The Humility We Desperately Need

In a world drowning in opinions, arguments, and endless streams of information, there’s one virtue we’re sorely lacking: humility. 

On September 23, 2019 I wrote this on Facebook: 

One of the things this world needs right now is a big dose of humility. Be humble enough to listen to the other side. Be humble enough to allow the Bible to renew your mind. Be humble enough to admit that you are ignorant about most things.

That thought has only grown more relevant with time. The more we stare at screens and live inside our own echo chambers, the more arrogant and dismissive we become. We are convinced our opinions are right and that the voices we follow are the good guys.

With my Facebook post I also shared this passage from Scott Adams’ book Win Bigly: 

“The common worldview, shared by most humans, is that there is one objective reality, and we humans can understand that reality through a rigorous application of facts and reason. This view of the world imagines that some people have already achieved a fact-based type of enlightenment that is compatible with science and logic, and they are trying to help the rest of us see the world the ‘right’ way. As far as I can tell, most people share that interpretation of the world. The only wrinkle with that worldview is that we all think we are the enlightened ones. And we assume the people who disagree with us just need better facts, and perhaps better brains, in order to agree with us.” — Scott Adams, Win Bigly, p. 2

I think Adams nails it! 

We all like to think we’ve cracked the code on truth. We’re the enlightened ones, armed with the right facts, the right logic, and the right perspective. I am convinced that many times as Christians we talk about “the truth” in this way. That is why we label it with things like absolute truth ore biblical truth. We want to let the world know that truth is on our side. Those who disagree? Well, they must be misinformed, misled, sinful, or just not thinking hard enough. 

But here’s the kicker: everyone feels this way. The conservative, the progressive, the skeptic, the believer—we’re all convinced we’re the ones seeing reality clearly. And that’s where the trouble starts.

The Humility to Listen

Humility begins with listening—really listening. Not the kind where you’re just waiting for your turn to speak or mentally crafting your rebuttal while the other person talks. This is the kind of listening that seeks to understand, even when you disagree. Humility seeks to find the morals and values that are the foundation of what the other person is saying. This is hard. It’s uncomfortable. It forces you to sit with ideas that might challenge your carefully constructed worldview. 

Even though it is hard, it is one of the ways that we are able to express love for the other person. We are showing them the respect they deserve as a person created in God’s image. It is possible to love someone without agreeing with them.

In James 1:19, we’re told, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” 

James shares timeless wisdom here that slices through our modern noise. Listening doesn’t mean you have to agree. It doesn’t mean you abandon your convictions. It means you value the other person enough to hear them out, to consider that they might—just might—have a perspective worth understanding. 

Humility recognizes that no single person has a monopoly on truth, and sometimes, the “other side” might reveal a blind spot you didn’t know you had.

The Humility to Be Renewed

If we’re honest, most of us cling to our beliefs like life rafts. They give us identity, security, and a sense of belonging. 

Let me ask you a very important question: What happens when those beliefs are challenged—not by an opponent in a debate, but by the very Word of God? 

Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That’s a call to humility—a willingness to let God’s truth reshape our thoughts, even when it’s uncomfortable. Are you willing to let Scripture renew your mind?

This kind of humility requires us to hold our beliefs loosely enough to let Scripture challenge them. It means admitting that our understanding of the world—whether it’s politics, morality, or even faith—might not be as airtight as we think. 

It’s not about throwing out conviction; it’s about trusting that God’s truth is bigger than our current understanding. When we approach the Bible with humility, we open ourselves to growth, to correction, and to a deeper relationship with the One who is the Truth.

The Humility to Admit Ignorance

Perhaps the hardest part of humility is admitting we don’t know as much as we think we do. In a world of instant access to information, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’ve got it all figured out. But the reality is, our knowledge is limited. We’re finite beings trying to make sense of an infinitely complex world. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12:

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Admitting ignorance isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s the starting point for learning, for growth, for meaningful dialogue. When we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, we create space for curiosity, for questions, and for genuine connection with others. It’s a reminder that we’re all on a journey, and none of us has arrived at the destination yet.

Breaking the Cycle of Division

Scott Adams’ observation about our “enlightened” worldviews points to a deeper issue: our pride. 

When we assume we’re the ones with the right facts and everyone else is just wrong, we fuel division. We stop seeing people as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and reasons for believing what they do. Instead, we reduce them to caricatures—“the uninformed,” “the misguided,” or worse.

Humility flips that script. It invites us to see others as fellow travelers, not enemies. It challenges us to listen with empathy, to let God’s Word refine our thinking, and to embrace the limits of our own understanding. In a world that’s quick to shout and slow to hear, humility is a radical act—a countercultural choice that can bridge divides and foster understanding.

A Call to Action

So, where do we go from here? Let’s start small. This week, try one of these:

1. Listen to someone you disagree with. Not to argue, but to understand. Ask questions. Resist the urge to correct or convince. Just listen.
2. Let Scripture challenge you. Pick a passage that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar, and sit with it. Ask God to renew your mind, even if it means rethinking something you’ve held dear.
3. Admit you don’t know. The next time you’re tempted to act like an expert, pause. Acknowledge the limits of your knowledge, and invite someone else to share their perspective.

The world doesn’t need more people shouting their version of the truth. It needs more people humble enough to listen, to learn, and to grow. Let’s be those people.

What’s one way you’ve practiced humility lately? Or, what’s a situation where you’ve struggled to stay humble? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Hospitality and Mission

Text: 3 John

The Apostle John, the last remaining eyewitness of Jesus, wrote three short letters near the end of his life. They’re not grand theological papers. They’re personal and pastoral—filled with concern for people. As we’ve journeyed through these letters, we’ve seen how deeply John cared about truth (holding to the real teaching about Jesus), love (living out that truth in relationship), and light (representing King Jesus in the world by the way we live).

When we open John’s third letter, we discover that his concern wasn’t just abstract theology—it was hospitality, relationships, and how Christians treat one another. In other words, truth, love, and light always show up in real-life ways.

A Church with a Hospitality Problem

If 2 John warns believers not to show hospitality to false teachers, 3 John flips the issue on its head: John encourages believers to show hospitality to the right people—those faithfully doing the work of spreading the Gospel.

The letter involves three people:

• Gaius, the recipient, who is faithfully caring for traveling missionaries.
• Diotrephes, a prideful leader refusing to welcome these workers and even speaking against John.
• Demetrius, a traveling minister John commends to the church.

Gaius didn’t try to become a famous preacher or correct every problem in the church. He simply welcomed and supported those who carried the message of Jesus. By showing hospitality, he became a partner in their ministry.

John calls this “joining in their work.” Gaius didn’t travel. He didn’t preach. But he participated in the mission because he supported those who did.

What Was the Real Issue?

Diotrephes had one main issue: pride. He wanted to control the church, shut people out, and elevate himself. He refused hospitality—not because of doctrine, but because he wanted power.

John doesn’t ask Gaius to fight him. He doesn’t tell him to argue, confront, or defend John’s reputation. Instead, John says, in essence:

Keep doing the right thing. Be faithful. I’ll deal with Diotrephes when I come in person.

John understands something that many of us like to ignore: most conflicts should be addressed face to face. Not with a text. Not over email. Not through rumors or social media. Love shows up. Love is personal.

What Does This Mean for Us?

This short letter shows that faithfulness isn’t complicated. It reveals itself in three simple but powerful ways:

1. Hospitality: Joining the Work of the Gospel

Hospitality is more than inviting someone over for dinner (though that matters too). It’s making room in your life to bless someone else. Today, this might look like:

• Supporting missionaries and ministries that do Kingdom work . 
• Serving with a local ministry. 
• Inviting someone lonely to your house for supper. 
• Offering help, time, and care to someone God has placed in your path.

Hospitality is participation in God’s mission.

2. Humility Over Pride

Diotrephes reminds us how easy it is to make church about control, influence, opinions, or position. Gaius reminds us that faithfulness is simply doing our part.

You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to fix everyone. You just need to be faithful to what God has given you to do.

Sometimes that means speaking up. Other times—like Gaius—it means letting someone else handle it.

3. Presence: Love Shows Up

John traveled to deal with conflict personally. Why? Because real love doesn’t shout from a distance. It sits with people. It listens. It acts.

Maybe someone in your life doesn’t need advice right now. Maybe they just need you to show up:

• To sit with them in grief.
• To celebrate with them in joy. 
• To volunteer when help is needed.
• To listen instead of lecture.

Presence is love in the flesh—just like Jesus.

Faithfulness Isn’t Complicated

John’s little letter teaches us this beautifully simple truth:

Faithfulness to Jesus is not abstract theology—it is a life of loyalty that shows up in love, humility, and hospitality.

In a world full of Diotrephes—voices trying to dominate, control, and win—be a Gaius.Make Jesus first, not yourself. Don’t underestimate what God can do through small acts of faithfulness.

A Christmas Challenge

This season, practice hospitality in the name of Jesus: 

• Invite someone into your home. 
• Visit someone who is lonely. 
• Support a missionary, a ministry, or a cause that shares God’s love. 
• Show up where there is hurt. 
• Offer your presence where there is need.

You may not be a traveling preacher like Demetrius, but your faithfulness—like Gaius—can advance the Gospel.

The Kingdom grows not through power, but through faithful love that shows up.

May we be that kind of people. May Bethlehem Church be that kind of family. May Jesus be honored through our simple, faithful hospitality. Amen.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Sunday Prayer: Peace in My Heart

Colossians 3:15 (CSB)

And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

King Jesus,

You are the source of true peace. Please calm my anxious heart and silence the noise within me. Teach me how to allow Your peace to rule over my fears, frustrations, opinions, and desires, replacing them with Your gentle and abiding peace.

You have called me to be part of Your people, united by Your love. Help me to do my part to cherish and protect that unity. Fill Your church, my home, and my relationships with patience, compassion, and grace that reflect Your character.

Lord, make me thankful. Open my eyes to see the gifts You’ve already given, the blessings I overlook, and the mercies of each day. Let gratitude shape my attitude and guide my words.

Let the peace of Christ rule in me, and may thankfulness overflow from me. In Your name I pray, amen.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

7 Habits to Help Beat the Winter Blues

As the days grow shorter and the sun seems to hide behind gray skies, many of us feel our energy dip and melancholy begin to creep in. The winter months often bring what’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a mix of low mood, fatigue, and sluggishness brought on by limited sunlight.

For me, November through February have long been difficult. That’s why I’ve become intentional about practices that help me live with more hope and joy, even in these shadowed months. This past year, as I’ve worked to manage my depression (it still comes and goes), I’ve discovered practices that keep my mind and heart steady through life’s ups and downs. Some of these are backed by research; others simply help me encounter God’s grace in ordinary life.

As winter settles in, here are five habits that have helped me stay grounded and joyful.

5 HABITS TO CONSIDER

1. Prioritize Movement

When it’s cold and dark, the temptation is to stay inside and stay still. But moving our bodies—even a little—makes a noticeable difference. Studies show mood and stress improve with even modest amounts of walking. The benefit comes less from hitting a specific step count and more from simply getting our bodies moving.

One of the best decisions our family made recently was getting our dog, Teddy, who gives me a reason to get outside, even on the coldest days. On harsher days, a walk around the church building or a treadmill does the trick. Movement in any form is a gift we can give ourselves.

2. Take a Daily Pause for Prayer

I’ve found life-giving rhythm in short pauses during the day. I use the One Minute Pause App to stop, breathe, and reconnect with God. These brief moments reorient my spirit when the day starts to feel heavy or scattered.

Research confirms what Scripture teaches: stillness brings clarity. Even a minute of mindful prayer calms anxiety and restores focus. Whether using an app, a psalm, or simply reciting a short prayer, the aim is the same—to become aware again of God’s constant presence.

3. Listen to Music Instead of News and Podcasts

We live in an era of information saturation. Even good content can leave our minds overloaded. Over time, I noticed my spirit felt crowded, and my thoughts constantly churned.

When I started turning off podcasts and news in favor of music, my heart began to rest again. Worship, classical, quiet piano, and Irish/Celtic music especially draw me back to God with a quiet joy. As part of my daily rhythm, I use the Pause App then sing along with three worship songs. This practice resets my heart toward the Kingdom.

Studies show music lowers stress hormones and activates parts of the brain linked to joy. Sometimes the simplest tools are the most spiritual.

4. Pay Attention to Nutrition

Winter can become a season of comfort food and sugary celebration. I’m grateful for all the holiday treats—and I enjoy them—but I’ve also noticed that what I eat affects not just my energy, but my emotions. Protein, in particular, supports the brain chemistry that regulates mood and motivation.

For me, being mindful of nutrition keeps me more alert and less prone to emotional crashes. I’ve also been experimenting with creatine in my morning shake. While results vary for each person, research suggests it may support mental clarity and focus. The point isn’t a supplement, though—it’s remembering that caring for our bodies helps us better care for our souls.

5. Return to Pen and Paper

Handwriting slows me down enough to pray my thoughts instead of merely recording them. I’ve rediscovered this especially through sermon preparation—breaking down a passage by hand helps me absorb and wrestle with it more deeply.

Research shows journaling can lessen stress and increase clarity. For me, writing is not just reflection—it becomes prayer. Pen and paper help me meet God in the tangle of my own thoughts, which is one of the purposes behind my blog, Paul’s Ponderings.

2 HABITS I’M STILL LEARNING

1. Strength Training

Resistance training builds more than muscle and longevity — it strengthens mood, confidence, and resilience. Studies even link it to lower rates of anxiety and depression. It’s something I want to make more consistent this winter.

2. Getting More Sleep

Short days tempt me to stay up late scrolling or reading, but quality rest remains essential. Sleep restores the mind, supports emotional balance, and gives us the capacity to love well.

AN ACT OF STEWARDSHIP

As the season changes, I’m reminded that caring for our mental and physical health is a form of stewardship—tending to the mind and body God has entrusted to us. It is also part of discipleship. We cannot grow into maturity as followers of King Jesus if we neglect the care of our bodies, hearts, and minds. 

When we integrate spiritual disciplines with healthy physical habits, we honor God with our bodies and make space for joy to grow again. Winter will always bring gray days, but it doesn’t have to bring a heaviness to our hearts.

What rhythms help you stay grounded and joyful in the darker months?

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.