Think About It

When we read, are we looking to learn something or merely to reinforce what we already believe?  When we engage in a conversation, are we wanting to discover fresh ideas and new insights or are we merely hoping to convince someone of what we think? These questions tend to point to a common malady in today’s society, but the truth of the matter is that mankind has struggled with this for ages.  The wise man of the Old Testament challenged the princes of his day, “A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” (Proverbs 18:2)  Since the creation of language man has been tempted to talk more than listen.  When I look back at some of the wisest people I know I realize they have also been some of the most controlled people I know.  Influence isn’t about using the most words, it is about making the most of the moment. Leaders aren’t introverts, but they were willing to wait their turn to speak and plan their message so that it will...

One of my favorite modern authors is Simon Sinek.  To me he has an in interesting look at the world and an understandable way of expressing it.  The other day I was looking at some of his ideas and came across this one, “ There are only two ways to influence human behavior: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it.”.  Simply put, we can try to change people by forcing them to do something we want them to do or encouraging them to accomplishing something they want to achieve.  When it comes to leadership the issue is whose interest do we put first? Mr. Sinek has a modern-day audience, but this message has been around for centuries.  Many of the biblical characters relied upon their influence to make and develop disciples.  Jesus showed people what was important to Him and encouraged them to become His disciples.  One of His earliest appeals was to a some local fishermen when He said, “ Follow  Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Ma...

One of my favorite lessons from Jesus is called the Parable Of The Mustard Seed.  In this story Jesus teaches, “What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it?   It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” (Luke 13:18-19)  There are several great lessons that can be garnered from this teaching, but one that appeals to me is how the church can provide support.  No, as Christians, we may not be the biggest influences in the world, but we can help those around us.  It is easy to get down about how insignificant we feel, but if we are willing we have the ability to make a difference.  Does the world know that our church exists?  If not, why not?  Is the problem that they aren’t looking for us or is it that we aren’t doing anything noteworthy?  Also, when our community looks to us do they see a place of support and ...

          Through the years I have been called upon to try to find the words that are fitting for some pretty somber occasions.  During funerals, I have searched for ways to console families who have lost a loved one much too soon.  I have stood on the front porch in the darkness of the early morning hours holding the news of a tragic death in my hands knowing that the words of a death notification were about to change a person’s life forever.  I have tried to find the words to bring peace to co-workers in the midst of tragedy.  I have stood up in front of congregations and tried to bring peace in the aftermath of a bomb planted in the Federal Building in Oklahoma City or the flying bombs that ripped apart our nation on September 11 2001.  In a sense, a part of my ministry has been about finding the right words.  Now, as I look at my computer keyboard in the wake of Sunday night’s tragedy in Las Vegas, I am dry – I’ve got nothing....

For those of you who have known me for a while you are aware of my proclivity to begin a new workout routine.  Like most people I will do well for a while, then I will fall off the wagon (or more literally – the treadmill).  Through the years I have learned a few things about myself and, when it comes to working out, it isn’t the physical activity that creates the issue, it is getting off the couch and into the gym.  Once I walk through the doors of a facility I actually enjoy myself, but my biggest obstacle is changing my way of thinking.  Sure, I want to do it and I know that it needs to be done, but I have to begin a new way of thinking if I am going to be successful with a new way of acting. What is the hardest thing about repenting?  Most of us equate “repentance” with changing what we do and, while that is the ultimate goal, it begins with a new thought process.  If we are going to overcome an addiction, we may have to revise the way we think about...

I don’t know much about Chuck Palahniuk, so I am not sure of the background for the quote, but the other day I came across something that I found quite interesting.  My source attributed this to his diary, but the observation was this:  “It's so hard to forget pain, but it's even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.”  Again, I don’t know his context for this nor was I really looking for his application of the quote, I was just intrigued by the thought itself.  It is very easy to remember all the tough times we have had because many of them have left visible or emotional scars and some have taught us life-lessons.  Yet, have you thought about how few of the good times we remember?  Sure, when we get together with old friends and family we might take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, but too few of us constantly rehash the good memories or spend time counting our blessings.  Oh, we are more...

          “I just want to be heard!”  This sentiment is as prevalent today as it has ever been.  Whether it is a teenager, a protester, a spouse, a Christian missionary, a civil rights advocate or a politician most people just want the opportunity to express their opinion and have their voice heard.  Sure, the eventual goal is a change in some behavior, but in the beginning, the goal is for someone to just listen to us.  Often, when we discuss this issue, we advocate that those with a message be given a platform (in other words we support the messengers desire to be heard), but there is another part to this … when given the opportunity the message must be ready to be presented.  At the end of a protest, when a child has a parent’s attention or when a Christian has an audience we must be ready to speak our peace in an informative, enlightening and inspiring way.  In other words, before demanding to be heard, we have to have some...