British humorist Jerome K. Jerome said, “I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.” Although our labor can wear us out at times, it can also fill us with a deep sense of meaning and satisfaction. A job well done is its own reward.
One common tragedy in the United States every year is the existence of nearly half a million structure fires. As a safety precaution, most building codes require two stairways so people can still exit even if one of them is blocked by a fire. While no one wants to think about such a catastrophe, it is comforting to know that an escape route exists.
Makeovers are expensive. Every year, Americans spend roughly $62 billion on cosmetics, $20 billion on hairstyles and nail care, $16.5 billion on plastic surgery, and $12 billion on clothes. While we clearly care about our personal appearance, the Bible teaches that real transformation is more than skin deep.
A friend recently asked if Christians ought to read non-canonical religious literature. Two varieties exist, mostly dating from about 500 BC to the time of Christ. While the apocryphal books were accepted by Catholics at the Council of Trent, they are rejected by Protestants. On the other hand, pseudepigraphical books, such as the Book of Enoch quoted in Jude 14-15, have never been canonized by any religious body.
People like to be in the loop. We feel important when we know what is going on behind the scenes. We enjoy consuming information so much that even unreliable news is in demand. Rather than asking if it is true, we simply ask if it is juicy.
Nonchurchgoers often believe Christianity is all about the good people. They reason that to fit in with the rest of the congregation, they need to dress nicely, have a decent job, coach a ball team, serve in the PTA, or otherwise prove themselves as upstanding citizens within the community. But Jesus did not come for people trying to prove they were already good.
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