Author Archives: Steven Wales

Wine is for “Losers”

Remember Prohibition? One hundred years ago, reformers won passage of a Constitutional Amendment prohibiting the sale of alcohol in all fifty states. Thirteen years later that amendment was repealed. But the Temperance movement had an impact. Churches and families once neutral about drinking took a stand against it. Why? Because alcohol hurt families. The stereotypeContinue reading “Wine is for “Losers””

Education is Not Enough.

The world has never been more educated.  There are more universities today than at any time in history. And the “information superhighway” allows anyone to learn anything. Yet what is suggested as the solution to every problem?  More education. What will keep fatherless young men out of prison? Education. Prevent teen pregnancy? Education. Gangs? Education.Continue reading “Education is Not Enough.”

Don’t Take the Bait.

Every day fish become prey because they take the bait. They see a potential meal—and instead they become the meal. What bait works on you? What fools you? What bait got Solomon? He was the wealthiest king who ever lived, taking in 25 tons of gold EVERY YEAR. When the Queen of Sheba saw hisContinue reading “Don’t Take the Bait.”

Pet Sin.

Do you have a pet sin? An area where you convince yourself what you’re doing is okay? Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  Kings from around the world came to visit and listen to his wisdom. He could explain the world—from people and politics to the mysteries of plants and animals and weather.Continue reading “Pet Sin.”

Vocations and Avocations.

We are blessed. Capitalism, fossil fuels, electricity, and other factors have combined to make ours the richest society in history. We can survive working only eight hours a day, while some economies require much more. And that leaves room for hobbies, second jobs, and a variety of “diversions” to give your mind a restful breakContinue reading “Vocations and Avocations.”

It is the Lord Christ Whom You Serve.

Did God call you to achieve your current goals? Or did you choose those goals without consulting Him?  It is no joy to work for a difficult boss—EVEN WHEN THAT BOSS IS YOURSELF.  But when God calls you, you will never doubt that you do not work for others, or for yourself, but for God. Continue reading “It is the Lord Christ Whom You Serve.”

Day Jobs and Night Jobs.

My parents were ALWAYS BUSY. The house was always clean.  My dad was always repairing something, crawling under the car or up into the attic. The yard was never sloppy. We had home cooking every night, never without a salad. These were two people who absolutely HUSTLED every day. Not everyone is made that way,Continue reading “Day Jobs and Night Jobs.”

The Stress of Being Rich.

Saturday Twila said, “When I see places like this, I just think that inside these houses are all these rich people, just living their rich, happy lives, without any problems.” I mentioned an old cliché: Sometimes when you are wealthy, “you no longer own your stuff, but your stuff owns you.” Do you understand that?Continue reading “The Stress of Being Rich.”

Can You Enjoy Hard Work?

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes: “I took pleasure in all my struggles.” Ecclesiastes 2:10. Have you ever stopped in the middle of hard work and caught yourself enjoying it? A friend of mine was on the rowing team at Rutgers University and worked out so hard that throwing up was an everyday thing. And one day,Continue reading “Can You Enjoy Hard Work?”