Kris Vallotton • Aug 14, 2020

5 Ways to Stand for Nobility in a Crowd of Moral Cowards

MODERN CHRISTIANITY?

It’s no secret to most of us that morality in America, as well as abroad, is eroding. We live in a day and age when morality has become relative, nobility is most often found in fictional stories, and virtue-less people consider righteous standards as religious oppression. Beyond that, people who don’t even believe in God, much less the Bible, use verses like “ judge not lest you be judged ” and “ Jesus didn’t condemn sinners ” to neutralize noble living and moral teaching; they use the Word of God against us in order to shape the culture that our children will one day inherit. What’s even more concerning to me than that is how Christian leaders are allowing these unbelievers to dictate how to interpret the Bible. Modern Christianity has become more about sanctioning sin and calling it unity than it is about God or His kingdom . God forbid someone ever feel the presence of conviction and experience the uncomfortable tension that comes with the weight of sin.   

CROWD OF COWARDS

The truth is that the morals of any society are not determined only by right and wrong; instead, they are often established by courageous people who brave the backlash of public opinion and forge new “norms. ” If you’ve noticed, cowards are always the first to surrender their souls to a shouting society, the sympathetic follow their suit, and then the politicians. Intellectuals tend to follow close behind as they exchange the reasonable for the ridiculous and rationalize until facts become fables. I’m curious, where are you in all of this? When are the true Believers going to step out of the crowd of cowards and pioneer a path forward with divine wisdom, supernatural strategies, and offer the world transformative love that actually does conquer a multitude of sin? 

For any that may have blurred perspectives on what sin is and what love isn’t, allow me to wipe away the politically correct grime from your “love everyone” glasses and ask you to consider this: 


1. Conviction is not condemnation . When Jesus spoke with the woman who was caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) He said, “ Does no one condemn you? Neither do I condemn you. Go your way and sin NO MORE! ” Did you catch that? Jesus tells her that He does not condemn her though He makes a point to tell her to go and sin no more. How many of you know that when God convicts us, He actually empowers us to “go and sin no more.” Get it straight, knowing the difference between right and wrong is considered wisdom, not bigotry and damnation, as the world defines it. 

2. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal . Simply because any number of people believe something doesn’t make it true. For example, cancer is common, but it’s not normal! I could say the same for lying—half-truths are widely practiced in communication today, yet, this doesn’t make lying normal behavior. 

3. Renaming sin is delusional. Giving sin the name of a friend instead of an enemy is self-deception and can be detrimental. For example, when we describe abortion as a “human right” other than what it is—murder—we are normalizing the brutalization of innocent life. In other words, forming a new moral code out of misguided feelings or sinful temptations pacifies society's conscience and creates a "normal" out of behavior that would otherwise be seen as overtly wrong. Renaming sin is a bottomless moral cesspool. Where is the line ever drawn? 

4. Turning a blind eye to sin is unsanctified mercy . Everyone deserves mercy, no question, but mercy means you didn’t get what you deserved. For example, if you say adultery is right, then you can’t possibly ask for mercy because mercy is only for people who are wrong. In other words, offering mercy without the confession of something being wrong is not God’s mercy, rather it’s unsanctified mercy. Unsanctified mercy pretends things are okay when they are in fact not. It offers mercy in a moment when God does not and turns a blind eye to sin for the sake of protecting the sinner’s feelings. One thing I think many believers forget is that God does not adjust to us, we adjust to God, and for good reason— He only has plans to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11)! 

5. Jesus didn’t relate to sinners by sinning . Jesus did not conform to sinners so that He could relate and ultimately convince sinners with His Truth. His compassion with the woman whom He told to “go and sin no more” proves that. Jesus, the spotless lamb of God, didn’t agree with sin in hopes to convince, rather He listened to the heart and revealed who the sinner truly was—God’s child. 

Another point I want you to consider is that Jesus was tempted in every way, but He never sinned, therefore temptation is not a sin! In fact, temptation is not only common, it’s normal. Temptation is to our soul what exercise is to our bodies. In other words, resisting temptation is like lifting weights. It is often painful at first, but your inner man is growing, becoming nobler, and maturing in character. To be able to “go and sin no” more or to resist temptation is to have the revelation of how God identifies us. Jesus knew who He was, therefore He was able to love the sinner without conforming to sin and resist temptation when it was present to Him. 
 

TAKE A STAND FOR NOBILITY

 
While compassion and empathy MUST remain paramount in our hearts as Believers, and love for everyone has to be the hallmark of who we are, it should never be at the expense of our character, morality, and nobility. I’m asking Believers to rise up and take a stand ! I’m not suggesting picketing, I’m charging you to discern the delusion that’s taking place in our country. In fact, I recently wrote about why I believe discernment of spirits is one of the most important gifts for this day in age as it exposes the spirit behind what’s shaping our culture, dividing our families, deceiving the Church; get practical steps in operating in this much-needed gift here. 
 
The question remains, will you sit back until your soul atrophies and your moral legs become feeble, or until our children drown in the cesspool of our silence? Or will you break ranks from the crowd and take a stand for nobility? History hangs in the balance of your decision! You already know where I stand. Tell me yours in the comments below.

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4 Physical Habits That Lead To A Healthier Spiritual Life

By Kris Vallotton • 02 Oct, 2024
In a world that constantly demands our attention, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Social media, with its endless notifications and comparisons, can fuel stress and anxiety, leaving us depleted and disconnected. The pressure to keep up can quietly erode our sense of peace and well-being, and oftentimes we are left wondering “what happened?” Picture this: It's 2 AM, and you're still laying in bed scrolling through your phone, eyes burning from the blue light. The alarm is set for 6 AM, but sleep seems like a distant dream. You know you should put it away, but something is drawing you back in. Sound familiar? You're not alone. In fact, this scenario is playing out in homes across the world, night after night. But what if I told you that this seemingly innocent habit could be wreaking havoc on your spiritual well being? Beneath the surface of these digital distractions lie deeper spiritual realities. The Bible reminds us that we are not merely bodies or minds, but eternal souls. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” When we lose sight of this truth, we open the door to struggles that impact our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. What I’m getting at is, the enemy will use the physical things of this world to lure us into a spiritual stronghold. Some of the problems that you may be facing today may be more spiritual than you think, but they can be solved in the physical! Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." How true this is! But in our fast-paced, always-on world, finding that joy can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, how do we reclaim our joy and restore balance to our lives? Let me share with you 4 simple yet powerful physical habits that can lead to a healthier spiritual life: 1. Stop Forsaking Sleep There was a study done quite a few years ago that showed that since the invention of the lightbulb we are getting an hour less of sleep per night than before! Now we have smart phones that charge an arm's length away from our pillows constantly calling for our attention. Psalm 4:8 says “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Create a bedtime routine, dim the lights, and put away those screens. Your brain will thank you. 2. Soak Up the Sun We've become a society of cave dwellers, spending most of our time indoors. But our bodies crave sunlight! Make it a point to step outside every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Let the warmth of the sun remind you of God's constant presence in your life. God made a beautiful creation, go outside and enjoy it! 3. Manage Your Stress In a world where bad news is just a click away, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The reality is that we weren’t created to be all knowing, and we are unable to bear the burdens of the world. Only Jesus can do that! God tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 , "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Take time to disconnect, pray, cast your cares on him and find peace in His presence. 4. Move Your Body Our ancestors didn't need gym memberships – their daily lives provided all the exercise they needed. While we can't all go back to plowing fields, we can make a conscious effort to incorporate more movement into our days. You don't have to run a marathon, take the stairs, go for a walk, or have a dance party in your living room! Our bodies are wonderfully complex creations, and sometimes, the simplest changes can have the most profound effects. The challenge is to recognize that our mental health is not just about what's happening in our heads – it's about how we're living our lives. It's about the choices we make every day, from when we go to bed, how much time we spend outdoors, and the situations we allow to burden our heart. With all this in mind, I want to encourage you to take a good, hard look at your lifestyle. Are you giving your body and mind what they need to thrive? Or are you, like so many of us, caught up in the whirlwind of modern life, neglecting the basics that keep us balanced? It's time to hold to these small simple habits, and reclaim the joy and peace that God intends for us to have. Take time to reflect—are you giving your body and mind what they need to thrive? Prioritize the small habits that make up your daily life and reclaim the joy and peace God intends for you.

3 Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage

By Kris Vallotton • 03 Sep, 2024
In a world where titles and power often overshadow true leadership, courage often stands as the beacon that inspires and unites us. One of my favorite movies is BraveHeart. If you’re unfamiliar with the classic, allow me to paint a picture of the memorable scene. William Wallace, in the shadow of a castle, his makeshift army at his back, is refusing to compromise with tyranny and is fighting for the freedom of his land. With fierce conviction in his conversation with Robert the Bruce, he declares an iconic line that “men follow courage, not titles.” This courage is not about loud declarations or going with the crowd; it's about standing firm, anchored in your beliefs, even when the world tries to sway back and forth. True courage leads with integrity, inspires others to rise, and remains unwavering in the face of adversity. This is the courage that our world needs today—a courage that doesn't echo old ideas, but leads with fresh tenacity and Heaven inspired vision! Psalm 31:24 tells us to “Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who wait for the Lord.” As we are entering into this new era, the Lord is calling out the courage in people and it is our responsibility to respond to the call and take courage. Here are 3 ways you can be intentional about cultivating courage in your life. 1. Focus on your strengths not your weaknesses. One of the main reasons people don’t act in faith is because they feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It is so easy to inventory our weaknesses and disqualify ourselves from the historic exploits God has assigned to each of us. We forget that Jesus borrowed a couple of fish and some bread from a boy’s lunch box and fed a multitude. The crowd did not eat rice and beans, because the boy brought fish and loaves. Jesus multiplied what the boy had, not what he did not have. God does not care about what you don’t have. He only cares about what you do have. 2. Face your fear Have you thought about the times in the Bible where the Lord told people to not fear. In Joshua 1:9 he tells Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I’d like to point out that this was right after Moses, their leader and patriarch for the last 40 years, had died, they were in a new land, and they were about to battle cities that were much larger than them! Fear and uncertainty would be a natural response. Fear is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. Courage is what we find on the other side of fear, when we choose to confront it rather than run from it. It is only in facing our fears that we can conquer them and capture our destiny. 3. Take a risk To be courageous, one must be willing to step into the unknown, to take risks without the guarantee of success. It’s in these moments that true bravery is forged. Oftentimes people will choose to live risk averse because of the fear of uncertainty. However, embracing courage means shifting that perspective—recognizing that the potential for growth, discovery, and success lies just beyond the fear. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act despite it. By focusing on the possibilities rather than the pitfalls, one can transform fear into fuel, propelling them forward into new opportunities and experiences. Courage isn’t always the roaring thunder or the blazing lightning that people often imagine. Oftentimes it’s like the steady heartbeat that keeps us moving when the winds of doubt try to knock us down. My prayer is that you will be able to find that quiet strength within yourself—the kind that persists even when the world around you seems uncertain or overwhelming. Courage doesn’t always have to be loud or dramatic; sometimes, it’s found in the small, everyday acts of resilience and determination. My hope is that you will embrace this gentle faith-filled courage, trusting that it will guide you through life’s challenges, one steady step at a time.

It Takes a Lot of Work to Rest

By Kris Vallotton • 07 Aug, 2024
When was the last time you felt truly rested? I don’t mean just a quick nap or a weekend off, but deep, soul-refreshing rest? You may feel like a weary wanderer, trudging through a chaotic, concrete jungle, each step heavy with exhaustion as you attempt the ascension of the corporate ladder. Or maybe you have a feeling of dark clouds of depletion and fatigue looming overhead, the relentless rain of responsibilities drenching you in weariness, with every breath a battle for a brief respite. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, true rest has become as rare as a quiet moment in Times Square! But what if I told you that constantly toeing the line of burnout isn't what God designed and that it's actually possible to achieve more by doing less? I remember a time when I was running on fumes. I was that man who felt a constant cloud of pressure, worry, and never-ending tasks following me every day. I learned quite a bit about rest during that time, unfortunately, it was at the expense of a three-year mental breakdown, Kathy and I having to uproot our family and move to the mountains of Northern California. It quickly became evident I was in need of a deep-seated rest. The Bible speaks to this need for rest. In fact, God Himself set the example by resting on the seventh day after creation. It wasn’t just the Father though, Jesus modeled rest, by escaping to the mountains multiple times after longer periods of ministry. What I am getting at is, God takes rest very seriously! So much so that He even instructed the Israelites in Leviticus 25:1-7 to farm the land for six years, but in the seventh year, the land was meant to have a Sabbath rest. Did you catch that? Even the land needs rest! The need for rest is something that God constructed in the corners of creation. A lifestyle of true rest is something that many people desire but few actually achieve. The truth is that God has designed us to need rest, it’s not a sign of weakness or vulnerability, but rather has been etched into the fabric of your makeup. Here are 3 things that I’ve realized about rest and some tips you can implement in your life to avoid burnout and experience the benefits of the God-given rest that He has created for us to live in! 1. Rest isn’t a natural response in today’s culture. Have you ever run into someone that you haven’t seen in a while? Maybe it was at the grocery store, or at the local park during your kid's Little League game. You strike up a conversation and one of the first questions that someone asks is “ How have you been? ” Often the response goes something like this, “ Oh I’ve been really busy! ” or “ You know, just working a lot. ” Sometimes people will ask the question outright, “ Are you keeping busy? ” I’d like to point out that in American culture it has become normal to be constantly working and neglect the need for rest! Rest is a kingdom concept that God introduced. Interestingly, it's a principle that many people are eager to ignore Let me be clear: I’m not saying we shouldn’t work hard. As Christians, we should be the hardest working people out there because we are working for the Lord, not just for our boss or company. But if you want to implement a consistent and fulfilling cycle of rest in your life, then you have to be okay with going against the grain of culture and embracing the idea of rest when many people don’t! 2. Rest won’t happen by accident. This is one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to rest… Many people believe that once they “catch up” on their work or “get ahead” of their responsibilities then they will have time to rest. The truth is there will always be another task, meeting, or responsibility lurking around the corner waiting to be done. To make matters worse, in today’s culture, we have access to work at our fingertips through smartphones and laptops. In some ways, it’s a great blessing, it allows people the freedom to work from home, and increases productivity for many businesses. However; it comes at a great cost. We aren’t able to “go home” from work. One practical thing you can do is look at your calendar and create an event called “REST.” Block it out and say no to conflicting calendar invitations and create the time to rest because it won’t happen by accident. 3. Proper rest requires proper boundaries. If you don’t manage your life, others will. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will. One of the biggest causes of a congested schedule is overcommitting your yes. The truth is if you want to set boundaries that allow you to rest, you're going to have to say no to opportunities and people. This can be especially hard for recovering people pleasers, but if you value your “no” as much as you value your “yes”, then you will be able to create margin to do things that are truly life-giving, and minimize the things that drain you. Let me leave you with three practical steps that you can take right now to help create more rest among a busy schedule! Embrace the idea of rest even when the culture around you doesn't! Make an event, and schedule “rest” in your calendar. Practice your no to something this week and create margin in your calendar for rest. Oftentimes people will fall into the cycle of working, burning out, and then taking a long vacation in an attempt to fix a foundational issue. I’d like to propose that the solution to consistent burnout is a cycle of regular rest. Some of us are trying to do with vacation what God wants us to do as a lifestyle! I encourage you to ask yourself: Am I resisting rest or embracing it? Have I allowed rest to become a consistent rhythm in my life, or have I relinquished control of my life to my calendar?
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