Don’t Bury Your Gift

“It is rarely counted as evil when we live in neutral. At worst a passive life is only pitied, yet God counts it as a tragedy when we choose to simply watch life rather than live it. Jesus described as wicked the person who leaves his talent unused.”

— Erwin McManus, Seizing Your Divine Moment

When we hear the word wicked, most of us think of the darkest sins—murder, abuse, corruption, perversion. We reserve “wicked” for the most appalling acts of evil. But what about the quieter sins that slip under the radar? Gossip, selfishness, jealousy, dishonesty—we rarely call these wicked. And what about passivity—the choice to do nothing with the blessings and gifts God has entrusted to us? Is that wicked?

Jesus challenges our categories in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30). In the story, two servants invest what their master gives them and double the return. The master praises them with those famous words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

But the third servant buries his gift out of fear. He chooses safety over risk, passivity over faithfulness. And when the master returns, his response is shocking: “You wicked and lazy servant!”

Why such harsh words?

I believe it is because refusing to use what God has given us is not a neutral act—it’s rebellion. It reveals that our supreme allegiance is with ourselves and not with King Jesus and his Kingdom.

Remember, God created us for more than simply living “moral” lives. He has entrusted us with talents, time, resources, and opportunities—not to keep them hidden, but to use them for advancing the Kingdom and the good of others. To bury our gifts is as tragic in God’s eyes as evil actions, because it wastes the very purpose of our lives.

God calls us to action. To love boldly. To serve generously. To take risks for His Kingdom. Everything we’ve been given—our skills, our money, our influence, our moments—are tools to help others encounter Jesus.

And when we live this way, we put ourselves in the place to hear those words every follower of Jesus longs for:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23)

Don’t bury your gift. Use it.



Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

The Kingdom Over All

Living as a Christian Anarchist in a World of Power

“My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus told Pilate (John 18:36).

When I first started following politics and having my identity formed I would have never guessed that these words of Jesus would have influenced me as much as they have.

By wrestling with Scripture, learning from thinkers like N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, and Matthew Bates, and even grappling with libertarian ideas from Ron Paul and Tom Woods, I’ve started to wear the label of Christian Anarchist. It certainly wasn’t a label I sought, but it captures the conviction I have that the Kingdom of God stands above every human political system. A Christian Anarchist trusts love and discipleship—not coercion—to change the world. 

Here’s what that looks like for me, and why it matters.

The Kingdom Beyond Politics

As Wright, McKnight, and Bates remind us, Jesus’ Kingdom isn’t about seizing power or reforming governments. It’s about proclaiming a new way of being human, rooted in allegiance to King Jesus. In Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Bates calls us to pledge loyalty to Jesus as King—not to nations, parties, or ideologies. This thought resonates deeply with the way I was raised, where free will and personal devotion to Jesus were foundational ideas of living a life of faith.

It is crucial to remember that the Kingdom is not an earthly political program; it is a spiritual reality breaking into the world through the transformed lives of those who have given their allegiance to Jesus.

We need to be aware that the world tempts us to use God’s Kingdom to energize these human systems. This is where I believe movements like Christian Reconstructionism miss the point. Imposing biblical law on society simply replaces one form of coercion with another. Earthly political systems are unable to do two very important things. First, they are unable to show mercy, because they are built and rules and regulations.  Second, they are unable to change the human heart, that is one of the critiques the New Testament offers of the Old Testament Law. God’s Law is able to teach us what is right and wrong, but it is unable to transform people for the Kingdom, only the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit can do that. Therefore, the Kingdom of God stands apart, inviting us to live differently, not to rule over others (Matthew 20:25–26).

Discipleship and Love as the Way Forward

So how do we influence the world? Jesus’ answer is simple but radical: make disciples and love others (Matthew 28:19–20; John 13:34–35).

This isn’t about passing laws or winning culture wars. It’s about living the Sermon on the Mount—loving enemies, serving the least, and embodying a countercultural community like the early church. Rodney Stark’s The Rise of Christianity paints a compelling picture of a movement that changed the world through care, generosity, and forgiveness.

That doesn’t mean I embrace communalism. Versions of Christian communalism often downplay individual agency, which I believe is God-given blessing. Influenced by thinkers like Tom Woods, I think free markets—when guided by Christian ethics—as one way to honor freedom and stewardship. Voluntary exchange, personal responsibility, and private charity can reflect Kingdom values without coercion.

In this world I still live pragmatically—paying taxes, sometimes voting—but my true allegiance is to King Jesus. One of the ways this allegiance shows up in my life is trusting the Biblical call to love, make disciples, and pray as the way for the Kingdom to expand in the world.

Freedom Without Coercion

For me, Christian Anarchism means rejecting coercion in all its forms. All Governments use coercion, and that is true for theocratic versions of government as well. These are seen in the type of government  that the likes of Joel Webbon or Doug Wilson advocate. These guys imagine a society shaped by biblical laws and punishments and top-down reform. That feels more like the kingdoms of this world dressed in Scripture, and far removed from Jesus washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17).

On the other side, I appreciate Shane Claiborne’s call to radical community, but I’m wary of the suspicion toward property and markets. Along with that, I sympathize with his call to non-viol and pacifism, I believe following the Non-Aggression Principle offers us the best way to love both our enemies and friends. 

In my mind both extremes—statist control or enforced communalism—undervalue the freedom God entrusts to individuals.

Instead, I envision disciples as representatives of King Jesus, living in freedom: running businesses with integrity, serving neighbors without bureaucracy, and proclaiming the Gospel through love. We don’t need to dismantle systems overnight—we need to build communities that show there’s a better way. As McKnight reminds us, the Gospel is about King Jesus reigning now. Our task is to invite others into that reign, not to force it.

A Call to Live the Kingdom Now

Right now, with political division and cultural noise louder than ever, the temptation to grab power—through laws, votes, or ideology—is strong. But Jesus calls us to a different way: to make disciples, to love even our enemies,  to pray for everyone, and to live freely under His lordship.

For me, Christian Anarchism means saying no to every system that demands my allegiance (we can’t serve two masters), and saying yes to a Kingdom that transforms through grace, forgiveness, and love. Let’s build communities where love is our law, freedom is our gift, and Jesus is our King.

That’s the revolution worth living for.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

A Godly Pattern for Living

Have you ever noticed how life seems to push us toward the very things that hurt us most? 

Pride convinces us that we deserve recognition. Anxiety whispers that everything depends on us. Temptation promises an easier path if we’ll just give in. In the middle of all that, the Apostle Peter gives us a different vision for life—a godly pattern that brings freedom, peace, and strength.

In his first letter, Peter lays out three simple but challenging steps: relinquish your rights, rely on God, and resist the devil. These aren’t just religious duties. They’re a way of life that shapes our character and keeps us aligned with God’s heart.

Relinquish Your Rights

Peter begins with a call to humility:

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NLT)

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Relinquishing your rights doesn’t mean you stop having opinions or that your needs don’t matter. It means stepping away from the me-first mentality that dominates our world. Instead of demanding control, insisting on being heard, or clinging to recognition, humility calls you to trust God and serve others.

Jesus is our example here. Though He was God, Philippians 2 tells us He did not cling to His divine rights but humbled Himself—even to the point of death on a cross. True humility isn’t weakness; it’s the strength to surrender to God’s timing and trust His plan.

Rely on God

After humility, Peter addresses something we all carry: worry.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

The picture here is vivid—it’s like tossing a heavy load onto someone else’s shoulders. God doesn’t ask us to pretend our problems aren’t real. He invites us to hand them to Him because He cares deeply for us.

Think about the burdens you carry—financial stress, family struggles, uncertainty about the future. It’s like walking around with a backpack full of rocks. God says, “Give it to Me. I can carry that.”

When we rely on God, we’re not ignoring reality. We’re admitting that we’re not strong enough on our own and choosing to trust the One who is.

Resist the Devil

Finally, Peter gives a sober warning:

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

The devil is real, and his goal is to derail our faith. He tempts us to doubt God’s goodness, to give in to fear, or to compromise when obedience feels too costly. Peter doesn’t tell us to fight in our own strength—he tells us to resist by standing firm in faith.

Jesus shows us how. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, He resisted with the truth of Scripture: “It is written…” God’s Word is our anchor when the enemy roars.

And here’s some encouragement: we don’t fight alone. Christians all over the world face the same battle. The family of God surrounds us, reminding us that resistance is possible and that victory belongs to Christ.

A Pattern Worth Following

Peter’s pattern for living is as countercultural now as it was in the first century:

• Relinquish your rights—choose humility over pride.
• Rely on God—cast your worries onto the One who cares for you.
• Resist the devil—stand firm in faith, anchored in God’s truth.

This is the way of Jesus—the One who humbled Himself, trusted the Father, and triumphed over the enemy. When we follow His lead, we discover the freedom of humility, the peace of trusting God, and the strength to stand firm in a world that wants to pull us away from Him.


Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Violence Is Not the Answer

 

The Way of Jesus and the Non-Aggression Principle

The world has a long history of using violence to silence opposition. Whether through governments, movements, or individuals, there has always been the assumption that the quickest way to victory is to overpower your enemies.

But if we follow Jesus, we must ask a different question: Is violence ever the way forward?

For years, I described myself as a libertarian, and one of the ideas that shaped me was the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP). Walter Block, a libertarian thinker, explained it this way:

“Libertarianism asks one and only one question: Under what conditions is the use of violence justified? And it gives one and only one answer: Violence can be used only in response, or in reaction to, a prior violation of private property rights.”

This principle continues to be one of my core principles: the proper use of violence is in defense of life and liberty. I think this principle, rather than complete pacifism, is the most compatible with Jesus’s teaching.

Jesus taught that rather than responding to people and situations that we don’t like with violence, that we respond with love and prayer.

The lessons to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38–44), are not negotiable for followers of Jesus. These lessons are how we live out the Kingdom of God in the world. On the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified him, breaking the cycle of violence by not fighting back and surrendering in love to his enemies. His resurrection vindicated that way of life.

While I would still consider myself to be a Christian Libertarian, I lean, just like J. R. R. Tolkien, towards Christian Anarchy. 

Christian Anarchy is not chaos or lawlessness—it’s about living under the reign of King Jesus rather than trusting in the coercive power of the State. It’s about recognizing that Christ’s Kingdom does not advance through swords, guns, or political decrees, but through sacrificial love and faithful witness.

In that light, the Non-Aggression Principle is a helpful starting point, but the way of Jesus calls us to go even further. For the libertarian, violence may be justified in self-defense. For the Christian, violence is always suspect, because it puts our trust in force rather than in the cross. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for violence when it comes to protecting people, in fact I would consider it a loving act, but it does mean that our default position is not violence or “fighting fire with fire.” 

Here’s the challenge:

• If we think it’s acceptable to silence people—Nazis, communists, supremacists, or anyone else—through violence, then we are not living in the way of Jesus. 
• If we embrace coercion as a political tool, we are not protecting liberty, we are abandoning the Kingdom ethic.

Violence does not create peace; it only multiplies hostility. Coercion cannot bring freedom; it only tightens chains.

The Kingdom of God offers a better way. It grows not through domination but through service, not through aggression but through self-giving love. This is the radical alternative of Christian Anarchy: refusing to put our hope in the violent power structures of the world and instead trusting the crucified and risen King.

Violence is not the answer. Jesus is.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

When the Days Grow Shorter

Finding Light and Joy in the Changing Seasons

September is a time of change. Already the trees around Austin show hints of color, and the morning air carries a chill that reminds us summer is slipping away. Over the course of the month, we’ll lose more than 80 minutes of daylight. The days grow shorter, the nights longer, and for many of us that shift can feel like a slow slide into gloom.

I’ll be honest: I feel it too. The long, bright days of summer lift my spirit, and when the darkness settles in, I can struggle. Some of you know this feeling well—whether it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder or simply the heaviness that comes with winter, the shortening of days often brings with it a shortening of joy.

But what if we could learn a different perspective?

In Scandinavia, where winters are long and dark, people have discovered ways not just to endure the season but to embrace it. They talk about hygge (Danish), koselig(Norwegian), and mys (Swedish)—words for creating warmth and coziness with candles, blankets, good food, and close company. They also practice friluftsliv, “free air life,” a way of finding joy in the outdoors no matter the weather.

Imagine that: instead of dreading the shrinking daylight and dropping temperatures, people lean into it. They light candles, gather friends, share meals, and bundle up for a walk in the crisp air. They create space for joy by focusing on light, warmth, and relationships.

That perspective has a lot to teach us. As Christians, we know that darkness doesn’t have the final word. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”(Isaiah 9:2). Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

What if we allowed the darker months to remind us to look for the Light of Christ? What if we used this season as an invitation to slow down, to nurture relationships, to dress warmly and breathe the fresh air God still provides?

For me, a few practices have made a big difference. Last year I decided to leave our outside Christmas lights on throughout the winter. It may sound simple, but it was a joy to come home and see our house lit up with cheery colors in the darkness. That little bit of light lifted my spirit.

Another practice I’ve picked up—though not as regularly as I’d like—is coloring. I have a few adult coloring books that I pull out in the winter. The act of slowing down, choosing colors, and creating something beautiful helps me shift my focus and find calm.

And then there’s Teddy. Since getting a dog, I’ve had to take him on walks—usually three short ones a day. What started as a responsibility became a gift. Being outside, even for just a few minutes at a time, really helped my mood last winter. Teddy has been my unintentional teacher in friluftsliv.

Maybe your version looks different—lighting a candle when you read Scripture, inviting a friend over for coffee, or bundling up for a short walk. The details aren’t what matter. What matters is cultivating practices that remind us that even in dark seasons there is beauty, joy, and the presence of God.

Darkness doesn’t have to mean despair. It can be the pathway to a different kind of light. Just as the Scandinavian people embrace winter with warmth and joy, we too can embrace the changing season as a reminder of the deeper light and hope found in Christ.

So as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, let’s not see this as something to endure but as an opportunity to live differently—to create space for light, love, and the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Comforted

Finding Comfort in a Restless World 

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans revealed something striking: only 21% of people experienced “true comfort” in the past 24 hours. On average, we only feel comfortable for about a third of the day—roughly eight hours. And how do people chase after it? A nap. A walk outside. A spa day. Setting the thermostat to just the right temperature.

The picture is clear: most of the world is looking for temporary comfort in fleeting ways. But Scripture points us to a greater reality. There is a source of lasting, unfailing comfort—our heavenly Father. Unlike naps or spa days, His comfort is not circumstantial.

This is the same theme we saw when walking through Nahum: The Justice and Comfort of God. Nahum 1:7 reminds us, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.” The question is: How do we experience the comfort of God?

In 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, Paul gives us the answer. His comfort is more than a temporary relief—it equips us to endure, fills us with hope, and enables us to extend comfort to others.

Background: Paul and the Corinthian Church

Paul wrote this letter during a time of both joy and tension. Many believers in Corinth had been restored to fellowship with him, but some still resisted his authority. His purpose was to encourage the faithful majority, call the minority to repentance, and defend the nature of true ministry.

And what is true ministry? Not prestige or power—but faithfulness, endurance, and blessing others, even through suffering. That’s why Paul begins his letter with praise to “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3).

Three Truths About the Comfort of God

1. The Provision of Comfort (v. 3)

Paul begins with blessing, not complaint. God is the source of compassion and “the God of all comfort.” The Greek word paraklesis speaks not of ease, but of encouragement, consolation, and strength to endure.

God draws near like a parent comforting a child. He comforts us through His Word, through prayer, through the Spirit, and through the church community.

But here’s the challenge: we must be willing to receive His comfort. Too often we isolate in silence. Sometimes God’s comfort comes in the form of a phone call, a text, or a coffee with a friend. Don’t cut yourself off from His provision. 

2. The Purpose of Comfort (vv. 4, 6)

Paul says God comforts us “so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.” His comfort is never meant to end with us. It’s a conduit, not a cul-de-sac.

Paul’s afflictions—his painful visits, opposition, rejection—resulted in comfort for the Corinthians. Affliction, paradoxically, becomes a channel of blessing when it teaches us how to walk alongside others.

Think of sitting by a fire on a freezing night. The warmth is too good to keep to yourself. You naturally want others to come close. That’s what God intends for our scars and valleys—that they would become testimonies, warming others with the same comfort we’ve received.

3. The Power of Comfort (vv. 5, 7)

Paul reminds us that union with Christ means we will suffer, but we will never suffer without comfort. We do not experience the wrath Christ bore for us, but we do walk in His steps of innocent suffering (1 Pet. 2:21).

God’s comfort is not fragile. It sustains, shapes, and strengthens. Paul could have despaired under persecution, rejection, and prison, but instead he discovered that God’s comfort was stronger than any hardship.

When someone clings to Christ through loss, their testimony has power. Their comfort becomes living proof that God’s promises hold true.


Living This Out 

• Receive God’s Comfort Personally – Don’t rely on temporary comforts alone. Run first to the God of all comfort. 
• Extend God’s Comfort to Others – Be intentional in reaching out, sharing, and encouraging. Don’t hoard what God has given you. 
• Trust the Power of God’s Comfort – His comfort is durable. It carries you and equips you to carry others. 

A Story of Enduring Comfort

In 1962, missionary Alan Redpath suffered a near-fatal stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He later wrote:

“There is nothing—no circumstance, no trouble, no testing—that can ever touch me until first of all it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose.”

Redpath’s life became a living testimony of God’s comfort, not because his suffering disappeared, but because God’s strength and mercy carried him through.

Big Idea

God is the Father of mercies. He comforts us, equips us, and calls us to comfort others—so that His love and hope never end with us.

Challenge

This week, ask God to show you the things you tend to run to for comfort. When you feel the pull toward temporary relief, pause and turn instead to the God of all comfort. Then ask Him to show you one person who needs the same comfort you’ve received. Be His vessel of mercy and strength.

Closing Thought

The world offers comfort that fades. But our God offers comfort that endures. Receive it, share it, and let it overflow—because His comfort never runs dry.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Paul’s Radical Call to Love: Mutual Submission

Have you ever read a Bible passage and thought, That sounds a little outdated—but in the process you missed out on how revolutionary the thought was?

I think that is the case with Ephesians 5:21–33. On the surface, Paul’s words about wives submitting to husbands and husbands loving their wives can sound like they belong in another century. But if we could hear them the way the first Christians in Ephesus did, we would be stunned the new cultural standard the Apostle was setting for this group of Jesus Followers.

Paul wasn’t reinforcing the power structures of his day—he was turning them upside down.

Mutual Submission: A Shock to the System

Paul begins this section with a thought that would have stopped his readers in their tracks:

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

In the Roman world, submission was what their culture was built on. We see this hierarchy laid out in the household code that he lays out following this sentence—slaves obeying masters, wives deferring to husbands, children doing exactly what they were told. We need to understand that the idea that everyone in the church should submit to one another was unthinkable.

If we focus on what Paul says about the roles found in marriage, he doesn’t undo them, but he reframes them. Wives are called to trust and respect their husbands “as to the Lord” (v. 22), this was not surprising. Within the larger Roman world, wives were expected to submit to their husbands. Wives submitting to their husbands was not counter cultural.

What was counter cultural is that husbands are called to love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (v. 25). Paul spends time teaching husbands why this is important, because it was not assumed that husbands would love their wives. The husband’s responsibility was control. The Christian vision of marriage is that of mutual submission, and the way the husband submits to his wife is by loving her well.

It’s like a dance. The wife follows her husband’s lead, but his lead isn’t about control—it’s about sacrifice, like Jesus washing His disciples’ feet or dying on the cross.

Flipping the Household Code

In Paul’s day, philosophers like Aristotle had already written “household codes” explaining how the family should work. These codes always started with the paterfamilias—the male head of the household—who ruled over everyone. Wives, children, and servants were told to obey. The man’s job? Be in charge.

Paul starts in a way that sounds familiar—wives submit, husbands lead—but then he flips the script. Instead of telling husbands to simply “manage” their wives, he commands them to love their wives like Christ loved the church. That means sacrificial, self-emptying love. It means putting her needs ahead of his own. It means putting her needs and desires ahead of your own. It means doing what is best for the family. It means being willing to die for her.

In a culture where the man answered to no one in his household, Paul says: You submit, too. That’s not Aristotle. That’s Jesus. That is a radical and counter cultural teaching that we miss.

Why It Matters Now

We’re far removed from the Roman world, but these words still push against our instincts. Some people get stuck on “wives submit” and miss the weight of “husbands love.” Others bristle at the idea of submission entirely. But when we read Ephesians 5 through the lens of verse 21—mutual submission—it becomes clear: Paul’s vision is about love that gives, not power that takes.

Whether you’re married or not, the principle stands: In Christ, relationships aren’t about control, but about reflecting His humility. We serve each other because He served us first. We submit to one another because He laid down His life for us.

A Challenge

When you think about your relationships—marriage, friendships, church, workplace—what would change if you saw every interaction through the lens of mutual submission?

What if your first question wasn’t “How can I get my way?” but “How can I love like Christ here?”

This week, try it. In the moment when you want to win the argument, control the plan, or make the call—pause. Remember Paul’s words. Choose the path of humility.

Because in the Kingdom of God, greatness isn’t measured by how many people serve you—it’s measured by how willing you are to serve them.

The Importance of Creating a New Culture

I recently revisited Rodney Stark’s book, The Rise of Christianity, which I heard Dr. Mark Moore recommend years ago. Rodney Stark (1934–2022) was a renowned sociologist of religion who served as a professor of sociology and comparative religion at the University of Washington for 32 years before joining Baylor University in 2004 as Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences and co-director of the Institute for Studies of Religion. A self-proclaimed history buff, Stark combined his sociological expertise with a profound interest in historical analysis. 

Initially, I read the book assuming Stark was not a Christian, as he had described himself in 1987 as “personally incapable of religious faith.” However, I later discovered that by 2007, after joining Baylor, a Baptist university, Stark publicly identified as an “independent Christian.” He explained that he had come to faith through his extensive study of Christian history. Stark clarified that he had never been an atheist but had previously been best described as an agnostic. He consistently maintained a strong commitment to Western civilization, referring to himself as a “cultural Christian.”

The first chapter of The Rise of Christianity, titled “Conversion and Christian Growth,” introduced a concept that challenged my faith journey. Stark employs patterns and ratios to illustrate how Christianity’s growth aligns with sociological trends observed in other religions. This approach, however, makes Christianity appear almost ordinary, which unsettled me because I wanted to believe in its extraordinary growth. Initially, his rational choice theory, which views religious commitment through the lens of costs and benefits, felt too analytical, as though it missed the spiritual depth and uniqueness of the Christian faith.

What I really began to resonate with came in chapters 4 through 7, which shed light on Christianity’s unique nature in the first century and its profound transformation of the Greco-Roman world. These chapters confirmed my core belief that the resurrection of Jesus Christ revolutionized everything, forever altering the course of history. Stark effectively illustrates this through examples of Christianity’s positive influence. Chapter 4 delves into how Christians demonstrated compassion during epidemics, providing care and support to the sick and dying, while pagans often abandoned them. Chapter 5 explores how Christianity elevated the status of women, offering them dignity and community that paganism failed to provide. Chapters 6 and 7 examine how Christianity enhanced urban life, fostering networks of care and mutual support.

Stark concludes chapter 7 with a powerful statement: “For what they brought was not merely an urban movement, but a novel culture capable of enhancing the quality of life in Greco-Roman cities” (p. 162). This phrase, “novel culture,” really spoke to me. Jesus and the early Christians didn’t merely present a new belief system; they introduced a profoundly different way of life. In the diverse cultural tapestry of the Roman Empire, the introduction of a new deity or philosophy wasn’t unique, but a life that fostered hope in resurrection and new creation was revolutionary.

I believe insight holds a crucial lesson for the contemporary Church. Regrettably, the American Church has often prioritized “Christianizing” the existing culture rather than presenting a distinct alternative. Instead of offering a transformative way of life, we provide a diluted version of the world’s values with a Christian facade. The early Church’s example serves as a challenge to us, urging us to establish a new culture rooted in the hope of resurrection and love of Jesus, not merely a slightly modified version of what already exists.

Creating a new culture requires turning away from the old one—and that’s no small task. Many of us have grown too comfortable with a “Christianized” version of the surrounding culture, mimicking the world’s approach to entertainment, politics, and lifestyle while simply adding a layer of faith on top. We want to believe in Jesus, but often stop short of fully surrendering to His way of life. Yet the brokenness around us—evidenced by high rates of divorce, crushing debt, substance abuse, and sexual addiction—reveals a deep hunger for something more meaningful. Tragically, those who profess to follow Christ often reflect the same struggles, blending in with the culture instead of offering a distinct alternative.

Consider 1 Peter 1:17–19: “If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.” (CSB) 

Peter says that we have been handed an “empty way of life” from our ancestors. We cannot accept the “way of life” our culture gives to us uncritically, we have to measure it against the Bible. My hope and prayer is that we, as the Church, will recognize this futility and embrace a new way of living—one that demonstrates to the world the hope found in following Jesus.

Rodney Stark’s work, including his later reflections as a Christian, emphasizes this truth. His journey from agnosticism to faith, influenced by years of studying Christianity’s historical impact, reminds us that the evidence of Christ’s transformative power is compelling. Before his passing on July 21, 2022, at his home in Woodway, Texas, Stark continued to challenge assumptions about religion’s role in society. His legacy encourages us to think critically and live boldly as followers of Christ. May we take up the call to create a new culture, demonstrating the world a better way through the hope and love of Jesus.

Embracing Diversity with Humility

Have you ever caught yourself quietly labeling someone—strange, naïve, maybe even immoral—not because they’ve done something truly wrong, but simply because they didn’t do things your way?

It’s funny how quickly it happens. Someone approaches a situation differently than we would, and without thinking, our minds go into silent critique mode: What were they thinking? From there, it’s not a big leap to conclude they’re foolish, misguided, or wrong. The only “crime” they committed was failing to meet the unspoken standard in our heads.

The Bible has a word for this: pride. It’s that inner voice whispering, My way is best. My perspective is right. My values are superior. Once we buy into that, it becomes dangerously easy to judge, dismiss, and divide.

The irony? Most of us would agree that diversity—of thought, culture, personality, and background—is a gift from God. A world where everyone thought and acted identically would be dull, robotic, and stagnant. Yet the very differences we claim to celebrate often become the fuel for our harshest judgments.

Jesus Takes It Seriously

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said something that should stop us in our tracks:

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool! ’ will be subject to hellfire.”
(Matthew 5:21–22, CSB)

Jesus isn’t exaggerating here. He’s making the point that contempt, insults, and name-calling come from the same heart that fuels murder. They degrade the image of God in others, and they poison our own hearts in the process.

A Better Way

The Apostle Paul gives us a different standard:

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
(Ephesians 4:1–3, CSB)

Humility doesn’t mean abandoning truth or convictions. It means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, and that other people—different as they may be—are worth listening to, learning from, and loving.

It means pausing before we slap on a label.
It means trading the instinct to condemn for the discipline of curiosity.
It means seeing diversity not as a flaw to fix, but as part of God’s beautiful design.

Not every choice people make is wise or godly—but our first step shouldn’t be knee-jerk condemnation. God calls us to discernment rooted in love, not in pride.

Today’s Challenge

So this week, notice your labels.

Slow down before speaking.

Choose to listen before you judge.

And when you see someone who is different—in thought, in practice, in culture—thank God for the gift of diversity, and ask Him to help you respond with humility.

Because when we embrace diversity with the heart of Jesus, we don’t just tolerate differences—we reflect the Kingdom.

Tell Your Story

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the profound impact your story holds?

It’s not just the polished version we often share when asked to give a “testimony,” but the raw, unfiltered narrative—complete with moments of doubt, pivotal turning points, and quiet transformations. It’s the story of how Jesus encountered you, transformed your life, and continues to work in you today.

In Galatians 1:11–24, the Apostle Paul shares a significant part of his life story. This isn’t just background information; it’s his way of demonstrating that the gospel he preaches is rooted in God’s grace, not human tradition. As we delve into Paul’s narrative, we are reminded that each of us possesses a story worth sharing. When we share these stories within a community of faith, they inspire others and point to God’s continuous work in the world.

Here are four parts of Paul’s story that can help shape how we think about and share our own.

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Christ Revealed (vv. 11–12)

“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (CSB)

Paul’s introduction to Jesus was dramatic. He had a blinding vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (as seen in Acts 9), which completely transformed his life.

While most of us don’t experience a dramatic conversion, we do have moments—sometimes subtle, sometimes intense—when the truth of Jesus breaks through and changes everything. For me, it was a dream. For others, it might have been a song, a painful season, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet conviction during worship.

Regardless of the moment, Jesus made himself known to you. Why did you decide to follow him? That moment holds significant importance.

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The Past Renounced (vv. 13–14)

“For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” (CSB)

Before Jesus, Paul was deeply committed to his religious tradition, so much so that he attempted to destroy the early church. However, when he met Jesus, everything changed—his values, goals, and sense of purpose.

We may not have personally persecuted the church, but we all lived with misguided zeal. Perhaps it was driven by the desire for success, comfort, image, or escape. Regardless of the reason, Jesus called us to abandon this misguided pursuit. Following him necessitated a reordering of our priorities.

Reflect on how your life has changed since you began following Jesus.

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The Mind Renewed (vv. 15–17)

“But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.” (CSB)

Paul’s transformation wasn’t merely external; it encompassed a profound renewal of his entire thought process. What he once perceived as noble—persecution in defense of tradition—he now viewed as a rebellion against God. As Paul’s faith in Christ grew, his mind was profoundly shaped by the gospel.

This same transformative power is at work in our lives. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in prayerful reflection, and actively participate in community, our thoughts, desires, and actions begin to align with Jesus’ character. We gain a clearer understanding of truth, experience a deeper love, and cease to be driven by worldly concerns, instead seeking God’s will.

Reflect on the changes you are witnessing in your heart and mind as you follow Jesus.

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Believers Rejoiced (vv. 18–24)

“Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

“Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. They simply kept hearing, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” (CSB)

After several years of transformation, Paul visited Jerusalem and met with Peter and James. News spread that the one who had once persecuted them was now preaching the faith he had once tried to destroy. In response, the believers rejoiced.

Our stories have the power to inspire praise. When people witness God at work in our lives—transforming our character, healing our wounds, and calling us to mission—it strengthens their faith.

Your story matters. Even if it feels ordinary to you, God is using it to make a difference in the lives of others. Who has been influenced by your journey with Jesus?

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Take some time to reflect on your journey with Jesus. How has He revealed Himself to you? What have you left behind? How has your perspective changed? How is your life influencing others?

You might not perceive your story as dramatic or exciting, but that doesn’t diminish its significance. In God’s grand narrative of love and redemption, every testimony holds value. Your story could be the catalyst that inspires someone else to persevere in their faith.

So, don’t be hesitant to share your story. Let your life serve as a beacon, guiding others towards the One who transforms everything.