Canadians enjoy the benefit of receiving a generous income tax deduction in return for charitable giving. As a leader of a Canadian charity, I recognize how important this is. But I recall chatting with a peer of mine from a Christian International Development charity in Europe. Their country did not provide tax incentives. When I explained our system he said, “You can’t call that charitable giving.”
Read More selfishness, compassion
David had learned through years of experience that when he was desperate for God, he could overcome great obstacles. But now, he’s getting older and more settled. The kingdom is running well and David is feeling entitled to the perks of kingship.
What happens next serves to remind us that success in earthly affairs can sap spiritual awareness and vitality. When David became self-satisfied, he acted thoughtlessly and caused great pain.
Read More temptation, selfishness, entitlement
“ I am laid low in the dust; preserve me according to your word.”
Sailing on a windy day is exciting! The sailboat moves quickly over the waves, the wind is in your face and all is well in the world. Then there are still days with no wind and that same boat sits motionless. In today’s reading from this psalm we meet the writer downcast and weary.
Read More selfishness, weariness, worthless thingsIn today’s reading Isaiah continues with the LORD’s prophetic accusation of Jerusalem. The city has become unfaithful and turned away from God. But rather than rail against idolatry which was prevalent, Isaiah points to the injustice found within the city. Instead of administering justice the rulers chase after bribes and enrich only themselves. Widows and orphans never get a fair trial (Isaiah 1:23).
Read More repentance, selfishness, injustice, fairnessThere’s an old saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” That saying quite accurately reflects my assessment of today’s scripture reading.
Isaiah looks at his world – his city Jerusalem – and points out its faults. He sees a society of great disparity with wealth flowing to those in grand houses, while others are left without.
Read More trouble, change, selfishness, society
Yesterday we read about Paul acting as spiritual father to the church in Rome: “Stop fighting!” In today’s passage he has not left the issue, but the focus has shifted slightly. He is most concerned with our responsibility to each other. In fact in this section the onus is on the “strong” in the faith to not “hurt” the “weak”.
Read More selfishness, other people, appetite
Canadians enjoy the benefit of receiving a generous income tax deduction in return for charitable giving. As a leader of a Canadian charity, I recognize how important this is. But I recall chatting with a peer of mine from a Christian International Development charity in Europe.
Read More compassion, selfishnessPeter hasn’t quite finished warning his readers about the sinister and evil people in their midst. In the first half of this chapter he cited the examples of angels and of the people in Noah and Lot’s day to illustrate how evil deeds and choices will lead to condemnation.
Read More love, selfishness, purity, filth, alertness, evil