The phrase “the pursuit of happiness” resonates deeply within the fabric of American values, encapsulated in the famous words of the Declaration of Independence. These words assert that happiness is a fundamental right, an idea that has been met with both support and criticism.

Did you grow up among Christians who said, “Don’t drink, smoke, chew, or go with folks who do”? Lots of churches had “lists” of what to avoid and definitions of worldliness that might include things like playing cards, dancing, and shopping on Sundays.

The declining birth rate in the West is poised to create a significant economic crisis, costing the U.S. quadrillions of dollars, according to recent reports. Despite past concerns about overpopulation, fertility rates in the U.S. and Europe remain below the replacement level of 2.1 children per family.

In 1925, Mahatma Gandhi published a list of Seven Social Sins. They are a stark moral warning about behaviors that corrode society from within: Wealth without Work, Pleasure without Conscience, Knowledge without Character, Commerce without Morality, Science without Humanity, Religion without Sacrifice, and Politics without Principle.

What if your bank account said “empty,” but heaven's ledger said “overflowing”? That’s the paradox Jesus proclaimed to the persecuted Christians in the ancient city of Smyrna. In Revelation 2:9, He says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich.” At first glance, this seems contradictory.

The world feels like it’s on edge. Tariff wars are shaking up global trade, the U.S. is more divided than ever, and businesses everywhere are scrambling to keep up. In times like these, Business as Mission (BAM) isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity.

It seems that everywhere one looks these days there is world stress, conflict and humanitarian crisis. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) lists Sudan, the Middle East, and Myanmar as the top three crisis we can’t ignore.

Imagine walking through a bustling city in the American South in the 1860s. Slavery still stains the land, and freedom—even when promised by law—has yet to reach many in chains. The air is thick with heat, dust, and injustice.

Generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about having a heart like God’s. I had boxed generosity into neat categories—donating, tithing, and occasional good deeds. But God’s generosity isn’t structured—it’s extravagant, spontaneous, and unlimited.

Decades ago, when I was single, I could make financial decisions, go on vacations, or indulge in an expensive hobby like flying an airplane without consulting anyone. However, as a husband and father, I must be accountable to my wife regarding how I choose to spend money.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” — Proverbs 3:9–10. This Proverb offers practical wisdom for how believers can approach financial decisions with a heart of worship.

The Church emerged in the context of the Roman Empire. It’s gone, but the Church remains. Stalin once dismissed the Church by asking “how many  (military) divisions does the Pope have?”. Stalin and the Soviet Union are gone, but the Church remains.