Selfless Leadership

​Conventional wisdom holds that a “perfect marriage” is a myth—at least if your definition of perfection is a relationship devoid of conflict, ego, or impatience. If perfection is defined as a static peak where no further growth is possible, then the skeptics are right. Such a state would be both impossible and stagnant. ​However, I want to challenge that traditional definition. We must remember…

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and…

I am an ’80s and ’90s kid. I grew up without social media, and the internet was literally attached to the wall. I didn’t have a cell phone. Most of my time was spent outside—riding my bike, climbing trees, and playing with friends. I played baseball and studied every airplane that flew overhead. I spent very little time in front of a screen. I had few cares in the world, and as a kid, I felt…

There are two kinds of change in life: outward change and inward change. Outward change happens around us. It includes shifts in our circumstances or environment—moving to a new home, losing a job, receiving a promotion, or even changing your appearance. These changes affect our situation, and most of us experience them regularly. They are simply part of life. Inward change, however, happens…

I am currently reading through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians as part of my personal study. I have read this letter many times before, but what I love about the Bible is that no matter how many times you engage with it, you will always find something new within its beautiful pages. As the author of Hebrews writes:“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged…

Life is filled with ups and downs. It has a way of making us feel elated at times, and other times feel like we are in the darkest of pits with no way of escape. Life is a maze of twists and turns, hills and valleys, and at times beautiful views from mountain peaks. What’s more is that life is a lesson to learn, and unless we are open and reflective, we can miss some of the most life changing…

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors’” (Joshua 1:6). Last time I discussed that strong and courageous leadership starts with submission to God. This time, I want to discuss how strong and courageous leadership means standing strong and being courageous in the face of adversity.  To recap, God forbade an entire generation of…

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors” (Joshua 1:6). These were the words the Lord spoke to Joshua when he succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. But to fully understand their weight, we need to go back about forty years—back to the moment when God instructed Moses to send a man from each of the twelve tribes to scout the…

When Jesus was on trial, Peter, one of His closest followers, stood by watching. Recognized by the crowd, Peter was accused of being a disciple of Jesus. Three times he was challenged, and three times Peter adamantly denied knowing the Lord. Peter’s betrayal was so crushing that, immediately after his third denial, he heard the rooster crow. Scripture tells us that Peter remembered Jesus’…

Three years ago, my wife and I moved into a new home with our four kids—and the real showstopper was the backyard. It was a dream: sprawling, peaceful, and draped with arbors covered in lush grapevines. The first year, the vines were generous, bursting with grapes. But that had little to do with me—they had been carefully tended by the previous owners. The following year, the vines became my…

My wife and I homeschool our children. There are many reasons behind that decision, but that’s not the focus of this post. The other day, I walked into the house after work and found our kids gathered around the table working on presentation projects. My 12-year-old daughter came up to me, excited to show off her work. She had clearly put a lot of effort into designing her presentation board…

In the 1991 film Hook, Peter tries to console his son, who is disappointed that his father has once again missed a baseball game. Seeking to make amends, Peter promises to attend every game from then on, assuring him, “My word is my bond.” His son, unconvinced, responds with a skeptical, “Yeah, right!” The son’s doubt stemmed from experience—his father’s repeated failure to follow through on his…

People will go to great lengths to protect the things they love most. They buy locks for their homes, alarms and security systems, and have something in their house to defend themselves in the case of an unwelcomed intruder enters their home.Those who live in fire danger areas build fire breaks around their home to ensure the fire goes around the home rather than through it. When they are warned…

Having just watched The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever, I can’t help but be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. In the movie, there was a line that went, “Christmas is for everyone.” How often I forget that Jesus came so that ALL may have life and have it abundantly. I also believe that much of the Christian church has forgotten this sentiment. We tend to get caught up in the idea that…

What has happened to the men in this world? Nearly every day, I hear stories of men abandoning their families, treating their wives and children with disdain and disrespect. I’ve witnessed mothers and wives weep as the men they once trusted choose selfish desires over the commitment to love and care for the woman they vowed to cherish for a lifetime. I’ve seen children in tears as they watch…

The other day, as I was driving home with my son, he turned to me and said, “Dad, you’re a good dad!” I felt a rush of mixed emotions. At first, I felt honored, but soon shame settled in, realizing how far I fall short of being a good father. I began to think of all the ways I have failed him—being harsh instead of loving, not spending enough time with him, not listening attentively when he…

It was just before seven o’clock in the morning. I was preparing for school during my second week of senior year, gathering books and papers into my backpack when my father burst through the front door. This was unusual, as he never came home that early. He rushed into the family room, and I heard the TV turn on. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went to see what was happening. As I rounded…