purpose

Culture or Christ?

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever had one of those ‘lightbulb moments’? You know, when a new realization dawns on you? Like a veil has been lifted from your eyes. Like the lights have been turned on and you can actually see now. Ok, enough analogy. This is what my faith journey has been like for the last several years.

I was raised in a home that considered themselves Christians. We believed in Jesus. We went to church, when something else didn’t conflict with it. We prayed together at family gatherings on occasion. But Jesus was never a way of life, just a small part of it. I don’t fault my parents for this. It was infinitely more than what they had as children. But you could imagine, I would have a lot to learn as I got older. Starting back in 2010, that unveiling process began. Over the next 15 years, I would learn more about Jesus and my faith than I ever thought was possible. If anything, this has given me a desire to learn even more, and also to question what I think I know and have been taught. As a teacher myself, these are two things that I try to instill in my students: love learning and question what you learn.

It is natural for many to want to fit in. There are not a lot of ‘earth-shakers’ who seek to question and challenge the status quo. Comfort and acceptance drive a lot of people. These things can even cause some to turn a blind eye to certain possibilities. The possibility that what they’ve been taught and believed for their entire life is wrong, for example. Other than comfort and acceptance, pride is a major obstacle to change. However, we cannot let comfort, acceptance, and pride, drive a willful ignorance, or even create a hostility towards those who choose to question.

I believe the number one criteria for every believer, is humility. It should drive our approach towards God, His word, and towards those around us. The more we admit we don’t know the more we are able to grow. I didn’t mean to rhyme just then. Over the years I have learned that so much of what I was taught has been determined by culture rather than the Bible itself. Nowhere is that more obvious than in certain celebrations.

Here are some questions to ponder. Why would Christians teach their kids that Santa is real when they know it is a lie? Why would Christians put up trees and give their kids presents to honor the birth of the Savior of the world? Why would Christians dye eggs and celebrate a bunny during a time when we are supposed to honor our Passover Lamb, Jesus? Why would Christians dress their kids up in costumes and celebrate a day that revolves around witches, monsters, and death? Why would Christians welcome these cultural distractions when they ultimately lure our kids’ focus away from Jesus?

As believers, our ultimate goal is to abide in Christ…to love Him and make Him known. Santa, trees, presents, candy, costumes, bunnies, dyed eggs, do the exact opposite. As someone who grew up in that, I promise that these things only put our children at the center of their own lives, not Jesus. Colossians 3 teaches that Jesus is our very life. In John 11 Jesus says He is the resurrection and the life. In Galatians 2, it says that we no longer live but it is Christ who lives in us. In John 15, Jesus says to abide in Him.

The hope of every Christian parent should be that their kids will love Jesus with their whole hearts and make Him the Lord of their lives. The hope of every Christian should be to honor Christ and make Him known. For all of us, that takes a sincere and humble approach to examine our traditions and beliefs.

There are many other things I have had to question, that I have been taught in the church, that aren’t in the Bible. Doctrine often gets elevated above the Bible. Many of these doctrines exist because pride has made people claim that their interpretation, or what they learned in Bible college, or what their denomination adheres to, is superior to all others. Much of that too has been informed by culture. The fact is, the Bible is complex. Much of it is meditation literature. As someone I know often says, “it is worth many long walks and cups of tea to contemplate.” And honestly, I think Christians need a whole lot more humility in their approach to God’s word. If the Bible isn’t clear on something, we need to stop claiming it is. There is no room for pride behind the pulpit or conceit among the congregation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that’s how we should be living our lives.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Remember Your Audience

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

In a world where so much becomes a performance, Jesus wants to redirects our hearts back to what matters: practicing our faith before an audience of One. In Matthew 6, part of what is known as the sermon on the Mount, He teaches that giving, praying, and fasting are meant to be intimate expressions of devotion—not spiritual displays.

When we give, Jesus warns, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). Instead, He reminds us, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3–4). God sees the quiet generosity that others never notice.

When we pray, we’re invited into a private conversation with our Father. Jesus says, “Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). God isn’t impressed with long speeches or public displays; He delights in honest hearts. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord looks on the heart.”

When we fast, Jesus says not to make it obvious or dramatic. “When you fast, do not look gloomy… but anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting becomes powerful not because others see our sacrifice, but because God sees our dependence.

In all these practices, Jesus draws our focus to the unseen God who watches, listens, and treasures every sincere act of devotion. The world may overlook what we do in secret—but “your Father who sees in secret” never does. And truly, His approval is enough.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Who’s Purpose Prevails?

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

“And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.””

Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭38‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As the ministry of Jesus grew, more and more people placed their expectations on Him. They may not have admitted it, but the masses began to demand Bis attention and time. Whatever their motive may have been, they had their purposes in mind. Jesus demonstrated what it meant to focus in on God’s purpose above the expectations placed on us by others. That can easily happen in ministry and in nearly every other avenue of life. As a husband, father, friend, teacher, business owner, and on and on, there are demands and purposes placed on my life. It is my job to decipher whether those are God’s purposes, mine, or from others. As a “people pleaser” it can be hard for me to say no. What has been so meaningful to me is to realize that in saying yes to someone I may be saying no to God. It is His purpose and plan that I need to be in tuned with. That way I can weed out all the noise and clutter. My “good things” can become “godly things” when I stay true to His plan for my life and not allow others, or my own selfish desires, to direct my path.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.””‬‬

Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭ESV

This is one of my favorite stories in the ministry of Jesus because it reminds me of what it can look like to choose the most important things. I am a doer. I like to get things done. And what I often lack is the quality time at the feet of Jesus, listening to and learning from Him. Jesus showed us what it looks like to fight for solitude with God and Mary did too.

I pray, that in your busy life, God’s purposes will prevail. That you will be able to hear Him through the noise and to fight for the solitude like Jesus did. Please pray the same for me.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

The Treasure and the Pearl

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

How much do we value the Kingdom?

A few nights ago, I was reading a familiar story to my kids before bed. The story got me thinking a lot about what I value in life. Interestingly, earlier that evening, we had been watching a movie where a person was confronted with just a week to live and she wrestled with how she should spend it. And she fumbled her way in a very self seeking manor to figure out how to spend her time. The movie presented the answer in a very worldly way as one would expect. But that movie already had me in that line of thinking before I read to my children a couple of hours later.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV

All of us are guaranteed today. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. So, in reality, we are all meant to make the most of each day. And how we do that will be determined by what we value.

Text: Matthew 13:44–46

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

You see, everyone is searching for something of value in life: success, love, peace, security, things, wealth, and the list goes on. Jesus tells two short parables to show us that the greatest treasure is not in this world, but in the kingdom of heaven. I realize this isn’t breaking news but it does leave us all with a question: Do we value the kingdom this much?

C.S. Lewis – “Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in.’ Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

The Value of the Kingdom

The kingdom of heaven is compared to two things: hidden treasure and a pearl of great price. Neither of these are ordinary things—they are priceless. They are worth more than the sum of the person’s life. More than all of their possessions, career, and wealth. But what exactly is the Kingdom? The kingdom represents knowing Christ, being reconciled to God, eternal life, and true joy. It is knowing and being known by God. Paul said in Philippians 3:8 that he counted everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Not somethings, but everything.

There in lies the heart of the question. Do we count everything as loss compared to knowing Jesus? Would we forsake everything for the cause of the kingdom? Both men in the parables sell all they have to gain the treasure. This is not a half-hearted pursuit; it is total commitment. We can’t treat our faith in Christ as an add-on to life. We cannot cling to the world and fully embrace Christ at the same time.

Jesus said in Luke 14:33 – “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” There has to be a willingness and a readiness to give up anything and everything in the pursuit of Christ and making Him known. Jesus also said in Matthew 10:38 — “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

And here’s the key…in our surrender, in our willingness to give everything, it is all done with joy. Notice in v. 44: “Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has…” Giving up everything for Christ is not drudgery—it is joy, because we gain something infinitely greater.

Jim Elliot once said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

True discipleship is not about sacrifice alone—it is about finding the deepest joy and fulfillment in God Himself. In Psalm 16:11 we read – “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We pursue a lot of things in life. I have pursued my wife, I have pursued my career. I have pursued knowledge and learning. I have pursued a standard of living that provides comfort and security to my family. I don’t believe any of that is bad as long as it’s secondary to my pursuit of Christ. And if I am not joyfully willingly to give up the money, the job, the home, the possessions for Him then my heart is not in the right place.

Augustine of Hippo – “Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.”

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Letting Jesus In

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

Recently my daughter prayed and asked Jesus to help her to let Him in. Keep in mind, she has already accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. But, as all followers of Jesus know, we have to continue to pursue that relationship the rest of our lives. I think this is what her precious 11 year old heart was searching for.

In this post I would like to present a picture of what it looks like to let Jesus in. From the beginning of the relationship to the end.

The Invitation

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

This powerful image shows Jesus as someone who initiates relationship, but waits to be welcomed in. Jesus never forces His way into our lives. Opening the door represents faith, surrender, and a desire for fellowship with Him.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Letting Jesus in means receiving Him—not just as a visitor, but as your Savior, King, and the center of your life. Believing in Him opens the door to being born again into God’s family.

If you’re like me, you have probably had to repeat this process more than once. I did at the age of 12, and was baptized. I did again at the age of 27 when my faith became of central importance. I have also had many moments since when I am disconnected and I hear Him knocking again. These aren’t salvation moments, I know I am saved and redeemed. These are sanctifying moments. Those reminders that I am not where I am meant to be in my headspace and heart. Those subtle, and sometimes not so subtle redirecting moments.

The Process

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…

Ezekiel 36:26

When Jesus enters your life, He doesn’t just visit—He renovates. He gives a new heart, replacing coldness or stubbornness with a heart that wants to obey and love Him.

To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.

AW Tozer

Walking with Jesus means both finding and continually seeking Him—never settling for a distant relationship. Always wanting more. Always going deeper.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

I think we can all agree that the Christian walk should be a progressive one in the sense that we are moving forward and upward and deeper. And it should also be transformative in the sense that we are more like Jesus in attitude, action, speech, and motivations the longer we know Him. Not to say that we won’t make mistakes or have our “moments”. But it should be a general upward and life altering change throughout life.

Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.

Charles Spurgeon

Every day should be a commitment to reflect on whether this is true in us.

The Commitment

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…

Galatians 2:20

Letting Jesus in is more than a one-time moment. It means allowing Him to live in you, shape your thoughts, and guide your actions. His presence becomes your source of strength and purpose. Letting Jesus in means surrendering to His Lordship (rulership, authority which overrides our own.) in Medieval times Lords controlled the land, your life, your freedom, your movement, your purpose. They also provided everything their vassals needed in food, land, and protection. Those were imperfect people and an imperfect system. But the analogy works in many ways. Our Lord is not a despot. His heart is for the flourishing of His people. Far too often, I afraid, we treat Jesus as a guest to be entertained or invited in when we need Him. But He is owed so much more.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus deserves to be the captain of your ship because He built the ship, maintains the ship, and owns the ship.

Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.

Dallas Willard

A true walk with Jesus transforms your character to reflect Him in your unique life and context. Remember, our mission is to help bring His kingdom wherever we are and wherever we go. I tell my kids (and have to remind myself) all of the time that our sole purpose is to love God and make Him known. What better way to do that than to allow Him to steer our very motivations for life, love, purpose, relationship, and more?

Remain in me, as I also remain in you.

John 15:4

Letting Jesus in is ongoing. It’s not just a decision, but a relationship of remaining close to Him, hearing His voice, and living connected to His love every day. Abiding With Jesus is a Lifelong Commitment.

Letting Jesus in is ongoing. It’s not just a decision, but a relationship of remaining close to Him, hearing His voice, and living connected to His love every day. Abiding With Jesus is a Lifelong Commitment.

Francis Chan

There are very real pitfalls. Those of apathy…of distraction…misalignment…misjudgments…and the like. To let Jesus in is something we have to contend for, hold on to, and adamantly desire. The Christian life is just that, a lifelong lifestyle.

The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.

CS Lewis

It is imperative to remember that walking with Jesus is not about earning love but being changed by it. There is so much grace and so much love in the pursuit.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Freedom Through Forgiveness

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39

In these powerful verses, the Apostle Paul delivers a revolutionary truth at the heart of the Christian gospel. Speaking to both Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul announces something radically new: forgiveness and freedom through Jesus Christ.

Paul begins with good news: “through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” This is not forgiveness earned or negotiated—it is proclaimed. That word carries weight. It means the message is public, certain, and available to all who hear it. The gospel doesn’t whisper forgiveness—it declares it loudly for sinners, doubters, and outcasts alike.

In a world weighed down by guilt and striving, this message still breaks chains. In a world that has so many who are trying to figure out who they are, struggling with their gender identity, battling impure sexual desires, the gospel has the power to set them free. Free from guilt and free from brokenness. Our forgiveness is not based on merit or rituals, but on the person and work of Jesus. This includes the mistakes we regret, the habits we hide, and the guilt we carry. Jesus doesn’t offer partial freedom. He offers total release. This is a bold claim, but it’s the core of the gospel: Christ sets us free.

Paul contrasts this freedom with what the law of Moses could not do. The law was holy and good, but it could only reveal sin—it couldn’t remove it. It could show us our need for righteousness, but it couldn’t make us righteous. I know people who unfortunately cling to the Old Testament, believing the law can save. Elevating law over Jesus. Clinging to a form of self righteousness. Only Jesus, through His death and resurrection, could provide the justification the law could never achieve. In Christ, we’re not just forgiven—we’re declared righteous before God. This is grace, not earned status. It’s a gift, not a wage.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV

So today, let these words encourage your heart:

• You are forgiven.

• You are free.

• You are justified by faith, not by works.

Let this message be the one you proclaim to others, too. Because in Christ, freedom isn’t a dream—it’s a reality. Now let the weight fall off your shoulders. Love Jesus and make Him known. Run after the One who has set you free.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part five

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

It’s been a few weeks since we looked at the Way of Christ as described in Romans 12. Today’s topic is one that I have been honored to experience with many believers in the last 16 years. It was a major attraction into the fold of Christ. When believers give of their time and resources to genuinely seek to meet the needs of others, and open their hearts, homes, and lives to hurting or lost people, the family of Christ grows and people’s lives are changed.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13 (NIV)

In just a few short words, Romans 12:13 captures the heart of Christian community: generosity and hospitality. These aren’t just nice suggestions—they’re tangible expressions of the love that Christ calls us to show.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need

The early church was known for its radical generosity. In Acts 2 and 4, believers shared everything they had so that “there were no needy persons among them.” This wasn’t socialism—it was sacrificial love. When someone in the family of faith lacked food, shelter, or support, the others stepped in. We are called to do the same. It might look like: Giving to a single mom who’s struggling to pay bills. Donating food or clothes to a local ministry. Covering a medical expense, school need, or gas money for a friend in the church. It could be sponsorship of children in developing countries who lack basic needs. Because the church is more than those in our building. It includes every believer around the globe.

Sharing isn’t always financial, either. Sometimes what people need most is time, presence, or a listening ear. The heart behind it is this: What I have is not mine to hoard—it’s God’s to share.

Practice hospitality

Hospitality means welcoming others into your space, your life, and your heart. In the original Greek, this phrase means “pursue the love of strangers.” It goes beyond entertaining—it’s about making others feel seen, safe, and cared for.

Hospitality might mean: Inviting a new family from church over for dinner. Opening your home for Bible study or prayer. Welcoming someone who feels out of place and helping them find belonging.

Hospitality doesn’t require a Pinterest-worthy house or gourmet food. It just requires a heart that says, “You’re welcome here.” And the “here” is wherever you are. Hospitality goes beyond the four walls of our homes and church.

Why This Matters

These two simple actions—sharing and showing hospitality—are powerful witnesses to the world. In an age marked by individualism and isolation, generosity and hospitality stand out as bright lights. They show that the body of Christ is a family. That we serve a God who welcomes and provides. That our faith is more than words—it’s lived out in love.

Lord, help us to live with open hands and an open heart. Teach us to notice the needs of others and respond with joy. Let our homes and our lives reflect Your generous, welcoming love.

When we live out Romans 12:13, we bring the warmth of God’s love to life in the everyday moments. May we be known as people who give freely and welcome fully—for in doing so, we reflect the very heart of Christ.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Equipped

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

I don’t know about you all but I feel like I am always in preparation mode. As a parent, spouse, teacher, business owner, you name it, I am preparing and planning. Preparing to start the day, throughout the day, and in ending the day. It is an integral part of every single day of my life.

When I was an athlete, I had to train. Conditioning, technique, and strength training were all essential. My diet had to be fine tuned, I watched tape to see what I could fix, and would go to camps and tournaments out of season so I could be successful. As a teacher, I have to prepare lessons, gather materials, assess learning, reflect on student performance, plan and replan to make sure the students receive a quality education. But there is another role, the most essential role of my life, that I need to prepare for even more.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Teaching and sports are great things, but they aren’t THE thing. We are God’s workmanship, His children, His image-bearers. Just as we prepare for tasks in our daily lives, God calls us to be ready for every good work He sets before us..that He’s already prepared for us.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We keep our eyes on the prize (knowing Jesus and making Him known) and we don’t go about it aimlessly. Our spiritual life should reflect the intentionality and dedication that athletes at the highest level would dedicate to their trade. Let’s take a look at the training regiment.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. The Source of Our Equipping: God’s Word

“All Scripture is breathed out by God”

Scripture is inspired by God, making it divine in origin and purpose. It is trustworthy, authoritative, and sufficient for our spiritual growth. The Bible is the most factually based book in world history. No other book in history claiming to be God’s word even comes close to matching these facts.

1. Written by 40 men over a period of 1500 years and ALL subjects, prophecies, and evidence agrees.

2. It was written in three very different languages by people who lived on three different continents.

3. The authors of the Bible lived in very different time periods, very different places, and had different occupations but ALL focused on God’s redemption of mankind.

4. Over 300 prophecies were about Jesus, made hundreds of years before he was born, and He fulfilled ALL of them exactly how they said it would happen. The odds of a single person fulfilling just eight messianic prophecies are estimated to be one in 100 quadrillion.

5. Hundreds of other non-messianic prophecies have been made and fulfilled just as the bible said. They were fulfilled exactly to the day and exactly how they were predicted and they occurred sometimes hundreds of years after they were made.

Just as a carpenter relies on tools for precision, we rely on God’s Word to shape our worldview, guide us in decision making, and know how to be in relationship with God and others. Spend time in the Word daily—it’s not optional but essential for being equipped. We should be meditating on it, memorizing it, praying through it, and speaking.

2. The Purpose of God’s Word: To Shape Us

“Profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness”

Teaching: Helps us understand who God is, who we are, and His will for us.

Reproof and Correction: Reproof means to convicts us of sin and then provides the correction that redirects us to the right path. It is a mirror into the soul. Like Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Training in Righteousness: Helps us grow in godly character and holiness. So much of the world gets their ideas of righteousness, or right living, from the culture or their own emotions. Even a lot of believers who interpret God’s will through their own emotions. That’s a pitfall from a lack of wisdom that can only come through knowing God’s word.

A sculptor chisels away excess stone to reveal a masterpiece. In the same way, God’s Word refines us. The more we know God’s word the more we should be changed by it. Let the Word challenge and transform you. Like Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Don’t just read it—let it read you.

3. The Result of Being Shaped by God’s Word: Readiness for Good Works

“That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (the greek word is anthropos which means human or person of God, not man specifically)

God doesn’t just call us to good works; He equips us for them through His Word. The good works we are called to include acts of service, evangelism, generosity, and godly living. The Bible doesn’t just tell us to talk about God but do so boldly, not just to love but to love sacrificially, not just to give but to give generously and without asking for anything in return, not just to serve but to do so selflessly never drawing attention to yourself. It helps us endure hardships, be patient in trying times, hopeful in our outlook, and joyful in our spirit. To be a light, a city set on a hill.

Look for opportunities in your daily life to do good. Be ready when God opens a door. Better yet, look for the open doors, seek out the opportunities, don’t just wait for a clear “sign”. Training narrows our focus. It removes distractions that can derail us from achieving our goal. That’s exactly how we need to approach the mission God has for all of our lives. We clutter our vision (and we do so willingly if we’re honest). Remember Ephesians 2:10, God has already prepared our good works. You ever wonder how many we miss?

4. The Call to Action: Commit to Being Equipped

So where does this leave us? Just like with sports, careers, parenting, or anything else that requires training and preparation, we are all at different stages in our faith journey. But we can, and should, evaluate our time and how it’s spent. To what extent are we being intentional in applying God’s Word to situations in life? Do we pray for readiness and sensitivity to God’s leading. Do we actively look for ways to love, serve, give, and share the gospel every day. Wherever you are in your faith journey, I invite you to train harder. We can all pray more, serve more, love more, give more, empathize more, share the gospel more, meditate on God’s word more, worship more. Not to earn anything, that price has already been paid, but to better live out what you were designed and created to be…an image-bearer. The light that shines from us will only be as bright as the light we allow in us. You were made for a purpose and God has an abundant life planned for you. We just have to choose it.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

This is the Way part two

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

This is the second iteration in the series on living out our faith as a believer in Jesus, who is the Way. If you missed the first one be sure to check it out from last week. Let’s see where the Way takes us today.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

In a world that often pushes us to put ourselves first, Romans 12:10 invites us into a radically different way of living—one marked by devotion and honor. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about building relationships rooted in genuine care and selfless respect.

Be Devoted to One Another in Love

The word devoted carries the idea of family-level commitment. It’s not surface-level kindness—it’s deep, consistent, and loyal. Paul is telling the church that our love for each other should look like the kind of love we see in strong, healthy families: the kind that sticks through hard times, forgives quickly, and serves without keeping score.

This type of devotion reflects God’s love for us. It’s not based on feelings, convenience, or getting something in return. It’s an active choice to love others—especially those in the body of Christ—with compassion and dedication.

Honor One Another Above Yourselves

To honor someone means to value them, to treat them as important. And Paul goes a step further: we’re to put others above ourselves. This doesn’t mean we think less of ourselves—it means we lift others up.

Imagine what would happen if every relationship was built on honoring the other person first—marriages, friendships, churches, teams. There would be less fighting, less pride, more listening, and more joy.

Paul is calling believers to a culture of humility. In a me-first world, he challenges us to be you-first people.

Living It Out

Here are a few ways to live Romans 12:10 in your daily life:

Encourage someone who may feel overlooked. Celebrate others’ wins instead of feeling jealous. Offer your time or help, even when it’s inconvenient. Speak kindly and respectfully, especially when you disagree. Pray for someone you struggle to love well.

Romans 12:10 is a simple verse with powerful truth. It reminds us that love is not just a feeling—it’s a choice to be committed to others and to honor them above ourselves. When we live this way, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who loved us completely and humbly served others.

Peace, and the deep love of Christ be with you.

This is the Way part one

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

This is part one in a series about living put the “way.” Early Christians were consistently referred to as followers of the Way. This refers directly to Jesus, the Christ, and the manor of life that He both demonstrated through His life and directs to this day.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

In just a few words, Romans 12:9 delivers a powerful challenge: love with sincerity, reject evil, and hold tightly to the good. It’s simple, yet deeply transformative if we truly live it out.

What Does It Mean to Love Sincerely?

To love sincerely means to care for others without pretending. It’s not about fake smiles or saying the right things while harboring resentment. Paul is calling us to a love that comes from the heart—a love that mirrors Christ’s own. It’s a love that shows up in kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and action.

Sincere love doesn’t pick favorites. It’s not based on what we can get from others. It’s a choice to value people because they are made in God’s image.

Hate What Is Evil

Love and goodness go hand-in-hand. That’s why Paul also says to hate what is evil. We’re not called to hate people, but we should hate the things that harm others—like injustice, lies, cruelty, and selfishness. Sincere love isn’t passive. It stands up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Cling to What Is Good

The word “cling” in Greek means to stick like glue. When the world feels messy or confusing, Paul urges us to hold fast to what is good—truth, mercy, patience, and grace. These are not just nice ideas; they are powerful tools in loving others the way Jesus loves us.

Think about your relationships—family, coworkers, church, neighbors. Are you loving sincerely, or just going through the motions? Do you speak truth in love, or avoid hard conversations to keep the peace? Are you clinging to good, even when it’s hard?

This verse calls us back to the heart of the Christian life: genuine love. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Peace, purity, and sincerity in Christ brothers and sisters.