Your weekly installment of what we’ve been reading (and watching) around the web.
Articles of the Week
How to Succeed Financially Without Failing Spiritually, John Rinehart. I (Chris) have never really thought of the cycle Rinehart portrays here: Work -> Prosper -> Rest -> Forget -> Sin. But it seems to be a perfect depiction of the lives of many Americans. Very few of us start out with the explicit goal of forgetting God, but inertia draws us that way. So is it possible to succeed financially without falling into this vicious cycle? Rinehart thinks so. The key? “Worship Jesus and give like crazy.”
Why Our Son Doesn’t Have a Smartphone, Trevin Wax. Trevin and his wife have a 12-year-old son, who—like every middle school child in our nation—wants to have a smartphone. His motives are pure enough: he wants to be able to stay connected with his friends, texting with them, following their Instagram accounts, and all the rest. But the Waxes are sticking with their answer: “nope.” And why not? Is it the avalanche of dangerous material he could access? Not primarily. No, the Waxes are concerned with something else altogether. I didn’t expect their answer, but it may be the most important one there is.
Who Is the Subject of Your Bible Study? Jen Oshman. This article may be aimed at women, but the critique is equally valid for most “Christian” material today. Take a good look at that Christian book on your nightstand, and be honest: who is it actually about? If you think the answer might be “you,” then it’s time to deposit said book in the nearest dumpster.
Seven Dangers of Leading in Isolation, Ron Edmundson. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Edmundson is seven-for-seven with his warnings here. If you lead in isolation, you are leading yourself and your people toward a cliff. Whether you feel overwhelmed or competent, the smartest thing you can do as a leader is to lead together.
Be Patient, Missions Is Urgent, Josh Manley. The message of Christ is an urgent message of life and death, but does that mean our only consideration should be spreading the gospel as quickly as possible? Manley thinks not, and he has a great point. Urgency in our mission (which we should never sacrifice) is not always the same thing as speed (which may be more a product of an instant-gratifcation culture than Scripture). We need more missionaries with the rare combination of patience and urgency—eager to do whatever God asks, but careful to do it with the integrity that God demands.
On the Lighter Side
Hilarious Love Song, The Moron Brothers. “If my nose was runnin’ money, honey, I’d blow it all on you.” Possibly the best love song you’ll hear all year. Certainly the most vivid.
Wisdom For Your Weekend is presented to you by Chris Pappalardo, with occasional guidance from J.D. Greear. This is our attempt to reflect Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
