The proverb, “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never harm you” has been proven wrong too many times as words have traumatized people, whether or not the speaker/writer intended to. The internet has lifted restraint on our communications and words are being easily weaponized. Here are seven disciplines to help followers of Jesus to use their words with Kingdom-minded intention.
Conservatives and liberals in the United States (and increasingly elsewhere in the world) are accusing each other of creating an environment that contributes to political violence. We need to be very careful about making cause-effect connections. However, if we legitimize violence as a way to solve problems, we should not be surprised if others turn to violence also. If we sow the wind, we should not be surprised about reaping the whirlwind.
Evangelism can become little more than a sales formula, with such evangelists nicknamed "The Jesus Guys" in Asia. This style can inoculate people against Jesus. Mr Huang testifies that a more effective method is to build long-term relationships while sharing biblical values, principles, and truths in a natural setting such as while conducting business.
As challenges increase in the world, knowing that facing struggle does not mean that life is out of control or terrible can provide great hope. It is hopeful to remember that a cold dark night on the side of Everest isn't a destination, it is a means to an end. Similarly, the stuff that life throws at us is a pathway to growth in Christ for the follower of Jesus.
Should churches and missionary ministries focus on sending more expatriates to lead business development initiatives in other countries, or is the greater impact found in equipping and supporting local nationals to build ministry oriented and supporting businesses in their own regions? Read on for key principles that support an answer.
In response to increasing antagonism towards migrants and refugees in some Western nations, followers of Jesus should take a long hard look at biblical precedents that promote hospitality and especially New Testament examples. The Church should have a bigger imagination than that promoted by anti-migrant protesters.
With increasing volatility in some parts of the world, displaced people are risking much to find safe haven in other nations. This is putting stress on host nation social services and straining social contracts. Migration as a divisive issue is becoming more intense. How should Christians in host nations navigate this?
Traditional churches in China tend to serve a context where poverty and need are typical and the desire for communal support and directive leadership is welcome. China's large upwardly mobile and independent population doesn't need what these traditional churches are offering. A different gospel approach and new forms of church must emerge to meet different needs in rapidly changing urban contexts.
Compassion is unquestionably a Christian virtue. But sometimes, good words like compassion get hijacked by not-so-good ideas—euthanasia is a case in point. "Medical assistance in dying" is becoming increasingly accepted in the Western world under the guise of compassion (and other euphemisms) informed by radical ideologies of individual autonomy. Followers of Jesus have a very different perspective.
FOMO (The Fear of Missing Out) erodes our joy. It edits God out of our moments. J.John tells of an experience at a Greek vacation venue where he learned that choosing the "half-board" accommodation rate came at a cost, and it was one that provided him with a valuable spiritual lesson—one we can all learn from.
The creators of AI companions have found a large market for their algorithmic personifications among lonely people seeking emotional advice and more. It is a wide open gateway for unhealthy dependency as increasingly isolated individuals seek intimate relationships without the hard work and hazards involved with human interpersonal interactions. Alexia Georghiou explains why this falls short.
The continent of Africa looks different depending on which calculations you choose to make a three dimensional reality into a two dimensional representation, and the choice is largely determined by who is in charge and what narrative they wish to portray. The African Union has decided it is time to take charge and give the world a better perception of the African continent. Jim Olang hopes this will help lift African confidence in the wider world.
