1. The top ten fears in America: Chapman University finds, “The top 10 fears in the 2023 survey suggest that Americans’ fears center on five main topics: corruption in government (number 1), economic concerns (numbers 2 & 10), war and terror (numbers 3, 4, 8, & 9), the harming or death of loved ones (numbers 4 & 5), and pollution of drinking water (number 7).”

2. As the outer is peeled away: Tim Challies reflects, “In the past few years, I have watched a number of dear friends grapple with terrible and ultimately terminal illnesses. I have watched people I only ever knew to be whole and strong fade until they were broken and weak. I have watched them accept the reality that their time was short and the Lord was calling them home. And through it all, I’m convinced that I’ve seen their faith shine all the brighter.”

3. Hearing the heart in bad theology: Kim Kira begins, “What do you do when you hear bad theology in a counseling session? You don’t need to be a counselor for very long to have heard it. Phrases like “I am all alone,” “I need to love myself,” and “Before I can forgive others, I need to forgive myself” are all undergirded by a misunderstanding of God and the world He has created.”

4. Americans say money can buy them happiness: This was genuinely surprising to me. Americans place a price tag on what they need as a salary and in their savings to be happy. Look, for instance, at the average salary Millennials say would be required for them to be happy.

5. Why is love called the greatest of these? Andrew David Naselli with an extended reflection I found after my sermon on a similar topic this past Sunday. He says, “When the Corinthians first heard these words, they would not have thought, “Aww, how sweet. What beautiful, inspiring words!” They would have received Paul’s words as a verbal spanking: “Ouch!” The repentant might pray, “God, forgive us for being so unloving. The way we are acting is ugly, but the way of love is beautiful.””

6. Some like it hot: Instacart reveals the top hot sauces in America. I’m a fan of Cholula. What is your favorite? 

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash