“If you need anything, let me know.” Have you heard this before? If so, chances are you didn’t take up the offer. Ego blocks us, or maybe we just don’t want to bother the other person. To be blunt, though, this phrase should be put on a shelf to collect dust. Its intentions are good, yet follow-through sorely lacks. As Christians, we’re called to help others – not just talk about it. Natalia Motoc, an international keynote speaker and thought leader on serving others, details more authentic approaches to actually doing so.

Life is rarely a smooth road … and good thing it’s not. Experiencing difficulty and defeat is actually a life positive. These trials help us discover wisdom, strength and how to unlock our God-given potential. Scripture offers a full curriculum of life lessons – if we pay attention. Quentin Schultze, Emeritus Professor of Communications at Calvin University, knew Jean Shepherd, who wrote the classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.” He interprets the film’s lessons in Christianity, and how we can learn from them.

The term “safe spaces” gets knocked about plenty in popular culture. Yet, whether we realize it or not, we all occasionally need a safe space to unburden our souls, and let others lift us up. People in leadership roles, especially, require this break. Rather than diving deeper into work or playing another round of golf, relief from overwhelming stress and obligations is best found in Christ’s loving arms. Shakeeta Torres, CEO of Empowered2Shift, talks about discovering these Christ-centric safe spaces.

If you’ve experienced a crisis or other traumatic episode, whom did you reach out to for guidance and help? Did one particular person offer the comforting, empowering words that restored your calm and hope? Like them, we should always be ready to encourage and breathe life into others. Caleb Spitler, a keynote speaker and public speaking coach, explains how employing Christ-centric verbiage can bring a powerful – and positive – perspective to life’s challenges. Scripture provides all the guidance we need.

Humans are programmed by God to serve others. If you’ve ever reached out to a friend experiencing a difficult time, or unexpectedly bought someone a meal, or just held the door for a stranger, you know the related joy and satisfaction. Scripture offers many avenues to Biblically serve others. Service should be a way of life – not an afterthought. Jeremy Vesta is Chief Operating Officer at Curally, which helps people tackle challenging health conditions. His thought leadership clarifies the beauty of service.

Ever took a job … and received no training or guidance on how to do it? Anyone in this situation struggles. Many people feel the same about life in general. They don’t know how to thrive or be successful. Thankfully, God has provided a roadmap – the Bible – to direct us on His paths. It provides detailed guidance for living a high-quality life. We should read the Bible, learn it and live it. Jenn Dafoe, founder of Faith Through Healing Ministries, shares insights on making Scripture our life navigator.

Many people have experienced the panic of losing a pet, or having a small child wander away in a public place. These innocent creatures can’t survive long on their own. Similarly, far too many people wander aimlessly through dark lives unlit by Christ’s love. We need to find these lost individuals, so desperately in need of His transformative power. Brian Hendrix, CEO of Dynamic Developments Training and Leadership, has brought many people back to Christ. He explains how to shepherd these searching souls.

Many disciples of Christ believe the best is yet to come – meaning, when they die and go to heaven. Jesus himself offered this reassurance. Yet, does this mean we should give up on our lives on earth? Just resign ourselves to mortal existences of pain and suffering? An alternative exists. Scripture describes how to live fully in the joy that Christ offers. Jim Kohlhardt, President of Saturn Lounge, a full-service marketing firm, offers insights on how to experience a great life with Christ at its center

Like Christ trudging to Calvary, everyone metaphorically carries a cross. We’re all dealing with something. The burden compounds, though, if we refuse to ask for help, or share our challenges. Suffering in silence isn’t tough or strong – it’s unbiblical. Scripture commands us to share fellowship, and seek support, with others. Rob Clark, a keynote speaker and Chief Audit and Compliance Officer at Howard University, offers insight on engaging with Christian communities that can help carry the weight of our “cross.”