker than expected. Still, there was one indirect fatality, 21 injuries, plus flooding in Russia and Hawaii. 

It was about 21 years earlier that a different earthquake and tsunami made headlines. December 26, 2004, began innocently enough, with families enjoying the morning across numerous Asian beaches. Suddenly, a magnitude 9.3 earthquake, as powerful as 23,000 Hiroshima-style atomic bombs, struck near the island of Sumatra. The resulting tsunami rose to the height of an 8-story building and struck 11 nations along the Indian Ocean. More than 200,000 people died.

Seismic equipment had detected and recorded the massive earthquake, but Indonesia had no working tidal gauges to spot a tsunami. However, the warning signs were still there. And most of the victims either didn’t recognize them, heed them, or have time to react. They were completely unprepared.

Disasters, whether natural or manmade, happen every day. They’re often unpredictable. And there’s no guarantee that we can save ourselves, our family, or our property — even if we do recognize the warning signs. There are, however, signals for a much greater world-changing event that could happen at any moment. What’s more, we can begin to prepare for it right NOW.

God promises that one day, a Savior (Jesus) will with a trumpet blast summon all Believers to be with him forever. Then after several years of turmoil that will follow on earth, Christ will set foot in Jerusalem to right all the wrongs of this world, save and reward those who believe in Him, and send all others to an eternity of torment. No one knows the exact time or day that Christ will appear. But many of the Second Coming’s related Bible prophesies have already been fulfilled, such as the unlikely re-birth of Israel in 1948.

Jesus’ return is imminent. That means he could appear within the next five seconds or 500 years. But either way, we must be prepared. That’s because we don’t know when our time on Earth will cease. Check the headlines and you’re bound to find stories about people killed through accident, crime, war, or sudden illness (like a stroke or heart attack). Like the 200,000 victims of the December 2004 tsunami, they had no idea that their time was up.

Here’s the obvious question: Are you prepared to meet your Maker? Your answer has eternal consequences. 

“So you also must be ready,” Jesus warns us, “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Our God is a God of justice. And since we’ve all failed to live up to his perfect standards, we all deserve the death penalty that Jesus endured in our place on the cross. So, if you’re not sure whether you’ll spend eternity with or without God, the apostle Paul has this word of advice:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The signs are all around us … and disaster IS on the way. But don’t panic. Instead, be ready.

Practical Compassion

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more …

– 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10

As Christ-followers, we're often reminded about the importance of helping our neighbors and showing compassion to strangers. Jesus taught this principle through The Good Samaritan, one of the most familiar stories of the Bible.

It’s in Luke’s gospel that we read about a traveler who was attacked by robbers and left for dead. A priest discovered the wounded man, but elected to pass him by. Later, a Levite (a member of one of the tribes of Israel) also saw the man lying on the ground, and he too avoided him. But when a Samaritan — a member of a despised ethnic group — happened to come by, he bandaged up the injured stranger, checked him into a motel, and even prepaid the bill!

The story’s two supposedly "good" people had a chance to help the helpless, but they went out of their way to do nothing. Instead, it was the Samaritan who found God's approval because he showed practical compassion to his neighbor (a stranger).

This lesson raises some important questions: 

How well are we treating other Christ-followers — let alone perfect strangers? And is our relationship with fellow Believers both holy and loving?

The moment we put our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we join an enormous, worldwide family that spans race, nationality, gender, and generation. We may be very different, but it's our faith in Christ that bridges the gap. We also share a common, eternal destiny with a loving Father. And he’s at the core of our very words, thoughts, and deeds.

It’s this truth that separates Christ-followers from everyone else on earth. And since the world is watching us and questioning our motives, it’s crucial that we live out our faith and treat others accordingly.

What does that look like? It’s by celebrating each other's triumphs, mourning each other's losses, and sacrificing our own selfish interests that we can exhibit transformed lives and ongoing spiritual growth. And above all, we must follow Jesus' example — one where LOVE is an action-word rather than a feeling. As Christ reminds us through John’s gospel:

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Heard It on the Grapevine

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

– 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Recorded in an era when agriculture was the livelihood of most people, the Bible is full of references to the planting, harvesting, and storage of crops. It’s therefore no surprise that the crowds that followed Jesus from village to village were familiar with the imagery of fruitfulness in his parable called The Sower. They knew a thing or two about cultivation. And their ability to grow a thriving crop each year despite drought and pestilence could mean the difference between starvation and plenty.

A related biblical theme addresses mankind’s need for a thriving relationship with its Creator. That’s because without him, nothing — spiritual or physical — can grow to fruition.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener,” Jesus tells us through John’s gospel. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Let’s now fast-forward to the 21st century — a dynamic era driven by technology and industry. But agriculture, from the largest factory-farm to the smallest backyard plot, is still vital. And professional and amateur farmers alike continue to seek the tools, fertilizers, and other supplies that will make their fields and gardens thrive. They know that with enough time and effort, the harvest will be both bountiful and satisfying.  

The same goes for cultivating our church into the thriving group of Believers our Creator would have us to be. That’s also a process that takes both time and effort. But unlike a vegetable garden that eventually withers and dies with the first frosts of autumn, a Spirit-filled church — despite the hardships it faces — produces good fruit marked by faith, love, and patient endurance.  

How about you? Are you cultivating a fruitful relationship with God, reading your Bible, and helping others do the same? Work awaits every Believer in the fields. So, as we gather our spiritual gardening tools for the task at hand, let’s embrace Jesus’ familiar words from Matthew’s gospel: 

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

Boom or Bust

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’”

– Exodus 32: 7-8

Steve Emptman. Brian Bosworth. Curtis Enis. Tony Mandarich.

If you’re not a football fan or a trivia buff, you’ve probably never heard of them. All four were college gridiron stars who demonstrated tremendous athletic potential and wowed the NFL scouts. All were drafted into the league with grand hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. All failed — and failed miserably, many would say — to live up to the hype. And they were all BUSTS because they couldn’t meet the unrealistic expectations of their teams and fans.

Oddly enough, the failures of Bosworth, Mandarich, and their underachieving peers made them IDOLS … at least in a biblical sense. That’s because an idol is anything that replaces God on the throne of our heart. An idol might be a car, house, money, career — or even food or a hobby. Even seemingly good things like college and pro sports can become idols if they’re abused. And it’s when a good thing becomes a god-like thing that we fall into the snare of idolatry.

Like sports stars, regular people — including spouses, friends, children, and significant others — can also become idols. And since they’re fault-filled human beings rather than our faultless God, they always turn out to be busts. After all, we build them up unrealistically and treat them as our reason for living.

The saying goes that we’re only human. Unfortunately, bad things happen when we forget God’s grace and replace our Creator with people as the source of our security, worth, and happiness. So rather than putting our family and friends on an idol’s pedestal, let’s put our relationships in order by making Jesus, who was God in the flesh, Priority #1. As Jeremiah 17:5 reminds us:

This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 

Conversations with God

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

Christ-followers enjoy many special privileges, and one of the greatest is the ability to approach God in prayer about our blessings, troubles, concerns — and everything else that’s going on in our life. Prayer is a give-and-take conversation. And it’s all possible through our faith in his Son, Jesus. As Psalm 145:18 assures us:

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

But this raises an important question: If we have such a special relationship with our Creator, why is it that some of our prayers go unanswered? After all, there are times when even the most seasoned Christ-follower feels like their petitions go no higher than the bedroom ceiling.

Let’s keep in mind that prayer is like a phone call. Sometimes the message comes through loud and clear — as if the other person is standing right next to us. But sometimes there’s static … or the call gets disconnected or doesn’t go through at all. So, what's the problem? 

First, we must ensure that the line is clear by dealing with any unconfessed sin in our life. After all, the One who created us is already aware of our every thought and deed. Likewise, if we’re carrying a grudge against someone — like a spouse or co-worker — it needs to be ironed out before we can expect God to listen to us. And faith also plays a significant role. If we pray but don’t think God has the power or desire to deal with our issues, why even ask in the first place?

What about those times when we pray sincerely and with good intentions, but our prayers still go unanswered? The short answer is that God DOES answer every one of them. But sometimes his response is “no” or “not now.” As the Creator of all things past, present, and future, he knows the big picture — those people, places, and circumstances that make all the difference to our situation. And although it's not always apparent to us at the time, God's plans for us are always the best. He knows that it’s not always what we want that matters, but ultimately, it's all about what we NEED. So, with that in mind, let’s embrace the apostle Paul’s call to Believers like you and me through 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 

Stress Test

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”

– Exodus 25:8

Are you feeling stressed these days? If so, you’re not alone.

According to a 2025 report from Modern Health, 75% of survey respondents reported experiencing some form of low mood — largely driven by politics and current events — and 74% said they want mental health resources specifically addressing global political turmoil. What’s more, almost half of them said that life was easier during the COVID-19 pandemic than it is today!

Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ earthly parents, also knew a thing or two about stress. After all, they experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around her pregnancy. They endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was always in the picture. Can you relate?

But God had a plan for them … as well as one for you and me. Psalm 139 reveals that our Creator knew us before we were ever formed in our mother’s womb. He also knew when and where we’d be born, what sort of life we’d lead, and when we’d die. And since we consistently break his laws and fall short of his standards of perfection, he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the well-deserved consequences of our transgressions. We’re powerless to do that ourselves. That’s why God decided to do it by living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus. He was the long-prophesied Emmanuel: God with us.

It's because he endured unimaginable stress (and so much more) for our sakes 2,000 years ago that Jesus relates to us in the 21st century. What’s more, he dwells with us today — and he’ll be with us always. So, if politics, current events, and daily living are elevating your stress levels, you can rest assured through Christ’s proclamation in John’s gospel: 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The Good Shepherd

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

– Exodus 20:12-17

If you’re one of the millions of Americans these days who are seeking employment or considering a career change, how about becoming a shepherd?

The number of job openings for shepherds has dropped over the years, but good help is still hard to find. In fact, it’s common for ranchers, farmers, and landowners to import experienced shepherds from other nations where sheep-and-goat management is vital. If you think you’re up to the challenge, understand that shepherds are responsible for protecting their flock against vicious predators including coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and even domestic dogs. They must also monitor their sheep for illness. What’s more, an experienced shepherd is expected to shear up to 125 ewes a day without nicking or cutting the animal’s skin.

Ensuring the flock’s safety and welfare is the shepherd’s primary responsibility. And since so much can happen to the animals under their watch, shepherds must always expect the unexpected, be courageous, and do the right thing. 

Doing the right thing isn't just the right thing for shepherds to do, it's also a biblical principle for every Christ-follower. As the apostle Paul wrote in James 4:17, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." And it’s in Isaiah 1:17 that we read:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Doing the right thing also calls for bravery. While we may never face a powerful army on the battlefield, we might have to combat figurative opponents like injustice, crime, or discrimination. We have no hope of defeating them on our own. But let’s be encouraged that God specializes in empowering average Joes and Janes like you and me to do the extraordinary against overwhelming odds.

Ultimately, doing the right thing calls us to live in love and justice with one another, and all while honoring the image of God in others. We’re not expected to solve all the world’s problems. However, through our faith in Jesus — The Good Shepherd — we can still make a world of difference.

Identity Theft

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.

– Exodus 19:4-6

Identity theft is a crime where fraud or deception is used to obtain a victim’s personal or sensitive information — such as their name or credit card number. So far in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission has reported 1.4 million complaints. And even more eye-opening is that fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade, with the estimated global cost now exceeding $50 billion. 

The damage to a victim's credit report can take years to repair. But there’s another kind of identity theft that doesn’t involve money, and it’s much more serious. It’s the one that robs Christ-followers of the abundant life their Creator intends for them.

How does this happen?

The Bible reveals that we become a new creation when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, far too many people have unknowingly assumed a false identity through the negative messages they received early in life. A common example is a parent, who constantly tells their child that they’ll "never amount to anything,” they’re “not smart enough,” or they “don’t have what it takes to make it.”

Repeated early and often enough, these fictions can become reality. Moreover, they gradually become embedded in our thinking, only to blind us to the reality of our true worth and potential through Jesus. The result can be years of frustration trying to be someone (or something) God never intended us to be.

How can we take back our rightful identities?

It starts with a spiritual reality check. First, let's review our past and identify the negative messages we received early in life. Then, consider their sources. Can we honestly say that those painful words were true, or is it more the case that we have God-given talents and abilities? If fed a constant diet of half-truths, distortions, and falsehoods, even a PhD with an excellent academic record might perceive their impressive accomplishments as mediocre at best.

God, however, doesn’t look at Believers through such clouded, distorted lenses. He knew us before we were born and knows the plans he has for us. And even better — with our eternal inheritance assured, our real identity emerges: We're adopted sons and daughters of the King! As the apostle Paul assures us in 1 Corinthians:

“But as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived’ — God has prepared these things for those who love him.”

Our Creator has given every Believer a new identity and way of life. And with that comes the true freedom from a relationship with him under his loving rule.

It’s the Real Thing

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

– Exodus 14:13-14

One of the world’s most-recognized products, Coca-Cola traces its roots back to 1886, when the first glass of the refreshing beverage was served in an Atlanta pharmacy. The drink grew in popularity — and it wasn’t without imitators. Pepsi arrived in 1893, followed by Royal Crown (“RC”), Shasta, and a host of others. In the late 1960s to help differentiate Coke from the competition, company executives chose the familiar It’s the Real Thing slogan in response to research that revealed “… young people seek the real, the original, and the natural as an escape from phoniness.”

Now fast-forward nearly 60 years, and people of all ages still seek authenticity — especially when it comes to matters of faith and religion. There’s no shortage of options. And furthering the confusion is the common notion that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't matter, just so long as we’re sincere and it makes us happy. After all, everyone is entitled to their own truth. It's all relative. And we're all worshiping the same god. Right?

On the contrary! The Bible reveals that Jesus made startling claims that clearly contradict today’s anything-goes take on faith … and he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Christ’s birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Jesus’ brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, and forgiving sins. Then, he sacrificed himself to pay the enormous price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," we read in John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — say that Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher. But is he the ONLY WAY to God? The short answer is … YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. However, that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many call it intolerant.

But maybe it's not so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for anyone to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new beginning through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the real way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about putting our faith in him, accepting his free gift of salvation, and letting him live through us. We’re powerless to save ourselves, but God made a way when there is no way!

"It is finished!" Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. And ultimately, that’s The Real Thing.

American Idol

“And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

– Exodus 7:5

There are no atheists in foxholes. 

There’s a grain of truth in this old saying — and maybe a whole lot more. After all, is there really such a thing as a full-fledged atheist — someone who doesn’t worship any god? The fact is that we all worship someone or something in one way or another. 

Christ-followers worship the true God revealed through the Bible. On the other hand, manmade religions promote false gods, ancestor worship, and even the reverence of living things or nature (worshiping the creation rather than the Creator). And then there are today’s popular teachings such as New Age, Scientology, and Kabbalah. It’s a very long list.

Even those who claim to be strict atheists are in fact active worshipers. True, they’re not devout churchgoers who proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But they — like everyone — bow down to their favorite idols and false gods. Some venerate money, luxury, and pleasure while others emulate intellect and higher learning. And still others kneel at the altar of more-negative gods such as alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships. 

While there are no atheists on the battlefield, there is a war that rages each day within everyone: the One true God versus the false gods and idols of this world. It’s our hearts and souls that are the prize of this eternal conflict.

Maybe you and I don’t literally kneel and worship before an idol in some exotic, faraway temple. But let’s recognize that we secretly (or maybe not-so-secretly) cherish our own personal false gods. Think about the things that cause you to worry or spend your time and money. What are the issues that make you angry? What brings you the most joy? And here’s a revealing question: Whose attention and applause do you crave most?

If your answers don’t involve God, you’re likely worshiping an idol. And idols can be difficult to recognize because they’re experts at camouflage. Sometimes that idol can be as close as the bathroom mirror. And even apparently good things (like a career or even your children) can evolve into negative god things.

It’s particularly important for Christ-followers to remember that the real God — the “Abba” proclaimed by Jesus — refuses to share his glory with false gods and cheap idols. As we read in Deuteronomy 27:15:

“Cursed is anyone who makes an idol — a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands — and sets it up in secret.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Ours is a God with a jealous love for each one of us. In fact, he loves us so much that he let his own Son suffer the death penalty in our place so that we could become his children and heirs. So, with all this in mind, let’s take our Creator’s admonition in Leviticus 19:4 to heart: 

“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”

Unchained

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey — the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.”

– Exodus 3:7-8

The fifth chapter of Mark’s gospel begins with the story of a man who faced some serious problems. Or maybe a legion of problems best describes his plight.

This tormented soul had been exiled from the community to live out his days in a cemetery near Lake Galilee. The man was literally overcome by demons. And so total was his possession that he could use extraordinary strength to repeatedly break the chains and smash the leg irons that confined him.

“No one could control him,” Mark wrote. “Night and day he was in the graveyard or on the hills, yelling and cutting himself with stones.”

And that could have been the end of the man’s bizarre narrative. But then along came Jesus and his disciples from their voyage across the lake. Recognizing that Christ was God in the flesh, the demons that possessed the man begged to postpone their own eternal fate in favor of inhabiting a vast herd of pigs that roamed the hillside. When Jesus agreed, the demons fled from their victim, who was immediately delivered from his affliction.

Let's now fast-forward to 21st century America. When a celebrity, sports star, or Average Joe faces the consequences of alcohol, drugs, anger-management issues — or some other destructive force — we can count on their loved ones to explain that they struggled with their demons. Sometimes that’s a figure of speech. But literal demons really can torment people, and they do their best to make their victims’ lives a living hell.   

The fact is that everyone has their share of demons to one extent or another — even Christ-followers. And even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, asked him for forgiveness, and then received it, we still can slide back into those bad habits and behaviors that we thought we’d left far behind. And that tends to happen again and again.

Let’s consider the testimony of the apostle Paul — the unlikely Christ-follower who wrote much of the New Testament. In his 2,000-year-old lament that sounds so familiar to modern ears, Paul complains through 1 Timothy 1:15 that he continues to do the very things he despises. Yet at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish.

If this great Apostle to the Gentiles had so many problems with sin and temptation, what hope can we have of breaking free from our own chains? Well … quite a bit! As Christ-followers, we don’t have to accept sin’s dominance in our lives. It all comes down to our ultimate trust and dependence on a Deliverer, who long ago paid the exorbitant price of our many sins — past, present, and future.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” asks Paul. “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Training Camp

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

– Proverbs 3:11-12

Be sure to mark your calendars for February 8, 2026. 

That’s the date of the next Super Bowl — one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. And what will it take for the players to get there? The 2025-26 NFL schedule covers 272 regular season games plus preseason matchups and the playoffs. And in addition to overcoming weeks of hard-hitting competition, a date to The Big Game calls for intense discipline featuring countless hours of on-field practice, classroom study, and game-tape review.

Tom Brady understands how discipline and perseverance make all the difference between a champion and a runner-up. Love him or loath him, Brady, who won a combined seven Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. And throughout his long career, he followed an intense, year-round training regimen involving diet and exercise, plus an ongoing focus on football fundamentals. Brady also took nothing for granted, and he conditioned himself to expect the unexpected on the field:

“You push your body to the limits, but you have to train your body to deal with the limits,” he once explained. “If you don't play to win, don't play at all.”

The Bible also endorses the value of discipline and training. For Christ-followers, that means developing and using our God-given gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our community and the world. For example, we’re called to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we answer questions from a neighbor or co-worker if we don’t set aside time each day to read and study the Scriptures to know what we’re talking about? The discipline of scriptural literacy is also a great way to grow closer to God by developing the ability to listen for His voice. And in turn, it helps us discern right from wrong when faced by those everyday scenarios that are so rarely black or white. 

Although football wasn’t around 2,000 years ago, the sport of long-distance running was popular back when the apostle Paul used it in 1 Corinthians to illustrate the value of spiritual discipline:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

It takes a disciplined regimen, and plenty of bruises along the way, to make it to the Super Bowl (and much more to win seven rings like Tom Brady). Likewise, it takes discipline and endurance for Christ-followers to become the faith-driven champions God wants us to be: 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship,” we read in Romans 12. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Soul Food

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

– Acts 2:42

What’s your idea of a great meal?

For some folks, it’s a grilled steak, baked potato, and salad that hit the spot. Others love pizza, Vietnamese, or seafood. And let’s not forget those who crave vegetarian. 

Tastes and taste buds may vary widely, but it’s hunger that unites. However, there’s another kind of appetite that has nothing to do with cheeseburgers and ice cream. It’s the spiritual hunger that’s hard-coded into our DNA. Inside, everyone has a gnawing desire to fill a gaping

internal void. Some try in vain through negative pursuits such as drug use, alcohol, compulsive spending, or gambling. Others attempt to fill it by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But after the thrill is gone, the hunger always returns ... and they’re never satisfied. 

Jesus addressed this universal dilemma by proclaiming (and proving) himself to be the “food” that everyone craves. It’s in John 6:35 that he reveals:

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Of course, we all need an appetite — a certain level of intensity — to continue developing as Christ-followers. God has so many things for us to see, experience, and comprehend during our brief existence on Earth. That’s how we grow and mature into Jesus’ likeness. And how boring would it be if we knew all the answers to life from Day 1?

Unfortunately, too many Christ-followers experience spiritual malnourishment and stunted growth along their faith-journey. So, what’s the remedy? It’s to make the most of the people, places, and situations that God puts before us every day. Likewise, it’s also up to every Believer to continue developing through regular Bible study, prayer, worship, small group participation, and other scriptural habits. 

After all, there’s nothing like a good workout to whet one’s appetite — and then satisfy it with food for the soul.

 

Tongue Tied

The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person's entire life on fire with flames that come from hell itself.

– James 3:6

Did the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 start — as legend has it — when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern? Or did it begin when a one-legged man slipped on Mrs. O’Leary’s wet barn floor and dropped his lit pipe into some hay or wood shavings?

The answer doesn’t matter except to history buffs and insurance adjusters. But whatever the fire’s cause, its aftermath was horrific. Citizens of The Windy City were forced to deal with nearly $200 million in property damage, 300 people dead, and another 100,000 homeless. And all it took was a single spark.

Centuries earlier. James — the half-brother of Jesus — taught a similar, fiery lesson through the New Testament book he wrote to some of the earliest Christ-followers. But instead of the destruction that comes from a tiny spark, James described the devastating power of the human tongue. It’s one of the smallest parts of the body. But the tongue still has the power to both uplift and destroy as well as bless and curse.

How many times have we uttered something inappropriate (or maybe downright mean-spirited) that seemed to come out of nowhere? Saying the wrong thing at the wrong moment to the wrong person has cost people their careers, marriages, and reputations. And whether it’s through gossip, lying, sarcasm, cursing, or taking God’s name in vain, we don’t lack for the words we wish we could take back.

During World War II, the U.S. Government produced posters bearing the headline, Loose Lips Sink Ships. The message was that spies could pick up careless — although seemingly innocent — gossip about Allied troop movements, ship departures, and other secret information. And when that intelligence reached the enemy’s ears, the result was often carnage, death, and destruction. Likewise, Christ-followers today must watch their tongues to avoid causing sunk relationships and reputations. Our words should instead lift up rather than put down. The Apostle Paul put it this way through Ephesians 4:29: 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 

On the Job

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

– Matthew 25:23

Career.io is an AI-powered career platform with tools for job seekers, career changers, and those looking to grow in their current roles. In 2024, it analyzed 755,758 employee-submitted job reviews to identify the careers that make Americans the happiest. And if you believe the results, a big paycheck doesn’t guarantee workplace satisfaction. It turns out that real estate agents have the happiest job in the nation. The list’s other contented job titles include carpenter, software developer, fitness instructor, firefighter, and administrative assistant.

The saying goes that you’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do for a living. That’s when a run-of-the-mill job becomes a passion. But whether you’re thrilled with your career or you’re just putting in the hours for a paycheck, the New Testament’s book of Colossians has this admonition for us:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men …”

In other words, it makes no difference if you’re the CEO of an international corporation or a 9-to-5 ditch-digger: we should all do our jobs for God’s glory. And Christ-followers should also consider the workplace as much a place of worship on weekdays as church is on Sundays. Likewise, we must work — and live — with the end in mind. Because once we pass into eternity, job titles and salaries will be worthless. Rich or poor, famous or obscure, we’ll all have to account for what we did in our lifetimes with the gifts and talents our Creator gave us. 

The world’s message is that focusing on money, status, and upward mobility can lead to a successful career, and that a successful career equates to a successful life. But the world has it backward. Everything we have — our money, possessions, family, and health — is due to God’s generosity. He gives it freely ... and he can take it away without notice.

God’s definition of success surely comes as a surprise to many in the workforce. The lesson here is that instead of living self-centered lives on the fast track to stock options and a corner office, our motivation should revolve around being Jesus’ hands and feet in the home, workplace, and community. It's our faithfulness to him that's the real measure of success on the job. 

For Better or For Worse

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

– Ephesians 5:21

America has transformed drastically over the last 100 years. There are the obvious changes — like the explosive growth of the suburbs, Walmart, and smartphones. And of course, our great-grandparents could never have imagined the Internet, Amazon, and artificial intelligence.

These transformations may be good or bad depending on your perspective. But one change that’s definitely negative involves our society’s attitude toward marriage and family. Just a few decades ago, news of a couple living together outside of marriage would have been scandalous in many communities. And in some states, it could lead to jail time for the offending parties!

What happens over time when a large segment of the population turns its back on committed marriage? With so called “no-fault” laws and the literal promotion of adultery in popular culture, it’s no wonder that over 40% of marriages these days end in divorce. It’s also no surprise that so many people now believe that marriage isn’t even worth the trouble. Living together has become a rational option. And one byproduct is today’s skyrocketing rates of out-of-wedlock births — now reported to exceed 40%.

The common denominator is that society has largely rejected Biblical values like marriage as well as the companion concepts of mutual sacrifice, intentional time, and habitual grace. Worse still is that too many people have refuted God and his teachings entirely — the ones he gave us for experiencing meaningful, fulfilled lives. What were once considered clear, black-and-white issues of right and wrong have blended over the decades into murky shades of gray. 

To many modern-thinking couples, living together without strings attached is a more-palatable and tolerant lifestyle choice. Moreover, they demonize words like commitment and accountability — the biblical hallmarks of marriage that demand responsibility, faith … and ultimate dependence on a much greater Power. 

The God who created us, and wants only the best for us, has a radically different notion about marriage between men and women. Let’s remember that marriage is a gospel witness. And as we read in Matthew 19:6, Jesus provides this familiar explanation for it: 

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

What If?

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

– Mark 16:6-7

Several years ago, a well-known insurance company ran a series of TV commercials that asked viewers to ponder a simple — yet profound — question: What if?

• What if you get sick and can't work?
• What if you get married and have triplets?
• What if you die and your family can't live without your lost income?

These commercials were effective reminders that real-life issues have real-life implications. And if you're not prepared (such as with the right insurance coverage), you might have something to fear. After all, millions of people each year really do suffer costly illnesses, injuries, and other setbacks.

Here's another consideration: Unless Jesus returns during our lifetimes, we’re all guaranteed a date with death because the mortality rate is 100%. And if we check the news headlines, we'll encounter another unpleasant reality: Society is plagued by violence, disease, and injustice. But while Believers like you and me aren't immune from these issues, we do have an answer to the uncertainties that grip so many who don't know Jesus as their Savior. It's his supernatural peace that defies all human understanding:

"I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give," Christ assures us in John 14:27. "It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid."  

Those insurance commercials make a valid point: We do indeed live in a world of what-ifs. But Christ-followers have nothing to fear because God is — and always has been — in control in every situation. Even death has lost its sting because Jesus willfully died on the cross to pay the penalty for our many sins and failures. And because of his resurrection from the grave, he also fulfilled centuries-old Bible prophecies to prove his claims as being the Son of God. His triumph over death, which we celebrate each year on Easter, means that we have eternal hope. And it's through our simple faith in him that the what-ifs of life become fear-nots:

“He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Jesus tells us through John’s gospel. “And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Servant Leader

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

– Mark 10:43-45

Deafening Silence
Jumbo Shrimp
Civil War
Servant Leader

What do these figures of speech have in common? They’re all oxymorons — rhetorical devices that use contradictory terms for effect. And if you think about them for a second, they don’t make sense. But for whatever reason, the words mesh perfectly to communicate the idea.

The Bible reveals Jesus as one who always made his point with great effect, particularly to those willing to put his message into action. But instead of linking a few opposing words or phrases, God’s only Son turned entire concepts on their heads to reinterpret long-held notions about what holds true value. For example, consider his admonition to those seeking greatness:

“Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down,” Jesus warns. “But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”

This, of course, flies in the face of society’s “Looking-Out-for-#1” perspective. After all, how can you make it to the top if you let everyone walk all over you? 

For many people, selfishness and self-preservation would seem to be logical approaches to getting ahead and staying there. But to Christ-followers viewing things through the lens of the Gospel, it’s actually a recipe for disaster: “What will you gain if you own the whole world but destroy yourself?” Jesus asks. “What would you give to get back your soul?”

Jesus spent his brief ministry teaching from a servant-leadership perspective. And it’s through the Bible that we read how Believers should serve as his hands and feet until his return. Oftentimes that demands a completely new perspective from his would-be followers. Accepting Christ’s message is like a nearsighted child, who sees the world anew through a pair of glasses. At first, it can be awkward and difficult — and sometimes even intimidating. That’s because Jesus calls for total devotion rather than half-heartedness and non-committal. However, the eventual reward will one day make it all worthwhile:

"I tell you the truth," he told Peter, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

A Glimpse of Glory

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

– Mark 9:2 – 4

God’s omnipotence and perfection are consistent themes throughout the Bible. And since he’s the Creator of all things and we’re merely his limited creations, we shouldn’t think twice that he’s all-knowing and all-seeing of things past, present, and future. But on the other hand, what’s sometimes confusing is that his words and deeds so often contradict human nature:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,” God tells us through Isaiah 55:8, and “neither are your ways my ways.” Jesus — who happens to be God in the flesh — also has a viewpoint that opposes our modern, me-first generation. “To be first,” he declares, “we must be last.”

Christ’s bold assertion sheds new light on the ways we should treat our neighbors. And how much better would this world be if we took the time to adopt his servant’s attitude and put the interests of others before our own?

Jesus answers this question through his own example. First, he willingly surrendered his rightful privileges as God’s only Son. He entered the world through humble circumstances — a birth among farm animals in a filthy stable. And as he grew up, he made a common-man’s living as a carpenter. Christ could have lived in splendor as the King of Kings. But instead, he chose a nomadic lifestyle for teaching the Good News of salvation to all who would listen.

That’s quite a life-lesson — one taught by the One with a humble servant’s heart. And although he had just three years to save the world, he still made time in his busy schedule to touch the lives of society’s outcasts. It was this same Jesus who healed the sick, fed the hungry, and trained disciples on the way of truth. There’s good reason he’s called God with Us:

"When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just clever stories that someone invented,” the apostle Peter declares through his second New Testament book, “but we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes."

 It was an astounding glimpse of glory that we too will one day experience face-to-face.

Training Camp

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

– Mark 8:34-35

When it comes to competitive sports, there’s always something appealing about rooting for the underdog. It just seems right for the Little Guy to beat the odds and win. So maybe that helps explain the lasting popularity of the movie Rocky and its many sequels.

Filmed in 1976, Rocky is essentially a re-telling of the Old Testament story of David and Goliath — but set in run-down 1970’s Philadelphia. The main character (Rocky Balboa) is a washed-up, down-on-his-luck fighter, who gets his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the world heavyweight champion (Apollo Creed). The match is merely a publicity stunt dreamed up by Creed’s handlers, and no one gives Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) much chance.

But Rocky takes the match — and his chances — quite seriously. And as he begins his training and reaches milestone after milestone, even his skeptical girlfriend, co-worker, and trainer begin to see that there just might be a glimmer of hope.

Some of the movie’s most memorable scenes involve Rocky’s unorthodox training regimen. We see the prizefighter working out in the local meat processing plant, strengthening his body by drinking raw eggs, and then building his endurance by jogging through the mean streets of The City of Brotherly Love. The sequence ends triumphantly as Rocky races up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raises his arms in victory, and surveys his beloved hometown.

Rocky’s theme might seem to be good’s ability to overcome evil. But the less-obvious New Testament message — revealed through the apostle Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians — is the value of disciplined training:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

As Christ-followers, we’re called to develop and use the gifts and talents God has given us to make a difference in our homes, community, and the world. Likewise, we must also be prepared to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we do that without the discipline to set aside time for Bible study and gathering with other Believers? It’s this type of practical, spiritual training that helps us grow closer to God by developing our ability to hear His voice and do His will. And in turn, that helps us to discern right from wrong when facing one of those difficult situations that never seem to be black or white.

If you haven’t seen the movie, here’s a spoiler alert: Rocky’s disciplined training pays off through his victory over Apollo Creed. Similarly, Christ-followers like you and me should train to become the Spirit-filled champions our Creator envisions us to be.  

Touching the Untouchables

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

– Mark 5:33-34

The Bible reveals that Jesus performed several amazing, life-changing miracles. He enabled the lame to walk, the blind to see, and the sick to regain their health. On multiple occasions he even brought the dead back to life — and the crowds were amazed and praised God for what they had witnessed. But in one notable instance, our Savior went a step further.

In Biblical times, a person afflicted with the skin disease leprosy faced a death sentence. Not only were they forced to experience their body’s painful disintegration, their social lives were cut short. Declared untouchable by the priests, lepers were banished from all contact with their family members, friends, and business associates. Never again could they experience a warm hug, a firm handshake, or even a tap on the shoulder. Considered unclean, lepers were literal walking curses. And according to Old Testament guidelines:

The priest is to examine the sore on the skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is a defiling skin disease. When the priest examines that person, he shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean.

All that changed one day when Jesus healed a leper. It’s in Matthew’s gospel that we read how he did the unthinkable by touching the untouchables:

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Jesus could have cured the ailing man through a simple word or prayer. But instead, he physically contacted the shunned outcast. The healing itself revealed the miracle of God’s love. And not only did Jesus restore the leper’s health, he also reinstated the victim’s dignity and place in society. 

Let’s now fast-forward about 2,000 years to the present. Modern medicine has largely eradicated leprosy, but there are still conditions — medical, social, or otherwise — that can subjugate or even banish their victims. And while we can’t heal them with a mere touch, Christ-followers can help restore them in many ways by using our gifts and resources to serve as our Savior’s hands and feet on earth. 

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus told his disciples through his famous Sermon on the Mount. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”