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The idea of “both-and” has many applications. For example, should our meals be delicious or nutritious? Or, should a car be comfortable or work well? Or, should Labor Day be fun or relaxing? The word “or” implies that the answer has to be one or the other. “Both-and” means that two things can be true at the same time.

When I was the parent of young children, I often heard the idea that children who are allowed to be disobedient without consequences will struggle being an employee as an adult. Providing consequences when our sons were disobedient was a training step for their future life as “bread-earning” adults.

When it comes to need, people are funny. Some of us emphasize our need because we long for nurture and support. Others of us hide our need because we want to be seen as strong and sufficient. Neither is wrong, but one thing is true: To be human is to need.

God established human authority for human flourishing. Anarchy (the complete absence of government) leads to ruin. It has always seemed to me, though I am subject to refutation on this, that anarchists either 1) want to be in charge or 2) have too high a view of humanity. Personally, I value government. Primarily because it is ordained of God.

You have an inner life. A soul. You are more than a body. Science teaches us what is good for our body, but Scripture is the best source for informing us about what is good for our soul. Some people struggle more than others with the body. Physical suffering is hard. Just managing pain and basic life function is a full time job for some people.