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Tech Takeover

June 14, 2024 / / 2 Comments

How technology has taken over our lives.

The early 2010s were a whirlwind of transformation in the tech industry, a time when the digital age truly came into its own. For many people, this era wasn’t just a phase; it was a revolutionary experience that would fundamentally change how they interacted with the world. From the palm of our hands to the screens in our pockets, technology became an inseparable part of our day to day lives. Here’s a quick peak at the seismic shifts that caused this tech takeover.

Smartphones: Making The World Fit In Our Pocket

Remember the time when your phone was just for calling and texting? Those days are long gone. The launch of the iPhone in 2007 was just the beginning. By the early 2010s, smartphones were everywhere! Not to be outdone, Android devices soon flooded the market, putting these powerful yet affordable mini-computers in the palms of millions of hands worldwide.

These weren’t just phones; they became lifelines. With access to the internet, a camera, and a vast array of apps, smartphones became the go-to device for nearly everything. They quickly moved from a mere luxury to a near necessity in a few short years. Over the years, these smart devices have changed how people communicated, entertained themselves, and even navigated daily life.

Social Media: The New Hangout Spot

If you didn’t post about it, did it even happen? Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat weren’t just websites; they were the new social spaces. These platforms exploded in popularity from 2010-2014, easily becoming the version of the community park for local watering hole for social interaction.

Facebook was where you kept up with friends and family. Twitter became the place for quick updates and news. Instagram turned everyone into a photographer. Did you even eat if you didn’t post a picture about it? Snapchat added a whole new level of fun to these virtual, social interactions that were here one minute and gone the next . For many young people, social media was the key to staying connected, sharing experiences, and keeping up with the Jones’s.

Always On, Always Connected: More Than Can You Hear Me Now

When high speed internet became mobile it was truly the game-changer that put the world in the back pocket of our Levis. With the rollout of 3G and 4G networks, the internet became truly mobile. No more waiting to get home to check your email or load a webpage; it was all right there in your pocket.

This constant connectivity meant young people could browse, stream, click, scroll, and post anytime – anywhere. The internet became an inseparable part of daily life, blurring the lines between our online and offline worlds. Going through a dead spot for cell service felt like you were in some real life Twilight Zone

The App Explosion: There’s an App for That

Remember when you needed separate devices for everything? A somewhat bulky camera for pictures, a Nintendo Switch or Gameboy for road trips, a GPS for directions? The early 2010s brought an app revolution that consolidated all these functions into one device that fit in the side pocket of those yoga pants.

App stores became treasure troves of functionality. Need to catch up on the news? There’s an app for that. Want to play a game? There’s an app for that. Looking to learn a new language? Yep – there’s an app for that too. This app revolution made smartphones nearly essential for daily life! It meant having a tool for every aspect of life right in your pocket.

Time To Cut The Cable: Entertainment On-Demand

Gone are the days of waiting for your favorite show to air or your favorite song to play on the radio. The early 2010s saw the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, which revolutionized how people, especially young people, consumed entertainment.

With thousands upon thousands of songs, movies and books available at our fingertips, the media world was turned on its head. Binge-watching became a weekend staple, and discovering new music was just a tap of the finger away. These streaming services provided a personalized, on-demand entertainment experience that fed right into our instant gratification generation.

Chromebooks Abound: Education in the Digital Age

But not to worry. Education wasn’t left behind in this technology surge. Schools of all shapes and sizes embraced this new array of digital tools, transforming the learning experience. E-books, online courses, and virtual classrooms became common, thus making education available for nearly everyone at an almost on demand pace.

Not only was this convenient! It meant new ways of learning and engaging with information. The traditional classroom that worked for generations was now filled with digital resources, making learning more dynamic, interactive, and flexible. Technology became a second teacher in nearly every classroom. And it quickly moved beyond a fun addition to a critical component of academic life, preparing students for what was sure to become a digital future.

The Rise of Digital Natives

At the heart of this tech explosion was a shift in our culture as a whole. Those who were young people being raised in the early 2010s weren’t just users of technology; they were digital natives. They grew up with it, adapted to it, and embraced it in ways previous generations hadn’t. The generation known as Gen-Z is a generation that hasn’t known a life without this technology revolution.

The more widely accepted it became the more technology moved from just a tool to a way of life. It shaped how this generation interacted with each other, how they learned, and where they found entertainment. The understanding that technology was pivotal in day-to-day life anchored its role in youth culture (and beyond).

A Decade of Transformation

In short, the early 2010s were more than just a few years with some technology advancements; they would become a new era that ultimately redefined our culture – especially the youth culture. Smartphones, social media, cellular internet, app stores, streaming services, and educational technology converged creating a whole new world of possibilities.

For younger generations, this wasn’t just about keeping up with the latest trends; it was about integrating technology into every aspect of life. The tech takeover of the early 2010s set the stage for a future where technology is no longer an addition to life, but an essential part of how we experience it.

And just think, it all started with that little device in your pocket.

I Will Never Use AI

June 13, 2024 / / 1 Comment

I’ve been hearing a ton lately about the use of AI technology for a variety of things in life. From writing papers to fears of letting AI run the world, there seem to be people all over the map on this issue. But where do you fall?

My favorite comment lately is the one that emphatically says I will NEVER use AI.

What I love about this claim is that it’s typed from a smart phone into a social media platform. Not to mention the fact that spell check, which likely was used during the typing of the post, is at a minimum a base form of AI.

Look I get it! If you watched I-Robot then you’re probably a tad freaked out about artificial intelligence running the world! But really? Never going to use it? It’s all bad? Can’t have a good use at all?

I mean seriously, I really am not a fan of automated checkout stations at the local grocery or hardware store. I’ll wait a few extra minutes if it means I can talk to a real human instead of fumbling all over a touch screen. It’s less about the tech and more about keeping people in jobs!

The idea behind AI is to automate what we don’t actually need to do. Are there processes or actions that can be done without a human touch? What are you doing that can be done without you handling it at all, or at best minimally?

Thank about the general use of AI for a second. There could be some good uses for AI. I mean after all, a program that’s able to search common problems to a situation and find best practices all with a simple written or even spoken command, is a pretty helpful tool! Gathering lists of vacation spots in a given area so you can research them, could be pretty darn helpful! Finding best practices on a given topic without scouring the inter webs could save you tons of time!

I use AI technology from time to time. No, I don’t use it to write sermons, there’s a bit of an ethical dilemma there to say the very least! But I will use AI to come up with a list of topics to write about, or a creative title for something, or a different way to word a paragraph or email. I have a bible software that allows me to research a word or phrase to gather insights on how it’s used throughout the Bible and in cultural contexts outside of biblical history.

I’m kind of curious where you land on the use of AI. But one more thing before we close this post out (and yes I’m really typing this at my standing desk with my forearms cramping after an arm workout). Just thought I’d make that clear.

For those who use AI, here are 3 keys to keep in mind.

  1. If you use it, don’t hide it. One thing that’s pretty terrible is claiming something as yours when it’s not! That’s called plagiarism if you didn’t know. And yep that cool spell check AI that’s built into my laptop just fixed the word plagiarism for me because I stink at spelling!
  2. Using AI can’t replace your real work. If you’re a content creator type person, you can’t just use AI to replace your workload. You can use it to get started or get you over a creative hump but you really need to touch the content to assure it’s yours. I’ve tried to have AI create content in my style, but it really can’t get the method of writing that is “me.” You will need to put your stamp on it at a very minimum.
  3. This one’s for my pastor friends – don’t have AI write your sermons. Really not a great idea. Use it for an illustration perhaps, but don’t have an AI bot replace your study time and investment into the topic about which you’re speaking. It’s not just a bad idea; it’s kind of a bonehead move. Not to mention unethical unless you’re going to admit that ChatGPT wrote your sermon for you!

Look, there are many other cautions and rules when it comes to the use of AI. These are three of my top go to thoughts when it comes to using AI in my daily work. What are your thoughts?

Believing In God Isn’t Enough

June 10, 2024 / / 1 Comment

In a world where spirituality is often watered down to a vague and palatable concept of “God,” there’s a bold truth many shy away from: it’s not enough to believe in some ethereal, generic higher power. If you want the real deal, the unfiltered, undiluted truth, you need to believe in Jesus. Not just any god, but Jesus. Because without Him, your faith is like a ship without a rudder—lost, adrift, and destined for nowhere meaningful.

Let’s cut through the noise. Society today loves to embrace the safe, non-controversial notion of a “higher power.” It’s comfortable, it’s inclusive, and it asks nothing of you. But this is spiritual lukewarmness at best. It’s a way to feel good about yourself without the commitment or the challenge. The problem? It’s utterly meaningless. Without Jesus, you’re subscribing to a spiritual placebo that soothes the mind but leaves the soul starving. Not to mention, do you know what Jesus says about lukewarm faith? Check Revelation 3:16 if you dare.

Jesus isn’t just a figurehead or symbol of goodness. He is the cornerstone, the linchpin of a genuine faith. He is the living, breathing, historically verified embodiment of God’s love and justice. The difference between believing in Jesus and just any god is like the difference between a hi-def OLED screen and an old projector that needs to have the bulb replaced. Jesus didn’t just preach love; He lived it, died for it, and rose again to prove it. That’s not something you can find in a generic god. That’s a radical, life-changing truth.

The tendency to favor a nebulous “god” over Jesus is often rooted in a desire to avoid the tough stuff—the conviction, the accountability, and the need for transformation. With a generic god, there are no real demands, no call to repentance, no expectation of a changed life. You get to stay comfortable in your imperfections and untouched by the divine. But with Jesus, there’s no hiding. He sees through the facade and calls you to be better, to live righteously, to embrace a purpose beyond yourself.

Look at it this way: Believing in a generic god is like bowling with the bumpers up. Sure, it’s fun, it’s easy, but it’s ultimately pointless. There’s no direction, no goal, no ultimate victory. Believing in Jesus, however, is like entering a grand adventure, full of challenges, growth, and a prize beyond imagination. It’s a path with a purpose, and it’s one that requires you to step up and be more than just a passive participant.

Don’t get me wrong here. This isn’t about pushing some rigid form of doctrine. It’s about recognizing the profound difference between a life led by vague spirituality and one transformed by the tangible presence of Jesus. The former is a safe bet, the latter is a leap of faith. Jesus doesn’t just offer a feel-good moment; He offers a radical transformation, a new identity, and an eternal promise.

And let’s not forget the historical and factual grounding of Jesus’ existence. He’s not some abstract concept conjured up by human imagination. He walked this earth, performed miracles, challenged the status quo, and left an indelible mark throughout history. His life, death, and resurrection are well-documented events that even the harshest critics find hard to dismiss entirely. This is not blind faith; this faith is rooted in reality.

So, where do you stand? Clinging to the comfort of a nondescript deity, or embracing the wild, exhilarating truth of Jesus as your Savior?

Following Jesus means choosing a path filled with meaning, challenge, and profound joy. It’s a decision that strips away the pretenses and dives straight into the heart of what it means to truly believe. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to seek the truth, it’s the only path worth walking.

In a world awash with half-measures and convenient spirituality, dare to go beyond. Embrace the full, unadulterated truth of Jesus. Not just any god, but the God who gave everything for you. That’s where real faith begins, and where your true journey can finally start.

Self-Awareness is Your GPS to Life

June 5, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Imagine planning a vacation without knowing your starting point. You wouldn’t just pack a suitcase, hop in the car, and drive aimlessly, right? Even if you know where you’re going, you’ll never get there if you don’t know your starting point! Yet, many people navigate through life without knowing their “location”—a.k.a. self-awareness. It’s like trying to use a GPS without entering a starting point: futile, frustrating, and disastrous.

Self-awareness is your GPS for all things development. It’s not just about knowing where you want to go but understanding where you are now. Being self-aware is crucial and it can keep you from metaphorically driving off a cliff or ending up in one of life’s sketchy roadside diners.

Finding Your Home Address: The Starting Point of Self-Awareness

First off, let’s clarify what self-awareness actually is. It’s not just some fluffy, new-age concept; it’s the ability to see yourself clearly and objectively through reflection and self examination. It’s about understanding your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and the impact you have on others. Think of it as the “You are here” dot on the map of your life.

Without self-awareness, you might as well be a tourist in your own life, grasping an outdated guidebook, oblivious to the hidden mickey’s or even the pitfalls along the way. You’re like that friend who insists they know the way but ends up leading everyone in circles until you miss the sunset at the perfect mountain lookout. Annoying, right?

Plotting the Route: Setting Goals with Self-Awareness

Now, let’s talk about goals. Everyone loves setting them, especially around New Year’s Eve after a couple of drinks. But setting goals without self-awareness is like planning a road trip to California when you’re starting in Hawaii. Good luck with that! You need to know where you are to map out a realistic and achievable path to where you want to be.

Self-awareness helps you set goals that are aligned with your true desires and capabilities. It prevents you from pursuing things that might look shiny and attractive on social media but don’t actually fit who you are or what you truly want. It’s your internal compass, keeping you on track and pointing you in the right direction.

Avoiding Roadblocks: Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

One of the biggest perks of self-awareness is emotional intelligence. Understanding your own emotions helps you manage them better and respond to situations more effectively. It’s like having an advanced warning system for emotional roadblocks and detours.

Picture this: You’re on a road trip, and you come up on a road closed sign or major traffic jam. Without a GPS, you’re either lost or massively frustrated. With a GPS, you can easily find a shorter, faster or at least alternate route. Similarly, self-awareness helps you navigate life’s detours with less drama and far more grace. You recognize when you’re about to hit a mental or emotional roadblock and can adjust your course accordingly.

Fueling Up: Self-Awareness and Motivation

Just as a car needs fuel, you need motivation to reach your destinations in life. Self-awareness helps you understand what truly motivates you. Are you driven by recognition, personal growth, helping others, or maybe just the sheer joy of creating? Knowing your fuel type ensures you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road, exhausted and disheartened because you were running on the wrong kind of motivation.

Imagine trying to fuel a diesel engine with regular gasoline. It’s not going to end well, just like trying to motivate yourself with someone else’s goals or values. Self-awareness keeps your tank full with the right kind of fuel…I mean motivation.

Navigating Interpersonal Relationships: The Social GPS

Self-awareness isn’t just about navigating your own life; it’s also crucial for understanding and relating to others. It’s the social GPS that prevents you from turning every social interaction into a car crash. When you’re aware of your own emotions and triggers, you’re less likely to project them onto others or react irrationally.

Have you ever had a friend who consistently ruins fun outings with their mood swings or passive-aggressive comments? Don’t be that person. Self-awareness helps you recognize when you’re veering into emotional danger zones so you can correct your course before you end up alienating everyone in the car.

Embracing the Journey: The Sweet-Spot of Self-Awareness

Ultimately, self-awareness helps you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It allows you to be present, appreciate the scenery, and take in the experiences along the way. Life isn’t just about getting to the next milestone; it’s about savoring the ride, potholes and all.

So, the next time you think about setting off on the road trip of life, make sure your self-awareness GPS is fully charged. Know your starting point, set realistic goals, manage your emotions, fuel up with the right motivations, and navigate your relationships wisely. After all, the journey is a lot smoother—and a lot more fun—when you know where you are and where you’re going. Buckle up, stay aware, and enjoy the ride!

Burnout. It’s Real

May 30, 2024 / / 1 Comment

I’ve been working with a lot of pastors and churches lately and what I’m seeing is truly heartbreaking. So I’m going to get real for a moment. Pastors, those guys you think only work one day a week, are burning out faster than a cheap candle. Yes, the guys who stand before you every week with a smile plastered on their faces, delivering hope and wisdom, are crumbling under the weight of their roles. And it’s beyond time we talked about it.

The Grim Stats: A Wake-Up Call

The numbers don’t lie, and they’re pretty damning. According to a recent Barna Group study, a staggering 42% of pastors have seriously considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. That’s down from just over 60% two years ago. Let that sink in—nearly half of the shepherds are thinking about abandoning their flocks! Even more alarming, a 2021 Lifeway Research report reveals that 70% of pastors feel grossly underpaid, and 55% admit to being regularly overwhelmed by their pastoral duties. When the shepherds are overworked and under-appreciated, what hope is there for the sheep!

The Causes: It’s Not Just the Devil’s Work

So, what’s driving these spiritual leaders to the brink? Let’s break it down.

First off, the workload is insane. Pastors are not just public speakers delivering sermons on Sunday mornings. They’re counselors, administrators, event planners, and often janitors and minor repairmen. The and other duties as assigned bit is legit! The average pastor works 55-70 hours a week…consistently. That’s not a job; that’s a marathon that has no finish line.

Then there’s the emotional toll. Pastors are expected to be available 24/7, providing comfort and guidance to the members of the church and community, often at the expense of their own mental health. A study by Duke University found that clergy are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety than the general population. Imagine constantly being on call, dealing with other people’s crises, and then being expected to deliver an inspiring and uplifting message every Sunday. It’s no wonder they’re burning out!

The Church Culture: Adding Fuel to the Fire

Unfortunately, the church itself is often part of the problem. Many congregations have unrealistic expectations of their pastors, expecting them to be perfect paragons of virtue who can do it all without breaking a sweat. This “superhero syndrome” is a recipe for disaster. When pastors inevitably fall short of these impossible standards, they face criticism, judgment and even abandonment by those who were once friends, further exacerbating their stress and burnout.

Moreover, the financial strain is real. With 70% of pastors feeling underpaid, it’s clear that the church isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet. Many pastors struggle to make ends meet, juggling multiple jobs just to pay the bills. When you’re worrying about putting food on the table, it’s hard to focus on tending to your flock.

Ever see a pastor’s library? Yeah those books aren’t free. Most of the ones on my shelf are $45-$60 each. If your pastor does any work with biblical languages, then he likely has some software program to help. The middle of the road software package costs $1000. And then there are the updates that often aren’t free. What about his accessibility? Ever call or text your pastor on his cell? That often is a personal expense they carry but is plastered on the church website or left as an emergency contact on the church voicemail.

The Fallout: Not Just a Personal Problem

Pastoral burnout doesn’t just affect the pastors themselves; it has a ripple effect throughout the entire church community. When a pastor burns out and leaves, it can lead to a decline in church attendance, a decrease in community engagement, and a general sense of instability within the congregation. The spiritual and emotional well-being of the entire church suffers when its leader is struggling. And this says nothing of the toll it takes on the pastor’s family, but we don’t have time to go into that one here.

Solutions: It’s Time for a Revolution

So, what’s the solution? It’s time for the church to wake up and smell the coffee, which your pastor likely made so it was fresh when you got there in the morning. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Sabbaticals: Offer pastors regular, extended breaks. Just like in academia, a sabbatical can provide much-needed rest and renewal. After all, even God took a day off. A sabbatical isn’t merely a day off, but it’s a day off with a purpose. Perhaps we’ll tackle the idea of sabbaticals in a future post.
  2. Mental Health Support: Invest in counseling and mental health resources specifically for pastors. Normalize seeking help and provide access to professional support.
  3. Fair Compensation: Pay pastors a living wage. They’re doing one of the toughest jobs out there, and they deserve to be compensated accordingly. Most pastors have a professional degree, and in my tribe that takes 8 years of schooling. Wearing the hats of a counselor, public speaker, peace maker, event planner, website administrator and marketing guru. Functioning as a CEO, doing odd jobs like janitorial or maintenance work. Add those up and what it would cost to hire all those jobs out.
  4. Shared Leadership: Encourage a model of shared leadership where the responsibilities are spread out among a team. This can alleviate the pressure on any one individual and create a more sustainable approach to ministry.
  5. Realistic Expectations: Congregations need to chill out with the superhero expectations. Pastors are human beings, not divine beings. Let’s start treating them with the grace and understanding that they preach about.

The Bottom Line

Pastoral burnout is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The statistics are clear: if we don’t take action, we risk losing a significant number of our spiritual leaders. It’s time to stop paying lip service to the importance of pastors and start taking real steps to support them. The health of our churches, and the well-being of our communities, depends on it.

So, the next time you see your pastor, maybe skip the critique on the sermon length and instead, offer a heartfelt thank you. It might just be the lifeline they need.

For OUR Eyes Only

May 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Ah, church life! A blend of potlucks, prayers, and in some cases those mysteriously sticky pews. While the essence of a church is to foster a sense of community and spiritual growth, sometimes things can get a bit… insider focused. Here’s a quick look at five signs your church might be more focused on its own little world than on the world Jesus called you to love.

1. The Bulletin Reads Like a Soap Opera Recap

Ever picked up a church bulletin and felt like you were catching up on the latest episode of The Bold and the Bible-y? When half the bulletin is dedicated to Grandma Ethel’s bunion surgery and Brother Bob’s new pet gerbil, it’s a red flag. Sure, internal news is important, but if there’s more gossip than gospel, your church might be missing the bigger picture. Let’s save the detailed medical histories and pet updates for after the service, shall we?

Grab some friends and party it up over a game of euchre or hang out on the patio later in the week to catch up on Nancy’s News or Uncle Ed’s Updates. Take the top 3 things going on in the life of the church and highlight how they are helping the community.

2. The Evangelism Committee is a Mythical Creature as extinct as the Loch Ness Monster

Remember when your church had an evangelism or outreach committee? Neither do we. If the idea of community service is as outdated as dial-up internet, it’s time for a reality check. And you’re welcome to all of you who dealt with dial-up, now you’ll have that sound in your head the rest of the day!

A church that only serves its own members is like a restaurant that only feeds its staff. The outside world is hungry for compassion and support, not just your famous Jell-O salad.

Churches have pivoted away from evangelism for the ever sexy discipleship phase. But when your view of discipleship is boiled down to knowing the Bible and devoid of anything that remotely resembles sharing your faith, well you’re missing the point! Discipleship was about bringing others along with you on the journey of faith.

3. Your Church Events Have a Strict Members-Only Policy

“Sorry, you must be this devout to ride.” If your church events feel more exclusive than a VIP nightclub, there’s a problem. From secret potlucks to Bible study sessions that require a secret handshake, exclusivity breeds stagnation. Churches should be open to newcomers, not operating like a secret society. Jesus didn’t say, “Go forth and form cliques.” He said, “Go forth and make disciples of all nations.”

I totally understand the idea behind and importance of membership in the local church. But is membership the point? I think I missed the Bible verse that had Jesus stand up in a white pulpit dressed in his priestly garb telling people to sign the constitution so they can get involved. I don’t think there’s a verse in the Bible that says Only Lutherans (insert your denomination here) can enter. It just doesn’t work that way. Help them belong before you make them believe.

4. Sermons Focus on Petty Grievances

If your pastor spends more time addressing the proper way to stack chairs in the fellowship hall than on, say, loving your neighbor, you’ve got an issue. When sermons sound more like managerial meetings, with topics like “who’s been leaving their coffee cups in the sanctuary” or “the great thermostat debate of 2024,” it’s a clear sign the focus has shifted. Let’s get back to discussing the transformative power of faith, not the power struggle over who controls the keys to the building.

But it’s not just grandstanding about petty building issues. When churches start to focus on political stances more than Promises in Scripture then we’ve fallen off the wagon. I have very strong opinions about a lot of different things! But when it comes time to preach on Sunday, who I’m voting for and my stance on non Biblical matters have no place.

5. The “Outreach” Budget is Pennies Compared to the “Coffee” Budget

Does your church’s budget reveal its true priorities? If the funds allocated for outreach are laughably small compared to what’s spent on ensuring a constant supply of flavored coffee, it’s a sign. Sure, everyone loves a good cup of joe, but caffeine should never trump compassion. Consider swapping a few lattes for a little love, and watch how your community outside the church walls begins to flourish.

There’s an old saying that goes something like show me your checkbook and calendar and I’ll show you what’s most important. If the church’s budget and event schedule don’t have space dedicated for loving those not yet there, then you’re likely moving to an inward focused church.

Breaking the Bubble

If these signs hit a little too close to home, don’t freak out! Recognizing the problem is the first step towards change. Shift the focus outward. Start small: sponsor a community event, volunteer at a local shelter, or simply invite a neighbor to your next church picnic (no secret handshake required).

Remember, a church is more than its four walls. It’s a beacon of hope, a place of refuge, and a launchpad for love and service that extends far beyond its doors. So, step out of the bubble, shake off the insider language, and remember that faith is not just about looking inward, but reaching outward. And who knows? You might even find that the world outside your cozy pews is filled with people Jesus loves.

I Am Not Nice

May 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Be nice. It’s what I was always told growing up. We need to be nice to one another. But I don’t know if nice is the best answer in every situation. Admittedly I’m less nice than some, but I will generally try to be kind. Kind and nice are not the same thing.

In a world often drenched in cynicism and snarky remarks, kindness can sometimes feel like a forgotten relic of a bygone era. I don’t think kindness is dead; it’s just undergone a bit of a makeover. Welcome to the era of being kind, but not always nice.

Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering, “What’s the difference?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a wild ride through the realm of edgy kindness.

Let’s start with the basics. Kindness, at its core, is about compassion, empathy, and understanding. It’s about lending a helping hand, offering a shoulder to lean on, and spreading love in a world that desperately needs it. It’s about seeking the best for those around you. It’s about caring enough to keep people safe. But here’s where things get interesting: being kind doesn’t always mean being nice.

Being nice often entails things like gentle tone of voice and quiet, calm demeanor. The “nice” thing to do in a given scenario might be to bite your tongue and let the offense slide. But where’s the fun in that? Actually, where’s the good in that?

Enter edgy kindness. Instead of bottling up your frustration, why not speak up? Instead of brushing every little thing under the rug, how about you call a spade a spade. You don’t need to do it in a hostile or confrontational way. Just speak up and feel free to include a dash of wit and charm.

See, being kind doesn’t mean being a doormat. It means standing up for yourself and others, even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. It’s about setting boundaries, calling out injustice, and refusing to settle for anything less than the respect we all deserve.

But edgy kindness isn’t just about witty comebacks and snarky remarks. It’s also about challenging the status quo and sparking meaningful conversations. Take, for example, those awkward family gatherings where Uncle Bob insists on spewing his outdated opinions like candy at a parade.

Instead of nodding along in silence, why not engage him in a thought-provoking debate? Approach the conversation with an open mind and a sprinkle of humor, and who knows? You might just plant a seed of change in Uncle Bob’s stubborn brain.

Of course, edgy kindness isn’t always easy. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. But trust me when I say, the rewards are worth it. Not only will you feel the unnecessary weight of internal conflict rise from your shoulders, but you also allow the situation to heal. Often speaking in kindness, with a little edge of not so niceness, is what’s needed to get through to the stubborn employee who doesn’t think they need to do their job. Sometimes this edgy kindness will help an erring friend see their way. Heck edgy kindness might even save someone’s future…you just never know.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, don’t be afraid to unleash your inner edgy kindness. Speak your truth, stand up for what’s right, and above all, don’t forget to laugh along the way. After all, kindness is the ultimate rebel act in a world that could use a little more heart and a lot less sugarcoating. I know that’s not nice! But sometimes not being nice is the best way to show kindness.

It (I) Will Never Be Enough

May 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Tasks completed. Goals reached. Hurdles jumped. Achievements made. Boxes checked. All are signs that you’re moving in the right direction. Under normal circumstances these would be markers of success or advancement, but sometimes they don’t mean a hill of beans. And the sooner you realize it, the less it hurts.

Ok before we dig too deep here, yes I’m ok. No I’m not going off the deep end. Some of this is personal. Some is anecdotal. Some is simply the harsh realities of living in the world.

The long and short of this post is that to some people no matter what you do it will never be enough.

I’ve worked a variety of roles in my 48 years of life. From line cook to bartender, from manufacturer to car sales, from church planter to pastor of a staff, from coach to counselor there are tons of roles that I’ve filled in my life. I’ve had more jobs than many.

I’ve been working since I was able to get hired somewhere, and rarely did I ever have just one job at a time even while pulling a full course load in college. Sixty to 80 hour weeks have been a part of my life for decades.

I started bagging groceries at a local store. To be honest the job didn’t suck but it certainly wasn’t my favorite. So I quickly figured out what needed to be done to move up, and I did it. The same was the case in every other place I have ever worked. I look at the tasks, evaluate the job description, see what needs to be done to advance and I do it. I’m a task guy. I get things done. And I am driven by recognition and, if I’m being honest, the recognition of title and salary are probably ones that speak the louder to me than they should. Hence Lead Dairy Stock Crew was far more appealing than Bagger!

But there are times and environments when even the goals achieved, benchmarks met, hurdles jumped, and all the things checked off in sequence don’t yield the results you thought they would. For some people no matter what you do, it will never be enough.

And when that happens you kind of have two options. You can let it bring you down, cause you to spiral, throw up your hands and just say screw it all. That’s the bury your head in the sand kind of approach, and for some people that’s just what needs to happen for a season. But you can’t stay here long or you’ll end up in a depression filled stupor that will impact your performance and relationships.

The other option however is to realize that just because you’ll never be enough for this person, or that group, their opinion isn’t the only one out there. There are times when you just need to buckle down, do the work, and look past how others don’t see the value in what you bring to the table. Sure you can drop it all and go find greener pastures. That certainly is an option, but chances are you’ll be disappointed later too. Because not too far down the road you’ll find someone else who tells you by their actions that you’ll never be enough.

It’s unfortunate but your value will be determined by the person, or people, who mean the most to you. If that’s your employer, then you’ll probably bounce from job to job pretty quickly. If it’s your family, then you’ll be hurt when the kids don’t listen. If it’s your church, well it’s full of people carrying just as much baggage as you so be careful. But there could be a better place to find your value.

There’s only one place where your value isn’t dependent on your performance. And if you want to know where that place is, just ask. I’ll gladly show you where your value is, because I’ve had to go there often when I realize that for some people I’ll just never be enough no matter what they say.

Nine to Five

May 16, 2024 / / 3 Comments

I remember the movie from when I was growing up. I’ve probably only seen it once but the premise or maybe just the title is something that I think about off and on. Actually as I write this, I just finished a quick conversation with my wife about the whole 9-5 idea.

Some days I’m jealous of the times I had a regular job. A job that I could arrive at one bell and leave at the other. A job where I swiped my badge and logged my hours and left. A job where the job stayed in the building. A job that didn’t wake me up at night. A job that didn’t make my stomach turn because of how people act. A job where the harder I worked and the more I accomplished the clearer the lines for advancement. A job where hard work counted for something.

Some days I wonder what it would be like to be in a job where people didn’t criticize me for getting a new car. Where people didn’t think I was paid too much all because my family can travel to Disney (even though my wife is a travel advisor and that’s part of her job, not to mention the offsets she’s received as part of her stellar work). I wonder what it’s like to be able to buy a new pair of shoes or sport coat and not have people think I am squandering my wealth.

If I’m being honest some days I kind of wish my life fit that category. But then there are other days.

The days when I get to hold your baby as I sprinkle some water on his forehead and remind him that he’s been marked by Christ the crucified. Or I get to sit by the recliner of your grandma as she struggles for her final breath. I get to hold your head as you throw up because of the horrendous life change that was just forced upon you and you don’t know what to do next. Or I get to watch as you trust me to teach your child about how important faith is to them as they grow and mature.

The past 12 months have been some of the most challenging of my ministry and many people probably have no clue. From losing people for whom I cared deeply to people I thought were friends stop acting like friends to a few other situations that are more private than public. Let’s just say the struggle has been real.

I know some of you are going to read this and get all wigged out. But please don’t do that. Don’t read anything into what’s here. By now you should know that I’m kind of shoot straight kind of guy. Rarely do you have to read between the lines with what I’m saying. So just in case you’re having a hard time here you go.

Over the past couple of years I have definitely thought about what the future looks like. I’ve wondered if it wasn’t time to move back to a 9-5 kind of situation. I’ve contemplated if I’ve outlasted my usefulness in ministry. And just so you know I’m not alone in this, there are some startling stats about how many pastors have struggled with this over the past few years, like over 60% of us have considered leaving the ministry!

But when things start to go off the rails and my head and heart begin to hemorrhage these feelings of doubt, someone shoots me a text or calls me to offer a word of encouragement. Maybe I get to baptize a child. Or I hear why your son or daughter wants to be confirmed. I get to hold the hand of your dying loved one. I get to reassure you of the power of the resurrection even over your darkest grief. The doubt subsides and the reality peaks back through.

Now here’s where I need you to listen. I’m not saying that my occupation is better or worse than anyone else’s. I don’t write this to try to glorify myself over you or falsely lower myself in a backwards pride moment. I put this here because someday I’m going to need to come back and read it. Some day, when the dust settles I’ll be able to look here and be reminded of just how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

As I close this post out I’m reminded of a quote that’s been rattling around in my nearly empty noggin. In preparation for a recent message I was reminded that the thing you value most will determine your value. There are times when I let my value be driven by the way others respond, or don’t respond to me.

Let’s make sure today isn’t one of those days.

Stump The Pastor

May 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Being in ministry can be a fun experience. Some days are easier than others. One thing that often occurs in the church I serve as pastor is that the people play a game of stump the pastor.

Now, I don’t think it’s an intentional game all them time, but I do think there is a little fun had when I don’t have an answer right off hand. This past Sunday seemed to be one of those stump the pastor moments.

We were looking at a reading from Acts 1 where the author quoted a random verse from the Old Testament, seemingly yanking it totally out of context. This is a well known pet peeve of mine, so of course this was the topic of conversation.

Why would Acts pull this single verse out of the Psalms and throw it here? It doesn’t seem to fit…

My standard protocol when I have a question I can’t answer is to see if someone smarter than me is able to answer it. Then I do my own digging when I have time. Today is mining day. Mining through the Bible to see if I can find an answer or at least something that makes some sense.

When I go about this digging process, I look for other places where a similar approach is taken. I read commentaries (books by people far smarter than I)! And then I do some translation work to see if something didn’t get missed in translation from the original language to the English that sits before us.

Well, this one didn’t take very long before I found a bit of a pattern. There are several places where the New Testament authors use this similar approach in their writing. Often these are quotes from the psalms, which are typically poems or songs, that are seemingly out of context and perhaps misapplied?

That’s when a new question starts to rattle around in the noggin. If multiple authors use the same technique, then what do they know that we don’t know? Which means more reading and more studying ensues.

Finally! After digging around in the Bible, commentaries, online studies, bible software, and some Jewish writing style literature I do believe we have an answer. It’s a technique in Jewish writing called REMEZ. This technique basically is to quote a line from a well known song or poem, trusting that you will know its context. Kind of like you or I starting the lyrics to a well known pop song, trusting you will finish singing it in your head.

Then the reader, in this case you and I, are to then take the scenario to which it is originally applied and lay that over the context of the new passage. And ultimately using the new context, we can see some similarities to the original but also some deeper truths unveiled.

Here’s an example that’s a bit easier to see than the one we discussed on Sunday.

In Romans 8:36, Paul is cranking out some pretty convincing things about God and his salvation for us when he throws in this odd verse from Psalm 44 For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. If you read the rest of chapter 8, it really isn’t where Paul is headed. But when you double back and read the context of Psalm 44 where Israel is pursued by enemies who are out to destroy them and overtake them and they are seemingly without hope, then lay that over the context of Romans 8 it starts to make sense.

Paul is making the point that if God is for us, no one against us really matters. Just like Israel in Psalm 44, who was surrounded by many enemies and ultimately God was able to overcome all of them.

The same is true in the Acts 1 and Psalm 69 passages. Something was happening in the lives of Israel and the prayer of the psalmist was that God would handle it. Then in Acts 1 the disciples are saying that they have a pretty significant problem of betrayal from inside and they need God to handle it as well.

When we have a hard time determining what a specific bible verse means or why it’s structured the way it is structured, a great approach is to look around and see how this same approach is taken elsewhere. In this case, we didn’t have time to do that. And I know this wasn’t really designed to be one of those stump the pastor moments, but it ended up being a bit of a Sunday stumper! But now you know.

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