The Higher Road

When dealing with conflict, taking the higher road is always the best way to handle a difficult situation while maintaining your own moral and spiritual integrity. Taking the higher road means learning to respond in a way that does not escalate a bad situation, but instead disarms it by bringing calm where there is conflict. As children of God, we must make every effort to seek God’s perspective in every disagreement we encounter, no matter how difficult that may be. When someone has wronged us and does not see the situation as clearly as we believe we do, sometimes the wisest thing we can do is agree to disagree, extend grace, and move on. Remind yourself that whatever the situation is today may very well be something that will not matter five years from now. So why allow someone or something to rob you of your joy or ruin your day over something that may ultimately be insignificant? Don’t allow someone else’s actions to get the best of you. Instead, squeeze every ounce of compassion you can find within yourself, examine your own heart, admit whatever part may be your responsibility, and then move forward.

We must also remember that everyone views circumstances through the lens of his or her own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. The very reason there is a disagreement is often because two people are looking at the same situation from two completely different viewpoints. But what is shaping your perspective? Is it your emotions? Your personal code of ethics? Or, more importantly, is it the Word of God? In some conflicts, the other person may not share your moral convictions or believe in the principles of Scripture. They may reason and respond according to the condition of their own heart. But we do not have to judge the condition of their heart because only God truly knows the hearts of men. Our responsibility is to make sure that our own hearts and actions are pleasing to Him. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply shake it off, refuse to retaliate, and apply the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” You may be surprised by the peace that comes from showing kindness to someone you feel may not deserve it. A simple act of grace can change the entire atmosphere of a conflict and put you back on the higher road.

Mark Twain once remarked that to act morally is noble, but talking about acting morally is also noble and a lot less trouble. While his words may have been intended humorously, there is an important truth hidden within the contrast: talking about what is right is much easier than actually doing what is right. Living nobly and godly can be costly, especially when our flesh wants to defend itself, prove its point, or get even. Scripture reminds us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:21. What is in our hearts will eventually reveal itself through our actions. That is why James tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” James 1:22. It is not enough to know what God’s Word says. We must allow His Word to change the way we respond when we are hurt, offended, misunderstood, or mistreated.

There have been saints and scoundrels throughout history. Saints have understood that God’s Word is not merely something to read or talk about; it is truth by which we are called to live. Others have mocked those truths as though they were nothing more than silly fables. But when we know what God’s Word teaches us, those truths can strengthen us when temptation comes and help us resist the urge to leave the higher road for the easier, lower one. Knowing what is right gives us something to stand on when our emotions are telling us to do something else.

I work in the transportation industry, where codes, regulations, laws, and standards of conduct govern the way we do our jobs. If you believe in those standards and allow them to guide your decisions, they can protect you from a great deal of trouble. But if you begin looking for alternative ways around those regulations or convince yourself that certain shortcuts are acceptable, you can quickly find yourself in a difficult situation. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. God has given us His Word as our standard. When we allow His principles to govern our actions, our lives begin to reflect the character of the One we serve. We do not have to wonder which way to turn every time we face a difficult situation because we already have a standard to guide us.

My brother has built his business over the years on his personal code of ethics and the Golden Rule. In his dealings with people, he has made a deliberate effort to be helpful, honest, and trustworthy. Over time, that integrity became part of his reputation, and his reputation became one of the greatest assets of his business. His success was not built solely on what he did, it was also built on who he was. He has worked hard to live by the principle, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That principle has paid dividends for him in more ways than financial success. It has helped establish trust, respect, and lasting relationships. The Golden Rule should be more than a good business principle; it should be a foundational principle by which every Christian lives.

Knowing and practicing God’s principles helps refocus our minds when our emotions begin pulling us in the wrong direction. When we are tempted to respond in the flesh, the Word reminds us who we are and whose we are. It reminds us that we are called to live differently. Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came so that we might have life “more abundantly.” That abundant life is not found in getting even, winning every argument, or making sure everyone understands our side. Sometimes abundant life looks like forgiveness. Sometimes it looks like silence. Sometimes it means admitting that we were wrong. Sometimes it means walking away from an argument that we could have won but chose not to pursue. And sometimes it means loving someone who has not shown us love in return.

So, decide today what is worth living for and what is worth dying to self for. Choose to do what is right rather than simply what you feel like doing in the flesh. Do not allow another person’s actions to determine your character. Do not let anger write your response. Do not let pride choose your words. Let God’s Word be your standard and let Christ be your example.

“As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; with patience, bearing with one another in love. Diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.” Ephesians 4:1–3

The higher road is by no means the easy road. It may require humility when you want to defend yourself, forgiveness when you want justice, patience when you want answers, and love when you feel someone is undeserving of it. But the higher road is the right road. And when we choose God’s way over our own, we are choosing to live out the very character of Christ.

Let’s love one another...no matter the cost.

Loving on you today!
Hold Fast,
– Bren

What Is Your Battle Cry?

A prison is rarely just a physical structure of concrete and steel. There are many more people in mental prisons of sorts than incarcerated in any building for their wrong actions and have been charged and sentenced by a judge or jury.

Many people are being a prisoners of their minds by their own making. These prisoners are trapped by their feelings, thoughts and fears, limiting beliefs, or past experiences rather than external circumstances.

Their invisible chains often forged through overthinking, self-criticism, and anxiety, limit their potential and prevent them from engaging fully with the world around them. They live in a state of mind that continues to foster anxiety and depression that makes their mind feel completely trapped, powerless, and isolated.

In daily life, our state of mind or frame of mind, you might say, describes our current mood and mental stability. For example, being in a positive state of mind helps us tackle our challenges, while being in a distracted or stressed state might impairs our judgment. Breaking out of this mental prison requires recognizing that we ourselves hold the keys to our own freedom.

In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in the city of Philippi after being severely beaten and placed in chains for casting a demon out of a fortune-telling servant girl. Despite their painful circumstances, they prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight as their battle cries while the other prisoners listened. Their midnight worship triggered a violent earthquake that shook the prison's foundations, miraculously opening all the doors and unfastening the chains of every prisoner. 

This event ultimately led to the salvation and baptism of the prison guard and his entire household. What appeared to be bad, turned out to be good. Under horrible conditions, after being severely beaten, placed in chains deep within a horrific prison, Paul and Silas chose to change their condition as they worshiped and sang in their prison and as they did, their chains fell off. 

There is no doubt that some face medical depression, however, I cant help but to believe that for the child of God, there is nothing to big that He can not fix on our behalf.

I say this from personal experience from having gone through depression. While my medical doctor wanted to medicate me, the Lord wanted to deliever me, and He did. But it had to be His way of deliverance, not mine.

The Bible offers profound comfort and promises of deliverance from the depths of depression. It highlights God as a present refuge who hears the cries of His children, provides rest for the weary, and offers a firm foundation when we feel like we are sinking in the dark.

When you're feeling weak and in need of God's strength, read and meditate on the Scriptures, say them out loud to help you fight. Find a battle song to help you declare God's victory over your situation, just as Paul did and I have, and may these Bible verses encourage you to find peace and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and hard times.

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Praising God in your hardest moment can shake the foundations. What’s your “prison song” the song that you will sing even when it’s hard?

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Death Is only A Shadow

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”  Psalm 23:4

For the child of God, death is not the end—it is only a shadow. David did not say, “Though I walk through the valley of death,” but rather, “the valley of the shadow of death.” There is a great difference between facing death itself and facing its shadow. 

A shadow may look frightening, but a shadow has no power to destroy you. It is simply evidence that something greater is nearby. When we belong to Christ, even when we walk through the darkest valley, Jesus is with us. His presence reminds us that the grave does not have the final word.

Think about it this way. Imagine a large truck coming down the road. If Jesus has already taken the full force of that truck for us, then when we come along, all that reaches us is the shadow. The truck represents death, but Jesus took the blow through His death on the cross and conquered the grave through His resurrection. Which would you rather encounter the truck or its shadow? 

Because of Jesus, the Christian does not have to face death as one who has been defeated. Christ has already gone before us and overcome it. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55.

For the believer, dying can be compared to going to sleep in one place and waking up in our own bed. Our earthly body may close its eyes for the final time, but our spirit awakens in the presence of our Lord. 

Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” What a promise! Death may separate us from this earthly life, but it cannot separate us from Jesus. The moment this life ends, eternity with Him begins.

That does not mean we will never grieve or feel sorrow when someone we love dies. We miss their voice, their smile, their hugs, and their presence. But as Christians, our sorrow is accompanied by hope. 

We can grieve while knowing that death is not goodbye forever. Jesus has promised eternal life to those who belong to Him. The grave may hold a body for a time, but it cannot hold a redeemed soul. Our future is not in a cemetery; it is in the presence of our Savior.

So, when you think about death, remember the shadow. A shadow may cross your path, but it cannot take away your life in Christ. Jesus has already defeated the power of the grave. 

One day, each of us who belongs to Him will close our eyes here and open them in His presence. What looks like an ending from earth’s perspective will actually be a glorious beginning in eternity. 

Death is only a shadow, because Jesus is the Light. And when we walk through that valley, we do not walk alone. He is with us, He has gone before us, and He will lead us safely home.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Fan or Follower?

Jesus never wanted or asked for a fan base of people who would cheer Him on when things were going well for them, as a matter of fact He said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” 

Those words make an important distinction between being merely a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. A fan may admire Jesus, believe He is a good teacher, enjoy hearing about His love, and even attend church regularly. A fan may celebrate what Jesus can do for them, but a true follower asks, “Lord, what can I do for You?” Being a Christian is more than liking Jesus or having a head knowledge by knowing about Him, but a true follower of Jesus is one who is dedicated to Him and has surrendered their lives to Him.

A fan follows Jesus when it is convenient. A follower follows Him even when the road is difficult. A fan wants the blessings but not the sacrifice or the cost of following Him. 

A follower understands that Jesus never promised that following Him would always be easy. When Jesus said, “deny yourself,” He was calling us to lay aside our own desires when they conflict with His will. To “take up your cross daily” means choosing obedience each day, even when it costs us something. Following Jesus is not a onetime decision we make and then forget about, but a daily commitment to live for Him.

The cross is a powerful reminder that Jesus gave everything for us. He didn’t simply say He loved us, but He demonstrated His love by giving His life. In return, He calls us to give Him our lives. That doesn’t mean we earn salvation by our works. It means that when we truly understand what Christ has done for us, our heart's desire becomes to live differently. We begin to ask ourselves questions like, “Does my life point people toward Jesus? Do my choices honor Him? Am I willing to follow Him when nobody is watching? Do I want God's will in all of my life's situations, over my own?"

There will be times when following Jesus means saying no to ourselves. It may mean forgiving someone when we would rather hold a grudge, standing for what is right when others disagree, giving up something that is pulling our hearts away from God, or trusting Him when we cannot understand what He is doing. A fan may walk away when the cost becomes too high. A true follower says, “Jesus, wherever You lead me, I will go.”

So today sweet friend, don’t just ask yourself, “Do I love Jesus?” Ask yourself, “Am I following Jesus?” There is a difference. Fans admire from a distance; followers surrender and walk beside Him. Fans may know about Jesus, root for Him on the sidelines when He is allowing them to win and is working on their behalf. Followers however, desire to jump in and help in the work that He is doing; no matter if things are going their way or not. Fans follow when it is easy; followers remain faithful when it is hard.

Jesus is not looking for a crowd of people who will simply admire Him. He never asked for or wanted fans; but followers. He is calling people who will deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and be willing to follow Him. The question is not whether we believe in our head that Jesus was real and did what He said He would do, but by believing in your heart which God looks at according to 1 Samuel 16:7, "... The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” This verse tells us and reveals a person's true deep, inward trust in God's only Son Jesus, which if real, leads to a commitment to pick up their cross daily and be willing to follow Him.

God looks beyond outward appearances and values the intentions, purity, and sincerity of the heart. Cultivating a heart aligned with His will, filled with love, grace, and humility, which is central to spiritual life and obedience to Him. 

The question for us all is whether we have truly surrendered our lives to Christ. Are you simply a fan of Jesus, or are you a faithful follower?

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Choosing Reconciliation Over Bitterness

There will be times when people fail us, disappoint us, hurt us, or make choices that leave us wondering how someone we trusted could treat us that way. In those moments, bitterness can become an easy place to live. We replay what happened, rehearse what was said, and allow disappointment to slowly harden our hearts. But as children of God, we are called to something greater. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you… And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31–32. God does not ask us to pretend that we were not hurt; He asks us not to allow the hurt to become who we are.

Sometimes the very situation we would gladly remove from our lives is the situation God uses to build something in us that we desperately need. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28. God can use rejection to teach us dependence, disappointment to teach us grace, and conflict to teach us patience. What someone intended to wound us with, God can use as an instrument of our spiritual growth. He is perfecting us, not simply for our own benefit, but so that we can become more useful in His kingdom. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

That is why we should always leave room for the possibility of reconciliation. Reconciliation does not mean ignoring what happened or allowing someone to continue hurting us. It means keeping our hearts open to what God may want to do in the relationship. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18. Sometimes reconciliation begins with a conversation. Sometimes it begins with forgiveness. Sometimes it means extending grace when we would rather hold onto our right to be angry. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, the other person may not respond. But our responsibility is to make sure that our heart remains surrendered to God rather than controlled by resentment.

Above everything else, Scripture calls us to love first. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35. Love cannot be reserved only for those who treat us well. Jesus commands us to love even those who have hurt us: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Matthew 5:44. That kind of love is not weakness, it is Christlikeness. It takes the power away from bitterness and places the situation back into God’s hands.

We can serve, preach, sing, teach, give, sacrifice, and do many things that appear spiritual, but if love is missing, something essential is missing. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” In other words, service without love may make noise, but it does not carry the heart of Christ. God is not merely interested in what we do for Him; He is concerned with what He is producing in us while we do it. Perhaps the person who failed you has become part of a lesson God is teaching you a lesson in forgiveness, humility, patience, grace, and love. So don’t become embittered by the one who hurt you. Lean into what God can do through the situation. Let Him use the pain to perfect your heart, prepare you for greater service, and make you look more like Jesus. And when you have a choice between being right and loving first, remember Jesus chose love.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Building Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline does not happen by accident. Just as our bodies become stronger when we exercise consistently, our faith becomes stronger when we intentionally spend time with God. 

The apostle Paul said, “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” 1 Timothy 4:7–8. Spiritual growth requires a willing heart and a daily commitment. 

We cannot expect to be strong Christians if we only seek God when we are in trouble. We build spiritual strength by making prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship with God a regular part of our lives.

Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of making time with the Father a priority. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” Mark 1:35. If Jesus intentionally withdrew to pray, how much more do we need that time with God? 

Our schedules can become crowded with work, family, responsibilities, and distractions, but spiritual discipline means we deliberately make room for what matters most. 

It may mean getting up a little earlier, turning off the television, putting down the phone, or simply finding a quiet place where we can listen to God through His Word and prayer.

Consider someone who decides they want to become physically stronger. They don't go to the gym once and expect to be strong forever. They return again and again, even on days when they do not feel like exercising. Over time, the small acts of consistency produce noticeable strength as their bodies change. 

The same is true spiritually. We may not see immediate results when we pray, read our Bible, or choose obedience, but God is working beneath the surface. “But let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9. Discipline is continuing to do what is right even when our emotions are telling us to quit.

Spiritual discipline is also about learning to say no to things that weaken our relationship with God. Paul wrote, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” 1 Corinthians 9:27. This does not mean earning God’s love through our works. God’s grace is freely given; rather, discipline is our response to that grace. 

There will always be distractions competing for our attention. There will be moments when we would rather sleep than pray, scroll than read Scripture, or complain rather than worship. Building discipline means training our hearts to choose God’s will over our momentary desires.

The beautiful thing about spiritual discipline is that we are not expected to do it in our own strength. God is the One who helps us grow. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” 

When we consistently come before Him, He changes our desires, strengthens our faith, and teaches us to recognize His voice. Like a tree that grows stronger through deep roots, our lives become steadier when our roots go deeper into God’s Word. 

Psalm 1:2–3 describes the person who delights in God’s law and meditates on it as being like “a tree planted by the rivers of water”, a life that can remain fruitful even when difficult seasons come.

Today, don’t look at spiritual discipline as another burden on your list of things to accomplish. Look at it as an invitation to draw closer to the One who loves you. 

Start where you are. Set aside time to pray. Open your Bible and read even a few verses. Worship God when you don’t feel like it. Obey Him when obedience is difficult. Keep showing up, day after day, because consistency creates spiritual strength. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” James 4:8. 

The goal isn’t simply to become more disciplined, it is to become more like Christ. And every day we intentionally seek Him, God is shaping us into the person He has called us to be.

Hold Fast,                

-Bren

God's Purpose When Others Disappoint Us

 There are times when people we love, trust, or depend on disappoint us deeply. Sometimes their choices hurt us, their actions fail to meet our expectations, or they simply do not respond the way we hoped they would. 

In those moments, it can be difficult to see anything good coming from the situation. Yet God reminds us that He is still working, even through circumstances and people we would never have chosen. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

Notice that Scripture does not say that everything that happens is good, it says God can work all things together for good. For God always has a plan, even in our disappointments.

Throughout Scripture, God used imperfect people and disappointing circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers, yet years later he could tell them, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” Genesis 50:20. What his brothers intended to destroy, God used to position Joseph exactly where he needed to be. 

Their actions were wrong, but God was greater than their wrong. Sometimes we become so focused on the person who disappointed us that we fail to recognize the God who is working behind the situation.

God can even use someone’s failure toward us to develop something in us that could not have been developed any other way. 

Disappointment can teach us patience, forgiveness, discernment, humility, compassion, and dependence upon God. James 1:2–4 reminds us that the testing of our faith produces patience and that patience helps us become spiritually mature. 

This does not mean we should excuse someone’s wrongdoing or remain in an unhealthy situation. It means we can surrender the hurt to God and trust Him to use even painful experiences to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.

Sometimes the person who disappoints us may actually become part of what God uses to move us into a new season. We may not understand it while we are walking through it, but God sees what we cannot see. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

We do not have to understand every person’s actions in order to trust God’s direction. We can release the disappointment, forgive where forgiveness is needed, establish wise boundaries where necessary, and allow God to determine what comes next.

When people disappoint you, remember that their actions do not have the final word, God does. 

What feels like a setback may become a lesson; what feels like rejection may become redirection; and what feels like something meant to hurt you may become something God uses to strengthen your faith and prepare you for greater service. 

Instead of allowing disappointment to fill your heart with bitterness, ask God, “Lord, what are You wanting to teach me through this?” Psalm 138:8 gives us this assurance: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.” We may not be able to control what others do, but we can place the situation in God’s hands and trust Him to use even our disappointments for His purpose.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Godlessness in The Last Days

Paul gives us a sobering warning in 2 Timothy 3:1: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” He then describes a generation marked by selfishness, pride, disobedience, ingratitude, hatred, lack of self-control, and a love for pleasure rather than a love for God. 

These verses should cause every Christian to stop and examine the condition of our own hearts and the world around us. 

We often think of godlessness as people who completely reject God, but Paul describes something even more concerning are people who may look religious on the outside while denying the power of true godliness within. This is not merely a warning about “them.” It is a warning to us.

One of the most frightening statements in this passage is found in verse 5: “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 

A person can attend church, own a Bible, sing worship songs, and even speak like a Christian would, while their heart remains far from God. 

A form of godliness is not the same as a transformed life. Jesus warned about this very thing when He said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” Matthew 15:8. 

God is not looking merely for religious activity; He desires surrendered hearts that are being changed by His presence and His Word.

Imagine a person who owns a Bible and takes it to church every time they go, but never allows it to correct them. 

They attend church faithfully, but during the week they are consumed with anger, bitterness, gossip, pride, dishonesty, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures without caring the least about how it reflects them personally or how others see them. 

When confronted, they say, “But I’m a Christian.” Their outward appearance may or may not convince others, but God sees the heart. That is the danger Paul is exposing. 

We can become so accustomed to the language and appearance of Christianity that we fail to recognize when the power of Christ is missing from our lives. The question is not simply, “Do I profess to know Christ?” The question is, “Is Christ changing me?”

Paul’s warning should create urgency in every believer. We cannot afford to become comfortable with a culture that celebrates what God calls sinful or to allow the world’s values to slowly reshape our thinking. We must guard our hearts, remain faithful to Scripture, pray, repent quickly, and pursue holiness. 

Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The answer to godlessness is not merely pointing fingers at society, it is allowing God to search our own hearts like David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23–24.

We are living in serious times, and Paul’s words should awaken the church rather than frighten us into silence. The closer we get to the return of Christ, the more determined we should be to live faithfully for Him. 

We cannot afford a powerless Christianity that only looks good on the outside. We need the genuine power of the Holy Spirit working within us, producing lives that reflect Jesus. 

The question is not whether the world is becoming more godless; Paul already warned us that it would. The question is whether the people of God will remain faithful in the midst of it. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” 1 Corinthians 16:13. The time to get serious about God is not tomorrow. It is today.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Recognizing Our Spiritual Blind Spots

As Christians, we all have blind spots in areas of our lives where we fail to see our weaknesses, attitudes, or behaviors as clearly as others may see them. We may sincerely love the Lord, attend church faithfully, and desire to live according to His Word, yet still have areas where pride, impatience, jealousy, or self-righteousness quietly influence our actions. 

Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David understood that he could not always recognize what was hidden within his own hearts. Imagine driving a car with a blind spot in your mirror. You may believe the road is clear, but another vehicle could be dangerously close without your knowledge. 

Spiritually, we need the Lord to reveal what we cannot see for ourselves. The humble Christian welcomes God's examination, even when the truth is uncomfortable, because recognizing a blind spot is not a sign of spiritual failure, but refusing to acknowledge it can be.

Sometimes God uses the words or actions of another person to reveal something in us that we have overlooked. Perhaps someone tells us that we are too critical, too quick to become defensive, or unwilling to listen to another perspective. Our first reaction may be to justify ourselves by remembering everything the other person has done wrong. But what if God is using that moment to teach us something important? 

Jesus asked in Matthew 7:3, “And why behold thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in thine own eye?” 

Consider a personal example: perhaps we become frustrated when someone interrupts us, yet we frequently interrupt others without realizing it. When someone finally points it out, we can become offended and make excuses, or we can humbly recognize our own inconsistency and ask God to help us change. 

Proverbs 9:8-9 teaches that a wise person responds to correction by growing wiser. We do not have to agree with every criticism we receive, but we should be humble enough to prayerfully consider whether there is truth in it. God can use even an uncomfortable conversation to make us more Christlike.

However, when we repeatedly ignore the warnings God places before us, our blind spots can become the very things He uses to humble us. Consider Peter, who confidently declared that he would never deny Jesus. 

In Matthew 26:33, Peter insisted that even if everyone else fell away, he would remain faithful. Yet, before the night was over, Peter denied knowing the Lord three times. His confidence in his own strength had blinded him to his vulnerability.

Jesus' warning was not given to destroy Peter but to prepare him. Peter's failure brought bitter sorrow, but it also taught him a lesson about dependence upon God rather than confidence in himself Luke 22:61-62.  We may experience something similar when we insist that our temper is justified, our judgment is always right, or our way is the only way.

Eventually, a damaged relationship, a painful consequence, or a humbling moment may reveal what we refused to acknowledge earlier. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that correction can produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” in those who are trained by it. God's discipline is an opportunity for restoration, not a reason to remain defeated.

The question, then, is not whether we have blind spots, but how we will respond when God reveals them. Will we humble ourselves, receive His instruction, and allow Him to change us, or will we defend ourselves until our circumstances expose what our hearts refused to admit? James 4:6 declares, “God resist the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Do not waste the lesson by becoming offended at the messenger or bitter about the circumstances. A blind spot discovered through humility can become a doorway to spiritual maturity; a blind spot ignored through pride may become a stumbling block that brings us to our knees. 

The wisest Christian is not the one who believes he has nothing left to learn, but the one who remains teachable in the hands of God. May we always be humble enough to learn from His warnings before painful consequences force us to learn the hard way.

Hold Fast,                                                                                                                                      -Bren

 

The Desire of the Sluggard

Proverbs has much to say about the lazy person, whom Scripture calls a sluggard. Proverbs 13:4 declares, “The soul of the sluggard desires, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat”. 

The sluggard wants the rewards of hard work without putting forth the effort required to obtain them. He desires success but avoids the discipline, sacrifice, and responsibility that lead to it. 

Sadly, we see this attitude becoming increasingly common in our world today, especially among some young people who want the comforts of life without the commitment of working for them. Instead of learning responsibility, developing skills, and pursuing worthwhile goals, some become content to waste hours on their phones, playing games, or waiting for someone else to provide what they need. 

There is nothing wrong with enjoying rest, but there is a difference between resting after a day’s work and making laziness a way of life. Proverbs 6:9-11 asks the sluggard a sobering question: “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?” The verses warn that poverty can come upon a person who continually neglects his responsibilities. 

Notice that the sluggard’s problem is not necessarily a lack of ability or opportunity, but a lack of willingness to act. Consider a young man who dreams of having a good career, a home, and a family someday, yet refuses to finish his education, learn a trade, or keep a job because he does not want to put in the work to achieve it. His desires may be great, but his unwillingness to act keeps him from moving forward. 

Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” God honors diligence, faithfulness, and personal responsibility.  Whether we are working a job, caring for our families, serving in the church, or pursuing a God-given calling, we should give our best rather than continually making excuses.

The danger of laziness reaches beyond our finances and daily responsibilities; it can also affect our spiritual lives. A person can become spiritually lazy by neglecting prayer, avoiding Bible study, refusing to serve, or continually putting off obedience to God. 

They may desire a stronger faith, a closer walk with the Lord, and greater usefulness in His kingdom, but those desires will not become reality without intentional effort and obedience. First Corinthians 15:58 encourages believers to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  We must teach our young people that responsibility is not a punishment but an opportunity to develop character, discipline, and faithfulness and then, hold them to it. 

We should also examine our own hearts, because laziness can take root at any age. The question is not merely what we desire in life, but what we are willing to do to fulfill our responsibilities before God. The sluggard dreams of what might be, but the diligent gets up and does what needs to be done. May we be people who put our hands to the work God has given us, remembering that our faith should be seen not only in what we profess, but also in how faithfully we are living it out!

Hold Fast,                                                                                                                                      -Bren

Putting things In Order

There comes a time in life when we realize the importance of putting things in order, not only for ourselves but also for the loved ones we will one day leave behind. We want to make sure our affairs are in order, our wishes are understood, and our family will not be left struggling with unanswered questions or unnecessary burdens. Putting things in order is one way we can demonstrate our love and concern for those who will continue on without us. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” While this verse speaks specifically about order in the church, the principle reminds us that order brings clarity and peace. Just as we want to prepare our loved ones for the day when we are no longer here to help them, Jesus lovingly prepared His disciples for the day when He would no longer be physically present with them.

Jesus knew His disciples would face uncertainty, sorrow, persecution, and difficult decisions after His departure. He did not want them to feel abandoned or unprepared, so He gave them the instructions they would need to carry on. In John 14:16–18, He promised to ask the Father to give them another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and declared, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” He was putting things in order for their future, assuring them that although He would leave them physically, they would never be alone spiritually. He also taught them how to approach the Heavenly Father through prayer. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus began His model prayer with these words: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” He showed them that they could come to the Father with their needs, seek His will, ask for forgiveness, and trust Him for daily provision. Jesus was preparing them to live faithfully, even when they could no longer walk beside Him as they once had.

Jesus also instructed His followers on how they were to live and continue His work after He returned to the Father. In John 14:15, He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” In Matthew 28:19–20, He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. He did not leave them without direction; He gave them His Word, His promises, and the assurance of His presence. Most importantly, Jesus explained how they could have eternal life with Him. In John 14:2–3, He promised that He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to receive them unto Himself. In John 14:6, He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus was not merely preparing His disciples to live without His physical presence; He was pointing them toward the day when they would be with Him forever. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way of salvation possible for all who repent and place their faith in Him.

As we consider the importance of putting things in order for our loved ones, we should ask ourselves whether we are also preparing them spiritually. We may leave behind organized affairs, written instructions, and cherished possessions, but the greatest legacy we can leave is the example of a life that loved Jesus, trusted His Word, and followed His ways. We cannot make the decision of faith for our family members, but we can pray for them, teach them the truth, encourage them to seek the Lord, and show them by our example how to walk with Him. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 reminds us of Paul’s confidence as he approached the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” What a blessing it would be for our loved ones to remember not only what we left behind for them, but also the faith we lived before them. Let us put our earthly affairs in order, but above all, let us make sure our hearts are right with God and that we have pointed those we love toward Jesus, the only One who can prepare them for eternity and welcome them home to Heaven.

Hold Fast,

-Bren