Spiritual Journey Insights

  Introduction: A Name, A Title, and a Tension In certain Christian circles, few things stir more debate than the use of titles—especially religious ones—before someone’s name. The title Reverend often becomes the center of this debate. Interestingly, although I personally do not use Reverend in my own introductions or communications, I often find it added to my name when others design flyers or introduce me at meetings. When I’ve had the choice, I’ve preferred simpler, context-appropriate titles like Pastor or Dr. , depending on the occasion.  This isn’t merely a personal preference; it opens a broader discussion. Why does the use of titles trigger such strong responses? And what can Scripture, culture, and even language history teach us about this? The Meaning, Origin, and Use of the Title "Reverend" The word Reverend comes from the Latin word "reverendus" , which means "worthy of reverence" or "to be revered." It is a passive form of the L...

“Is it true? Is it good? Is it useful?” —  The Three Filters Test, attributed to Socrates Introduction: A Whisper Can Wound Rumors are often dressed as concern, curiosity, or "just sharing." They travel fast, grow wild, and leave broken trust in their wake. In an age of instant communication, Socrates’ ancient wisdom is more relevant than ever. One of the most powerful stories attributed to Socrates is his "Three Filters Test"—a guide not just for what we say, but what we choose to hear. While its historical authenticity is debated, the principles reflect the kind of moral reasoning Socrates was known for. Let’s revisit this timeless story—and what it teaches us about handling rumors wisely. The Story: Socrates and the Gossiping Man One day, a man came to Socrates and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?” Socrates replied, “Before you tell me, I’d like you to pass a little test. I call it the Triple Filter Test. ” Filter 1: Truth “A...

“Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.” — Ecclesiastes 7:21 (ESV) Don’t pay attention to everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you -  — Ecclesiastes 7:21  (CSB)     Introduction: When Words Wound Words are powerful. They build and destroy, heal and harm. But in a world saturated with opinions, comments, and criticisms—from social media to workplace banter—how do we protect our hearts from unnecessary pain? Ecclesiastes 7:21 gives us a simple yet profound answer: Don’t take everything to heart. This small verse tucked into the wisdom literature of Scripture speaks volumes about emotional health, relationships, and spiritual maturity.  1. The Reality: People Talk—Sometimes Carelessly The verse begins, “Do not take to heart all the things that people say…” Why? Because people say a lot . Some words are spoken in frustration, others in jest, and some without full knowledge or un...