Best of the Week for May 22

In Best of the Week we link to a handful of the best articles, videos, books, etc. that we have come across in the last week. We hope this will point you to some of the right places and give you gospel-rich tools and thoughts for life and mission.

Love the One You’re With

“Jesus did not design the church to be a place where our dreams come true. Actually, it’s where many of our dreams are disappointed and die. And this is more of a grace to us than we likely realize, because our dreams are often much more selfish than we discern.”

This is a great reminder about loving each other well, particularly when things are going perfectly. Because we’re all imperfect, we should expect bumps and mess to come with the church, and we shouldn’t run when they do.

3 Priorities for Christian Parents

“Isn’t this the question we ask for our children? How can they live lives that are pleasing to God? Isn’t that the dream and desire of every Christian parent, that their children will live lives that thrill God?”

I like this one because of the 3 broad, gospel-motivated categories he gives. He doesn’t give parents a step-by-step plan for anything. He gives three areas all parents need to diligently instruct our kids. They are all three very real, and very practical.

What Our Anger is Telling Us

“If we find ourselves angry about getting snubbed in social media, or being cut off in traffic, or going unrecognized for work, or having an idea shut down, or feeling under-appreciated by our spouse — the problem might be that we love ourselves too much.”

There is ok anger and not ok anger. This article shows the difference, but goes farther, into showing us what the root of our anger might be and how dangerous that is.

The Parable of Anthony Weiner’s iPhone

“Shrugging off social media and mobile devices as neutral might sound good on paper. But for any of us, at any given moment, there are thousands of ways to wreck our lives and the lives of those around us.”

This one has just a little political talk, but it mostly deals with the dangers presented to us by our phones. The article does clearly admit that sin starts in the heart, but it gives a needed warning that the consummation of that sin is lurking dangerously close to us through digital media. Do we need smartphones? Maybe, maybe not. But we all need transparency, accountability, and regular repentance.

5 Characteristics of a Godly Leader

“As we talk about the need for leadership in the church, it is important that we do not simply talk about leadership in a way that merely emphasizes competence and results, but we also talk about biblical character and biblical methods.”

This one says a lot about how God shapes us when we gather, something I am a big advocate for, and it gives 5 simple things that characterize Godly leaders, as opposed to leaders whose hearts are set on other things. Almost all of us are leading in some capacity (even if it is our kids we lead), so check it out. Are you a godly leader?

Have a good week.

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