Spiritual growth requires effort—like physical health—it involves developing qualities such as self-control, knowledge, and love, which enable us to live out our faith and effectively fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.

I doubt we have yet seen the impact of what a united church praying daily for our leaders might do. But imagine what could happen at work, in your community, in our country and in the world if Christians everywhere prayed for those in authority! I suspect we would see many surrendering to Christ as Lord.

Despite extensive self-assessments and coaching experiences focusing on strengths and weaknesses, Paul’s example reveals a radical approach: boasting about weaknesses as a testament to God’s grace.

If the love of Christ has transformed us, then we must daily renew our hearts and minds and allow the Holy Spirit to bring to our attention any attitudes, relationships, or thought processes that are not consistent with the mind of Christ.

The guy crammed in the middle seat beside me was fully tattooed, looked like he could have picked me up and thrown me down the aisle, and wanted to talk.