Character

Character

"...that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..." (Philippians 2:15).

As Christians, we are expected to shine as lights in a darkened world, setting an example for those inside and outside the faith. Our character must be refined until it stands out to all who come in contact with us.

Article

Too Many Treasures?

Why do I sometimes find myself envying Ma and Laura of the Little House books?
a person jumping in midair above a lake against a mountain backdrop
Article

Will You Jump in the Lake Too?

We are strongly influenced by people around us. Often the actions of others draw us simply because it seems everybody is doing it. Few people give serious thought to consequences or to the future.
Woman sitting on rocky mountain during daytime.
Article

This Is the Way, Walk in It: One Foot at a Time

All of us, at one time or another, have been exhorted to plow forward through life's oncoming challenges with the simple yet profound phrase "one foot at a time."
two men seated at a table indoors
Article

A Framework for Reconciliation

Reconciliation is possible if we approach each other in humility, determined not to give offense, in respect, in privacy, if need be with the help of others, with God's backing, in compassion and in a forgiving attitude.
Article

You Can Make a Difference!

Some shy away from doing anything about the sickening problems of our world because one can easily ask, "Where do I start? What can I do that will make any kind of difference?"
a few green seedlings, one in focus, growing in soil
Article

After Fighting the Fires, Planting the Seeds of Peace

Many of the Church's "fires" were also started by circumstances beyond our control, particularly the lightning strikes of doctrinal changes.
Article

Thanksgiving Day, Not "Be Thankful" Day

Americans celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday every November. Perhaps this is the appropriate season to wonder if there is a difference between being thankful and giving thanks.
Article

In Brief... Abortion in the News on Several Fronts

The controversy over the topic of abortion continues to boil as news of murders and stem cell research rise.
Article

The Olympic Ideal

Sports seem to bring out the highest aspirations and the worst attitudes. A look at sports, the Olympics--and life.
Article

"Sometimes You Have to Break the Rules"?

Deep down inside everyone likes to break rules. But is doing so really in our best interest?
Scene from World War II concentration camps
Article

This Is the Way, Walk in It: "She's Ours"

Most of our reading audience is familiar with the wonderful story of the rescue of the baby Moses from the waters of the Nile River. It is a story of daring and courage on the part of several parties. It...
a woman with her arms raised in a joyful gesture facing a lake surrounded by trees
Article

Christ in Us Our Hope of Glory

Major denominations are trying to figure out how non-Christians might be saved apart from Jesus Christ. But can it be done?
a cigarette balanced on a ledge
Article

Please Don't Smoke...

Some in the Church see "social smoking" as OK. What's wrong with smoking occasionally if you don't get addicted?
a landscape of rolling hills with the sun shining at the edge of the horizon and highlighting golden fields of grass beneath a cloudy sky
Article

Spiritual Balance A Lifelong Quest

"...the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 7:14, NAS).
Article

Label Products, Not People

Labels can be helpful for products, but not for people. Categorizing is too often accompanied by criticizing and condemning.
a hand reaching for the hands of an elderly person sitting in a wheelchair
Article

Jesus Christ's Leadership Approach

Jesus Christ daily lived the give way of life.
A Viking Ship.
Article

This is the Way, Walk in It: Vikings Are Coming, Again!

Long ago in Europe, one of the great cries of desperation spoken in many languages was "the Vikings are coming, the Vikings are coming!" As these bands of raiders sailed along the waterways of Europe, their impact over time changed...
a Bible open to a chapter in Psalms
Article

So, You Want to Promote the Gospel? Here's How!

Be an example.
a bunch of old roman coins
Article

What Is the Laodicean Problem?

Who is Laodicea?" has been a hot topic in the Church of God in recent decades. Could it be that too narrow a view of this topic has caused many to lose the broader—and more pertinent—message that Christ intended?
Article

Learning From the Suffering of Job

The suffering of a man named Job explains much about why character is more important in God's eyes than the discomfort and pain we experience in this life.
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