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We can’t coast along in the Christian life just because we experienced victory in our younger decades. We must stay on guard, since Scripture’s command doesn’t come with an expiration date: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

I believe when it is properly held, our love for animals reflects God’s own nature and affection. The problem is almost never with the object of our affection, but that we love it more than we love God. That’s when devotion to pets—or anything else—becomes idolatry.

“Live simply that others may simply live.” This well-known phrase challenges us to evaluate how we use the resources God has entrusted to us. But it’s important to recognize that simple living doesn’t automatically benefit anyone else.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. . . . Defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9 NIV). What people are more poor and needy, more incapable of speaking up for themselves, than unborn children?

This day—like every other day—belongs to God, not me. So, if God determines that I should spend time contending with the unexpected, that’s completely up to Him. He knows best. He’s the master, I’m His servant. I have trusted Him with my eternal life, and I will trust Him with my life today.

A week ago yesterday, I spoke at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, led by Louie Giglio, who has become a dear friend in recent years. I love this church, and the grace and truth of Jesus is so obviously at work in the people and leaders there.

It was a delight to share some animal stories in my new book All God’s Creatures, which will be released on November 17. One of my favorites—and in my opinion, one of the most remarkable—even has a connection to my home state of Oregon.

When suffering and evil come our way, they’ll exert a force that either pushes us away from God or pulls us toward Him. The per­spectives we’ve cultivated between now and then will determine our direction.

Pride is the root of all sins, but historically most people have been ashamed of their sins, not proud of them. And that gives the hope of repentance and turning to Christ for forgiveness. But to commit or endorse sin (including greed, gossip, gluttony, and self-righteousness, as well as sexual sins) and then publicly declare pride in it, is not only sad, but frightening.

Just because God has made us righteous and guiltless in Christ doesn’t mean we automatically experience the benefits of who we are. Our minds are like audio players, constantly running a message. We see our entire lives in the light of this message. We interpret everything in a way that reinforces our fundamental beliefs about ourselves.

A story from Doug Nichols about a personal encounter with Francis Schaeffer has now been depicted in a 12-minute video, and I think it’s very moving. To me, it is priceless in showing the humility of a towering intellect, who is one of my great heroes.

To answer the question, “Should animals matter to us?” we must start with a more foundational question: “Do animals matter to God?” Scripture answers this question decisively.

Scripture assures us that forgiveness is rooted in God’s grace, not in our ability to remember every sin. Ephesians 1:7 tells us, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” God’s forgiveness is complete and covers all sins—past, present, and future—when we place our faith in Christ.

Live long enough and you will suffer. In this life, the only way to avoid suffering is to die. Since suffering will come, we owe it to God, ourselves, and those around us to prepare for it.