“Birds of a feather flock together.”

That saying means we feel most comfortable around people who look like us, talk like us, and think like us. Though natural, that tendency often costs us the opportunity to learn from and build relationships with people who hold different perspectives than we do.

Diversity is rooted in God’s character more than we often imagine. He creates human beings in His image, so every person is God’s image-bearer. Each person gives us a unique opportunity to know God more fully and to better appreciate what it means to be fully human.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family October 7, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Critics of the Bible say it’s outdated and irrelevant to modern society. Allow me to share just one example of why that’s not true.

Genesis 25 tells the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau. Esau, the firstborn, was entitled to his family’s inheritance, a responsibility that required strong character and wisdom. Unfortunately, he had neither. That becomes clear when Esau returns home after a long day of hunting. He’s so hungry that he begs his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family September 25, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One of the most heartbreaking letters to Focus on the Family I’ve read was from a grown woman who recounted her parents’ divorce when she was a little girl. Her dad told her, “Your mom and I aren’t capable of being together, so I’m leaving. But I’ll always be there for you. I’ll see you on weekends. I’ll see you on your birthday.”

She never saw her dad again.

That father made a lot of promises to his daughter and never kept one.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family September 24, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If someone asked you this question, how would you answer?

“What if my health declines to the point that I can only survive on a breathing machine. I’m not sure that’s something I want to do, but I’m afraid to dishonor the Lord. Should I artificially prolong my life with a respirator?”

When you’re wrestling with a question as profound as whether or not life is worth living, only God – not conventional wisdom – is adequate to answer.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family September 23, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did you know that nearly 40% of evangelicals believe “mercy killing” for someone who’s suffering is morally permissible?

That fact raises another question: How many Christians today understand the Bible’s perspective on suffering?

Few people have the credibility to address issues as poignant as suffering and the value of human life like Joni Eareckson Tada. Fifty years ago, she broke her neck in a diving accident and was left a quadriplegic. Since then, she’s been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and has stood against the movement that promotes suicide for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family September 20, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

There’s only one right answer to the question, “What do I do with a second chance?” You make the most of it.

That’s what NFL coach Mike McDaniels did. He was an assistant coach for the Houston Texans when he was fired after showing up late a second time to a 6 a.m. meeting. One minute, he was living his dream. The next, he was wondering if he’d ever get to coach in the National Football League again.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family September 17, 2024 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura