Let's do an original language word study of different gifts of the Spirit: 1 Cor 12:1-11 Wisdom: sophia Knowledge: gnōsis Gift of Faith: pistis (c.f. Rom 12:6) Healing: iama Powers/Miracles: dynamis Prophecy: prophēteia Distinguishing spirits: diakrisis Tongues: glōssa Interpretation of tongues: hermēneia As He Wills! boulomai Rom 12:4-8 Serving: diakonia Teaching: didaskō Encourage/Exhort: parakaleō Giving: metadidōmi | Generously: haplotēs Lead: proïstēmi | Diligence: spoudē Mercy: eleeō | Cheerfully: hilarotēs These are all gifts given by God and His Spirit to us as He chooses. Do not spurn what He has decided to give you or not give you, instead let us all seek Him to cultivate His gifts to us, for His glory and not our own. #biblestudy

The "DTR" (Define The Relationship) is a very controversial, and I believe misunderstood, concept. Many people are very averse to it, and never recommend it to be done under any circumstances and instead that clarity should come about through other parties (i.e. talking to others in order to have them relay information on your behalf, etc.). I, however, have a different opinion on the matter. I believe the DTR, while it can be awkward and even mishandled, can provide many benefits to clarifying together an often confusing and hard to navigate process of dating/courting that leads to marriage. I also believe that it can help to set up a proper foundation for communication for the future of the relationship, because at some point (i.e. marriage) a couple should not be dependent on others in order to communicate how they feel or what they think, and this usually takes practice. So when do I need a DTR? I like this definition and understanding of when the DTR is most needed and most helpful: "It's the imbalance between the evidence of connection and clarity that can create anxiety in a relationship. Someone who feels a strong connection growing with another person but doesn't know his or her status with that person may feel vulnerable and maybe even taken advantage of. ​When the evidenceof connection greatly exceeds clarity, it's helpful for couples to have a DTR." Basically, if you start to have anxiety or tension in the relationship caused by wondering where you are at in the relationship and/or where things are going, then it is probably time to have a DTR. Over the course of a relationship, you will likely need to have more than one DTR. Even in marriage it is good for couples to discuss where they are at in their relationship, where they are going, and what needs to happen to embark together in those directions. Be careful that you do not push to have the DTR to quickly, otherwise you might 'scare' off the other person or force them to make commitments to soon. For example, the first date is probably not the time to have a DTR. Also be careful that you are not pushing the DTR inappropriately simply because you are insecure and want to feel safer. There are real insecurities that can come with romance, especially when there is lack of genuine clarity, but we must fight to have our ultimate confidence and security in the Lord and not in the status, or even clarity, of a relationship (Ps 94:22). So how do I have the DTR? The DTR can be very awkward and scary, let's face it: you are putting yourself on the line. The basic premise of the DTR is to clarify what might be confusing or ambiguous about the relationship, but you have to be ready and prepared for the clarification to not be what you want. This is especially true in the beginning stages of a relationship. If you are going to try to clarify what the intentions and motives are of the relationship and where things are headed, then you must have the maturity to handle hearing that your desire for the relationship is not reciprocated - this can be quite painful. *This is the main reason I believe that people are averse to the idea of the DTR, because often people lack the maturity to do it well and thus cause more damage. Therefore, I say that if you are not mature enough to have a DTR, then you aren't really mature enough to pursue a romantic relationship in the first place, it would be better to wait - if you are going to get in the arena of romance, you must be ready to be hurt. You need to use appropriate language for where the relationship is at. For example, on the second date, you probably don't want to say something like; "I have really grown very fond of you and in fact I love you and have decided that I would like to make you my spouse, how do you feel about that?" This is inappropriate to the stage of the relationship (unless people are acting out of hyper-emotionalism, or there are extenuating circumstances such as being close friends for an extended period of time before going on dates, etc.). Instead something more appropriate should be communicated along the lines of: "I have really enjoyed our past couple of dates, and getting the opportunity to know you better. I would like to continue to get to know one another and wanted to see how you would feel about us doing that intentionally through talking consistently on the phone once a week and going on some more dates together?" Perhaps the relationship is much further along and the couple has been dating steady for over a year and wish to have clarity about the future and timeline of the relationship; "I like/love (some people are hypersensitive to the use of that word - an entire DTR around how/when to use that word could possibly arise) you and would like to see our relationship progress to the next level, but I want to make sure that we are able to start out on good foot and have a good situation financially/career/etc. I am getting input from others in my life about this and have some plans in place to help us get there in a timely fashion. How do you feel about that? or perhaps; "I have really enjoyed our relationship over the last year and I am excited to continue to pursue this relationship to see if it can continue to progress toward marriage or not. I would like more time to date and get to know one another before we progress on to the next stage", or perhaps; "we have been dating for a while now and I am not sure that I really foresee our relationship progressing much further, I think it would be best for us to stop pursuing each other romantically." Should I get help with the DTR? YES! You should have some trusted spiritual advisors (your tribe) that can help you navigate how and when is best to have DTR's along the development of a relationship. It is good to have some advisors that are married and have gone through this type of process successfully. While there is no formula to the DTR, or to relationships in general, prayer, wisdom, and selflessness should govern our decisions when it comes to having DTR's, not fulfilling our own selfish needs or desires, and certainly not to fulfill some insecurity that we have. The DTR can be a very helpful tool, not only to help clarify where the relationship is at and where it is going, but also to help people learn to communicate through feelings and desires in honest and vulnerable ways while at the same time learning to trust God through very scary and emotionally naked times. This helps to set foundational building blocks in one's faith and the relationship that will be needed in the future. For more on the DTR, as well as an assessment on whether your relationship is a candidate for a DTR; see here. #dating #relationships

ADVICE & AUTHORITY This and the last post (Dime-Piece) could be the lion share of what I consider some of the most foundational principles in Christian dating. Here it is; have you ever heard someone who is in the midst of enjoying "encouragement and social gatherings with a possibility of budding romance" say to someone who offers them counsel on how to proceed in that budding romance, "advice is just advice bro (or sis)!"? Many times this has behind it the implication that because it is not a biblical command (i.e. that's like ... your opinion man) that it can be easily discarded and ignored. This could potentially be one of the worst and most destructive attitudes that we can have toward dating (and just about anything else in our lives)! Precisely because dating is not strictly biblical (see Dating: Is It Even Biblical?) like so many other things in our lives (i.e. what job to take, where to move, etc. - see Friesen), it is all the more imperative that we surround ourselves with (and listen to - a key component) spiritual advisors (Prov 15:5, 7, 10, 12, 22, 31-33 - and this is only chapter 15!) - for more on counsel and instruction see here. I remember a romantic relationship that I pursued one time where I surrounded myself with spiritual advisors, but I wasn't actually listening. I knew I needed to get advice, and in the spiritual climate and culture that I was in at that time, I certainly didn't want to be ostracized for making some bone-headed decision without at least getting someone else to agree with me, I mean, get someone's advice. And unfortunately that's what I did, I believe I appeased myself by subconsciously "looking for advice" that was in actuality me just looking for someone to "rubber stamp" and agree with what I had already decided in my heart to do. So I continued to push forward with that relationship, one that was not grounded and was overly emotional, even in spite of much counsel to the contrary. I was not listening. Be careful that when you seek advice and counsel that you are not just seeking someone to agree with what you have already decided to do. To really listen to counsel and advice means that even though you might have your own judgment, that you postpone that judgment to the best of your abilities in order to hear another's perspective. To listen and weigh counsel means that you put yourself in the position to be persuaded. The best way I have found to pursue someone through romantic dating and courtship ("dating steady") is to surround yourself with spiritual advisors and counselors that you trust both in their spiritual maturity, and in their care and concern for you and your best interests (this trust helps you better be willing to be persuaded). These should be the types of people that make up your spiritual 'tribe' of advisors, and there should hopefully be more than 1 or 2, but probably not 10 or 12. And it is wise if you have people in your 'tribe' that are emotionally biased (such as parents etc.) but still fit the previous criteria of spiritual maturity and genuine concern for your interest, to make sure that you balance your tribe by having some others that are able to be more neutral and emotionally unbiased (i.e. not family). The main reasons I have found this tribe to be one of the best practices (other than humility being riddled throughout the entire bible in both Testaments - Jam 4:6) is because none of us are very good judges of ourselves (Rom 12:3) and this is never more true then when we are emotionally involved with someone or something (think of the scene in J.J. Abrams Star Trek where Spok tells Kirk that he is emotionally compromised). Your tribe's primary goal in this is to help you make spiritually mature and wise decisions while you are in the midst of being emotionally compromised. In order for that to be effective, you must be humble, and truly listen to what allthe tribe says and weigh them carefully to make your decisions in faith and good conscience. I believe this is Christian maturity in decision making; to apply all scriptural principles to the decision (unless it's a black and white issue that the bible does not leave room for you to make varied decisions - i.e. Eph 5:3, Gal 5:19, etc.) and humbly weigh advice and counsel from spiritual people, making a decision in faith in which you will reap the consequences (good or bad - Gal 6:7). So the next time you hear someone say, "advice is just advice" be sure to ask them what they mean by that statement. If you feel signs of pride, independence, or arrogance behind the statement, challenge the thinking and admonish the person to be humble, and to recognize their own deficit of objectivity in an emotionally charged situation. Help them (or yourself) to see that being able to be persuaded will help them to make the best decision, and not just the one that they want most. #dating #relationships

Continuing with 1 Timothy 6 Day. 1 Memorize Pick out some of the most meaningful and helpful passages from 1 Tim to memorize and work on them throughout the week. Day 2. Slavery - 1 Tim 6:1-2 Paul neither condones nor condemns slavery here, He simply says that the Christian who finds them in a position of slavery should conduct themselves in such a way to not slander the teachings of Christ, regardless of whether the master is a believer or not. For a longer discussion on slavery and the bible, see here. Day 3. Cash Rules Everything Around Me: C.R.E.A.M. - 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19 Money is something Jesus taught extensively about (c.f. Mat 6:24), and Paul here reminds Timothy of the pitfalls that lie in money. To all my wealthy brothers and sister out there, PLEASE hear the admonishment: DO NOT PUT YOUR HOPE IN WEALTH! For all of my brothers and sisters out there that wish to be wealthier, PLEASE hear the admonishment: DO NOT WANDER FROM THE FAITH AND PIERCE YOURSELF WITH MANY GREIFS! Day 4. Pursuit (1 Tim 6:11) This is such an important principle: to pursue. Our Christian existence here is not supposed to be a passive or lackadaisical one, it is supposed to be one that includes pursuing (1 Tim 6:11), fighting (1 Tim 6:12), training (1 Tim 4:7-8), and striving and holding on (1 Tim 1:19). How "active" in your faith are you? Or better yet, how active is your faith in you? Day 5. Christ Jesus Will Appear (1 Tim 6:14-15) Paul assures Timothy that Christ will indeed appear (c.f. 2 Pet 3:9), but that it will be in God the Fathers own timing (c.f. Mat 24:36). Do you very often think of the Lord's return? What will that be like, how you will feel, and what you will do until then? (c.f. Mat 24:44). #biblestudy

The comic strip is not new: Family Circle, Marmaduke, The Far Side, Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield. These are all classics. But it is a new day for comic and fantasy culture. It seems like every third movie that comes out is about some comic book (most of these being a part of the Marvel Universe currently), so why this sudden increase in comic infatuation in popular culture? What once was reserved for the stereotypical nerdy and acne infested comic book collector (which I like to think I broke the mold of ... ?) is now so mainstream that children know more about comic book lore and character's backstories before they are able to read and write. A friend recently admitted it took years for him to recognize that Superman had an "S" in the symbol of his costume since he had been exposed to it prolifically before he knew what letters were. Before he knew what an "S" was, Superman's logo was simply a pattern of shapes and colors. Part of this is because of the comic invasion to the silver screen. No longer do people have to read in order to enter this fantasy world, now all they have to do is be able to open their eyes and ears for roughly 90 minutes. Now, don't get me wrong. I am as a big a Stan Lee groupie as the next hormonal teenager, and I can certainly appreciate the appeal to being entertained by bulging muscles on a guy with powers and abilities I have always dreamed of having myself, along with an amazingly in shape and supernaturally-endowed woman by his side. So what's the problem? It's not real. And this is the problem we face; perfecting a false reality in order to scratch our itch of dissatisfaction with our reality. This is the heart of addiction. We don't like our lives (or at least many parts of them if we are honest), so we find ways for our senses to be pleased in order to distract us from that annoying thing called reality. I once knew a girl who waited in line for the midnight release of the latest beloved Harry Potter book, only to lock herself in her room for the next 72 hours in order to read the fantasy novel, devoid of all human interaction, sleep, and food, only breaking to use the bathroom. And all of this in order to find out what happens next to a character that is the figment of a real person's imagination. Oh, the saddening irony. Drugs, sexuality, modern gaming (people have literally starved themselves to death on gaming binges), movies, social media, etc., all of it to disengage the harsh realities of our lives: the reality that we don't actually have bulging muscles and small waists, we don't actually have power to leap buildings in single bounds, we don't actually have the power to overthrow the evil in our lives, we don't actually have unlimited resources to have all the newest and flashiest things, we don't actually have the power to have the sexy and romantic relationship that we see on the screen. Why doesn't our life look like theirs? Because it's not real. So what's the solution? Engage in real life. Instead of watching one more movie this week, spending 3 more hours on that game or your favorite social media site, or indulging in the fantasy of porn, or coping through drug and alcohol addiction, decide to connect with a real person in a real way. Get a cup of coffee and talk with them. Go on a walk with someone and talk about who you really are, and who you want to be. Share a meal with someone. Give to someone who has needs that you can help to meet. Tell someone what they mean to you, and that you love them. Find ways to engage. In real life. #culture

You ever heard the expression; "I'm lookin for my dime-piece"? It essentially means that the person is looking for a "10", which basically on a scale of 1-10, is perfect. Perfect beauty. Perfect personality. Perfect humor and wittiness. Perfect spirituality. Perfect breath. You name it. Perfect. Sound perfect right? So what's the problem with "lookin for a dime-piece"? A couple things to start: let's admit it; there is no perfect person "perfection" is relative; what you would call a dime, someone else calls a nickel while you might want a dime (however you define that); you are likely not one yourself (and even if you are close, because you think you are, that automatically bumps you down to at least 3 points). So the next time you hear someone say they are lookin for a dime, ask them why they think they haven't found one yet? Or at least why they haven't found one that requites yet? Another primary issue with this way of thinking is that is fundamentally selfish. Looking for a 10 (often is mostly ways that the world defines a 10 - physical attraction, humor, personality, chemistry, etc.) will often lead you to think about a potential spouse in terms of what they can do for you (not that this is what you are intending, but it happens if we are not careful). This is explicitly NOT what God created marriage for. God intended marriage not to primarily make you happy (though it certainly can and should) but to make you holy (for further study on that topic see Thomas' book "Sacred Marriage"). Marriage is a vehicle (though certainly not the only one) that God uses to make us more into the likeness of Christ.So if you are not going to look for a dime-piece the way that the world looks at and for one, how should you look and what should you look for? Well let me begin by saying that there is nothing inherently wrong with physical attraction and beauty (and you likely should be attracted physically - but consider if someone's physcial beauty altered drastically due to some accident, etc.?), or chemistry, or personality or anything of the like, for God created these things for our enjoyment. The problem becomes when we (like the world) over-value these things and they become the focal point of our decision-making. Some biblical ways to think about what things to look for and value in a spouse: (also see my sermon on the subject "How To Choose A Mate") Is your potential spouse clearly a believer in Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:14)? Does he/she exhibit the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22)? Does he/she show clear regard and care for others (Phil 2:3-4)? Does he/she show evident love for God in how he/she spends time and money (1 Jn 5:3; 1 Tim 6:10; etc.), how he/she interacts with others (Mat 22:38-40)? Women, is this a man you respect? Could you envision yourself submitting to and following him over the course of your lives together? Do you believe he will care well for you and your children? Will he serve you above himself and encourage your spiritual growth, as he is called to do in Ephesians 5:25-29? Is he growing in the characteristics of biblical manhood (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:8-9 - specifically written to instruct in overseeing, but still has application here - and 1 Peter 3:7)? Men, do you believe this woman will care for you well and be a good mother and discipler to your potential children? Is she growing in the characteristics of biblical womanhood and what the Bible calls "true beauty" (Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Peter 3:3-5; Titus 2:4-5)? Do you envision her being supportive of you in whatever ministry God may call you to? Drop the dime-piece fantasy! Glorify God with how you choose a spouse by renewing your thinking more into the likeness of His (Rom 12:1-2) #dating #relationships

The apostle Paul was a great missionary, sometimes traveling with companions and being imprisoned for their faith (Acts 16:25), and sometimes isolated and alone (2 Tim 4:16-18).  Paul said we were all engaged in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21). Jesus himself often needed to withdraw in seclusion (Lk 5:16) and sometimes became frustrated from his followers dim eyes and heart, and their failure to understand (Mt 17:17).  Jesus gave his followers the ability to, and ministry of, fishing for men (Mrk 1:16-20). Being a follow of Jesus can be lonely.  Being in the paid full-time ministry can be even more so.  There are so many great benefits to being the in the ministry (referring to as a paid supported vocation - c.f. 1 Tim 5:17-18; 1 Cor 9:7-14) and anyone who does it for very long had better love it immensely, for it difficult and often quite lonely.  Part counselor, part teacher, part herald, part leader, part comforter, part preacher, part trainer, part visionary, and often in our fellowship; part administrator, planner, organizer, and mascot.  All the while, there are typically not many (or any) others near by that can relate very well.  People of course mean well, and relate in some ways, but the ministry is such a specific calling and vocation type that it can be hard to completely understand.  I imagine it to be a cross between the schedule of a doctor who is always on call, the emotional toll of a professional psychological counselor, having the fickle fanfare of the latest winning (or losing) team, all the while being supported financially by people to do and say things that at many times they don't want to hear. A word to those who are, or have, considered ministry as a full-time vocation; allow God to purify your heart and motives, for it is truly a calling.  Something that you must desire to do above all other things (vocationally), and something you are willing to endure the times of lonliness for. I doubt I could know something as glorious, and as difficult as following Christ.  And to be able to be involved in ministry full-time is such an amazing gift and joy, but it is not without its trials and difficulties, chief of which perhaps is loneliness. #ministry

So here it is; the one that every brother has been called out for at least 7 times a month until he finally either acquiesces, or hardens to the point of wanting to become a Pauline monk, devoid of any relational interaction or speech. The "Encouragement" Date! But in all seriousness, before we harden ourselves or find some hole to crawl in for us to love Jesus until he comes back, let's think about what this really is and is not. Date: usually a term referring to two humans of the opposite sex (though that is not exclusively the case in modern times, though from a Christian perspective we will only consider this one here - see here for more on the topic of homosexuality) meet in a social setting to seek companionship, typically with "the aim of assessing the others suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or marriage. This period of courtship is sometimes seen as a precursor to engagement or marriage." (Wiki) However, I would argue that the purpose for "dating" (meeting in a social setting) could have a broader purpose and meaning that incorporates the desire to lift up, encourage (literally to embolden) in one's faith, to protect one's sibling in the faith, etc. Now it is true that the "encouragement date" can be confusing (for all parties involved) because it has with it attached the word "date" and can have both or either of these very different meanings and implications, and thus be ambiguous. Feelings can develop when someone doesn't intend for them to, simply because the terminology from the outset was not clear. Now, let me add the caveat that this is not the same as ambiguity because of one's behavior being unclear in this social meeting, such as flirting, etc. That is a different story all together, and simply needs to be guarded against. For we are siblings in Christ first, before we are ever husband and wife (and even after we are husband and wife). So, good-hearted brother that only likes to go on "dates" and not "encouragement dates", call it whatever you want. We can have a linguistic revolution if you like ... I have always liked the term "brotherly encouragement and social gathering with a possibility of budding romance" personally, but that's just me. The more important issue is our hearts (Lk 6:45). Do you have a heart to take care of your sibling in the Lord? Do you wish to protect, to lead, to help make radiant ... the very things you are called to do as a future husband anyway? Or do you simply want to spend your times on dates that are romantic because they are really to suit your selfish fancies anyway? Let's be honest, we have all seen the brother that only takes out the attractive sisters, showing his true character and heart to be shallow, only interested in himself (c.f. Phil 2:3-4). And we have all seen the sister that rejects, or begrudgingly accepts, the invitation from the brother that is not very "sharp" (i.e. not very attractive, not debonair, financially unstable, or is socially awkward). Call it whatever you will, our hearts as Christians should be to look out for one another, and we should be willing to do all that we can to help aid in each other's spiritual growth and edification. This can most certainly happen in more ways than a date or social gathering ... but let's examine our own hearts to see where the real hang up is, and not simply use excuses for us to remain in our sin. #dating #relationships

Continuing in our study of 1 Timothy 5 ​Day 1. Read! By this time you should have been able to read 1 Timothy more than 5 or 6 times, hopefully in more than one version. Day 2. Older Men & Women - 1 Tim 5:1-2 Paul instructs TImothy to treat older brothers and sisters as he would his own father and mother; with respect, gentleness, and love. Does this characterize you in the fellowship? What about with your own parents? For leaders (especially young leaders) this exhortation to Timothy comes on the heals of Paul instructing Timothy to not let anyone look down on him (1 Tim 4:12) but instead set an example. Paul then follows up with the way that Timothy should confront and rebuke an older man. Have you ever had to confront an older man something he was in the wrong for? Would you shrink back from such a thing? Why or why not? Would you be able to do it with gentleness and respect? Day 3. Absolute Purity! 1 Tim 5:2 This of course is a challenge to all men, to treat women with ABSOLUTE purity. This is a high calling, and one that is not made easy by women in our culture, for even older women are wanting to look and stay young, even far past its appropriateness. Day 4. Worse Than An Unbeliever? 1 Tim 5:8 Paul instructs Timothy about the actions of some of the Christians there that were not taking care of their family as they aged and apparently expecting the church to pick up the responsibility, and the tab. Paul clearly rebukes this and says that if they have family (believers or not) they should be the ones to provide for them in their older age and non income generating years. This might challange some of today's popular thinking about 'retirement homes', especially the thinking motivated by convenience. But obviously there will be times and circumstances where care is needed that exceeds that which the family can personally give (i.e. medical, etc.) in which case outside assistance and help is necessary. Day 5. Don't Muzzle - 1 Tim 5:18 I believe this to be an admonition for Timothy to make sure that leaders were supported financially (as he likely was) as much as possible for their labor, especially when their labor is that of preaching and teaching. We are all in the 'ministry' (c.f. 2 Cor 5:11-21), but some should be supported to do the work of the ministry. #biblestudy

A THEOLOGY OF WORK We all know what it's like workin' for the weekends. Long, monotonous, and dreadful days at work, just so we can afford to do what we want to do for that brief gap of time we call, the weekend. Hopefully all of us can reject this way of living, but if we are honest, many of us are prisons. We hate our jobs, our bosses, our 40-60 hours a week existence (unless we are one of those extra lucky American corporate slaves doing a sentence of 60-80 hrs/wk). And vacation? Forget about it! It happens too infrequently. And when it does, it's too short! We return broke, and often more tired and stressed then when we left! True rest during vacation is so elusive. Trying to suck every moment of our vacation out like the marrow of our favorite chicken wing, worried that we will miss some opportunity, anxious about the piles of work that await us when we return, and concerned for the lack of budgeting we did in preparation for this extravagant expenditure of money. We can thank Adam for all of this. For that is where this curse started (Gen 3:17-19). And interestingly, at some point along the way, during the feminist movement perhaps, Eve decided that her curse wasn't enough (Gen 3:16) and that it wasn't equal, so she decided to take on the enjoyment of Adam's curse and pointlessly toil by the sweat of her own brow as well. So it's understandable that our work is largely not enjoyable, and that we often feel that we are not accomplishing much, and that when we do it's short lived, for we must quickly hurry up to the next one. The reason we don't except this is that we have bought into the false dream that we can escape this. If we just found the right job. Find just the right team to be a part of. Get just enough and the right assortment of degrees, then we can escape this curse. If only I made more money, I could escape this curse! Are you sure? (Ecc 5:10) Accepting a proper theology of work will help us day-to-day, week-to-week. Our goal should not be to simply escape the curse by propping ourselves up with hurried rest, extravagant and exotic vacations, consuming entertainment by the tons, but instead by numbering our days aright (Ps 39:4; 90:12) so that we can except the truth: work in this life is hard. Rather than try with all our measly efforts to circumvent this, rather let's humbly praise God for the fact that he gives us hope of a day in which the curse will be lifted (Rev 21:4). Let's learn to have a heart of wisdom by numbering our days aright, and enjoy our work more by leaning into the pain, rather than fleeing from it.