This is a weekly post that highlights resources from other counselors that I have found helpful. The counselors may be from the biblical counseling, Christian psychology, integration, or secular counseling traditions. By linking to a post, I am not giving it my full endorsement, I am merely indicating that I believe it made a unique contribution or raised an important subject for consideration.
8 Reasons Bitterness Will Consume You if You Don’t Let It Go by Chuck Lawless
I’ve seen it a lot – church members who get angry at someone and then stay that way. I’ve seen people refuse to talk to each other at church, as if their silence is a godly adult reaction to disagreement. My heart breaks when I see such reactions because I’ve seen bitterness consume people for years. Here’s why that happens:
- If you benefited from this post, you might also like Emotions and Forgiveness: Instructions for a Confusing Intersection.
Perfectionism Versus Excellence by Kristen Kansiewicz
This experience got me thinking about the differences between perfectionism and excellence. First of all, perfectionism and excellence are on opposite ends of the pride-humility spectrum. Perfectionism is rooted in pride because ultimately it is all about striving to be the best. But my best can never be the best. If my best were the best, then I would be the standard-setter. And if I were the standard-setter, I could also be the judge of others who failed to meet that standard. It is here we see that in perfectionism we are taking God’s place as the standard-setter and judge. He alone is perfect.
- If you were challenged by this post, you might also like The Bible for Over Achievers.
7 Ways Pride Grows in Our Hearts by Jaquelle Crow
Pride is universal—something we all deal with, ancient as Adam and relevant as the morning news. Yet we don’t always see it, for it grows like weeds around our lives. Here are seven symptoms of pride I’ve been seeing in God’s Word as the Spirit works in my own life.
- If you are married and want to make further application of this post, you might benefit from Why Humility Is Doubly Important in Marriage.
A Discussion with Daddy and Daughter About Justification and Sanctification by Rick Thomas
When my daughter was eleven-years old, she asked, “If you do something wrong, are you still a Christian?” It was one of those “can you lose your salvation” questions. She asked it during a time when other things were going on, so I did not take the time to talk to her about it.
- If you’re looking for another parenting illustration of this principle, you might like The “Streak” and the False Pressure of Sanctification.
What I’m Reading
Sex in a Broken World: How Christ Redeems What Sin Distorts by Paul Tripp. Sexuality is a fundamental part of what it means to be human―part of God’s beautiful design when he created all things. And yet, sex in our world today looks nothing like the way that God intended it to be. Sexual brokenness surrounds us and, in one way or another, affects us all.
This sexual brokenness reveals our deep need for redemption―something quick fixes, mere behavior modification, or a set of rules can’t provide. Honest and direct yet kind and caring, this book points us to the only place we can find help for sexual brokenness―the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. Only this grace offers hope for a life of freedom, purity, and joy as God intended.
Tweets of the Week
The only people that seem to listen to me are those I have meaningful friendships with.
New plan: Stop trying to get people to listen to me. Build meaningful friendships instead.
— Jeremy Berger (@jeremysberger) September 2, 2018
Manipulation is deception at its highest art form. It is my attempt to make you believe that what is best for me is best for you.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) August 29, 2018
The closer we are to Jesus, the further we will be from sin. And the closer we are to Jesus, the closer we will be to sinners.
— Matt Smethurst (@MattSmethurst) August 30, 2018
Meaningful Meme
On the Lighter Side
Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
When you're feeling a little down and want to express it through song #dogsoftwitter #MusicHeals #Toocute pic.twitter.com/nF9bdP9dyZ
— Mindfulness Wellness (@HealingMB) August 18, 2018