The philosopher Socrates taught his students by asking questions, which helped pupils find answers for certain issues.

Here is an exercise using his method. Answer each question before moving on to the next.

Think of a project someone asked you to accomplish for them.

•How did you react when asked to do the project?

•While working on the project, to what degree did you give it your best effort?

•When the project was completed, what level of satisfaction did you have? Why?

•As you delivered the product to the person who requested it, what was your level of expected acceptance of the project?

•If your finished product was accepted in total, how did you feel?

•If your finished product was taken and modified, how did you feel?

•How will you respond if the same person asks you to do another project?

•How will you react when someone completes a project for which you have asked?

Jesus said, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

The Apostle Paul said: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed.”

One last question: What was this lesson about?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: A Socratic exercise on work ethic

We all do foolish things in our lives. Sometimes the little things seem inconsequential. One slip of a curse word here, a small deliberate act of misconduct or a tiny theft there. What can it hurt?

More than you realize! When we give in to sin, it breaks God’s heart.

Look, no one is perfect. No one is without sin. But our sin keeps us from a deep, loving relationship with God. It keeps us from recognizing the deep meaning of why Jesus Christ died on a cross.

This is why Lent is so important. Many people go from celebration to celebration when they go to church. As long as they feel good when they leave church, all is right with the world.

But there is more to worshiping God than what we can get out of it. We must remember what God put into it centuries ago.

Sin killed God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Even though our Lord was crucified on a cross over 2,000 years ago, that crucifixion was for everyone for all future generations.

Our ancestors, we, our children and future generations each played a role in nailing him to the cross. When we intentionally do wrong, we take his sacrifice and cheapen it.

Use the time between now and Easter Sunday to reflect on what shiny temptations you have played with that cheapen what God has done for you in Jesus Christ.

And then repent – turn away from it to seek God’s forgiveness. When you do this, you will understand and deeply appreciate the celebration of Easter.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Reflect on sin before Easter — and then repent

Arizona legislatures pulled a dandy. They asked their governor to sign a bill allowing any business the freedom to discriminate based on religious beliefs. The governor vetoed the bill.

 The First Amendment guaranteeing our nation the freedom of religion is not a legal loophole that allows religious people to hurt other people based on prejudice or interpretation of the Bible or any other religious book.

 A lot of noise has been made recently about the Middlesboro, Ky. pastor and church that handled poisonous snakes.  Jamie Coots, National Geographic reality star of "Snake Salvation," was bitten by a timber rattler almost two weeks ago and died within 90 minutes. He and his family refused medical treatment based on their interpretation of the Bible. I personally think they are crazy. 

Simply because someone interprets the Bible, Koran or any other religious book a certain way does not give that person the right to hurt other people. Nor should anyone discriminate against another person because of race, nationality, money or gender preferences.

 I do not understand why anyone would want to be gay. There is not a gay molecule in my frame. Because someone is gay does not give me or anyone else the right to not provide service in a restaurant or a seat on the bus.

Nor should one's sexual preference prohibit him or her from working the same job anyone else does.

 I do understand that the majority of religious people in America believe that a gay lifestyle is a wrong lifestyle and is forbidden by the Bible.  Please keep in mind that most church people believe it is wrong for a man and woman to live together without being legally married. Most church people believe stealing, killing and lying are wrong as well.

A church or religious entity traditionally has not hired ministers that were practicing thieves, murderers or liars or living with someone not in a legal marriage relationship. Is this discrimination? I don't think so. The average employer in America is only using common sense if they decide to terminate someone because that person is a thief or liar, or maybe causing disruption in the office by sleeping around with all the staff.

Religious entities that interpret the Bible as saying that a gay lifestyle is an unacceptable lifestyle should never be forced to hire someone that is gay. There are a few churches that are hiring gay persons because they believe it is acceptable.

This is America where we have freedom of religion. Keep in mind there are also thousands of churches that still would never hire a woman to serve as a minister. There are also many that would never dream of hiring a divorced minister because they believe divorce is biblically unacceptable.

 Arizona badly blundered on the concept of trying to create a law that allows discrimination in any business realm based on religious belief.  Could this apply to someone divorced? Could they apply this rule to someone that is a habitual liar? What about church deacons who curse, smoke, chew and date girls who do?  Would this rule apply to fat Christians? Whoops… sorry I forgot that gluttony is the Christian sin of choice.

Many of the very best people I know I met in church. However, religious people can be some of the meanest people in the world. A religious crowd was involved in nailing Jesus to the cross. Religious people are at the root of the problems in the Middle East.

If someone refuses to do business with another person it should not be based on prejudices and perceptions. Anyone abiding by the law and living in a respectful manner that is not disruptive or harmful to society deserves the same services as anyone else.

Finally, I doubt if an African-American church will ever offer me a job as their senior pastor, although I would really like that.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of "American Issues" and nine other books. He is a graduate of Georgetown College, Southern Seminary and Lexington Seminary in Kentucky.  Send him an email or like his Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: COMMENTARY: Examining religious discrimination in America

Do you ever feel like giving up on something you know God wants you to do?

If so, I invite you to check how the level of frustration came into play. Did the project sound like a fantastic idea, so you latched on to it and ran with the project? Good for you.

Or, did you run faster than God wanted you to, leaving God in the dust, following your own path and your own direction?

You see, when God wants us to do something, he want us to work with him — not ahead of him and not behind him.

The proper motivation is to want to do God’s will. This is why Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” This is why the Letter to the Philippians, verse 4:13 states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Hang tight with our Lord. Don’t get behind him. Don’t get ahead of him. Walk with him and he will strengthen you in all things.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: You can do all things with Christ

Jesus referred to his followers as “the salt of the earth.” They recognized the importance of that analogy because back then salt was valuable.

It was used to cure and store meats, disinfect wounds, make food, pottery and more. It was valued so highly that salt caravans hauling salt from mines to the marketplace were among the very first commercial enterprises. It was so valuable that wars were fought to secure salt in a particular country.

At one point, salt was used as an alternative form of currency. Roman soldiers were often paid their wages in salt, which is where we get the expression, “Not worth his salt.”

So, when Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” he was pointing out to his listeners how valuable they were to God.

How often do you think of yourself as being valuable to God? If you are like most people, it is not very often.

But when you sincerely contemplate this, you will come to realize just how valuable you are to God. You will understand he is the one who gave you life; he is the one who offers fulfillment in life; you are a joy and a delight to him; and it is he who invites you to remember this and claim it.

Jesus said that God blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the persecuted. He points out that people's value is much greater than even a sparrow for whom God provides.

These are just a couple of reminders. Jesus gave his life on a cross to prove each person's value. And that includes us, our children, our children’s children and all future generations.

As Jesus said, you are the salt of the earth — a person of great value.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: You're as important as salt — and that's a good thing

In the business world, there are people who surpass expectations — not necessarily for personal gain, but to show gratitude for being employed, and to help the company or organization succeed.

And there are those who care nothing about the company or excelling. They complain about having to go to work, and grudgingly do the bare minimum — less, if they can get away with it. Still, they take home the company or organization’s money in the form of a paycheck.

As a college student, during the summer, I worked in a factory that manufactured plastic pipe fittings. I made sure the machines were constantly supplied with necessary raw materials. If a machine ran out, it would “blow up” and stop production for more than an hour.

The job was enjoyable, but not very challenging.

While working the day shift, I observed people who concentrated on doing their jobs and doing them well.

As I worked the graveyard shift, I observed a different work mentality. Because management was not around, and there were corners with no lights, it was common to see people sneak off, rest, eat or nap.

I didn’t understand that mindset. I had been hired to do specific tasks, but I was not going to do just the bare minimum. I was going to fulfill my responsibilities, and when those were done, find more to do.

Would you believe that in the Bible there are minimum requirements for being considered a Christian? Bare minimums are belief in the existence of God, our creator; and that Jesus Christ is Immanuel, "God with us," and that he died on a cross so the sins of those who believe in him could be forgiven. The bare minimums also include the belief that God’s Holy Spirit is his presence among us, working in and through us to accomplish God’s will on this earth.

More is needed to grow in faith and excel. This includes a change of mind and heart, and putting our faith into action. We change from thinking about and living only for ourselves, to living completely for Jesus Christ.

What God requires of us is a life lived with acts of justice, kindness and humility, which are lived as a result of our faith.

Don’t try to get by doing just the bare minimum. Do your utmost to excel in your faith journey!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Excel in your work and faith lives

This week I am providing you with five daily devotions for your reflection and prayer. Some may fit with circumstances in your life, some may not. Either way, remember to focus your heart and thoughts on God.

Day One

How well do you remember God during the course of your day? It might be easy during quiet times. But what about while you are driving in slow traffic, or while standing in a long check-out line, or dealing with an impatient child?

These are times when God needs to be remembered — not shoved aside. When remembering God, you will be able to recognize the peace he offers in the middle of any situation.

“Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.” — Psalm 55:17

Day Two

I wonder if the warning system God has placed within us — our conscience — is losing its effect on people’s lives. I’m not talking about everyone, but a growing number of people around this country. The growing attitude of, “I don’t care how my actions affect another person, I’m doing or getting whatever I want,” seems to be taking over by leaps and bounds.

This mindset goes against God’s desire for us to be mindful of other people. It negates treating others with the same kind of respect we would hope to receive in return.

Remember, it is not God who has softened the warning system. It is we who are becoming calloused to its warnings and necessities.

“Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.” — Acts 24:15

Day Three

The tongue doesn’t weigh much, but it carries great weight. It takes great strength to hold your tongue. I have seen people turn red in the face while holding it. And when it is not held in the heat of an emotional struggle or argument, it will do great damage. It may cause irreparable harm.

Do your utmost to bridle your tongue. Do your utmost to not brag and boast in order to make yourself look fantastic in the eyes of others. Such unbridled words may have serious unintended consequences.

“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!” — James 3:5

Day Four

Do you need assistance in turning around an issue in your life? Ask God for help. Do you desire to know God’s loving grace more deeply? Ask God to reveal more to you. Do you long to know you are loved and accepted by God? Ask God to enter your heart and open yourself to him.

God rarely imposes himself on anyone. And when God does, he always allows for a person to reject or accept his offer. It is only when we ask that we will receive. And when we ask, God will come in.

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” — Revelation 3:20

Day Five

How often do you wish God would do something for you? Perhaps you desire new clothing, but can’t quite afford it, or perhaps there is a new fishing rod that caught your eye. Perhaps you are wanting to feel less lonely or insecure. Do you ask God to provide what you want and then sit back and wait for God to drop it into your lap?

Often, when we ask something from God, he wants to know what we are going to do to play a part in achieving that desire. If you ask something from God, be sure to let him know the role you anticipate playing in the attaining of it. Otherwise, you may wait a very long time.

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” — Proverbs 10:4

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Daily ways to focus on your relationship with God

Someone once said, “The church would be a great place if it weren’t for all the people.”

Do you ever think that?

When an acquaintance invites you to attend church, you probably expect a warm welcome. Smiles and handshakes are shared. Hugs are given if you are open to such a greeting.

But how long does that warm feeling last? For some, it lasts a lifetime. For others, it wears off faster, and that moment causes great disappointment.

Often, the feeling wears off when Christians' faults show through. You see, many people mistakenly assume Christians are perfect, and they become bewildered when that illusion is shattered. Hope is sometimes lost by thinking, “If that person isn’t without faults, there is no hope for me.”

I was once asked, “If you could change something about most churches around the country, what would it be?” Near the top of the list was the desire to have each church  become the safest place.

I am referring to the kind of safety that comes with being accepted as a child of God without fear of being mistreated, or talked about poorly, or judged. The safest place on Earth allows people to raise doubts and questions and be aided in finding answers. Differing opinions are welcomed and understood to be growing points. Each person knows it is OK to agree to disagree and still remain together.

The safest place on Earth is a haven amid absolute insanities plaguing our society, so all could become strengthened emotionally and spiritually for the constant onslaught.

Is this a pipe dream?

I don’t believe so. By removing our pride and ego from the center of our lives and replacing it with Jesus Christ's teachings and healings, it can happen. It will happen.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Make your church a safe haven

As I write this, the remnants of the “ice storm of the decade” are slowly melting away. A few thoughts have gone through my mind regarding this event.

Ice storms come with their own unique beauty. As rain falls on everything and then freezes, the world is coated in clear, glimmering ice. It turns the world into a beautiful scene.

There were plenty of pictures on Facebook and in newspapers showing how the world was transformed — icicles hanging from the eaves of homes and vehicles. Flowers and trees coated in a veneer of crystal. Yards and rooftops colored white.

There were people – adults and children alike – who thrilled at playing outdoors. It was a rare treat to be able to grab a plastic clothes basket or a sheet of cardboard to slide down a hill at a park, or down the incline of a closed roadway. It was a delight for children to make small icemen (as compared to snowmen) for the first time in their lives.

There was something unifying about this rare event. Neighbors, usually just nodding acquaintances, were out talking together while marveling at this winter wonderland; their children played together; and they, themselves, allowed for a little child-like enjoyment.

How wonderful! It seems as though getting together like that should be the norm and not the exception – to be together enjoying life.

On another note, there was also great danger in that beauty! The weight of the ice broke limbs from, and even toppled entire trees. Walkways became slippery, causing people to slip and fall — sometimes with devastating consequences to arms and legs. Roads became skating rinks, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles and helplessly crash into other vehicles or stationary objects.

There was great danger in the visual beauty. It's sort of like temptation, isn’t it? Something looks very appealing. The attraction can be so strong that all that can be seen is what is in front of us. But then, when we succumb to that temptation, the results are devastating. Life as we knew it becomes broken. It sometimes falls apart. And we crash headlong into distressing consequences.

The best way to keep from danger like that is to remain safely away from it, knowing that if you get drawn into it, you may rue the day you gave in.

My final observation is this. It was very, very cold outside. Spending even a short time outdoors caused numbness in fingers and toes, made eyes water and noses run. It was a welcome relief to return indoors to feel the warmth penetrate and rejuvenate the body.

The presence of Jesus Christ in a person’s heart does the same thing. Remembering Christ is the center of your heart after being out in the world dealing with cold, harsh realities warms your heart and soul, bringing a rejuvenating warmth and comfort. His grace, presence, strength, mercy, and love radiate outward to every portion of your being to remind you that you are never alone, that you are loved, that you are precious in his sight.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Great beauty may conceal great danger

A pastor teaching an adult class at Sunday school selected a middle-aged couple to act out the Old Testament's burning bush scene. The husband was asked to supply the voice for God; his wife would read Moses’ lines.

All went well until they got to verse 15. The wife, as Moses, read the wrong line: “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers…’” she said.

The pastor interrupted her. “Wait a minute. You’re not God.”

Without missing a beat, her husband said, “I’ve been trying to tell her that for 18 years.”

I wonder how many of us — consciously or unconsciously — think we are God. Do we place ourselves above others? Do we make decisions without concern for consequences? Do we expect everyone to bend to and obey our every whim

Society teaches us to care only for ourselves, so many people believe they deserve the best in life, that they are entitled to have all desires met. They fall into a form of self-worship, expecting others to extol the ground they walk on.

We have been created with the need and desire to worship. But we should worship only God; not the pastor, not the worship leader, not the choir director, and not the untold other events, places, people or possessions that possess us.

The sanctuary is a place consecrated to the worship of God and a place for refuge and protection. It is a safe harbor in life's storms; where Christians can weep together, laugh together, celebrate together, free from fear and full of acceptance. It is holy ground.

Remember that because God is present. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you are always on holy ground.

Everything you do, say and think can be done as an act of worship in God’s presence.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: You're not a god; there's only one God