Why Should A Man Choose Integrity Over Pragmatism?

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 How do you make decisions? When you’re running out of time and you have to choose one option and only one option, how do you determine which one to take? Some men select the […]

How Cultivating Resilience Can Save Your Life

Suicide sucks -- ask the ones who've been there. Oh wait.

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) […]

“The Dwarfs Are For The Dwarfs”

The perils of parochialism

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a […]

Hallelujah Anyhow: How to Remain Supremely Hopeful

Don't let disappointment have the last word

“The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians–when they are sombre and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths.” – Sheldon Vanauken, A Severe Mercy As […]

The Fascinating Power of Firearms, Flags and Forgiveness

Two are always good for an argument, but one trumps them all

” But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.“ -1 Corinthians 8:9 I don’t normally comment on news and current events, as I prefer to write about topics that have some staying power. Even though the mass shooting in Charleston, SC, last week dominates the […]

Sure, You’re Grown. Show Honor to Your Old Man

Don't Be A Father-Mocker

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” -Proverbs 17:6 A question arises from time to time in the minds of young men: given the Biblical commandment to “Honor your father and mother,” does that requirement expire when one is out on his own? The answer may surprise […]

Yes, Dear — Part II

Some hows and whys of marital headship

“…but if you try sometimes… you get what you need.” -Mick Jagger In part I, we discussed why encouraging men to just say “Yes, Dear,” to keep peace is horrible advice. In this second installment, I’d like to offer some thoughts on how and why a man is called by God to lead his wife. […]

Yes, Dear

Happy wife, happy life -- but is saying yes all the time the key?

“You can’t always get what you want…” -Mick Jagger I attend a lot of wedding receptions. I’m playing at most of them, but I am also at an age where my sons’ friends — and my friends’ sons — are getting married. It doesn’t happen at every event, but you’d be surprised at how many […]

All Our Eggs in One Basket

Is the church in decline?

“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” -Mark Twain Perhaps you’ve heard or read a news item on the findings of a new report on religion in America published by the Pew Research Center. The link to America’s Changing Religious Landscape appears here. The main point reported is that the number of Americans […]

Hanging Tough

How to weather a setback

“Everybody hurts.” -R.E.M. Whether it is an injury or illness, getting passed over at work, a failed relationship or the loss of a loved one, each one of us will experience pain and hardship. The question for each of us then is: What will I do when it’s my turn? Here’s what I have found […]