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The Call to Radical Generosity

July 10, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Generosity. It’s a word that gets tossed around like confetti, but how many of us actually live it out in a way that shakes the foundations of our comfortable lives? You probably want to hold onto something because we’re about to take a hard look at why generosity isn’t just a nice idea —it’s a radical, non-negotiable command straight from the mouth of Jesus.

Love in Action

First off, let’s get something straight: generosity isn’t about dropping a few coins in the offering plate and patting ourselves on the back. True generosity is rooted in love—the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated when He gave up everything for us. We’ve heard of John 3:16. The whole gospel in a nutshell passage. In it we read, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” Did you see it? God gave. Generosity is love in action, and for Christians, love is the core of our faith. If we’re not living generously, are we truly living out our faith?

The Gospel is Giving

The Gospel is all about giving. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). He didn’t cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself for our sake (Philippians 2:6-7). As Christians, we’re called to mirror this selfless generosity. It’s not optional either. It’s the very heartbeat of the Gospel.

When we live generously, we reflect Christ’s character to a world that desperately needs to see it. We become walking, talking billboards for the transformative power of the Gospel. It’s about time we started living up to that calling, don’t you think?

Counter Cultural Living

We live in a culture that screams, “More! More! More!” It’s all about accumulating wealth, power, and stuff. Consumerism anyone?

But Jesus flips the script. In Matthew 6:19-21, He tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven. Why? Because where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Generosity is a powerful weapon against the relentless grip of materialism. It breaks the chains of greed and selfishness that bind us and then frees us to live with open hands and hearts.

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Radical generosity doesn’t just change the lives of those on the receiving end; it transforms the giver, too. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give freely and joyfully, we experience a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. We’re tapping into the very essence of what it means to be human—you know the whole created in the image of a generous God idea.

Let’s Get Practical

Enough with the theory. Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are four practical steps to start living generously today:

  1. Evaluate Your Priorities: Where are you spending your time, energy, relational capacity and even material goods? If your priorities don’t reflect a generous spirit, it’s time for a change.
  2. Give Regularly and Spontaneously: Set aside a portion of your income to give regularly to your church or favorite charity. But don’t stop there—look for spontaneous opportunities to bless others. Buy a meal for a stranger, donate to a special project at your local church, or simply offer your time to someone in need.
  3. Live Simply: The less you’re attached to material possessions, the more freely you can give. Simplify your life and use the extra resources to make a difference.
  4. Engage Your Community: Get involved in your local community. Volunteer at shelters, join service projects, and be present where there is need. Your presence can be just as valuable as your material assets.

Step Up and Stand Out

Generosity isn’t a feel-good add-on to the Christian life; it’s part of the core of what it means to follow Jesus. It’s time to step up and stand out. Let’s stop blending in with a culture obsessed with getting and start living out the radical generosity that Jesus modeled for us. The world is watching. Let’s give them something worth seeing.

A Little Recognition Goes A Long Way

July 9, 2024 / / 2 Comments

In our society, the word “recognition” has become a diluted term, often misappropriated for mere participation rather than genuine achievement. The true essence of recognizing accomplishments has been lost in a sea of mediocrity, where everyone gets a trophy and no one stands out. It’s high time we challenge this complacency and start acknowledging those who actually make a difference.

The Epidemic of Participation Trophies

Remember when recognition was earned, not handed out like cheap candy at a parade? Today, the lines between effort and accomplishment are blurred beyond recognition. Participation trophies are the epitome of this absurdity. By rewarding mere attendance, we undermine the value of true excellence and hard work. It’s not only insulting to those who genuinely excel, but it also creates a culture of entitlement where mediocrity is celebrated.

Why are we so afraid to celebrate the best? Are we so fragile that we fear the shadow cast by someone’s towering success? This epidemic of participation trophies is breeding a generation that cannot distinguish between showing up and showing out.

The Real MVPs

Let’s face it: not everyone deserves a medal. Real achievements are born from sweat, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. These are the people who innovate, inspire, and lead. They push boundaries, challenge norms, and set new standards. Yet, these are the very individuals who often go unnoticed because we are too busy applauding those who simply “tried their best.”

Recognizing real accomplishments isn’t about putting others down; it’s about lifting up those who truly deserve it. It’s about setting a benchmark for success and motivating others to reach it. The world needs heroes, but not everyone can be one. It’s a title reserved for those who earn it.

The Consequences of Complacency

The danger of our current trajectory is clear: a society that rewards mediocrity ultimately stagnates. When we fail to recognize and celebrate real accomplishments, we discourage excellence. The message becomes clear: why strive for greatness when good enough is good enough? This complacency is a breeding ground for incompetence and apathy.

Consider the workplace. Employees who consistently outperform their peers often go unrecognized, their achievements overshadowed by a culture of uniformity. This not only demoralizes high performers but also sends a toxic message to the rest of the team. Excellence is no longer the goal; fitting in is.

A Call to Action

We must reclaim the true spirit of recognition. It’s time to discard the notion that everyone deserves a trophy and start celebrating real achievements. This means acknowledging the standout student, the innovative employee, the relentless athlete, and the visionary leader. It means understanding that recognition is not a right, but a privilege earned through hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance.

We need to be bold and unapologetic in our celebration of excellence. Let’s stop pandering to the lowest common denominator and start setting high standards. Let’s create a culture where real accomplishments are recognized and rewarded, and where everyone is inspired to reach their full potential.

Recognition should be about more than just making people feel good. It should be about honoring those who truly deserve it and inspiring others to strive for greatness. The world doesn’t need more participation trophies; it needs more champions. It’s time to rise above mediocrity and start celebrating real accomplishments. Let’s give credit where it’s due and let excellence shine.

The Ant’s Way

June 25, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Do you want to be more productive? Let me guess—you’ve read every article, bought every planner, and tried every app, but you’re still not getting things done. What if I told you that the secret to productivity isn’t some shiny new tool, but a simple lesson from an ant? Yes, an ant. Stick with me here and it’ll all make sense.

The Power of One Grain

Imagine an ant. It’s tiny, almost insignificant on its own. But this little creature can build massive anthills, one grain of sand at a time. Each grain might seem as if it’s nothing, but when you consider the relentless effort, the continued collection, that something massive and intricate is created. This is the lesson: productivity is about consistent, even small actions compounded over time. Forget the big picture for a moment. Focus on the grains.

Why You’re Failing

Here’s the harsh truth: you’re not failing because you lack talent or resources. You’re failing because you’re not acting like an ant. You’re overwhelmed by the mountain of tasks in front of you, so you freeze. You think about the entire anthill instead of the next grain of sand. The result? Paralysis by analysis. If you can’t get it all done at once, you don’t do anything.

Embrace the Grind

It’s time to wake up! Productivity isn’t glamorous. It’s not Instagram-worthy planners or color-coded to-do lists. It’s about grinding, day in and day out, doing the small, monotonous tasks that inch you closer to your goals. An ant doesn’t question the process. It doesn’t complain. It simply works.

Want to write a book? Don’t focus on the 80,000 words needed before publishing. Focus on writing 500 words today. Want to get fit? Don’t think about the six-pack abs or the 30 lbs you have to lose. Think about doing your workout today. Want to start a business? Don’t obsess over the million-dollar idea. Focus on the one task you can complete right now.

The Compound Effect

Here’s the magic: those small, consistent actions add up. Just like the ant’s grains of sand eventually create an anthill, your daily actions can create massive results over time. But it won’t work if you don’t take the first step. This is the compound effect in action. Small actions, repeated consistently, lead to exponential growth.

Let’s break it down:

  1. Daily Writing: Write 500 words a day. In a year, that’s 182,500 words. That’s not just one book; that could be two or three.
  2. Daily Exercise: Spend 30 minutes working out each day. In a year, that’s 182.5 hours of exercise. That’s a lot of calories burned, muscles built, and health gained.
  3. Daily Learning: Read 10 pages of a book each day. In a year, that’s 3,650 pages. That’s like reading 12-15 books a year. Think about the knowledge you’ll gain.

Stop Waiting for Motivation

I’ve heard it before, I want to do the work but I’m just waiting for the right motivation. Here’s a reality check: motivation is overrated. It’s fleeting, unreliable, and a lousy foundation for productivity. Ants don’t wait for motivation. They don’t need a pep talk to get moving. They just do what needs to be done.

Stop coddling yourself with the excuse of needing to “feel like it.” Productivity is a habit, not a feeling. Create a routine and stick to it. Show up every day, no matter what. The ant doesn’t take a day off because it’s tired or uninspired. Neither should you.

Be Relentless

Life will throw obstacles your way. You’ll face setbacks, distractions, and failures. But if you adopt the ant’s relentless mindset, you’ll keep moving forward. When an ant’s path is blocked, it doesn’t give up. It finds another way. It’s time for you to do the same.

Lost your job? Use the time to learn new skills and network. Project failed? Analyze what went wrong and try again. Too busy? Reevaluate your priorities and make time for what matters. There’s always a way, but you have to be relentless.

Final Thoughts

So, are you ready to be productive? Are you ready to embrace the ant’s way? It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be glamorous. But it’s going to be worth it. Start today. Pick up your grain of sand. Do the small actions consistently. You can build your anthill, one grain at a time.

Remember, it’s not about the big moves. It’s about the tiny, relentless actions. Be the ant. Get to work. And watch as you transform your productivity and your life, one grain at a time.

Trust is Built in the Shadow of Fear

June 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, danger, and the unknown. Yet, it is often in the shadow of fear that trust is most profoundly built. This truth is vividly illustrated in two biblical accounts: Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 and Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm arises. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, are terrified. Waves crash into the boat, and it begins to fill with water. In their panic, they wake Jesus, who is asleep on a cushion. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” they cry. Jesus rises, rebukes the wind, and commands the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind dies down, and there is complete calm. Then Jesus asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Similarly, in Matthew 14:22-33, the disciples are again on the Sea of Galilee, but this time without Jesus, who has stayed behind to pray. As night falls, a strong wind begins to beat against the boat. Early in the morning, Jesus comes strolling past them, walking on the water. The disciples are terrified, thinking they he is a ghost. But Jesus immediately reassures them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, boldly yet I’d assume somewhat fearfully, replies, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus invites, and Peter steps out of the boat. As he walks on water, he becomes aware of the wind and waves, and fear overtakes him. Beginning to sink, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him. “You of little faith,” He says, “why did you doubt?”

These stories reveal some deep lessons about fear and trust. In both, the disciples face circumstances that are beyond their control, which brings fear and panic. Yet, it is in these moments of fear that their trust in Jesus is formed and even deepened.

The disciples’ fear in the storm and Peter’s fear as he walks on water are met with Jesus’ calm authority and reassurance. Jesus does not abandon them in their fear; instead, He demonstrates His power over the very elements that threaten them. His questions, “Why are you so afraid?” and “Why did you doubt?” challenge them to recognize that fear and faith are interconnected. It is through experiencing fear that they have the opportunity to grow in their trust of Jesus.

Trust is not built in the absence of fear but in the very pressure it presents. When we face our fears, we are given the opportunity to rely on God more fully. Just as the disciples learned to trust Jesus through the storms, we too can learn to trust Him in the trials of our daily lives. Fear can drive us to doubt and despair, or it can be the catalyst for a deeper, more robust faith.

In moments of fear, remember the disciples’ experiences. Jesus is with us in our storms, calling us to trust Him. He may calm the storm or calm us so that we can walk through it, but His presence is our peace. As we look to Jesus in the midst of our fears, we build trust in the One who commands the wind and waves, the One who reaches out His hand to save us. Trust is indeed built in the shadow of fear, for it is in the our fears that we most vividly realize our need for God’s unwavering presence and power.

Trust is Built in the Shadow of Fear

June 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Trust. A seemingly fragile word, often invoked but rarely understood. We live in a world where fear dominates our every move. Fear of failure, fear of betrayal, fear of the unknown. It looms over us like a terrifying darkness, casting a long and ominous shadow across our lives. But do you want to know the kicker? It’s within this very veil of darkness that trust can be forged. It’s in the midst of our fears that the most profound and unshakeable trust is able to emerge.

The Paradox of Fear

Fear is a primal instinct, hardwired into our brains since the fall of humanity. It’s a survival mechanism, designed to keep us safe from the prowling lions of our ancestors’ nightmares. Yet, in the modern world, these predators have morphed into subtler, more insidious threats: the fear of losing our jobs, the fear of being judged, the fear of emotional vulnerability, the fear of making a mistake. Oh the horror!

But fear is not the enemy. It’s a crucible, a test of our true character. It’s easy to trust someone when life is smooth sailing. But when the seas get rough, that’s when real trust is built. In the darkest moments, when fear is at its peak, trust has the ability to shine its brightest.

The Anatomy of Trust

Trust isn’t given though; it’s earned. And it’s earned through actions, not words. In the shadow of fear, promises mean nothing without the backbone of reliability and the spine of consistency. When someone stands by you in your darkest hour, that’s when trust takes root. When someone has your back when the stakes are high, that’s when trust blooms and grows.

It’s about showing up when it matters most. When you’re drowning in self-doubt and the world feels like it’s caving in, those who reach out their hands to pull you from the abyss are the ones you learn to trust implicitly. Their actions speak louder than any platitudes ever could. But you need to be willing to reach for their outstretched hand. Trust requires you to move too. Even if it’s just one small step, trust demands action.

Betrayal: The Ultimate Teacher

Nothing teaches the value of trust quite like betrayal. It cuts deep, leaving scars that never fully heal. Betrayal forces us to confront the reality of human fallibility. It’s a brutal wake-up call that not everyone is worthy of our trust.

But betrayal also teaches us discernment. It sharpens our instincts, making us more attuned to the subtle signals of who deserves our trust. In the shadow of betrayal, we learn to value the rare, precious gems of loyalty and integrity. The pain of betrayal becomes the forge in which our understanding of trust is refined and tempered as long as we don’t let that betrayal bury us in an ever deepening pit of fear and despair.

Fear as a Catalyst for Trust

Fear and trust are inextricably linked. The greater the fear, the more powerful the trust that can emerge from its shadow. It’s a high-stakes game, one that demands courage and vulnerability. But those who dare to play it reap the richest rewards.

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to genuine connection. It’s a risk, but it’s one worth taking. It’s one too costly not to take. By confronting our fears head-on, we create the conditions for trust to thrive. It’s about acknowledging our fears, not denying them. It’s about saying, “I am afraid, but I choose to trust anyway.”

The Role of Integrity

If fear is the dark shadow that slows us and trust is the way out, then integrity is the cornerstone of trust. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. In a world rife with deception and half-truths, integrity stands out like a beacon. It’s the unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability.

People with integrity inspire trust because they live by their principles. They don’t bend to the whims of convenience or expediency. Their word is their bond, and their actions consistently align with their values. In the shadow of fear, integrity is the anvil upon which trust is forged.

Building Trust in a Fearful World

So how do we build trust in a world dominated by fear? It starts with small acts of courage. It starts with showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It starts with being honest, even when the truth is painful. It starts with taking small steps in the direction you know you have to move, even when the final destination isn’t completely clear.

It’s about creating a culture of trust, one where people feel safe to be vulnerable. It’s about leading by example, demonstrating through our actions that trust is possible, even in the most fear-filled scenarios.

In the end, trust is not the absence of fear, but the triumph that comes through it. It’s the audacious belief that despite our fears, despite the risks, despite the past hurts and let downs, there is something stronger that binds us. It’s the understanding that true trust is built not in the absence of fear, but in its very shadow.

In this harsh, unforgiving world, trust is our most valuable currency. It’s rare, precious, and hard-won. But for those who dare to face their fears, who dare to be vulnerable, the rewards are unparalleled. Trust can then become the light that emerges from the darkest shadows, a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty.

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.

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.

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.

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