As we wrap up the Faithful is Successful series, ESN caught up with the book's three editors for an interview. Nathan Grills, David E. Lewis, and Josh Swamidass reflect on community, faithfulness, and other themes of the series below. Enjoy Part 2 of this interview! Part 1 can be found here. 4. ESN: One of the largest themes of the series has to do with issues of faith and ambition. It seems that God has called us to do our best work for Him, and yet He's also called us to seek humility and associate with the … [Read more...] about Community, Excellence, and Joy, Part 2 (Closing Interview, Faithful Is Successful series)
humility
Scholar’s Compass: Academics and Humility
“Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away. . . . Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.” - Proverbs 4:5-6 Reflection In academics emphasis is frequently placed more on how much one knows, rather than on the process of learning. An environment geared towards test-taking and preeminent reputations can easily take us far from humility, especially if a rigid certainty is elevated above inquiry. Trappist monk Thomas Keating teaches that humility is “what God most looks … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Academics and Humility
Devotions: Beatitudes (3) —Practical Humility
You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. -- Matthew 5:5, The Message How do you measure "greatness?" What kind of person causes you to remark, "That's a great man or woman!" "Meekness" is underrated and much misunderstood today. But true meekness produces amazing greatness. Take Abraham Lincoln, possibly one of the most revered Presidents this nation has ever seen. We visit his memorial … [Read more...] about Devotions: Beatitudes (3) —Practical Humility
Devotions: Beatitudes — Poverty of Spirit
You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. -- Matthew 5:3, The Message Our culture today believes in fame for fame's sake. -- Actor Rob Lowe, Radio Interview, June 12, 2014. Jesus in his introductory sermon gives us a new way of behaving in the kingdom of God. Rather than the kingdom of power, fame, greed, and possession, Jesus teaches an "upside down" kingdom of poverty of spirit, of practical mourning, meekness, desire for true righteousness, … [Read more...] about Devotions: Beatitudes — Poverty of Spirit
Death and Resurrection
He was a young man, and I could see fear in his eyes as he gripped the railings of the bed and struggled to breathe, sucking in heavily through the plastic mask feeding him oxygen. His body was wasting away from cancer, and the infections that had crept into his lungs were now forcing every compensatory mechanism into extremis. He wanted to fight and live, but there was little left for the ICU to offer. I had been pleading with him for days to consider hospice and a more peaceable passing at home where he could be … [Read more...] about Death and Resurrection