Articles for tag: Worst Advice

July 27, 2014

ByÂ Cam Huxford (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I”ve Ever Received.”) When I was in college, I had dated a girl for some time but hesitated to take the relationship to the next level and ask her to marry me. I hesitated because I had concerns about a number of subtle issues related to her spiritual intensity, attitude, and aptitude for ministry. Because she was accomplished, attractive, and we seemed to get along well, many of my friends told me I should not worry about these concerns. They said, “Everyone has doubts and concerns before they get married;

July 19, 2014

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Leadership

Their Prison, My Freedom

By Dick Alexander (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I”ve Ever Received.”) I was in the middle of a long period of what seemed like relentless attack from people in a church I served, when a friend advised me my critics were not the enemy, but prisoners of the enemy. It set me free””free from we-they polarization. Free from choosing sides. Free to see them with compassion. The harshest critics were prisoners. In general, they didn”t enjoy life. They were prisoners of bitterness, anger, and unresolved past hurts. His advice, the best advice I”ve received, set me free

July 17, 2014

Christian Standard

Christian Living

Too Pretty?

By Mary Kamau (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I”ve Ever Received.”) It is very easy for me to pick the worst advice I ever received. The heart behind the advice was pure, but the thinking behind it was opposite of the direction God was leading. The advice came from a trusted board member of our organization. He felt we were growing too fast. Somehow we needed to slow the growth and take more control. He wanted us to stop the growth until all aspects of the ministry were “pretty.” This advice was offered in 2008, when we

July 15, 2014

Christian Standard

Care & Counseling Grief & Suffering

Suffering All Around

By Dusty Rubeck (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I”ve Ever Received.”) About 15 years ago a wise older man on one of my boards told me, “Dusty, never underestimate the level of human suffering that exists in our world.” Then he repeated it. Again and again and again and again.Â Obviously, he could see this young leader wasn”t getting it. Now I do. Don, wherever you are, “Thank you.” I wish I”d listened more carefully back then. I see it now. You cannot turn in any direction without running into people who are suffering unimaginable pain (physical,

July 9, 2014

Christian Standard

Christian Living Work & Vocation

Be Patient!

By David Faust (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received.”) Worst advice about choosing a career (from my high school guidance counselor in 1972): “Don”t go into ministry. You will waste your life.” Best advice about choosing a career (from my Bible college professor, Charles A. Lee, in 1974): “Spend your life on things that matter. The worst curse in a job isn”t working for a difficult boss or being underpaid. The worst curse is meaninglessness.” Best advice about marriage (from a magazine article I read shortly after getting married in 1975): “Don”t overanalyze your