NorthStar Church Blog

Generational Purpose

Kevin Burrell on September 17, 2025

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he died.”

Acts 13:36

GENERATIONAL PURPOSE

When watching football game highlights, we frequently hear the words “impact player.” A player who makes a game-saving tackle, interception, catch, or scores the winning touchdown or field goal is referred to as an “impact player” for his performance. Unfortunately, the term is used so often that it carries little meaning.

Some people end up giving their lives for the sake of a cause or to serve someone other than themselves. Such a person was former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman. Tillman was a high-energy player in the NFL who gained fame for his unrelenting play and ability to rise to any challenge. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Tillman turned down a lucrative multi-million-dollar contract from the Cardinals to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. In the end, Pat Tillman lost his life not on the football field, but on the battlefield. He “served God’s purpose in his own generation.”

In a similar way, David’s life was not defined by perfection but by purpose. He stumbled, he sinned, and he failed. He experienced seasons of triumph and seasons of despair. Yet Scripture summarizes his life with this simple, profound statement: he “served God’s purpose in his own generation.” That was the measure of his life.

The same is true for us. We are not called to live in another time or to carry someone else’s assignment. God has placed us here, in this generation, at this time, with its unique challenges, opportunities, and needs. Your purpose is now. God has woven into you gifts, passions, skills, abilities, and experiences that were meant for this very moment in history.

Listen closely: Just like David, there will come a day when your work on earth is complete—not a moment too soon and not a moment too late. Until then, every breath is a chance to serve the purpose of God—whether through faithful obedience in small things, courage in difficult moments, or love that reflects Christ in a broken and hopeless world.

The question isn’t how long you will live, but how faithfully you will live. Are you seeking your own agenda, or are you surrendered to God’s purpose? Are you busy with what will fade away, or are you investing in what will last forever?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

For whatever time you have left on this earth, “serve God’s purpose in your own generation.” Leave a mark with your life that will outlive you when you are gone.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 44 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Ask God

Sellers Hickman on September 17, 2025

⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5 (ESV)

ASK GOD

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Is this wise?”
It’s a very valid question we often ask—when making big purchases, planning trips, navigating friendships, or deciding what food to eat. Some choices are small and seemingly insignificant, while others carry long-term impact. Either way, we often pause and wonder, “Is this the best thing to do?”

James 1:5 gives us a simple yet profound answer: Why don’t you just ask God?

One of the simplest commands in Scripture is also one of the most life-changing: ask God. James says if we lack wisdom, we should simply ask—because God gives generously. Not reluctantly. Not sparingly. Generously.

Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe—the same God who spoke galaxies into existence—invites you to bring Him your questions, your confusion, your decisions, and your needs. He promises not to scold you for asking. He won’t shame you for your uncertainty. Instead, He will give generously. What a picture of grace!

Now here’s the tension: if the invitation to ask God for wisdom is so clear, and if He promises to give generously, why do we often struggle to ask? Maybe it’s pride—we want to prove we can handle things on our own. Maybe it’s fear—what if God’s wisdom leads us somewhere uncomfortable? Maybe it’s doubt—we’re not sure if God really cares about the details of our lives.

In our heads, there are a million reasons not to ask, but James pushes us past all of them. He reminds us that God’s character isn’t stingy or reluctant. He delights to give His children wisdom when they ask.

It’s worth noting that James doesn’t say God will give us information. At the click of a button, you can learn how to fix a sink, change a tire, cook a gourmet meal, or even plan your retirement. There are blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and endless “expert” opinions on every topic under the sun. Information is easy to come by.

But wisdom is something far deeper. Information can tell you what to do, but wisdom helps you discern when and how to do it. Wisdom applies God’s truth to real-life situations. It takes knowledge and transforms it into righteous action. It helps you hold your tongue instead of stirring up division. It teaches you to forgive even when bitterness feels easier. It guides you to be patient when everything in life is pushing you faster.

Here’s the beauty of wisdom: it isn’t reserved for the super-spiritual. It’s not locked away behind a seminary degree or a certain number of years following the Lord. James says it is available to anyone who asks. That means you—right now—in whatever situation you’re facing.

But here’s the catch: wisdom doesn’t always come with the answer we want. Sometimes God calls us to things we would rather not do. Wisdom doesn’t always align with our instincts. But it always leads us closer to His heart.

So where do you need wisdom right now? Identify one specific area—family, work, finances, relationships—and bring it before God. Stop trying to figure it all out on your own. Stop carrying the weight of every decision as if it’s all on your shoulders. The God who knows the end from the beginning is inviting you to ask Him.

And when you do, trust His answer. It may not be what you expect, but it will be exactly what you need.

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

Digging Deeper: Wait on God

Sellers Hickman on September 16, 2025

⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:4 (ESV)

WAIT ON GOD

Waiting does not come easy nowadays. Amazon Prime one-day shipping doesn’t feel fast enough sometimes. The drive-through takes too long. I-75 South was too slow, so you got a Peach Pass—and now even that isn’t as fast as you’d like. We live in a culture of instant gratification, and when things don’t happen in our timing, it’s easy to get frustrated. Waiting stretches us in unusual ways because it is so countercultural simply to wait.

James tells us in verse 4 that steadfastness must have its full effect. Can I be honest? That doesn’t sound quick. But James is saying that in order for us to grow, it will take time. Waiting is not wasted time. In fact, it may be the very place where God wants to do His best work in you.

None of us like to wait. But God sees something bigger. Think back to Genesis and the story of Abram. God promised him descendants who would outnumber the stars. There was only one problem: he had no children, and he was 75 years old. This was a promise God had made to him, but it did not begin to materialize for another 25 years! (God must not have believed in Amazon Prime.) Abram even became impatient with God and tried to take matters into his own hands through his servant Hagar.

This is the reality of waiting—it reveals who we trust and how dependent we are on God. If every prayer were answered instantly, would we truly depend on the Lord? If God supernaturally provided everything we ever desired, would we even believe that we needed Him?

In a strange way, waiting becomes a gift. It forces us to slow down, unclench our grip on control, and live in a posture of faith. Waiting strips away the illusion of self-sufficiency and reminds us that we are not God. Honestly, I wonder if waiting is one of the Lord’s ways of training our hearts to remember that we are fully dependent on Him.

So how can we wait well?

Stay rooted in Scripture — When God feels silent, His Word still speaks. Fill your mind with His promises while you wait.
Pray honestly — Waiting isn’t about pretending you’re okay. Pour out your frustration and weariness to God. He can handle it!
Be patient with others — Seasons of waiting can make us irritable because we feel unsteady. Let the Spirit use this time to grow your gentleness and grace toward those around you.
Look back at His faithfulness — Waiting means you don’t yet know the end of the story. Take heart in how God has written past chapters of your life. Remind yourself of how He has proven Himself faithful before.

Let’s be honest: waiting can hurt. It can bring tears, frustration, and moments of deep despair. Some of you may have been waiting for years—for healing, restoration, or breakthrough. James isn’t minimizing that pain. Instead, he challenges us to lift our eyes to the bigger picture. Waiting is never wasted. God is completing something in you that can only be formed through time.

Today, make the daily choice to trust God in your waiting. Don’t rush the process. Don’t despise the delay. God may be using this very season to shape your heart, strengthen your faith, and prepare you for something greater than you could ever imagine!

Digging Deeper: Remember God

Sellers Hickman on September 15, 2025

²Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

James 1:2-3 (ESV)

REMEMBER GOD

Those two words don’t seem like they belong in the same sentence (especially after the difficult few weeks we’ve been experiencing). When life is painful and relationships are strained, when finances are tight, joy is usually the last emotion we want to feel. Yet James opens his letter by telling believers to “count it all joy” when they face trials.

That’s not how most of us respond. When we’re stretched thin by life, our first instinct is usually frustration, not joy. We ask questions like, “Why is this happening?” or “Where is God in this?”

But James reminds us of something crucial: God is at work in our trials. When our faith is tested, perseverance grows. Trials are not wasted; they are a training ground for faith.

James doesn’t suggest that we might face trials—he knows we will face them. He is preparing us for what’s inevitable. Faith is ultimately grown under pressure. Just as a muscle grows when pushed to its limits, faith strengthens when it’s stretched beyond comfort. Without the stretching of our faith, we would remain shallow and fragile—pushed around by the wind and easily deceived. With trials, our faith becomes resilient, deep, and real.

Do we wish trials upon ourselves? Absolutely not! But when we face trials, our response reveals a lot about the God we believe in. I encourage you to remember these three things when a trial comes your way: God’s character, purpose, and presence.

God’s Character — God is faithful. His character never changes. Just because we are walking through hardship does not mean that God is any less good.
God’s Purpose — God uses difficulties to grow us, not destroy us. It may feel like trials are out of line with God’s purpose, but what if they are the very thing He is using to shape you into who He created you to be?
God’s Presence — You are not alone in this. God is near to you, even in the trial.

James isn’t calling us to fake happiness in hard times. He’s not saying, “Fake it until you make it.” Instead, he points us to a deeper joy—a joy that can coexist with grief, hardship, and struggle. Joy isn’t denial; it’s remembering God’s bigger picture. Joy is the assurance that God is producing something eternal through our suffering.

Paul echoes this in Romans 5:3–4: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Joy isn’t found in the trial itself, but in the God who works through the trial and holds us in it.

Maybe today you need the reminder of what comes on the other side of trials: a mature faith—steady and unshakable.

Here’s my challenge for the next time you face a trial: Write this on a piece of paper and display it in your car—

“Count it all joy.
God is at work in this.”

Digging Deeper – Forgive and Be Forgiven

Chris Boggess on September 12, 2025

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:23-24

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15

DEEDS NOT WORDS

Today, as we approach the act of forgiveness, I see this more as a reminder than a new idea. We all know, logically, that holding on to past grievances doesn’t impact the person who committed them nearly as much as it affects our own lives. Refusing to forgive keeps us stuck in the moment of the hurt, while the other person is probably not even thinking about it.

For that very reason, I think Matthew 5:23–24 is so thought-provoking. It is easy for us to forget the things we’ve done to others, but in this passage Jesus tells us to be mindful of what others might have against us. That is not at all how we usually think. Thinking this way requires intentional self-evaluation. As we looked at earlier in the week, we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions. So when we realize that someone has something against us, it’s easy to excuse our actions by saying what we did “wasn’t that bad” and that the person holding it against us is the one in the wrong. But these verses don’t take right and wrong into account at all. Jesus is only talking about the fractured relationship—and He says it’s on us to try to fix it before we point our hearts heavenward. He is pointing us back to the “Love God, Love People” command. He is reminding us of the connection between our relationships with others and our relationship with God.

Then Matthew 6 reinforces that same connection. If we want to have a right and forgiving relationship with God, we must cultivate that same kind of relationship with the people around us.

We all know we need God’s forgiveness, but sometimes we also feel like we need to forgive God. Not because He has wronged us—He hasn’t—but because in our pain, disappointment, or waiting, it can feel that way. I know I’ve had times when I consciously or unconsciously felt God wasn’t treating me fairly. I was waiting for an answer or struggling through a painful season, and I didn’t like it. Forgiveness, even in this sense, is a choice: to let go of that ill feeling (whether justified or not) and move forward in trust.

Take a moment and evaluate your own life. Are there people you need to forgive? Are there people you need to ask for forgiveness? Are there areas of your life where you need God’s forgiveness? Are there places where you are holding a grudge against Him? Ask God to reveal those things to you, and take time today to make them right.

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper – Deeds Not Words

Chris Boggess on September 11, 2025

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ ²⁹And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. ³⁰And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. ³¹Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. ³²For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.”

Matthew 21:28-32

DEEDS NOT WORDS

When I was a kid, a movie came out called Megaforce. I wouldn’t recommend it—unless you’re in the mood for a cheesy action flick. Before its release in the summer of 1982, I remember seeing ads for Megaforce on the back covers of many comics (I was an avid comic reader). The ad showed a tall, muscular guy with his arm around a girl in a red dress. All around him were cool, futuristic military vehicles with guns blazing. It looked amazing to my teenage self! Written across the top of the ad in simulated neon letters was the phrase: “DEEDS NOT WORDS.”

The movie turned out to be disappointing, but that phrase really stuck in my head. I thought it was cool.

If we want to build a relationship with anyone, what we do is more important than what we say. It’s usually only in dysfunctional relationships that words are given priority over actions. If someone claims to be your friend but constantly makes excuses not to spend time with you, and never does anything you ask, you’d be foolish to keep calling them your friend.

Our relationship with God works the same way. If we attend church, recite all the right words, sing every worship song in the correct key, and take notes on the app during the message—but then live like the devil for the rest of the week—our actions and words are not aligned. No matter how well we talk about God, it’s our actions that give us away.

Eugene Peterson put it this way: “Each act of obedience by the Christian is a modest proof, unequivocal for all its imperfection, of the reality of what he attests.” Or, in the words of the old children’s song: “Obedience is the very best way to show what you believe.”

What do your DEEDS say about your relationship with God? Do you spend time with Him? Do you make obedience to Him a priority? Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you where you’re falling short—and then take action to address it.

Digging Deeper – Faith Over Time

Chris Boggess on September 10, 2025

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Hebrews 11:8

FAITH OVER TIME

We talked yesterday about Abraham’s relationship with God and his communication with Him. Today, we’ll look at a different aspect of that relationship. The keyword is relationship. Abraham didn’t view God as just a force in his life, nor did he see God as a vending machine into which he deposited worship and then received whatever he desired. God was a living personality with whom Abraham interacted on a daily basis.

Eugene Peterson, in his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, summed up the way many people think about faith today:

“Too often we think of religion as a far-off, mysteriously run bureaucracy to which we apply for assistance when we feel the need. We go to a local branch office and direct the clerk (sometimes called a pastor) to fill out our order for God. Then we go home and wait for God to be delivered to us according to the specifications that we have set down. But that is not the way it works. And if we thought about it for two consecutive minutes, we would not want it to work that way.”

We want God on our terms and our timeline. When He doesn’t present Himself that way or fails to meet our deadlines, we question what He’s up to. In relationships, that kind of behavior—though common—is not healthy. We often judge others’ actions (including God’s) and assign motives to those actions. The irony is that we don’t judge ourselves that way. We look at our own motives and use them to justify our actions, however wrong they may be. We say things like, “I didn’t mean to,” as if good intentions erase the impact our actions have on others.

Throughout the Bible, we see people questioning God. When Job questioned God’s motive behind his suffering, God responded, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2)—essentially saying, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” In Isaiah, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8), reminding us that His motives are often beyond our understanding.

With Abraham, we see someone willing to trust that God is doing the right thing even when he doesn’t understand it. He trusts when God tells him to move. He trusts when God promises him a son. He even trusts when God asks him to place that son on an altar. Abraham trusted God on God’s terms. When things didn’t make sense, he looked back at years of God’s faithfulness. That kind of faith doesn’t arrive overnight like a Prime delivery—it takes time and work, just like any lasting relationship.

Healthy relationships are not built in a moment but over time. Abraham saw that his obedience continually led him back to God’s faithfulness. Take a moment to examine your own life. Is the same true for you? Can you see times when your obedience to God has been met with His faithfulness? Is there an area where you’re questioning whether God has your best interests in mind? Go to Him and tell Him.

Living a “Much Fruit” Life

Kevin Burrell on September 10, 2025

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will produce much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

LIVING A “MUCH FRUIT” LIFE

In northern California, vineyards are known for their ability to produce varying amounts of fruit—some yielding more, and others producing much more—depending on factors like vine care and environmental conditions. The process of pruning and nurturing the vines is essential for maximizing fruit. Interestingly, vineyards are categorized into three main types: “fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.” Each category reflects the vineyard’s cultivation practices and the quality of the grapes produced.

In John 15:5, Jesus makes a profound statement. Read it very closely:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

When you read John 15, you will notice the progression of life producing…

Fruit. More Fruit. Much Fruit!

This means a believer’s life is not static—it grows. God’s desire is not that we simply survive with little evidence of faith, but that our lives overflow and produce the character of Christ.

However, we get to choose. Living a “Much Fruit Life” depends on how deeply we choose to abide in Christ, how surrendered we are to His Spirit, and how willing we are to allow Him to prune us so we can grow in spiritual maturity.

The “fruit” Jesus speaks of is not our gifts, talents, achievements, or good works. It is the evidence of His character alive in us. Paul names this fruit clearly in Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

These nine attributes are what make Christ’s character visible to others through us. Every choice we make, every word we speak, every response we give has the potential to either draw people to His character—or drive people away from it.

Listen closely: To produce a “Much Fruit” life, you must continually abide in Jesus by spending time in His Word, leaning into daily prayer, and keeping your eyes fixed on Him, walking toward Him in obedience each day. It is not about trying harder in your own strength; it is about staying connected to the Vine. Remember, the branch never struggles to make grapes—the branch simply stays connected to the vine, and the life of the vine flows through it.

When you choose to surrender your will to God’s will, He prunes away what hinders your spiritual growth. The pruning may be uncomfortable at times, but it makes room for exponential growth.

The world does not need more Christians who look like the culture; it needs more Christians who are producing the character of Christ.

Live a “Much Fruit” Life.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

Digging Deeper – Communication

Chris Boggess on September 9, 2025

And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” ⁴And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” ⁵And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ⁶And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Genesis 15:3-6

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

James 4:8-10

COMMUNICATION

At the beginning of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, we see story after story of people going against God, and God correcting their behavior. From Adam and Eve to the flood to the Tower of Babel, no one seems able to maintain a relationship with God. Then we meet Abraham.

Abraham was a rich man with herds and servants. He was doing well for himself. Then God called him to pick up stakes and move hundreds of miles away. God made promises to Abraham, and Abraham made the astonishing choice to move just as God asked him. That is big faith.

Every relationship we have begins with an act of faith. From the playground to the boardroom to the wedding altar, every relationship requires faith in the other person. For that faith to continue, there must be communication and action.

Abraham’s relationship with God began when God communicated with him. However, as the story unfolds, Abraham also communicates with God. He tells God his longing for a child. Didn’t God already know that Abraham wanted that? Hadn’t God already promised him offspring? Yet God doesn’t get angry; He encourages Abraham.

God wants us to share our concerns, desires, and even our sins with Him. We know He already knows those things—He knows us better than we know ourselves—but He wants us to share them anyway. It demonstrates our faith in Him. In Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, C. S. Lewis puts it this way: “Even an intimate human friend is ill-used if we talk to him about one thing while our mind is on another.”

Communicating honestly with God and going to Him first when we need Him honors our relationship with Him. The ones we are closest to should always be the ones we want to share our joys and sorrows with first. When we draw near to Him, He draws near to us.

Take a minute now and examine yourself. Are there things you need to talk to God about? Are there fears, desires, or secret sins you need to bring before Him? Not because He is unaware, but because you have a relationship with Him. Be honest with Him.

Digging Deeper – Love God, Love People

Chris Boggess on September 8, 2025

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” ³⁷And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:36-40

“We love because he first loved us. ²⁰If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. ²¹And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

1 John 4:19-21

LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE

A long time ago, I received some good advice. I’ve heard this sentiment repeated often, but I’m pretty sure the first person to share it with me was Mr. Bassitt, my leadership class teacher at St. Albans High School. (I know—another SAHS story—but I learned a lot about life in high school.) He said you should pay attention to the way people treat those who are serving them. The way you treat the waitstaff at a restaurant or the cashier at the store shows how you really feel about people. That’s why, he said, taking someone out to eat is a great first date: not only do you get to sit and talk with someone for an extended period, but you also get to see how they interact with the servers.

Through the years, I’ve seen this play out over and over. Perhaps it’s just my perception, but when I see someone treat a server poorly, I assume they don’t like people very much. However, I think it goes deeper than that. It reveals the default feelings people have about others. One behavior reveals another.

Jesus and John both point to this same idea in the scripture above: one action or attitude reveals another. The way we love people relates directly to the way we love God. This seems very important, because one is evident to those around us while the other is easier to hide—even from ourselves.

I think we can fool ourselves about how we really feel. I remember going to lunch with a guy who wanted to intern with me for the summer. As we were eating, he told me he was a “people person” and listed all the clubs and groups he was part of at college. But the only time he spoke to our waitress was to order his food and ask for a drink refill. When it came time to pay, he said I shouldn’t leave a full tip because the waitress was “scowly.” Apparently, in his book, smiling was a requirement for a tip.

As we headed back to the church, I told him what I had observed. He seemed surprised. At first, he was defensive and thought I was being unfair: “I told you I really am a people person!” To his credit, as he started to verbalize his thoughts, he realized he wasn’t treating people the way he should—unless they had something to offer him. At the same time, he expected others to treat him well. He ended up not interning for me, but years later he contacted me to thank me for that lesson.

Like a thermometer when you’re sick, how you treat people around you is a good way to diagnose whether your relationship with God is healthy. Take a minute to check your spiritual temperature. How are you showing love to those around you—both the familiar and the unfamiliar? Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you where you’re missing the mark in your relationships, and ask Him to strengthen your relationship with Him.

And as always, don’t forget to tip your waitress.