Author: pastordarryl68

Love. Live. Serve. Minimizing me...making much of JESUS! Loves God, family and crossroads|church. Husband, father, teacher, student, servant and worshiper.

Embodying the Christian Ethos: Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples

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Love Yahweh—with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love others—including, but not limited to, your family. Make disciples—including, but not limited to, your family.

This foundational triad forms the core of the Christian ethos, encapsulating the essence of discipleship and faithful living. Though seemingly straightforward, the challenge lies in the consistent enactment of these principles. These directives are at the heart of our faith, defining what it means to genuinely follow Christ. However, in the busyness of modern life, the simplicity of these profound mandates is often overshadowed, and our commitment to them frequently falters.

Love Yahweh: At its core, this command speaks to an all-encompassing devotion to God. It is not merely about emotional affection but about an integrated commitment involving heart, soul, mind, and strength. This type of love necessitates prioritizing God above all else, making Him the focal point of our lives. Yet, despite its importance, our devotion can easily become secondary amid the relentless demands of daily life. Our love for God calls us to rise above the distractions and obligations of daily life, making Him the center of everything we do.

Love Others: Flowing directly from our love for God is the imperative to love others. This is not a passive or selective love—it is active, encompassing all individuals, regardless of convenience or personal comfort. Jesus makes it explicit that true love for others extends beyond our immediate circles; it requires kindness, grace, and the pursuit of others’ well-being, even when inconvenient. Genuine love must manifest not only in words but also in concrete actions. This love calls us to rise above convenience, extending kindness and grace to all—even those whom we find difficult or unfamiliar. By loving others as Christ loves us, we embody the active, inclusive love that Jesus demonstrated.

Make Disciples: The task of making disciples is not confined to clergy or those with formal theological training. It is an essential component of every believer’s journey. Discipleship involves guiding others in their spiritual growth, nurturing their relationship with God, and embodying Christ’s teachings. This mandate is both inward and outward—it encompasses our families and extends to our communities, colleagues, and even strangers. However, many shy away from this responsibility, whether out of fear of judgment, discomfort, or simply the distractions of personal pursuits. Authentic discipleship requires intentionality and courage—qualities that are sometimes eclipsed by our own insecurities or complacency.

These three commands—loving God, loving others, and making disciples—though elegantly simple, are deeply transformative when practiced with consistency. The difficulty lies not in understanding these directives, but in integrating them into the fabric of our everyday lives. True discipleship requires us to make these values the core of our identity and our actions.

Concluding Reflection

The call to love God, love others, and make disciples is deceptively simple, yet it demands intentionality, consistency, and a deep commitment. These are not tasks to be performed in isolation but are integral elements of a faithful Christian life. Let us endeavor to embody this calling each day, recognizing that it is through these seemingly simple acts of love and discipleship that we truly reflect the heart of God to the world around us. In doing so, we participate in a transformative process—both for ourselves and for those we encounter—anchoring our lives in God’s love and sharing that love with others.

The Centrality of Jesus in Our Conversations

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I wonder if the watching world is as shocked as I am that Jesus is such an insignificant subject in many professing Christians’ conversations about themselves—their thoughts, actions, behaviors, and the details of their lives (myself included). It’s unsettling to consider how often we go about our days without mentioning the One who should be at the center of everything. How often do we miss opportunities to bring Him into our discussions, even in the mundane parts of life? Whether it’s at work, with family, or among friends, Jesus often seems absent from the dialogue.

Now, that’s not to say that we don’t often hear the Bible and God referenced when Christians discuss their opinions and judgments about the actions and behaviors of others. Or that some don’t wax eloquent with their interpretations of various biblical scenarios and theological matters. But how often is Jesus truly at the center of our everyday conversations—our hourly thoughts and actions? It seems that for many of us, Jesus is brought up when it’s convenient, when it suits our arguments, or when we want to make a point about morality. But what about in our day-to-day, when we’re just sharing life with others? Are we talking about Him then? Are we reflecting His love in our words and attitudes, even when we aren’t explicitly mentioning His name?

He is the One to whom we have committed everything, the One to whom we owe our allegiance and loyalty. He is the One who sacrificed His life so that we might know Him, the One who created us with intentionality and purpose. His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are what make a restored and reconciled relationship with Him possible. Shouldn’t He, then, be the core of our words, the foundation of our daily reflections, and the center of every decision we make? If Jesus is truly our Savior and Lord, then His influence should permeate every aspect of our lives. Our conversations should reflect our relationship with Him, not in a forced or overly religious way, but naturally and authentically, flowing from a heart that is captivated by His love.

This is no easy task, but it is one worth striving for. We need to reflect on how we can make Jesus central to our daily conversations—not as an afterthought or merely a reference point for others, but as the true foundation of our own lives. This requires intentionality. It means making time to dwell on His Word, to talk to Him in prayer throughout the day, and to look for ways to bring Him into the conversations we have with others. It means letting go of the fear of what others might think and instead being bold in sharing how Jesus is working in our lives. When He becomes our priority, He naturally becomes a part of our conversations, whether we’re talking about our struggles, our successes, or the ordinary moments of our day.

Reflective Questions:

  • How often does Jesus come up in your everyday conversations? Are these mentions intentional or just occasional references?
  • Is He the focal point of your thoughts, or do other topics and worries take precedence over Him? What steps can you take to ensure He stays at the center?
  • How can you intentionally bring Jesus back to the center of your words, actions, and relationships? Are there specific moments in your day where you can consciously bring Him into focus?

Final Thought

Jesus is not just a figure to be discussed on Sundays or referenced when convenient. He is the One who gave everything for us, and He deserves to be central in our daily lives. Let’s strive to make Him the subject of our thoughts and the heart of our conversations, so that the watching world sees that He truly matters to us. Let’s make it our goal to ensure that our faith is not compartmentalized but rather integrated into every part of our lives. When Jesus is truly central, our words and actions will reflect His love, grace, and truth, allowing others to see Him clearly through us. The world is watching, and our lives can be a powerful testimony to the One who has given us everything.

Avoiding Burnout: Are You Serving God or Yourself?

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“I wonder if it’s a hard pill for our Creator to swallow when we tell Him that serving Him has worn us out, stressed us out, or even burned us out. Imagine standing before God and saying, “I’m doing too much for You.” It’s a sobering thought—one that I’ve wrestled with myself more times than I’d like to admit.

Every time I’ve reached the edge of burnout, or gone beyond it, I discovered a difficult truth: I wasn’t really serving God. I was serving myself. Even as a pastor, I could try to convince myself and others that I was sacrificing for God’s people. It might have sounded righteous to my ears, and maybe even fooled others, but when I lay down at night, I had to face the truth. I was wearing myself out, not for His glory, but for the idol of my own ego and the approval of others.” – Darryl Jones

Who Are We Really Living For?

It’s easy to say we’re living for God, but let’s take an honest look at how we spend our day. When I add up the time I spend scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or focusing on myself—whether that’s worrying about what others think, stressing, or trying to get ahead—it becomes clear that much of my day isn’t really for Him.

How much of our time is actually spent for God’s glory? Are we genuinely seeking His will, or are we more focused on making ourselves look good, feel good, or gaining other’s approval?

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

A Gradual but Dangerous Shift

The shift from serving God to serving ourselves can start in small ways, but it’s dangerous. We start out wanting to glorify God, but somewhere along the way, our own desires creep in. We begin to measure our worth by what others think of us, the praise we receive, or the sacrifices we make. Suddenly, we’re no longer serving for God’s sake; we’re doing it because it makes us feel important or valued.

Burnout is often the warning sign that we’ve gotten off track. It’s the signal that, rather than relying on God’s strength, we’ve tried to do it all ourselves. Instead of resting in His sufficiency, we start striving in our own power.

Where Are Our Priorities?

Matthew 6:33 gives us a clear directive: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” But if we’re honest, how often do we seek first our comfort, our success, or our reputation?

Think about how much time we spend:

  • Scrolling and consuming—looking for distraction or validation.
  • Worrying and stressing—trying to control things that are beyond our grasp.
  • Investing in relationships—sometimes not for God’s glory, but so that others will like us or validate us.
  • Pursuing achievements—finding our identity and worth in what we do, rather than who we are in Christ.

It’s not that any of these activities are inherently wrong, but when they become the focus—when they overshadow our true purpose—they turn into idols.

Redirecting Our Focus

If we want to avoid burnout and truly live for God, we have to redirect our focus. We need to ask ourselves daily, “Am I doing this for God’s glory or for my own?” It’s not always easy to be honest with ourselves, but it’s necessary.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

Living for God means more than just doing things for Him—it means having a heart that’s oriented toward Him. It means choosing to seek His approval rather than the praise of others. It means learning to rest in Him, rather than striving in our own strength.

Final Thought

When we serve with a heart genuinely focused on God, there is peace, purpose, and joy—even in hard work. Let’s take the time to examine our hearts, our motives, and how we’re spending our days. Are we serving God, or are we serving ourselves? The answer may be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s the key to finding true fulfillment and avoiding burnout.

The Unbreakable Bond of Salvation in Christ

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You have probably heard people say, “I used to be a Christian.” They speak as though being a follower of Christ is something that can be undone. It’s a phrase that raises questions. It also offers an opportunity to clarify an important truth. When someone is genuinely transformed by the Holy Spirit, that transformation is permanent.

There’s no such thing as a “former Christian.” If you have truly been saved by Jesus and the Holy Spirit has entered your heart, there is no going back. It’s not just an emotional decision or a fleeting commitment. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation that begins the moment we accept Christ. This journey continues throughout our lives.

Jesus Himself assures us of this in John 10:27-28: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

This passage speaks to the security we have in Christ. Once you’re in His hands, you belong to Him forever. It’s not something that depends on our strength or ability to stay faithful—it’s grounded in Christ’s power to keep us.

It’s easy to get confused when we see people who once appeared committed to the faith suddenly drift away or declare they are no longer Christians. Does this mean salvation can be lost? Not at all. 1 John 2:19 explains it clearly: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.”

True salvation bears lasting fruit. While some may have experiences with the church or outward signs of faith, those who truly know Christ remain rooted in Him, even through difficult seasons.

One of the most powerful assurances we have as believers comes from Ephesians 4:30:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

The Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts is not temporary. When we are saved, we are sealed for eternity. This means that the transformation that takes place when we give our lives to Christ is something no one—not even ourselves—can undo.

Of course, the Christian walk is not without challenges. There will be times of doubt, struggle, and even moments where we may feel distant from God. But instead of these moments pushing us away from our faith, they often become opportunities for God to draw us closer to Him. Through trials and hardships, we grow, learn, and depend on Christ even more.

As Romans 8:38-39 beautifully reminds us: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

There is no undoing the work of salvation once it has taken root in your heart. If you’ve been saved by Jesus, you are His forever. Let’s be encouraged by the truth that our salvation is secure in Christ, and no matter what, the Holy Spirit continues to work in us to bring us closer to the likeness of Christ.

The True Calling of a Pastor: Beyond Numbers

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In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for church leaders to focus on numbers—how many attend services, how much engagement programs receive, or how popular a ministry appears. However, the true calling of pastors goes far beyond these metrics. We aren’t tasked with adapting to the trends of culture or tailoring our message to reach those who aren’t yet converted.

As John MacArthur reminds us: “We are called to serve the redeemed people of God as an agent of sanctification and protection.” The mission of spiritual leadership is to nurture and guide the congregation—the body of believers—so they can grow in their relationship with Christ. A pastor’s effectiveness isn’t based on crowd size but on the Christlike character being cultivated within the church.

The critical question becomes: Are we leading people into deeper holiness, truth, and love? Are we helping them embody the heart of Christ in their daily walk? While society may place value on outward success, God looks at the transformation happening within His people.

Pastors act as shepherds of spiritual growth, fostering sanctification in the lives of believers. This involves equipping them with the wisdom, faith, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges, standing firm in their identity in Christ.

“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Ultimately, the strength of a church is measured by the spiritual depth and fitness of its members, not by attendance figures. Our priority should always be to develop disciples who reflect Christ in all aspects of their lives, whether at home, work, or in their communities.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)

Let us commit to raising a congregation that lives out their faith boldly, growing more like Christ each day.

Self Entitlement

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Self-entitlement: when someone deems themselves entitled to treatment, privileges, rights, etc. not extended to others; when someone believes they are the exception to established procedures, rules, guidelines, etc. that provide for order within a community; when someone takes advantage of the kindness or generosity of others for their own advancement.

There are few things that fire me up more than when people profess to be followers of Jesus but behave with self-entitlement. That’s how the Pharisees behaved.

If following Jesus isn’t changing me daily, then I’m not following Jesus.

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Don’t Surrender Your Children

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I’m so grateful for the godly men and women who teach and administrate in our public institutions, funded by our taxes. It is the greatest and most difficult mission field in the Western Hemisphere today. I pray the power of the Lord our God, KING of the Universe, Creator of our souls over each of them as they return to face a world of darkness, confusion, chaos, and deception in the agenda of the public education system.

Public education is one of the biggest gambling institutions in the US today. Children’s programming on media platforms is a close 2nd.

You’ve got a better chance of winning a million dollars at the slots today than you do of your children NOT being groomed for slavery to the enemy by the curriculum, teachers, actors, animations, and gaming to which parents enable and expose them.

PARENTS: I know homeschooling is not possible for everyone and this is not a condemnation of those who choose to utilize the public education system. BUT…whether you utilize the services of the public education system OR even a private, “christian” school — DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR CHILDREN to their schools and teachers. DO NOT SIT THEM UNATTENDED in front of any form of media.

God entrusts children to parents for a reason: parenting is a RESPONSIBILITY. Nurture, educate, instruct, model, correct, encourage, support, build up, hold them accountable, hold them responsible, advocate for them, stand up for them, protect them. This is all spelled out in scripture as the responsibility of the PARENT.

This was NEVER intended to be the responsibility of a teacher, administrator, actor, illustrator, or writer. Do not put that responsibility on already overwhelmed teachers and don’t enable the wolves that desire the hearts and minds of your children.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ~ Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Don’t Leave So Soon

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Am I really THAT strange? Don’t answer that too quickly!

When I’m in good company with people that I love (not talking about a crowd), like with my family, my church family or with good friends, I never wanna leave.

I often observe people that just can’t seem to wait to leave whatever environment they happen to find themselves. They seem to impatiently, always be ready to move on to the next environment and never find contentment and joy in just “being” in the current environment.

I’m not talking about making someone late for their next appt. I’m talking about the person who seems annoyed that their phone scrolling on the couch is delayed by a good conversation they’re not a part of. It’s annoying to have a good conversation interrupted by another who just can’t wait to leave.

Or maybe they just don’t find the company as enjoyable or lovable as I do. Or maybe it’s me that’s not enjoyable or lovable.

Live in harmony with one another. ~ Romans 12:16a

Selfish Ambition

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Philippians 2:3
Do NOTHING from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Have you ever thought of how easily we dismiss the full impact of the simple commands scripture and just slap a “good enough” label on our behaviors and/or thoughts? So much conviction from the painful truth of this one verse.

How many times TODAY have I thought or behaved in a way that was motivated or manipulated by my selfish ambition or conceit???

And yet scripture tells me to do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or conceit. Jesus > me!

A Real Love for Jesus

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“Jesus First”, “I Love Jesus”, or “Jesus Follower” can’t be a slogan or catch phrase that we apply only when the crowd and conditions are convenient.

Those words not only set us apart for His use, they set us apart for accountability and responsibility. Those words are a confession by which we will be judged by both heaven and earth (see Luke 9:23-24).

Isn’t it heartbreaking when followers of Jesus who share similar doctrinal understanding cannot dwell together in unity? When they can’t deal with their differences in opinion, preference, pet doctrines, misunderstandings, control, or conflict the way Jesus taught us to do?

It is not only heartbreaking to the Father but it is in direct opposition to Jesus’ prayer to the Father for us. How is it that we cannot accomplish what Jesus prayed for to the Father and gave us the Holy Spirit to help?

When the Father, Son, and Spirit are all in cooperation toward one goal and it fails, there is only one cause – selfish sin.

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. – John 17:20-23

According to John 14, this heartbreaking act is due to a lack of love for Jesus. That’s TOUGH but it’s true.