Month: November 2024

Life is full of peaks and valleys. The high points are easy to celebrate—those moments of joy, success, or peace. But what about the low points during those seasons when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or broken? It’s often in these moments that our true character is revealed, and more importantly, our relationship with God is tested and refined.

It might seem counterintuitive, but have you ever considered being thankful for your low points? It’s not an easy mindset to embrace, but scripture encourages us to do just that. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our low points are not the end of the story. They are the beginning of growth. When we hit bottom, we’re faced with a choice: where do we turn? Do we reach for distractions to numb the pain—substances, entertainment, or busyness, for example. Or do we turn to God, allowing Him to use these moments to shape us into the men He’s calling us to be?

It’s okay to feel weak or broken during hardship. God isn’t put off by our emotions; He invites us to bring them to Him. Psalm 34:18 reminds us,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to challenge ourselves to find gratitude not only for the blessings in plain sight but also for the hidden blessings in our struggles. Those low moments are often where we learn the most about ourselves and about God’s faithfulness. They teach us perseverance, humility, and dependence on Him.

This Thanksgiving, take some time to reflect on how God has been with us in the valleys, shaping us for His purpose. The next time life takes a downward turn, instead of asking, “Why me?”, consider asking “What is God teaching me?

Questions:

1. Do you agree that it’s just as important to be thankful for our valleys as we are for our peaks? Why or why not?
2. In the lowest points in life, it is very normal to focus on the pain and difficulties instead of how God may be helping us grow but why is that true?
3. Have you ever experienced growth or clarity during a difficult time? Please share your experience if you are comfortable.
4. What steps can you take to turn to God more consistently during tough times?

In any group, especially one built on faith and fellowship, certain qualities set the foundation for meaningful connection and growth. These principles help us build a group where everyone feels supported while keeping Christ at the center.

Below are my personal top-six qualities of an excellent group. Except for #1, which in my opinion is a must-have, these are not necessarily in order of importance. But just like debates around the CFP playoff rankings, I’m anticipating diverse opinions (which is great).

Before we get into those key elements, our scripture for today is from Hebrews 10:24–25:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of coming together in community, encouraging growth in love and good works, and remaining consistent in meeting and supporting one another.

Here’s my personal list:

1. Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based

At the core of everything we do is Jesus, and our conversations and actions should always point back to Him. Grounding our discussions in Scripture keeps us rooted in truth and aligned with God’s will.

2. A Safe Place to Be Real

Life is full of challenges, and a group should be a place where people feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens the door to genuine connection.

3. Encouraging Growth, Not Perfection

No one has it all together, and that’s okay. A great group focuses on helping each other grow closer to God, not achieving some unrealistic ideal. Growth is about taking small, meaningful steps forward in faith.

4. A Balance of Listening and Sharing

Healthy groups create room for every voice to be heard. Some members may need to open up more, while others may need to step back and listen. A balance ensures everyone feels included and valued.

5. Relatable

Faith isn’t meant to stay in a Sunday morning ‘box’—it’s for our everyday lives. A good group keeps things practical and accessible, connecting faith to real-world challenges and experiences.

6. Welcoming and Inclusive

Whether someone is new to faith or a long-time believer, they should feel like they belong. A welcoming group goes beyond polite hellos to truly embraces each member’s unique story and journey.

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Honorable Mentions:

• Consistent and Dependable
• Prayerful
• Accountable
• Service-Oriented
• Joyful and Fun
• Relationship-Focused

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Questions

1. Which one or more items above resonate most with you as critically important and non-negotiable?
2. Do the items above match your personal list? If not, what adjustments would you suggest?
3. What do you like most about the group, and why do you keep coming back?
4. Do you agree that being ‘Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based’ is a non-negotiable? Or could we get the same value out of having a non-Christian ‘support group’?
5. To me, being ‘relatable’ is like adding a secret ingredient that makes a recipe stand out above others. Most Christian groups understand the basic ‘ingredients,’ but emphasizing relatability takes the quality of the group to the next level. Agree or disagree?

A few weeks ago, we talked about the topic of envy. And today’s topic of competition is in many ways a continuation of that theme. In our daily lives, it can be tempting to fall into the cycle of competition, comparing our progress, achievements, or blessings to those of others.

This tendency to measure ourselves against others isn’t new, and it’s something the Bible addresses head-on.

Galatians 5:26 warns, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” It’s a straightforward reminder that we are not called to outdo one another in a race for status or recognition, but instead to walk together in love and humility.

Proverbs 3:3-4 gives us another powerful insight, saying, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

These verses call us to seek character over comparison, focusing on qualities like love and faithfulness rather than striving to outshine others. God values our character far more than our achievements, and He is pleased when we build others up rather than tear them down.

In a world that so often encourages competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of “more,” we can feel pressured to keep up. Social media, work environments, and even our own minds may push us toward constant comparison, measuring our worth by what others have or achieve. Yet, this isn’t the life we’re called to. Jesus invites us to a path of humility, kindness, and contentment, reminding us that we are valued by God exactly as we are.

How would our lives look if we focused less on outperforming others and more on walking faithfully in our own calling? When we let go of comparison, we open ourselves up to genuine relationships and personal growth. Instead of feeling envious of others’ achievements, we can celebrate them. Instead of seeking praise, we can find joy in quiet faithfulness. And instead of being weighed down by competition, we can experience the peace that comes from living in alignment with God’s values.

The next time you feel tempted to compete or compare, consider shifting your focus. Ask yourself, “Am I pursuing this out of love and faithfulness, or out of a desire to prove myself?” Our personal journey is unique, and in God’s eyes, scripture is clear that it’s our hearts—not our achievements—that matter most.

Questions:

1. Our world is described in today’s lesson as encouraging “competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of more.” Do you agree with that statement, and if so, do you think this issue is more common in affluent communities like Buckhead?
2. Have you personally experienced or observed the negative effects of excessive competition? If so, what were some of the harmful side effects?
3. What are some areas in your life where you feel the temptation to compete or compare yourself to others?
4. Have you experienced the peace of letting go of comparison? If so, what did that look like for you?
5. Do you believe we are unfairly characterizing competition in today’s lesson? Is it always a bad thing?