Do you see kindness as a weakness—or controlled strength in action? God’s word and the world are at direct odds in their definitions. God’s word sees kindness as essential; it reflects God’s heart. The world considers kindness as optional—something you do when the mood strikes or when you feel good. God’s word sees kindness as a strength, while the world sees it as a...
Goodness doesn’t trend. It doesn’t get shared, reposted, or noticed. Moral excellence may be a definition for goodness that sounds more familiar. The world defines moral excellence by reputation. God describes it as righteousness. True goodness is integrity in motion—doing what’s right when no one’s keeping score. The world says, a man with integrity pays his taxes on time, treats people fairly...
The world treats faithfulness as conditional, situational, and often negotiable. Faithfulness, in modern culture, lasts only as long as it’s convenient—as long as the effort is paying dividends. I’m writing this post in December, as end-of-year conversations start to lean toward New Year’s resolutions, I thought I’d gather a few facts on faithfulness. Drive Research reports that...
We may have similar definitions for these three terms, so, to keep things straight, the Bible defines Kindness as compassion in action, Goodness as moral integrity and righteous action, and Gentleness as strength under control. The world teaches men that gentleness is a weakness. God’s word tells us gentleness (reasonableness) is power under control. When Paul wrote, “Let your gentleness be...
Do you see self-control as restriction—or real freedom? The world and God’s Word couldn’t be further apart on what it means to be free. The world says, “Do what feels good.” God says, “Do what is right.” The world celebrates indulgence; God calls it discipline. The world defines freedom as doing whatever you want. God defines it as living under His control. The world sees restraint as weakness...
The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t a list of behaviors to achieve — it’s the evidence of Who’s in control. We hear about the Fruit of the Spirit all the time in church, but many guys don’t know what it looks like when these behaviors are applied to their lives, at work, when problems arise, when they are tempted, in their role as husband or dad, or when no one is watching. Why this matters...
The world tells men joy is a byproduct of achievement. Climb faster. Be stronger. Earn more, then you’ll be happy. That form of joy is momentary. One misstep, one weakness, one layoff, and a man’s world comes crashing down. The world says joy is pleasure. “If it feels good, do it.” It also says, “Look for comfort, enjoyment, entertainment—the high is all that matters...
The world talks about peace in a completely different way than God does. In the world’s view, peace shows up only when life finally stops pressing in on you—when the tension at home settles down, the stress at work lets up, the drama with the kids cools off, the bills stop breathing down your neck, and the noise from the neighbors finally dies out. The Bible describes fallout after fallout—David...
Today’s world is addicting us to speed—overnight deliveries, instant streaming, immediate answers. Anything that makes us wait is unacceptable. In Real Faith Isn’t Based on Results, we touched on how impatient we’ve become, but let’s lean in a little closer. When a package doesn’t show up the next day or the Wi-Fi lags for thirty seconds, it feels like the end of the world. And when God doesn’t...
As we open this subject, let’s ensure we distinguish between simply helping because there’s an obvious need and a man’s calling. Helping or volunteering is about saying “yes” when someone asks you to stack chairs, greet at the door, or direct traffic in the parking lot. Helping is also about pitching in before being asked. These vital roles sustain the life of the church. You...
John is a best-selling author, technologist, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping men grow in faith and purpose. He combines decades of experience in business and ministry to write books and devotionals that speak to the real-life challenges men face.