Note: I’ll keep saying it: If it is important to you, then schedule it. Whether a person or hobby, you will keep thinking that you just don’t have time if you don’t “make” time.
The Socratic Method: This is an important concept and practice in the history of Western philosophy. Click here to watch a short video. In a society that is becoming increasingly polarized, it could help if people took it to heart.
Slow When Responding: Whether a text, a response on social media, or a chat with a co-worker, it is so important to NOT immediately respond if there is any reason that the topic stirs you at an emotional level. Wait one minute, or five minutes, or 30 minutes, or at least an hour—then respond. Once you type the response, wait another 5-10 minutes. You want to respond, not react. James gives us wisdom that is so relevant even in our digital age: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (Jas 1:19–20). Quick to listen. Slow to speak.
J.R.R. Tolkien on Greed: In a moving part of The Fellowship of the Ring (book), Galadriel, the Lady of the Galadhrim, says to Gimli the Dwarf as they prepare to leave the enchanted land of Lorien: “I say to you, Gimli son of Gloin, that your hands shall flow with gold, and yet over you gold shall have no dominion.”
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. (Ecc. 5:10 NIV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Heb 13:5 NIV)
BJ Condrey, Ph.D. 