To Make Him Known
For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. — Acts 17:23
Some know about God in rather legalistic ways. Others have a yearning for goodness, diginity, and justice, but don't know where to look. Paul's ministry is the same: "Let me introduce you to Someone you need to know, and know very well."
Corrosion
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9a
If I am being corroded by the environment, I have three options:
Apply paint. Guard myself against the elements and live a shielded life.
Go inside. Withdraw and live a solitary life.
Be made of better stuff. Show up ready and be who I've been made to be, completed by God's grace.
Boldness & Courage
And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” ⏤ Matthew 19:16
When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. ⏤ Matthew 19:22
Don't confuse boldness with courage. Brashness often masks a lack of courage. The way of Jesus is hard and costly. Many turn away, some with sorrow, others with expressions of certainty intended to deflect.
- 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
I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.