I once heard someone define integrity as being the same person in public and private. In this vein, the fruit of the Spirit should mark our conduct in private or public, in person or on the world wide web.

So if you want your children to do a better job of listening to the sermon, have them take notes. But what is good for the goose is also beneficial for the gander. If you find your own attention-span waning, then bring a notebook and take notes.

We must always hold our heroes up to the standard of Scripture and Christ. We can follow them as far as they follow Christ, but when we detect that they cease to follow Christ, on the point in question we must bid them farewell.

In a word, don’t be a bottom feeder. Bird-dog the footnotes! Chase them down! Don’t rely exclusively on the work of others to familiarize you with the great theological works. Dive in, read, mark, learn, and encourage others to do the same.

A bad head cold, a jury summons notice, a flat tire, one or two mildly ill children, an unexpectedly high utility bill, a number of restless nights with poor sleep, and the like. When all of these things pile up in a period of two or three weeks, it begins to feel like that swarm of gnats swirling about your face!

One of the most important elements of being a good pastor is maintaining a good poker face when you’re counseling, that is, showing no reaction.

Lewis warns that our desire to be a part of the inner ring might cause us to set aside our morals. We’re so desperate to be a part of the inner ring that when they approach and ask you to bend a rule, look the other way for just a moment, or participate in their well-intentioned but off-the-books plan, that you’ll compromise your principles as your price of admission.

One of the more common patterns that appears in the church is when people find themselves in the midst of suffering, they believe they have a license to sin. Sometimes they do this consciously, although at times it might be an involuntary reaction.

I’m not saying that every person who makes a big deal about a particular doctrine or conviction is blowing smoke. But I am saying that many who do so are creating a smokescreen to hide their sin. Whether you’re a pastor or not, keep this in mind. Be observant. Don’t be fooled by the smoke.

I have entered into the church, sat down, participated in worship, smiled at the people around me, and then after the service walked out, entered my car, and departed without anyone saying hi, welcoming me, or extending hospitality to me.