Posted on by Lori Cartmell

5 Messages Christians Send When They Compromise

A little compromise never hurt anyone, did it?

I don’t mean the kind of beneficial compromising we do to make a relationship more harmonious or a business arrangement go more smoothly.

I’m getting at the negative type of compromising that often seeps into our Christian walk.

For instance, we might skimp on practices like Bible reading, praying, or even attending church if there are things we’d rather spend our time on.

At work, we might “go along to get along,” putting up with ethical practices that aren’t congruent with our Christian beliefs.

At school, we might keep quiet about issues we don’t agree with because we’d sooner not rock the boat.

In relationships with non-Christians, we might adopt behaviours that are at odds with our faith just to fit in.

Ring any bells?

We might think that these types of compromises are harmless, but our behaviours are actually sending messages, inadvertent though they may be.

Read more
Posted on by Lori Cartmell

Are You a Cat or a Dog?

It’s hard to embarrass a cat. They just don’t seem to have a sense of shame.

If they’ve done something naughty, like shredded the fabric on your expensive couch with their claws, they’re not actually sorry about it. They’re just ticked off that you’re making such a big fuss about it.

Cats seem to lack the ability to be repentant.

Dogs, on the other hand, can definitely feel and show contrition.

Just take a look at the plethora of “dog-shaming” videos online.

Dog owners upload clips in which they confront their mutts with the evidence of their misdeeds. The owners come home to garbage-strewn rooms, destroyed furniture, and chewed-up shoes. The disaster area is documented on video, and then the camera pans to the dog…

The results are often hilarious.

The mutt slinks off with its tail between its legs, or else sits there looking sheepish and trying not to meet their owner’s eyes. The pooch might even try to hide in a cupboard.

Yes, dogs know when they’ve done something wrong.

The question is, do we?

Are we quick to ask God’s forgiveness when we sin, or do we justify our behaviour to ourselves and continue in our disobedience?

Read more