Do Less Harm

“Love makes it impossible to harm another.” (Romans 13:10 TPT)

At the end of each month, I go over my checking account to ensure that my withdrawals are less than my deposits. There have been financially stressful times when bills outweighed income. These dry seasons taught me to live frugally. Even during times of abundance, I continue to live well below my means and save up. I am wary of lifestyle creep and debt. I realized early on that a positive balance was worth more than anything the marketplace had to offer. 

This principle of a positive balance can be applied to all areas of life. I wish to practice more beneficial behaviors and fewer harmful actions. With this in mind, I have been evaluating the choices I make on a daily basis. Are my words uplifting or dispiriting? Does my lifestyle inspire goodness? Or do I promote materialism? Am I encouraging and empowering? Or am I condescending and cynical? Does my creativity outweigh my consumption? Am I damaging the environment or am I nurturing it? Are my choices adding value or diminishing dignity?

All of us desire to do more good than harm. However, we do not keep track of our deposits and withdrawals diligently. Take a moment to examine your life. Are you making a net positive impact?

Anima

“You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.” (Psalm 36:6 NLT)

It was one of those rare mornings when the weather was too cold for me to venture out for a run.  I stood by my kitchen window, bundled up in my warm robe, sipping hot coffee.  I noticed tiny footprints in the fresh snow. And then I saw her--a small bunny huddled near a bush. I wondered how she survived out in this frigid temperature. All the plants had turned brown months ago. I watched as she hopped along, leaving her imprint in the snow and on my mind. 

The word ‘animal’ originates from the Latin root anima--which can mean breath, soul, or spirit. God breathed His Spirit into all beings. He cares for people and animals alike. He lives in us, and we live in Him. The Lord nurtures our souls, because we are a part of Him. He tends to us with tenderness. He aches when we suffer. He rejoices when we are content. 

I wonder what happened to the bunny I saw that day. Perhaps it died of starvation or exposure to the elements. Or maybe she survived in a burrow underground. This much I know: God cares for her, and He cares for me. We are connected by love. 

Guard Your Reputation

“A beautiful reputation is more to be desired than great riches, and to be esteemed by others is more honorable than to own immense investments.” (Proverbs 22:1 TPT)

When I read an article, I look at the credentials of the author. Before I make a purchase or reserve at a hotel, I read multiple reviews. Why? Because I need to determine if the source, product, or service is trustworthy.  If I have prior experience with an individual or organization, I can use this knowledge to assess their reliability. Otherwise, I have to depend on their reputations. 

Credibility is a prerequisite to the exchange of ideas. We are reluctant to accept anything from someone whom we do not trust. The currency of trust is backed by congruent actions--not by performative props or empty assertions. A principled stance is meaningless unless you are willing to follow through consistently. A sterling reputation is more valuable than wealth, fame, or power. Why? Because honorable living infuses us with self-respect. 

Freedom to Love and Serve

 “You have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.” (Galatians 5:13 TLB)

A few years ago, I visited a country where littering is commonplace in public areas. Confounded by this practice, I asked the locals why this was acceptable. The responses varied, but there were some general themes: This is the way things are here. We keep our homes and yards clean, but the rest is not our problem. Everyone does it. Nobody cares. It’s good for the economy, because it gives poor people something to collect and sell. Disposing of trash properly is a hassle, and we can’t be bothered. While there are laws against littering, they are not enforced--so it must be okay. 

While littering is inconsiderate, it is probably less harmful than maskless mingling during the pandemic. Confounded by images of super-spreader gatherings, I have asked several people why they participate in such behavior. Their justifications include: It’s no big deal. I’m healthy--so if I get sick, I will recover. I already had Covid. I already got the vaccine, so I won’t get sick. I am helping the economy. Since businesses are open, it must be okay. Wearing a mask properly is too much of a hassle. I have the freedom to do whatever I please. 

There are common threads in both these scenarios. The desire for individual freedom overrides any devotion to public service. The short-sighted excuses conceal self-centeredness: Will my behavior impact me or my family negatively? If not, why should I diminish my fun?

Step back and take a wide-angle view. Look at the comprehensive effects of your choices and how they influence others. What messages do we send as we participate in activities? What values do we reveal as we condone certain behaviors? We have been given both the ability to think and the freedom to make decisions. Let us use this freedom to love and serve each other.

TIme Ticks Away

“As time passes, the daily anxieties, the pursuit of wealth, and life’s addicting delights outpace the growth of the message in their hearts. Even if the message blossoms and fruit begins to form, the fruit never fully matures because the thorns choke out the plants’ vitality.” (Luke 8:14  VOICE)

In tournament chess, competitors are given a certain amount of time to play. The clock ticks away as each move is planned and executed. The chess players are focused on the board in front of them--calculating, conquering, and advancing. Their goal is to win--championships, fame, money, and admiration. 

Each of us is given a certain amount of time on this earth. Like chess players, we fixate on our moves--calculating, conquering, and advancing. The ambitious try to maximize pleasurable experiences in the limited time they have. The clock ticks away.

Within all sentient beings, there is an indescribable knowing. We long for meaning--to reach beyond ourselves, to cultivate, and to nurture. This divine impression is instinctual, but we have found ways to numb it. Daily anxieties, the pursuit of wealth, and life’s addicting delights outpace the growth of our spirits. Budding insights are crushed by distractions. The vitality of the soul is diminished by a steady diet of mundane busyness. 

What if we took the time to look beyond our own concerns? If we zoomed out beyond the games we play--what would we notice? An expansive perspective magnifies our understanding. There are moments of recognition. Truth resonates at the same frequency as innate knowing. The pursuit of meaning and purpose are relevant. In the fullness of time, all lives end. Every minute is precious. 

Double-Digit Lows

“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation.” (Isaiah 41:10 TPT)

There are winter days in Iowa where the high temperatures do not rise above 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lows are well below zero. Even the dog rushes back indoors quickly when it is this cold. This is when frostbite sets in on exposed skin and cars parked outside quit working.  During these days, I engage in two kinds of coping mechanisms. 

--First, I look forward to the days when we shall have double-digit lows. A low temperature of 10 degrees seems positively tropical after a week of sub-zero weather. 

--Second, I remind myself it could be worse. I know there are places in this world that are much colder. I give thanks for warm shelter, a working furnace, electricity, and the option to stay indoors. 

Although my coping mechanisms sound wholesome, they are disordered. My focus remains on my circumstances: either I am looking forward to days when things are a few degrees more comfortable, or I am reminding myself that others have it worse. This is my F.O.E.--my Focus On the Earthly--the enemy within. 

The Lord guards me from my foes. He does so by infusing me with strength, NOT by removing tough obstacles. The circumstances remain as they are. He trains me to switch my focus, to gaze upon Him rather than on the hardships that surround me. My stability comes from God’s firm grip on me. I shall not yield to fear, for God is always near.

God's Rays

“And this Living Expression is the Light that bursts through gloom—the Light that darkness could not diminish!” (John 1:5 TPT)

The sun is always present, even when our hemisphere turns away from its  light during the night. On cloudy days, the sun continues to shine--though we may not be able to see it clearly.  Crepuscular rays, also known as  ‘God rays’, are sunbeams that shine through the gaps between dark clouds. This phenomenon is most common during dusk or dawn. The rays of sunlight are more obvious because of the contrasting shadows.  

God’s light is always present, even when we turn away. On gloomy days, God remains bright--though we may not be able to see Him. Yet, there is value in the shadows. The darkness provides a contrast that makes His light more obvious. Even in times of desperation, the Son shines through the cracks. This Living Expression is the light that bursts through the gloom--the Light that darkness cannot diminish.

Constant Love

“Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone.”(Psalm 33:22 TLB)

For a long time, I preferred wired headphones with squishy earbuds. They fit my narrow ear canal. Since I would have to replace them frequently, I would occasionally buy knock-off brands. These counterfeit headphones were inconsistent and annoying. The last one I bought blared loudly in one ear at odd times and quit working completely within weeks. I finally decided I needed to make a switch. For the last several years, I have used the same wireless headphones. They have been durable and dependable. I was reluctant to switch, because these headphones need to be recharged every few days. Yet, now I realize that the benefits are well worth the extra effort.

Why did I settle for the lesser of the two for so long? 

The tendency to skimp unnecessarily extends to many areas of my life. For example, I used to settle for low quality relationships with inconsistent people. They offered temporary validation that was contingent on me going along with their ideas. What I craved was unconditional love and acceptance. However, I did not believe I had access to that, so I compromised for the lesser, knock-off version. Now that I have experienced the constant love of God, I am no longer satisfied with the counterfeit version of conditional approval. 

Grace is free and available to everyone. It is not cheap, but it is well worth pursuing. Immerse yourself in God’s abiding love. Invest your confidence in Him alone. 

Unspoken Revelations

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4 TLB)

Even though it was a cold, cloudy morning, I was glad to be running outdoors. The whole neighborhood was quiet that day. I felt blessed by the silence and solitude. The snow-covered ground and the cloud-covered sky were white. Against this austere background, I noticed a red-tailed hawk perched on a tree. It flew away as I got close. Seeing it made me smile. A torn, American flag flapped on a pole as a bald eagle flew overhead. I stopped to take a picture--but by the time I got my phone out, the moment had passed. Without a sound or a word, I sensed God’s presence. I thanked Him for showing up consistently, for His unspoken revelations.

Unfortunately, there are days when I am too preoccupied to commune with God. I am too busy to notice the birds, the rabbit tracks, the tree limbs, or the breeze. Instead, I become fixated on the discomfort of running, the cold temperature, the icy roads, the wind resistance, the distance I have left to finish, my lousy pace, and the aches and pains that my body is feeling. God still shows up and reveals Himself, but I am simply oblivious. What a wasted opportunity! 

God reveals His glory every second. Marvelous displays of his craftsmanship surround us. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or a word, their message reaches out to all the world. Don’t miss out!

 

Negging

“Don’t let anyone belittle you...” (1 Timothy 4:12 VOICE)

Negging is a form of emotional manipulation whereby a person deliberately belittles another person in order to establish dominance. It is a mind game that can seem innocuous and funny, but it is dishonoring. The people who use this technique frequently try to pass it off as teasing or constructive criticism. In certain relationships, lack of respect is so prevalent that both parties are desensitized to its effects. 

Do not belittle others. It shows that you are dishonorable. Relationships based on put-downs breed power struggles--resulting in passive-aggressive interactions. It demeans everyone involved.

Do not let anyone belittle you. Recognize it for what it is--an intentional attempt to undermine your confidence. You cannot control what others say to you or about you. But you may be able to avoid people who are emotionally manipulative. At the very least, do not accept their condescension as truth. Do not allow another’s indignity to strip you of your dignity. 

Credibility

“Above all, set yourself apart as a model of a life nobly lived. With dignity, demonstrate integrity in all that you teach.” (Titus 2:7 TPT)

In the midst of the pandemic, a well-respected physician warned the public against congregating in homes. A few days later, she went on vacation with several extended relatives. Once the public found out about her hypocrisy, she lost all credibility. 

Credibility is central to honor and self-respect. Once a person is deemed untrustworthy, nothing he says holds weight. Popularity and comfort may bring immediate acceptance, but dignity and integrity are much more valuable in the long run. Set yourself apart as a model of a life nobly lived. Be a good example. Guard your honor.  

“The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect. 

So hard to earn, so easily burned.”  (lyrics from ‘The Garden’ by Rush)

 

Knowing and Unknowing

 “God is so great that we cannot begin to know him. No one can begin to understand eternity.” (Job 36:26 TLB)

St. John of the Cross was a Spanish priest and poet who lived in the 1500’s. He was jailed and tortured for trying to reform the Church. While he was imprisoned, he wrote about uncertainty. 

“I entered into unknowing

Yet when I saw myself there

Without knowing where I was

I understood great things;

I shall not say what I felt

For I remained in unknowing

Transcending all knowledge.

That perfect knowledge

Was of peace and holiness.”

—St. John of the Cross

 

If you are sick or injured, you are unable to take care of even basic bodily functions. Any illusions of mastery are stripped away. Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but it can guide us to unexplored territory. When we enter into unknown spaces, we are forced to give up our delusions of control. 

Powerlessness brings us to our knees. We enter into the unknown. In the dark silence we are helpless. And it is here we learn to let go, to admit that there is understanding beyond knowledge. If we remain in the unknowing, we are given glimpses of insights. Peace and holiness settle our souls. We realize that God is so great that we cannot begin to know Him. No one can begin to understand eternity. God transcends all knowledge. 

The Delusion of Control

 “The way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” (Isaiah 55:9 MSG)

When playing Scrabble, sometimes there are a myriad of options, and other times there are only a few. Managing the board involves both strategy and luck. A player with some experience and knowledge can usually maneuver out of tight situations. When there are limited spaces and tiles left to play, the game becomes arduous. Even the most masterful players have to concede when they realize they are out of options. 

There have been times in my life where I thought I was in control. I had all my moves planned out in advance. I imagined I could figure everything out if I tried hard enough. And there have been times when all my resources were exhausted. When there are no more moves to make, all you can do is admit that life was unmanageable. 

Unlike in a board game, the consequences of feeling uncertain and stuck in life can be debilitating. During these periods of despair and hopelessness, I came to a realization: life had always been unmanageable. I had just been operating under the delusion that I was in control. Even when I was a mover of pieces and earning points, I was simply playing a game...just like everyone else. God’s moves were beyond my understanding.

Yesterday's Garbage

“I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing the Anointed Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8 TLB)

Roasted meat smells so good as it comes out of the oven. But any leftovers thrown in the trash will stink within a few days. As meat decomposes, it produces a putrid odor. This is an obvious sign that the meat is no longer safe to consume. However, meat that tastes and smells okay can still contain harmful microorganisms that can make you sick. We can’t solely rely on our senses to detect what is rotten.

Like meat that has spoiled, many of the things that I thought were significant now seem moldy.  For example, I used to believe that other people’s opinions about me were relevant.  I now realize that perception does not always align with truth. Whether someone thinks I am short or tall does not change the reality that I am 5’4”. 

Much of what I believed has disintegrated. I’ve hung on to decayed viewpoints much too long. I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing Christ. As long as I continue to occupy myself with mundane worries, I remain immersed in the putrid pit. 

Grace uplifts me.

To fully know and experience Christ 

To move beyond earthly concerns, 

To exist in a transcendent realm. 

Feeding Evil

“For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures.” (Galatians 5:17 TLB)

The following Cherokee legend illustrates the battle between good and evil within each of us: A grandfather is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old grandfather simply replied, “The one you feed.”

For the last few years, I have been making a concerted effort to feed the good wolf within me. I cultivate gratitude, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and faith. I seek love, joy, peace, hope, serenity, and simplicity. I aspire to be humble and benevolent. All of these practices have made the good wolf within me to grow larger. Yet, I have not starved the bad wolf. She stays lean and hungry and hidden. When I feel defensive, hurt, or exploited--I trot the bad wolf out. There are times when I covet her anger, arrogance, resentment, and ego.  I’m afraid the good wolf would get eaten alive by those who try to take advantage of me. Thus, the desire for self-preservation makes me keep the bad wolf around, too.  

Good and evil are incompatible with each other. These two forces are fighting within me. As long as I indulge my self-interest, the battle continues. The bad wolf does not just fight other bad wolves that attack me, but also the good wolf that lives within me.  Thus, I must choose. I can either give in to the compulsions of my carnal nature or be led by the Spirit of God.

Self-Sabotage

“I can’t explain my actions. Here’s why: I am not able to do the things I want; and at the same time, I do the things I despise.” (Romans 7:15 VOICE)

I have a weird running gait. My right foot points outward slightly, causing the heel to rub against my left foot. The skin on my left foot gets scraped by my right foot. I try to straighten my right leg as I run, but this requires a great deal of focus. However, the second I get tired or distracted, I go back to my familiar gait pattern. I can’t explain my actions. My brain controls both legs. Why would I allow one foot to hurt the other? I am not able to do the things I want; and at the same time, I do the things which hurt myself.

The essence of self-sabotage is behaving in such a way that damages your own well-being. Our mind controls all the parts of our being. Why wouldn’t we modify patterns that lead to self-destruction? Some are unaware that their choices are hurting themselves. Others are conscious, but they feel their familiar habits are not worth changing or are too difficult to give up. We blame our upbringing, our lack of willpower, and our human nature. But as long as our operating system is based on our own will, we continue down the path of destruction. 

“Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God.” (Romans 8:5 TLB)

Our conscious choices are shaped by desires, traditions, ideas, egos, identities, lifestyles, relationships, culture, and a myriad of other influences. As long as our operating system is controlled by our will and not God’s will, we continue down the path of self-sabotage. Only when our impulses are triggered by the Spirit of God, only when we live to please God and not ourselves, are we finally free to heal. 

Recharging the Spirit

“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life,  then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT)

Wireless charging pads use resonant inductive coupling to transfer power to electronic devices. Phones and tablets can be placed on these pads for  recharging. Electricity flowing through the charging pad creates an electromagnetic field. When a compatible smartphone is placed on this pad, it vibrates at a similar frequency. This induces current to flow and recharge the battery. 

The wireless charging pad that I currently own is a bit finicky. I have to center my phone on the pad for it to charge. If it is placed haphazardly to one side or another, it doesn’t work properly. But once I place my phone correctly on the pad, it charges continuously until I take it off. 

The technology behind resonant inductive coupling reminds me of centering prayer. Power flows into us when our soul resonates with the Spirit of God. This influences our thoughts, words, and actions. Worry can be emotionally exhausting. It pulls us in different directions and drains our energy. Trust, on the other hand, is continually recharging. It allows us to take every detail of life to God. Gratitude aligns us properly, bringing to focus God’s dependability and consistent providence. All this leads to a peace that transcends human circumstances and understanding.

 

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Call for Help

“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you...” (James 5:14 NLT)

If you are in a serious car accident and you are injured, you would instinctively call out for help. But what if you are unable to do so? If you are unconscious or too debilitated to reach out for assistance, you would hope that someone else would call the first responders for you. 

There are times in our lives when we are so overwhelmed with trouble that we do not even have the ability to seek God. We are desperate for assistance, but we are completely exhausted and hopeless. 

There are also times when we are witnesses to suffering. The afflicted person may be unconscious or unable to call out to God. 

Sometimes we need a praying friend who will call for help in our stead; a person who will wait with us until the Lord takes over.

Sometimes we need to be the praying friend. Whenever we witness a person in pain, we can’t look the other way or drive by impatiently. We must call out to God and wait until He responds.

Intercession does not require special skills--only attentiveness, empathy, and compassion. Witnesses are not expected to save or solve--they are simply to call for help. Pray over those who are unconscious, voiceless, or exhausted. Stay with them. Wait upon the Lord together.

 

Foggy Glasses

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV)

When I run outdoors in the winter, I always wear sunglasses. They provide some protection against the wind as well as reduce accumulation of ice crystals on my eyelashes. Sunglasses can fog up quickly in the cold, limiting visibility. When my warm breath hits the cold air, condensation is inevitable. Wiping away the haze every few seconds is annoying. But if I can’t see where I’m going, I may fall and injure myself. Thus, I have learned to continually clean my glasses as I am running. 

I have noticed a parallel to the above phenomena during times of uncertainty. Lack of clarity is such a frequent part of my life, but until recently I couldn’t pinpoint the cause. When my internal principles are drastically different from the external culture, my vision becomes foggy. This leads me to question my perspective. My steps become unsure. Wiping away the haze requires me to reexamine my core values. I must do this constantly, intentionally. There is no other way to prevent falls and injury. Certitude is rarely a permanent condition. But God does not intend for us to remain confused either.  He wants us to be clear-minded and at peace.

Big Picture

“My presence will travel with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 VOICE)

I rely on GPS directions while driving to new destinations. The images on the screen show me each turn, and the audio commands let me know where to go. Sometimes I get fixated on the next step to be taken. At that moment, I wouldn’t be able to tell you whether I was heading north, south, east, or west. Neglecting to zoom out and look at the bigger picture causes disorientation.

Navigating the twists and turns of our daily lives can feel overwhelming. Some days, focusing on the next step is all we can manage. We react. We obsess. We despair. When we fixate only on the trouble in front of us, we fail to see the bigger picture.

God permeates everything. His presence travels with us. He wraps us in a blanket of peace. When we are consciously aware of God’s presence, we recognize that He is capable of putting all the broken pieces of our lives together--making us whole. 

 

Climate Influencer

“‘Just a little yeast causes all the dough to rise,’” so even the slightest detour from the truth will take you to a destination you do not desire.”(Galatians 5:9 VOICE)

Weather is the daily variation of atmospheric conditions. Climate is the variation of weather conditions over decades. Weather can change in a few hours. It can be cold and rainy in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon. There is nothing I can do to change the weather; all I can do is dress appropriately when going outdoors. Climate, on the other hand, is affected by human activities. Thus, by adjusting my lifestyle choices, I can be a climate influencer. 

Human nature is similar to weather. There is not much you can do to change another person; all you can do is adjust your response and exposure. Human culture, on the other hand, gradually shifts over time. Societal attitudes and practices evolve every few decades. Just as a little yeast causes the dough to rise, each of us has an impact on our surroundings. Honest living makes an impression. Dishonesty also leaves its mark. Even the slightest detour from the truth will take you to a destination you do not desire. Our choices not only affect those around us, but the ripple effect spreads through the community. Thus, we have the opportunity to be cultural influencers--for good or for evil.