The Articles Library, Section 9 (continued)
CULTIVATING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
Page 1 | Page 2

Richard Stearns
From the President of World Vision, USA. “The word gospel literally means good news. Jesus declared that He had come to preach good news to the poor. But what good news, what gospel, did the Church have for this little boy and his brothers in Africa? What good news have God’s people brought to the world’s three billion poor?” The answer is found in the title of this book: A gospel with a hole in it. Here is the prologue to the book. (See also The Hole in Our Gospel Study Guide).

Parker Palmer
We’re making tough calls all the time, both at work and at home. But we may be better off if we don’t make them alone. A longstanding Quaker method called a “clearness committee” helps us tap the wisdom of others and may provide breakthrough guidance.

Jim Petersen and Mike Shamy
It is possible to discredit the gospel by our inadequacies, but this doesn’t happen as often as we may think. And beyond that, often the gospel is advanced because of our inadequacy.

C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis wrote The Great Divorce to demonstrate the differences between Hell and Heaven. This excerpt metaphorically and poignantly shows how challenging it can be for some people to let go of lust, but it then shows how we are strengthened and advanced once we muster the courage to finally do so.

Jeff Bates and Mick Bates
You understand the problem, but you might not understand its many causes and consequences – or what to do about it. Here’s substantive help for one of our greatest battles.

Michael Zigarelli
Related Article: Rediscovering Joy in Your Work
What’s the difference between joyful Christians and the rest of us? How do they manage to retain a joyful disposition, despite their circumstances? What’s the secret to success here? This study of more than 5,000 Christians provides some answers you won’t find anywhere else.

The Power of Perspective: The Pathway to Joy
Larry Julian
That seven-minute shoeshine was transformational. For the first time in my life, I had understood what it meant to be joyful always and to give thanks in all circumstances.

Bill Perkins
When it comes to the powerful emotion of anger, Bill Perkins suggests that the root issue is not so much our circumstances or our upbringing, but our relationship with God. Once we understand this, we’re finally in a position to do something about how we release our anger. This article is Chapter One from his book, When Good Men Get Angry.

James Denison
“Billions of people say they believe in Jesus. How many have an intimate, transforming, obedient relationship with him? My guess is the same number as those who are sure he is who he says he is.” So says Dr. James Denison (denisonforum.org). Disbelief may be an epidemic problem, even among those of us who claim we believe. In this excerpt from his book Wrestling with God, Denison discusses some of his own skepticism and offers us a refresher on the foundational question: “Why should we believe a 2000-year-old book?”

C.S. Lewis
Here is a classic dialogue from The Chronicles of Narnia series between the White Witch (representing Satan) and some children and creatures from Narnia. In it, the Witch cleverly enchants her guests to disbelieve in any lion named Aslan (i.e., Jesus) and any world called Narnia. Brilliantly, through this scene, C.S. Lewis offers us insight into how many of us are being (or have already been) seduced into disbelief of Jesus and His Kingdom.

Coming Home: A Roadmap from a Christian CEO
John Beckett
John Beckett, author of Loving Monday and Mastering Monday, has become a role model for his faithful implementation of Christian values in business. But here he offers more than wisdom for God-honoring business practice; he offers wisdom for living a God-honoring life.

Where Character Bottoms Out: Our Exhausting 20s and 30s
Michael Zigarelli
Based on a study of almost 2,500 Christians age 20 to 40, here are the striking findings: Without question, this is the time of life when God gets crowded out, character bottoms out, and life satisfaction strikes out.

The Science of the Crucifixion
Cathleen Shrier and tally Flint
Reflecting on the physiology of Christ’s crucifixion is a powerful reminder of the magnificent demonstration of God’s love for humanity, expressed that day on Calvary.

Slaying Your Golden Calf
Michael Zigarelli
Money. Power. Respect. Reputation. Security. Control. If any of these motivates your work more than “pleasing God” motivates your work, it may be time to slay your golden calf once and for all.

Improve Your Process for Spiritual Growth
Michael Zigarelli
Among the famous business adages is this little gem: “Your process is designed perfectly to produce your outcome.” This is a truism not just in business, of course, but in everyday life, including our spiritual life. Here’s a powerful exercise that can help you and your friends make permanent progress.