Sincerity is a Christian virtue, as is honesty about our struggles. But my generation needs to realize that Christianity is more than chic fragility, endless self-revelation, and the coolness that comes with authenticity.

I try to keep in my mind the simple question: Am I trying to do good or make myself look good? Too many of our responsibilities get added to our plate when we are trying to please people, impress people, prove ourselves, acquire power, increase our prestige. All those motivations are about looking good more than doing good.

The only chains God wants us to wear are the chains of righteousness--not the chains of hopeless subjectivism, not the shackles of risk-free living, not the fetters of horoscope decision making--just the chains befitting a bond servant of Christ Jesus. Die to self. Live for Christ. And then do what you want, and go where you want, for God's glory.

God is still here, God is still real, and God has not gone anywhere, even if you have.

The secret of the gospel is that we actually do more when we hear less about all we need to do for God and hear more about all that God has already done for us.

Tolerance is a relatively weak virtue; we're called to so much more than that in the body of Christ.

When busyness goes after joy, it goes after everyone's joy.