Articles by Brian Harris
-
A well known Swahili proverbs observes, "when elephants fight, the grass suffers". It is a direct analogy to the human condition when our leaders enter into geopolitical conflict and the ordinary people suffer the most. It can seem overwhelming but here are some basic things followers of Jesus can do to help minimize the damage. -
On Being a Progressive Conservative, or a Conservative Progressive
Christianity is becoming increasingly and unfortunately polarized. Conservative and progressive perspectives can be harmonized when correctly understood. This is for the benefit of our faith now and in the future. The pastoral perspective in this opinion explains how. -
Do you approach life with a growth or fixed mindset?
Thinking your personality and talents are fixed can inhibit your potential. Willingness to learn something new can lead to great growth but it is not unlimited. God invites us to live with sober judgment towards maturity in Christ. -
Mary didn't really know what her future held
Empathizing deeply with Bible characters helps us understand life better. Mary didn't really know. She had faith and some hints, but did not know where it would all lead. This Christmas ask yourself if you are really saying yes to God. The path of faith twists and turns but the destination is always good. -
When should purpose overrule preference in the Christian faith?
What if our deep ability and the world’s deep need meet, but we don’t enjoy doing what we are so good at? When should we say yes to preference, even though more purposeful options are within our reach? A pastor considers the dilemma of duty. -
What we can learn from how the anguish of suicide was handled in history
Life can be difficult for some people to bear. The Church should not make it even more difficult for them or those caring for them. Suicide is an extreme response to those difficulties. We need to appreciate better how complex that issue is and respond with greater pastoral sensitivity. -
Who has the right to complain?
Have you noticed that those with the most to complain about usually don’t, while those whose lot has fallen on pleasant paths often whinge endlessly? We do well to learn from Scripture when it is appropriate to complain. Even then, life is better lived with gratitude. -
But what do you really want—deep desires and necessary plans
Are your desires and plans aligned? If so, what might it say about what you really want? How aligned is that yearning to God's will? If it is, there you will find your vocation. If it is not, that might be cause for repentance. Read on so you can figure it out before you die. -
The benefits of living as a semi-detached insider
Some of us are always looking for a place to fully belong. We might be an insider of different groups, but there does not seem to be a place where we are fully understood or where we feel we can just be without pretense. We live with the expectancy of a better place where our investment in belonging is fully worthwhile. On the edge of the inside we find Jesus who is the architect of that place that we are yearning for.
