The Christian Compass

History, like a tapestry woven with countless threads, is a blend of light and shadow, triumph and tragedy. The history of Christianity, spanning over two millennia, is no exception. While it has inspired acts of love, compassion, and social justice, it also bears the stains of violence, oppression, and intolerance. In recent times, there has been a surge in critical discussions about Christianity's troubled past. Events like the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the atrocities committed during colonization have cast a long shadow over the faith. Some critics use these historical events to question the validity of Christianity itself. As Christians, how should we respond to these challenges? Should we shy away from the uncomfortable truths of our history? Or should we confront them head-on, seeking to understand the complexities and learn from the mistakes of the past? Embracing Historical Accuracy and Critical Thinking Ignoring or denying historical facts is not an option for t...

Pride is a complex emotion that can easily entangle us in its web. While a sense of accomplishment and self-worth is healthy, pride, in its destructive form, can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. As Christians, we are called to embrace humility, recognizing that all our talents, achievements, and possessions are gifts from God. Proverbs 16:18 warns us, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." So, how can we navigate the fine line between healthy self-esteem and destructive pride? Here are some practical steps to cultivate humility in our lives: Acknowledge the Roots of Pride: The first step towards overcoming pride is understanding its origins. Does your pride stem from your accomplishments, talents, social status, or something else? By identifying the root cause, you can begin to address it. Embrace Your Dependence on God: Remember that everything you have is a gift from God. Your talents, abilities, and possessions a...

Have you ever felt like a failure in your Christian walk? Like you're not measuring up to God's standards or expectations? These feelings are more common than you might think. Many Christians experience doubts, struggles, and setbacks on their faith journey. But the good news is that you don't have to let these feelings define you. With God's help, you can overcome them and grow stronger in your faith. Understanding the Root of Failure: The first step to overcoming feelings of failure is to understand where they come from. Often, these feelings stem from unrealistic expectations, comparing ourselves to others, or focusing on our shortcomings rather than our strengths. It's important to remember that we are all sinners, and we all fall short of God's glory. But through Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Finding Hope and Strength in Christ: When you're feeling like a failure, it's important to turn to Christ for hope and strength. He is the source of ou...