Gregory E. Lang's Blog, page 6

Change Your Heart

In your stubbornness you refuse the Lord, but in your submissiveness you trust in him who is merciful and just. Do not love the world and its distractions and make your guilt and condemnation greater, but turn away from sin and come to Christ with a broken and remorseful spirit, and you will be healed. Change your heart.

For the minds of these people have become stubborn. They do not hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might really understand what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds and come back to me and be healed. Matthew 13:15

In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to change. Luke 15:7

But you are stubborn and refuse to change, so you are making your own punishment even greater on the day he shows his anger. On that day everyone will see God’s right judgments. Romans 2:5

I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Honor Your Body

Your body is mortal and will be conquered by death, but it must not be conquered by sin and used as a pawn of evil. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, your body is his. Treat your body respectfully, morally, and with it do righteous deeds so that Christ might reside within a holy host. Honor your body.

Do not offer the parts of your body to serve sin, as things to be used in doing evil. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have died and now live. Offer the parts of your body to God to be used in doing good. Romans 6:13

I use this example because this is hard for you to understand. In the past you offered the parts of your body to be slaves to sin and evil; you lived only for evil. In the same way now you must give yourselves to be slaves of goodness. Then you will live only for God. Romans 6:19

So run away from sexual sin. Every other sin people do is outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies. You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. So you do not belong to yourselves, because you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

God wants you to be holy and to stay away from sexual sins. He wants each of you to learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Unmuzzle the Ox

The phrase, “Do not muzzle the ox,” comes from Deuteronomy 25:4, and it means that workers should be allowed to benefit from the fruits of their labor.

For decades, donors and grantmakers (funders) have shied away from funding nonprofit labor, the salaries of the very people who keep charitable organizations running, probably believing that except for a paid bare-bones skeleton crew, volunteer labor ought to be sufficient. Employed labor has been framed as a misuse of generosity, something to minimize rather than embrace. One study found that funders give less when overhead (labor) is perceived to be high as a percentage of all expenses (1). But what if this thinking is starving the very missions donors and communities want to see succeed?

The reality is sobering. The median nonprofit’s actual overhead costs hover around 40% of its total expenses, according to Bridgespan (2), yet many funders believe overhead, which most often is largely labor, should not represent more than 15% of all expenses. This gap forces nonprofits into a “starvation cycle,” the chronic underinvestment in trained and knowledgeable staff. As one Bridgespan report (3) put it, “It costs money to deliver results. Skimping on salaries, data, and systems means skimping on impact.”

The human toll is mounting. In 2024, 95% of nonprofit leaders reported deep concern about staff burnout, and three-quarters said they struggled to fill vacancies due to uncompetitive salaries and benefits. The Center for Effective Philanthropy (4) warns that “burnout isn’t just a human cost—it’s an organizational risk that can derail the mission.”

To close the funding gap, many nonprofits turn to earned revenues, i.e., fees, to raise cash for payroll. While this is an important step toward achieving sustainability, it is also a conundrum. If staff must generate revenue in order to pay themselves, the nonprofit becomes unable to deploy its staff into the community to engage in activities that do not generate revenue for the nonprofit’s next pay cycle.  

The first philanthropic step toward embracing labor as not only necessary but desirable is for funders to realize that different types of nonprofits have different cost structures. Food pantries, thrift shops, tutoring programs, summer camps, and the like, require little in the way of higher education and special expertise among its staff and volunteers. In contrast, in highly specialized nonprofits like medical, dental, legal, and crisis ministries, labor overhead is not a side expense—it is the mission. The skill, presence, and judgment of physicians, dentists, advanced practice providers, dental hygienists, lab technicians, counselors, and lawyers, are the program. Without their labor, the nonprofit is reduced to empty offices and dormant equipment.

Unlike many nonprofits, medical and dental ministries cannot lean solely on volunteer labor without risking quality and continuity of care, patient safety, and thorough compliance with state and federal regulations. Furthermore, these professionals require licenses, annual continuing education, and malpractice insurance, all costly and essential overhead. Consistent financial resources to fund salaries and related overhead ensure that qualified professionals remain in place long enough to build trust with patients, deliver appropriate treatment, and effect lasting outcomes.

Finally, in many underserved areas, the medical ministry may be the only healthcare provider for a community. The lack of predictable and repeating funding for salaries could limit an entire region’s access to health care to only a few days per month. In this light, supporting labor overhead in a medical ministry isn’t just an investment in infrastructure, it is an act of preserving human dignity and saving lives.

The nonprofit sector is built on people. Calling their work “overhead” is a semantic sleight-of-hand that obscures its centrality to mission success. “Low overhead can be a red flag, not a badge of honor,” the National Council of Nonprofits reminds us. Underfunding the human backbone of nonprofits doesn’t make them leaner, it makes them weaker.

It’s time for funders to stop treating labor as something to be frowned upon. Labor is, in fact, the foundation of highly specialized nonprofits. Imagine judging a hospital by how little it spends on doctors and nurses, or a school by how little it spends on teachers. That’s the logic of overhead aversion, and it’s time to retire it.

Philanthropy should embrace a new question. Ask not, “How low is their overhead?” Ask instead, “Can they afford the people necessary to meet the needs of the people they serve?” Because in the end, generosity that funds programs and capital expenditures but not the people doing the work is generosity that can’t go the distance.

Unmuzzle the ox.

Gregory E. Lang has fifteen years’ experience raising funds for homeless shelters, and medical and dental ministries. His efforts have resulted in more than $50 million in charitable contributions and earned revenues. He lives in Atlanta, GA.

References

Hung, C.K. et al. “Do Donors Penalize Nonprofits With Higher Non-Program Costs?” Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector Quarterly (2022/2023)Queenan, J.E. et al. “Pay-What-It-Takes Philanthropy” Bridgespan (2016)Queenan, J.E. et al. “Momentum for Change: Ending the Nonprofit Starvation Cycle” Bridgespan (2019)Im C. et al. “State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know” The Center for Effective Philanthropy (2024)

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Overcome Your Doubt

Jesus said if you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. He also said, don’t be afraid, just believe. Set aside worldly reason and believe the Word. When you do, your eyes will be opened and your heart renewed. Overcome your doubt.

If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22

But Jesus paid no attention to what they said. He told the synagogue leader, Don’t be afraid; just believe. Mark 5:36

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past. It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God’s command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen. Hebrews 11:1-3

But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind. Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. James 1:6-8

Show mercy to some people who have doubts. Take others out of the fire, and save them. Show mercy mixed with fear to others, hating even their clothes which are dirty from sin. Jude 22-23

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Overcome Your Trials

Even though your body may waste away under painful trials, or is threatened with death, your spiritual strength can be constantly renewed by Christ. Trials remind you of your dependence on God. Give in to your trials and you begin to turn away from him, but remain faithful and pray to the Lord and your appeals will be heard. You, and your faith, will be strengthened as a result. Overcome your trials.

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. James 1:2-3

So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10

So hold on through your sufferings, because they are like a father’s discipline. God is treating you as children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. Hebrews 12:7

A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased. 1 Peter 2:19

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Live As Servants

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Be a shepherd of God’s flock, give an example that others may follow, not because you must, but because you are willing and eager to serve, just as Jesus serves as your shepherd. Christ will see and reward your good deeds. Even if on earth you receive no rewards, you will indeed prosper. Live as servants.

Those who give one of these little ones a cup of cold water because they are my followers will truly get their reward. Matthew 10:42

In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people. Mark 10:45

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19

My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love. Galatians 5:13

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ’s sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God’s flock, for whom you are responsible. Watch over them because you want to, not because you are forced. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. 1 Peter 5:1-2

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Acknowledge Your Weaknesses

The body is weak; guard against its temptation with prayer, relying on Christ’s strength and giving to him praise for his power. Christ not only strengthens you, but even in your weakness and imperfection, continues to love you as you rely more heavily on him. With your confession you will grow strong. Acknowledge your weaknesses.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. Romans 8:26

So that I would not become too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me, a painful physical problem was given to me. This problem was a messenger from Satan, sent to beat me and keep me from being too proud. I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. But he said to me, My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you. So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10,

We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too. James 3:2

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Forgive Yourself, Too

Is your standard higher than Christ’s? You, forgiven through him, are made righteous before God and cannot be under condemnation, even of your own judgment. With your faith in Him he has forgiven you, so forgive yourself so that his grace may be glorified and his good name proclaimed for all to hear.

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38 (NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)

I will forgive them for the wicked things they did, and I will not remember their sins anymore. Hebrews 8:12

This is the way we know that we belong to the way of truth. When our hearts make us feel guilty, we can still have peace before God. God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. My dear friends, if our hearts do not make us feel guilty, we can come without fear into God’s presence. And God gives us what we ask for because we obey God’s commands and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:19-22

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Forgive All Wrongs

You cannot be forgiven without also being one who can forgive. Our Lord makes it a condition of our obtaining forgiveness, that we shall have a merciful, forgiving spirit. You are to forgive others for their wrongs in the same way that God forgives yours; mercy shall not be refused if someone comes to you in the spirit of sincere repentance. Forgive all wrongs.

Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

When you are praying, if you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. Mark 11:25

Don’t judge other people, and you will not be judged. Don’t accuse others of being guilty, and you will not be accused of being guilty. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

But now you should forgive him and comfort him to keep him from having too much sadness and giving up completely. So I beg you to show that you love him. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8

Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32

Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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Ask For Forgiveness

If we confess our sins the Lord will be faithful to his promise of mercy, and just in requiring us to have the atonement of Christ, to forgive us for our sins. We all need healing of our sins. Confess your faults as a demonstration of repentance. Repentance is not sorrow, but the fruit of sorrow; repentance is an internal change resulting, not from remorse, but from conviction of sin and sincere sorrow for it. Not one is without sin; our mistakes are many. Confess your sins to God and man so that you might be cleansed, forgiven and healed. Ask for forgiveness.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen. James 5:16

Peter said to them, Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

So you must change your hearts and lives! Come back to God, and he will forgive your sins. Then the Lord will send the time of rest. Acts 3:19

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. 1 John 1:8-9

I correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives.  Revelation 3:19

Lead Serve Love: 100 Three-Word Ways to Live Like Jesus can be purchased for Kindle here.

Want to read more of Gregory E. Lang’s devotions? Dive into Letters to a Friend: Simple Lessons in Christian Living, here.

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