Authentic Relationships

In today's fast-paced, digitally-connected world, we find ourselves paradoxically more isolated than ever. As Josh and Mark explore in their latest Made for Good podcast episode, despite constant communication capabilities, statistics show increasing loneliness in our society. This contradiction highlights a profound truth: technological connection doesn't automatically translate to meaningful relationships.

The biblical foundation for authentic relationships is beautifully illustrated in Jesus' ministry. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates spiritual awareness by seeing people as individuals rather than faceless crowds. In John 4:35-36, Jesus tells his disciples, "Don't you have a saying? It's still four months until harvest. I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields. They are ripe for harvest." This wasn't about agricultural timing but about recognizing the spiritual readiness of the people around them. The imagery of "fields white to harvest" refers to the Samaritan villagers following the woman from the well to meet Jesus—people ready to be seen, heard, and transformed.

Developing awareness in our relationships requires intentionality. As Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, "A man who has friends must himself be friendly." This simple yet profound truth underscores that meaningful connections don't typically happen by accident—they require effort and initiative. When we prioritize relationships, we can move beyond surface-level small talk to conversations that build trust and encouragement. Philippians 2:4 reinforces this concept with Paul's instruction to "look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others."

Active listening emerges as a critical skill in relationship building. The podcast distinguishes between different types of listening: empathetic listening (connecting with emotions), appreciative listening (enjoying content), comprehensive listening (learning information), and critical listening (evaluating information). Of these, empathetic listening stands out as most essential for developing authentic relationships. James 1:19 advises us to be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger," establishing a biblical priority of listening before responding.

Practical approaches to better conversations include asking open-ended questions that invite deeper discussion. Questions like "Tell me more about that," "How did that make you feel?" and "What motivated you to do that?" create space for genuine sharing. Equally important is how we respond—our tone of voice, choice of words, and non-verbal cues like nodding or facial expressions significantly impact how safe others feel to open up.

The challenge presented in the podcast is threefold: intentionally check in with someone you don't know well, practice empathetic listening, and send a thoughtful message of appreciation to someone. These simple actions can initiate the relationship-building process that eventually leads to meaningful connections where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and receiving support.

As followers of Christ, we're called to go beyond surface-level interactions and engage authentically with those around us. Our relationships should reflect the same love Christ demonstrated, built on encouragement, understanding, and meaningful engagement. By developing awareness and practicing intentional connection, we fulfill our purpose of stirring one another toward love and good works, ultimately serving others as we were made to do.

Listen to the episode now!

To Be or Not To Be (Seen)

In our increasingly public world where social media amplifies our actions, the motivation behind our good deeds has never been more important to examine. The tension between letting our light shine and maintaining humility sits at the heart of Christian service—how do we balance Jesus's command to let others see our good works with his warning against practicing righteousness to be seen?

The scripture presents us with what appears to be contradictory guidance. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs believers to "let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." This clearly indicates that our good works should be visible to others—but with a critical qualification. The purpose isn't personal recognition but redirecting glory to God. The visibility of our actions serves as a witness that points others toward God's goodness, not our own.

Yet in Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus takes a seemingly opposite approach, teaching that "when you give to the needy, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret." This instruction emphasizes the importance of privacy in certain acts of service, particularly financial giving. The contrast between these passages reveals an important truth: the issue isn't whether our good works are seen, but rather the heart motivation behind them and their ultimate purpose.

The biblical example of Barnabas in Acts 4 demonstrates the right motivation. When early Christians in Jerusalem had needs, Barnabas sold property and donated the proceeds without seeking attention. His pure-hearted giving stands in stark contrast to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, who sold property but secretly kept back some money while pretending to give it all. Their primary motivation wasn't generosity but recognition—they wanted the praise Barnabas received without making the same sacrifice. The consequence for their deception was severe, highlighting how seriously God takes our motivations.

Examining our hearts requires honest self-reflection. Do we feel disappointed when our good deeds go unrecognized? Are we quick to share our charitable actions on social media? Do we engage in "humble-bragging" about our service? These reactions might indicate that our focus has shifted from glorifying God to gaining personal recognition. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"—a perfect summary of the proper motivation for all our actions.

Hebrews 10:24-25 provides another important dimension to this discussion, calling believers to "stir one another up to love and good works." This suggests that sometimes our good deeds need to be known by others—not for pride's sake, but to inspire and encourage the community of faith toward similar service. The key distinction remains: are we serving to promote ourselves or to promote God's kingdom?

Practicing truly humble service in today's attention-seeking culture requires intentional effort. Consider performing anonymous acts of kindness where the recipient cannot possibly know the source. When you do receive recognition for good deeds, graciously accept it while redirecting praise to God with phrases like, "Thank you, I appreciate that, but really all glory goes to God." This approach affirms the person offering thanks while maintaining proper spiritual perspective.

The challenge for every believer is to cultivate a heart that serves joyfully whether recognized or not, focusing on God's approval rather than human praise. By examining our motivations and practicing service that seeks God's glory above all, we live out the purpose for which we were created—to reflect His goodness in a world desperate for authentic, humble service.

Listen to the episode now!

It’s the Little Things

In a world obsessed with grand gestures and viral moments, we often overlook the profound power of small actions. The latest episode of Made for Good explores how seemingly insignificant acts of kindness and service can create ripple effects far beyond what we initially imagine.

Throughout scripture, God consistently uses the smallest elements to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Consider David, who defeated the mighty Goliath with just a small stone. This wasn't merely about winning a battle—it launched David's journey toward becoming the king God intended him to be. Similarly, Rahab's simple act of hanging a scarlet cord saved not only her life but her entire family's, potentially bringing them into relationship with the one true God. Even Jesus highlighted this principle when He taught that faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains.

One of the most powerful yet accessible ways to make a difference is through encouragement. This doesn't require wealth, specialized training, or extraordinary talent—just intentionality. Romans 15:1-2 instructs us: "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please our neighbor for his good, to build him up." When we offer specific affirmation to someone serving in church, we're not just making them feel good momentarily; we're potentially laying foundation blocks for their future leadership. That young person reading scripture publicly for the first time might become tomorrow's Bible teacher, song leader, or elder—all because someone took a moment to offer meaningful encouragement.

Technology gives us additional avenues for these small acts. A simple text message checking in on someone or expressing appreciation might arrive at the exact moment they're feeling discouraged. In these instances, our small gesture doesn't just cheer them up—it can create a chain reaction of thanksgiving that ultimately glorifies God. The recipient might thank you, then thank God for you, transforming a thirty-second text into an act of worship.

Another small yet mighty action is simply making time to listen. When we notice someone's downcast expression or hear the hollowness behind their "I'm fine," pausing to genuinely listen communicates value in profound ways. This small interruption in our busy day might actually interrupt a destructive spiral in theirs—potentially altering their spiritual trajectory. Similarly, showing up for someone during difficult times—attending a funeral, visiting during illness, or being present during hardship—speaks volumes about God's love through our actions.

The challenge many of us face is that we don't immediately see how God might use our small acts. We underestimate their potential impact, failing to recognize that we're simply planting seeds that God will cultivate. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it." These small kindnesses are well within our power, requiring minimal effort from us while potentially bringing maximum impact to others.

What might happen if we intentionally incorporated these small acts into our daily routines? The podcast challenges listeners to a five-day sprint: smile at someone new on Monday, send an encouraging note on Tuesday, compliment a stranger on Wednesday, donate something useful on Thursday, and help someone with a task on Friday. Each action takes minimal time and effort but carries potential for profound impact—as evidenced by someone who, after sending an anonymous Amazon gift, later received one themselves and was moved to tears by the experience.

Listen to the episode now!

Finding Your Groove

In today's busy world, many Christians struggle to find their place in ministry. The concept of "finding your groove" in service to God is not just about personal fulfillment—it's about discovering how God has uniquely equipped you to contribute to His kingdom work. This foundational understanding transforms how we view service from an optional activity to an essential expression of our faith.

The biblical foundation for this concept is clearly laid out in Scripture. In 1 Peter 4:10, we're instructed to "use whatever gift you have received to serve others," highlighting that ministry isn't one-size-fits-all but rather a diverse spectrum of service opportunities. Similarly, Ephesians 4:15-16 paints a picture of the body of Christ working in harmony, with each part fulfilling its unique function to build up the whole. This collaborative approach to ministry demonstrates that everyone has a significant role to play, regardless of their position or title within the church.

Many believers hesitate to engage in ministry because they misunderstand what ministry actually means. At its core, ministry is simply service—using your God-given talents, passions, and abilities to benefit others and glorify God. It's not limited to formal church roles like preaching or teaching, but encompasses countless expressions of service. John 15:8 reminds us that bearing fruit is evidence of discipleship, connecting our actions directly to God's glory. This shifts our perspective from seeing ministry as optional to recognizing it as a natural outworking of our faith.

The Bible provides compelling examples of individuals who found their unique ministry niche. Onesiphorus is mentioned briefly in 2 Timothy 1:16-17 for his ministry of encouragement to Paul during imprisonment. Despite not having a prominent role, his consistent service made a significant impact. Similarly, Dorcas (Acts 9:36) was known for her acts of charity and good works, demonstrating how using practical skills can be a powerful ministry. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," exemplified how identifying and consistently living out your gifting can transform lives and communities.

Finding your groove in ministry begins with practical steps. Prayer should be your starting point, asking God to reveal where He wants to use you. Honest self-reflection about your natural abilities and passions provides valuable insights. Seeking input from trusted friends, family, or church leaders who know you well can help identify blindspots or gifts you might not recognize in yourself. Finally, be willing to try new forms of service, starting small but being intentional about finding sustainable ways to contribute to kingdom work.

The beauty of finding your ministry groove is that it aligns your natural wiring with God's purposes, creating a sense of fulfillment and effectiveness. When you serve in ways that utilize your unique strengths, you'll find greater joy and sustainability in ministry. Remember that your service doesn't need to be flashy or high-profile to be significant. Like Onesiphorus, Dorcas, and countless others, the impact of faithful, consistent service often extends far beyond what we can see in the moment, creating a legacy of good works that glorifies God and builds up His church.

Listen to the episode now!

Remember the Poor

The Bible mentions "the poor" more than 200 times throughout its pages. This repetition isn't accidental—it clearly demonstrates God's heart for those in need and His expectation that His followers will share this concern. As explored in our recent podcast episode, remembering the poor is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of living out our faith.

When Paul recounts his meeting with early church leaders in Galatians 2, he notes that Peter, James, and John gave him and Barnabas the "right hand of fellowship," approving their mission to the Gentiles. Yet at this crucial moment, these pillars of the church had one specific request: "only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." This small but significant detail reveals how central caring for the poor was to the early church's understanding of the gospel. It wasn't an afterthought or a secondary concern—it was essential to their mission and identity.

The biblical mandate extends far beyond mere acknowledgment of poverty. In 1 John 3:16-17, we find a direct challenge: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" This powerful verse connects our response to those in need with the authenticity of our faith. Similarly, Proverbs 14:31 declares that "whoever oppresses a poor man insults his maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him." The message is clear: how we treat the poor directly reflects our relationship with God Himself.

Many Christians struggle with fulfilling this biblical command for various reasons. Some assume the responsibility belongs solely to the church as an institution, charities, or government programs. Others cite busyness, concerns about how donations might be used, or the belief that they don't have enough to give. Yet Scripture provides no exemptions from this responsibility. As Galatians 6:10 instructs, "as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone," with special attention to fellow believers. The call to generosity extends beyond our immediate church community to everyone in need we encounter.

Importantly, remembering the poor doesn't always require financial contributions. There are countless ways to fulfill this biblical mandate: donating unused clothes to shelters, volunteering at food banks, helping neighbors with tasks they cannot afford to outsource, or simply offering presence and conversation to those who are often overlooked. James 1:27 defines pure religion as visiting "orphans and widows in their affliction"—an active engagement with those in vulnerable positions.

The challenge before us is to move beyond theoretical agreement with these biblical principles to practical implementation. This week, find one meaningful way to help someone in need. Whether through donating, volunteering, or direct assistance, take intentional action. Then reflect on the experience and consider how regular practices of generosity might become part of your spiritual discipline. By doing so, we not only fulfill a biblical command but also experience the truth that generosity connects us more deeply to God's own heart and character.

Listen to the episode now!

Money Matters: Trust, Fear, and Biblical Generosity

Money is one of the most revealing indicators of our spiritual health, yet it remains one of the most challenging topics for Christians to discuss openly. In our latest podcast episode, we explored the biblical perspective on generosity and how our relationship with money reflects our trust in God. When we examine why people struggle with giving, despite knowing it's the right thing to do, one answer consistently emerges: fear of not having enough. This fear reveals that while we may claim to trust God with our lives, we often try to maintain control over our finances.

Scripture directly addresses this tension in 1 Timothy 6:17, warning against putting hope in uncertain wealth rather than in God "who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This verse highlights an important truth – God doesn't want us to merely survive on the bare minimum; He wants us to enjoy life while using money as a tool rather than seeing it as security. The difference between these perspectives becomes evident when we look at biblical examples of giving.

The rich young ruler in Mark 10 approached Jesus with what seems like the ultimate question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, looking at him with love, identified the one thing holding this man back – his wealth. When Jesus instructed him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful because his possessions had a grip on his heart. This story isn't about money being inherently wrong; rather, it reveals how our identity and security can become dangerously tied to our possessions.

In stark contrast, 2 Corinthians 8 describes the Macedonian churches who, despite "extreme poverty," gave with "abundance of joy" that "overflowed in a wealth of generosity." The juxtaposition is striking – severe affliction alongside abundance of joy, extreme poverty alongside overflowing wealth of generosity. This demonstrates that genuine generosity isn't determined by how much we have but by how much we care and trust God.

Interestingly, the New Testament doesn't prescribe specific percentages for giving like the Old Testament tithe. Instead, it focuses on the heart behind the giving. However, if we want numerical examples, we find Zacchaeus committing to give 50% of his possessions to the poor, while the poor widow gave 100% – "all the livelihood she had." Both acts demonstrated tremendous faith, trust, and surrender.

What holds us back from such generosity? Several common struggles emerge: fear of not having enough, desire for control, materialism that prioritizes comfort over giving, and simple unawareness of needs around us. Scripture challenges these mindsets in 2 Corinthians 9, using the metaphor of sowing seeds – "whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." Generosity isn't about losing what we give; it's about planting seeds that God promises to multiply.

The purpose of this multiplication isn't to increase our wealth but to increase our capacity for generosity. As 2 Corinthians 9:11 states, "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way." The beautiful outcome of this generosity cycle is that it produces thanksgiving to God from those who receive. When we give generously, we create opportunities for others to glorify God, which aligns perfectly with our ultimate purpose as believers.

Our challenge this week is simple but profound: Ask yourself, "Am I being generous with what God has given me?" Then, choose one way to be generous this week. It might require sacrifice, perhaps giving slightly beyond what feels comfortable. But in doing so, you're not just meeting someone's need; you're creating an opportunity for thanksgiving and glory to be directed toward God. In giving freely, we discover the truth of Jesus's words in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Listen to the episode now!

What Martha Missed: Jesus' Timeless Lesson on Priorities

Time is undoubtedly our most precious resource—one we can never get back once it's spent. In our fast-paced, constantly-connected modern world, the challenge of using our time wisely has perhaps never been more difficult or more important. As we explored in our latest podcast episode, the statistics around how we typically spend our time are genuinely startling: the average person dedicates approximately 2.5 hours every single day to social media scrolling, while Americans typically spend about eight years of their entire lifetime watching television. These numbers should give us serious pause as we consider how we're investing the limited days we've been given.

The biblical perspective on time management offers profound wisdom that stands in stark contrast to our culture's casual approach. When the Apostle Paul instructed believers to "look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of time because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16), he wasn't simply offering good advice—he was highlighting a spiritual imperative. This call to intentionality with our time is echoed throughout Scripture, including Jesus' own words in John 9:4 when he said, "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work." There's an urgency here that many of us miss in our day-to-day living.

Perhaps the most illuminating biblical example of time management comes from the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. When Jesus gently rebuked Martha for being "anxious and troubled about many things" while Mary sat listening at his feet, he wasn't condemning Martha's service itself. Rather, he was pointing out that Mary had "chosen the good portion" by prioritizing direct communion with him. This story perfectly illustrates a common modern dilemma—we often become so busy with good things (like Martha's hospitality) that we miss out on the best things (like Mary's spiritual attentiveness). It's not that Martha was doing something wrong; she simply missed the opportunity for something better.

A practical tool for evaluating our time usage is the Eisenhower Box, which divides tasks into four quadrants based on their importance and urgency. The most challenging category is often the "important but not urgent" quadrant—things like relationship-building, personal spiritual development, and long-term planning that don't demand immediate attention but yield significant value over time. Meanwhile, we tend to get pulled into the "urgent but not important" quadrant, responding to others' demands and perceived emergencies that don't actually align with our core values or purpose. The wisdom comes in learning to say "no" graciously to the non-important demands so we can say "yes" to what truly matters.

As we seek to become better stewards of our time, the central question becomes: "Is this activity drawing me closer to God or pulling me away?" This simple but profound filter can help us evaluate our schedules and make intentional adjustments. Small changes—like replacing 30 minutes of social media with meaningful conversation, prayer, or Bible study—can dramatically shift our spiritual trajectory over time. In fact, redirecting just the average amount of time spent on social media toward Bible reading would allow someone to complete the entire New Testament in a single week! The potential for transformation is enormous when we begin to view our time as the precious, God-given gift that it truly is.

Listen to the episode now!

Emulating Jesus: Compassion in Action

In our fast-paced modern world, the idea of emulating Jesus can seem like an insurmountable challenge. After all, how can we possibly measure up to someone who was both fully human and fully divine? This question formed the foundation of our recent podcast episode, where we explored practical ways to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in our everyday lives.

The key insight we discovered is that while we cannot perform the divine miracles Jesus did, we can absolutely embody the compassion and intention behind his actions. When Peter introduced Jesus to Cornelius in Acts 10:38, he described him as one "who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil." This powerful description highlights two aspects of Jesus' life: his divine power and his commitment to good works. While the healing represents the divine aspect we cannot replicate, the "doing good" part is something every Christian is called to embody.

Jesus' good works can be divided into divine acts (like healing the sick or calming storms) and human acts (such as welcoming children, washing feet, or cooking breakfast for his friends). The beauty lies in recognizing that while we cannot perform miracles, we can absolutely emulate the heart behind these actions through our own acts of service and compassion. Jesus showed us that even the simplest acts of love—listening, serving, encouraging—can have profound impacts on those around us. Each time he felt compassion, it immediately turned to action, demonstrating that true compassion isn't just an emotion but a catalyst for doing good.

One powerful example we discussed was how Jesus, even while dying on the cross, made arrangements for his mother's care. This wasn't a miraculous act but a deeply human one showing his love and concern for family. Similarly, when he washed his disciples' feet—a humble task typically reserved for servants—he demonstrated that greatness comes through service. These moments weren't supernatural, but they were transformative displays of genuine love that we can practice today. The challenge for us isn't to replicate Christ's divine nature but to embody his heart for others in practical ways.

Perhaps the most profound lesson is about how we see others. Jesus saw beyond the surface to the soul within each person he encountered. Our mission challenge focuses on this: praying for a heart like Jesus, asking God to help us see people as he does. When someone cuts us off in traffic, do we see an inconsiderate driver or a soul that Jesus gave his life for? This shift in perspective changes everything. Coupled with this prayer, we challenge ourselves to serve someone in an unexpected way—to get in front of a need without being asked, offering help that may not be repaid. This proactive approach to doing good mirrors Jesus's own ministry where he consistently anticipated needs and responded with compassion.

Listen to the episode now!

A Study of Good Works

The concept of "good works" is foundational to Christian life, yet it's often misunderstood or approached with hesitation. In the inaugural episode of Made for Good, hosts Josh and Mark delve into the biblical understanding of good works and why they're central to our purpose as Christians. Their journey began years ago with a simple question: "Have you ever looked up how many times the Bible talks about good works or actively doing good?" This curiosity led to weekly Bible studies that eventually transformed into a 16-lesson class for their church community.

One of the most critical clarifications they make is that good works don't lead to salvation—rather, they flow from it. As Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states, salvation comes by grace through faith, not as a result of works. However, verse 10 continues with the purpose behind salvation: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." This represents a profound shift in perspective for many believers. Christians aren't doing good works to earn God's favor; they're doing them because they've already been transformed and equipped specifically for this purpose.

Jesus himself modeled this lifestyle perfectly. He didn't just preach love—he demonstrated it through feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and serving the broken. His approach always pointed to the Father rather than drawing attention to himself. As Matthew 5:16 instructs, "Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who's in heaven." This illuminates the true purpose of Christian service: not self-promotion, but glorification of God. The tension between letting our light shine (Matthew 5) and not practicing righteousness to be seen by others (Matthew 6) isn't contradictory but speaks to our motivation—are we seeking human approval or God's?

The hosts identify several barriers that often prevent Christians from engaging in good works: busyness, fear (especially of rejection), doubt about whether small actions make a difference, and reluctance to step outside comfort zones. These challenges can paralyze believers, making them hesitant to act even when they recognize opportunities to do good. However, Josh and Mark emphasize that good works don't need to be grandiose gestures. Simple actions like writing an encouraging note, helping a neighbor, or checking in on someone who seems sad can create ripple effects that impact lives in ways we may never fully see.

The podcast concludes with a practical challenge: pray for opportunities to do good, commit to at least one act of kindness this week, examine your motivations, and consider keeping a private journal of the good works you do each day—not for public recognition, but to remind yourself how God is working through you. This approach helps believers remember that they are fulfilling their divine purpose when they engage in acts of service, regardless of how small those acts might seem.

Listen to the episode now!