Away with Gossip

I once formed a mutual encouragement fellowship at a time of stress in one of my pastorates. The members subscribed to a simple formula applied before ...

Table-Talk Forbidden

Augustine encouraged conversation at meals--but with a strictly enforced rule that the character of an absent person should never be negatively discussed. ...

Slander a Sign of Youthful Arrogance

It is a sign of youthful arrogance to try to build up a reputation by assailing prominent figures.

A Pastor is Critiqued

Quoted from Pastoral Life magazine: One Sunday morning a pastor got up in the pulpit and apologized for the Band-aid on his face. He said "I was ...

The Tongue Is ...

Sometimes I think the whole Christian world is made up of just two groups: those who speak their faith and accomplish significant things for God, and ...

A Pat on the Back

A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae away from a kick in the pants, but it's miles ahead in terms of results.

Damaging Criticism

A man who is continually criticized becomes good for nothing, the effect of criticism knocks all the gumption and power out of him.

Listen Up, Long Ears

If one man calls you a donkey, pay him no mind. If two men call you a donkey, get a saddle.

Constructive Criticism

"Criticism," said Ralph Waldo Emerson, "should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring--a ...

Cow Envy

From John Maxwell's book The Winning Attitude:

Two cows were grazing in a pasture when they saw a milk truck pass. On the side of the truck were the ...