So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

My wife and I often joke about having the gift of a “black thumb.” Each year, our goals for a healthy and vibrant garden are very high, yet rarely if ever has that initial goal led to the fruitful harvest we envision- disappointment is the inevitable outcome. Though there may be multiple reasons for this challenge, there is one that stands out above the rest: neglect.

In the midst of work schedules, parenting three young children, and frequent travel during the spring and summer months, our poor backyard garden doesn’t stand a chance. Though it may start off strong, we aren’t able to continue to provide the attention and care it needs to thrive and flourish. However, the few times that we have had success with this garden, it has been because we were able to prioritize and build into our lives ongoing and intentional care and nurture, ensuring the healthy beginning continued day-by-day, week-by-week.

This image of a healthy and thriving garden can be directly applied to our spiritual lives and the need for continual growth into Christ’s likeness. As St. Paul reminds us, “just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.” Our initial reception of the Lord Jesus is a profound and wonderful mystery. It is the joy of new life, freedom from sin and death, and the hope of resurrection life in Christ. Yet our Christian lives are meant to be so much more than a one-time encounter with the Lord!

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – Soul Care  →

[God] told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. 1 Samuel 3:13

If I say I love someone, but I do not lovingly address their bad behavior—I do not love them in the way God wants me to love them. If I say to myself it is none of my business—I cop out— because love makes it its business to help people not self destruct. Love addresses bad behavior early and often—to help a friend or family member’s habit not become addictive and destructive. To ignore and act as if bad attitudes or actions will go away is unloving and irresponsible. To engage relationally and make constant emotional deposits earns the right to discuss what’s right.

We do not know for sure the relationship Eli had with his two sons Hophni and Phinehas while they were small children. Perhaps the dad traveled doing ministry work or maybe when Eli was home he was directive and not very instructive with his children. However the home culture—the adult sons ambushed their father’s values and expectations. They treated the sacrifices to God with contempt and they sexually seduced women who sought to serve the Lord. The elderly Eli confronted his sons with their wickedness, but it was too little too late for judgment was coming.

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – How to Address Bad Behavior  →