Matching Nouns & Verbs
Identity is more about behaviors than badges. How we are seen carries more weight than the label we wear. So, before choosing a title, choose a set of actions⏤actions that prompt interactions. Then make the noun match the verbs. People like us do things like this.
His Inner Circle
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. — 1 Samuel 16:7b
What does the spiritual person look like? Many inside the Church, and outside it, idealize the quiet, introspective, contemplative person. But Jesus' inner circle is a profile in passion, zeal, and assertiveness. Peter was brash, impulsive, impetuous. James and John were called the "Sons of Thunder." Outgoing and committed to their Master. Jesus sees differently than we do.
Umbrella
There are some in my life who stand out as people who shaped me in significant ways: parents, my wife, pastors, and a few teachers. Today, I'm feeling a sense of gratitude for the many others who have dripped things into my life—things I don't really notice but subconsciously depend on every day. Here's an umbrella expression of gratitude to all of them!
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- poverty & compassion
- imagination & creativity
- technology & ai
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship