Think About It

When you are looking for someone with whom you can develop a partnership, what do you consider? When we are looking to join forces to accomplish a task, we might seek out people who have similar talents. When we are looking for a long-term romantic relationship we might find someone who makes us feel special. When we are starting a business, we might search out someone who has a skill that complements ours. Now, while all these can help us find success, I think there is something else that will help us create successful, lasting partnerships – a shared value system. Common likes and abilities might draw us together, but common values take our relationship to a higher level – and will help us stay together during the inevitable struggles that will follow. While this make good sense when it comes to just about any kind of relationship, Paul warned Christians to be mindful of our basic values when we consider partnerships with those whose values don’t match ours. The apostle wrote, ...

Are we too willing to accept a low standard? It seems like that, to be satisfied, we have convinced ourselves that we have to reduce our expectations. Whether it is to fill our ranks at the office or advance some of our children through the educational system, we have decided to be okay with “OK”. Rather than expecting people grow and develop it has become easier to just accept what they claim is the best they can be. Instead of requiring people to elevate what they can do, we accept whatever they have done. I understand that each individual should be evaluated on their own capabilities, but when we fail to encourage exceptional work, we are going to end up having to live with substandard results. When we are willing to lower the standard, we are going to have to learn to live with a subpar product. I realize it is easier to just go along with the flow, but if we ever hope to raise the bar in our society we are going to have be okay with saying, “No, this isn’t good enough.”. Th...

The Bible is pretty straightforward when it comes to forgiveness. Jesus was quoted as saying, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15). Now, while it is quite clear that we have a responsibility to forgive people, I also believe that some violations of trust justify a cautious approach to restoration of certain relationships. If someone errs and lets us down, that doesn’t mean that they automatically deserve to be restored to their pre-sin position. Using caution might not only be natural, it might even display a sense of wisdom. I wonder what Jesus would have done had Judas asked for His forgiveness. I firmly believe He would have granted forgiveness, but would Judas still have been a trusted member of the inner circle or even retained his position of treasurer? We’ll never know the answer to that rhetorical questio...

I don’t know if it is just anecdotal or if there is factual basis for the observation, but it appears that families are struggling. I know that there are a lot of well-rounded, contented families; but there seems to be a growing concern about the loss of effectively-functioning families. I realize there are a lot of people who have weighed in on why this is happening – some with an agenda that promotes their ideology and others who genuinely want to help. I realize that my opinion is colored by my own background, but I do believe there are some things we can do to help cultivate good families: 1. Love . It may sound odd, but it wouldn’t surprise me if many of the struggling families don’t feel loved. When we understand that love is basically wanting the best for each other, we can learn to focus on what other family members need and that can generate a cohesiveness that will draw us together. 2. Discipline . Typically, when we hear this word we often think about corporal punish...

As you might imagine, I like religious stuff. I enjoy going to church and teaching spiritual concepts. As I look back on my life, some of my most memorable moments have centered around spiritual activities and religious places. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if you can say something similar. Being religious is something that is important to many of us and we take pride in the relationship we have with God and fellow believers. Now, while all of this religious stuff is good, we must make sure to remember that being pleasing to God isn’t just about church and religion. In fact, one of the most common themes throughout the Bible is how we please Him by doing what we are supposed to do for and with others. Whether it is Jesus’ teaching about loving one another or even Solomon’s observation, “To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3) the way we live often carries as much weight as how we worship. What are you doing this weekend? ...

On this day in 1971 Charles Manson was convicted of a series of murders committed by his “family” in 1969. The crimes took on a life of their own because of the publicity surrounding the acts and the investigation. One of those killed was an actress by the name of Sharon Tate (who was pregnant at the time). According to some, the crimes were connected to Manson’s concept of Helter Skelter (the name of a Beatles song and a book by Vincent Bugliosi). While I don’t really want to give this evil man much attention, I am fascinated by how he could attract so many people and convince them to do such evil. Every time I looked at him – and even now when I see photos of him – all I see is evil; but somehow he attracted a following. I don’t get it! Few of us will be seduced by people like Manson, but these types of stories remind us of how careful we must be. We must choose our influences wisely and we must use our logic, reason and spirit to help us avoid being duped by people who intend...

As a business major in the 20th Century (yes, I have a degree in Business Administration) I couldn’t help but bump into the philosophies of Peter Drucker. Drucker was a business leader who helped shape modern philosophies about how business should operate in today’s world. During his lifetime, it was no longer acceptable to use up resources (especially human resources) in the interest of the financial bottom line. Drucker was a part of group of people who brought us from the business magnates to business leaders. Peter Drucker was very quotable, but I came across one the other day that really got me to thinking, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”. Interestingly, my initial thought when I read this had nothing to do with business and everything to do with attitude. What I heard when I read this was that the best way to have a positive attitude was to create it even before being influenced by outside forces. If we are going to feel uplifted we can’t depend upon g...