Wednesday; May 29

John F. Kennedy is one of the most recognizable figures in our nation’s recent history. Not only did he look different (more like a leading man) he also had the ability to compel people with his words. You have a lot to choose from if you want to reference JFK, but on this anniversary of his birth I want to cite a segment of “The City Upon A Hill” Speech. This speech delivered in The State House in Boston on January 9, 1961 discussed his perspective on creating a new national government. Interestingly for a man who would become known for being forward-looking he looked back for his inspiration – all the way back to John Winthrop. When President Kennedy thought about his administration’s future he drew on Winthrop’s example and quoted him, “We must consider,” he said, “that we shall be as a city upon a hill – the eyes of all people are upon us.”. Kennedy went on to observe, “Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us – and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national state and local, must be as a city upon a hill – contrasted and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities.”. John Kennedy understood that if his administration was going to make bold claims, they needed to walk the walk.

As I thought about Kennedy’s speech, it took me back – not to John Winthrop, but to the One who originally make that observation – Jesus. When challenging His earliest disciples He said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). We live in a time when people are taking a critical look at Christians. They are wondering if we are who we claim to be – and if that difference is positive. We need to make sure we are doing what is right and showing that good things happen when we do good.

People are watching us. What are they seeing?

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more