Christians Influencing Culture

Christians are supposed to influence culture for the better, despite what many non-Christians might want. Richard Dawkins, the famous atheist professor at Oxford recently put signs on London busses stating that “There’s probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” Probably? Perhaps he is not too sure about his atheism or the bus company made him tone down his message. Either way, the message is pretty clear, he wants people to live their lives as if there is no God… I wonder what that kind of world would be like?

 

I wonder what professor Dawkins might think about a world were no Christians exist. Gone are the 90% of Christians who desire to serve mankind in a positive fashion, help others when they are in need, offer comfort to those who are suffering or in grief, those who are the first to rush in with disaster relief… Dawkins must long for a world with no hope at the end of life, with no purpose in this life other than to eat, drink, conquer, procreate and die. Without Christians or the Holy Spirit of the Bible in this world, all that is left is the base of human cruelty, the survival of the fittest where only the strong survive. 

 

My question is, “What does it hurt for people to believe in God?”

 

I recently read the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network newsletter that quotes Reggie McNeal, from his book Practicing Greatness. He outlines seven spiritual habits or disciplines that lead to the spiritual influence we need within our culture. Since leadership is the art and science of influence, this is what McNeal writes: 

1. Self-awareness – understanding who God created you to be
2. Self-management – managing emotions, expectations, temptations, mental/physical well-being
3. Self-development – lifelong commitment to building on your strengths, not your weaknesses
4. Mission – living out of a sense of God’s purpose for your life and leadership
5. Decision-making — knowing the elements of good decisions and learning from failure
6. Belonging – nurturing relationships with family, followers, mentors, and friends
7. Aloneness — the intentional practice of soul-making solitude and contemplation

Seek ways to influence our culture with intentionality; not just seeking people to believe the way we do, but to allow people to see Jesus for who he really is!

Barack Obama and Étienne de Silhouette

I read this quote from the daily devotional Our Daily Bread (October 23). Does it resemble an issue in our current American presidential election?  

In the 18th century, silhouettes (shadow profiles traced and cut from black paper) were a popular alternative to costly portraits. The word took its name from the French controller general of finance, Étienne de Silhouette. During the Seven Years War against England, he tried to raise revenues by heavily taxing the wealthy. Victims of his high taxes complained and used the word silhouette to refer to their wealth being reduced to a mere shadow of what it once was.  

The writer goes on to mention that Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians, and then the prophet Jeremiah was lamenting over the city of God being a shadow of its former existence. I pray this will not be the case with the USA.

 

I’m not a political activist or a spin guru. I’m just an average guy living paycheck to paycheck trying to make ends meet (like many of you). So, with Joe the Plummer taking the heat for asking a simple question about how the Obama tax plan will affect him (and perhaps millions of other hard working Americans), I have cause to fear what the repercussions of this post might bring! But I see a couple of insights regarding Obama and a silhouette: 

 

1.    A silhouette is a creative and beautiful shadow of the real thing. Obama has been great at winning over younger voters, but do they really know where he stands on the issues, or does it even matter? Many black Americans may vote for him because he’s half Kenyan, many 20-somethings may vote for him because he’s not a “geezer,” others may be voting for change, any change, not realizing the not all change is for their benefit. I love this video piece from Peter Doocy during the Democratic National Convention this past summer. He makes a remarkable parallel between this generation voting for president (many for the first time) and voting for their favorite American Idol.

2.    A silhouette is outlined in detail, but the core of the image is hidden. Who knows the real stories behind several issues: ”spread the wealth,” involvement and influence in ACORN, apparent discepancies in his birth certificate(s), his Indonesian Islamic school record indicating his nationality as Indonesian (and religion as Islam, which was likely the faith of his mother’s husband at the time – I do not question his faith in Christianity), government run health care as pseudo-socialism, championing the cause of common working class people yet forsaking the basic right to life, the shadow of the whole “associations” issue with Ayers, Rezko, and his mentor and pastor Jeremiah Wright.

3.    The original Silhouette heavily taxed the wealthy. Do we see a parallel here? Perhaps research into this 18th century event would reveal the extent of the complaints of the affluent. According to Wikipedia, Silhouette was “criticized by the nobility including Voltaire, who thought his measures, though theoretically beneficial, were not suitable for war time and the French political situation.” So, raising taxes on the wealthy was not good during a time of war? So, it looks good on paper but does not work out in reality?

 

And don’t get me started on swing states and undecided voters! People are way to fickle… it’s all about me, if Obama is going to pay me a $1000 rebate, or provide me a job, or pay my health insurance, I’ll vote for him, who wouldn’t? Unless you vote according to principles and your worldview. You either stand for something and vote your convictions or you sell out to the highest bidder for what you get out of it.

 

There are just way too many Obama issues that go against my worldview. I don’t have to agree with everything about McCain to vote for him, but I sure don’t agree with Obama, no matter how attractive he is, or how many celebrities talk him up. Another thing, if the democratic trinity of Pelosi, Reed and Kennedy are for him, I know I can’t stand with him!

Unless the Lord Builds the Home

We had a great time at the pavilion last Saturday, a bit cold and a little damp, but what is a man of steel without a little rust? It would be like having power tools without scratches on them! The saying, “I would rather burn out than rust out” perhaps means we should live life to the fullest, don’t hold back, take a risk, follow through on your good intentions, be the hero to your family that you want to be… The old analysis of “rust” is that men can be old, broken and worn out, and chock-full of inactivity; but the new generation should see Men of Steel (perhaps with a little rust) as being seasoned, weathered, unpolished, rough, steadfast, structurally sound, tested and true.  

In regard to the topic from this past weekend, the handout was from the Man in the MIrror ministry, and is found here. My blog article that I mentioned about the Overload Syndrome may be found here, complete with a prescription for dealing with correcting overload in our priorities.

 

October 25 and November 1

 

Remember that this Saturday October 25 is Operation Inasmuch, so we will not meet as Men of Steel that morning. All community mission teams will meet in the sanctuary at 8:00 for prayer and marching orders for the day.

 

On Saturday November 1, since the women’s ministry has two separate events, the dad’s (and you single guys are welcome, too) are going to meet at 9:30 for a father/son or dad/daughter fun outing. Suggestions have been bowling at the Hilltop Pinboys or the mini-golf, driving range and batting cage on Holland Road (to be determined later). If you have small children, come on anyway, as a group we can make this work for all of us!

 

A devotional thought for this week – Psalm 127:1-5 Here’s what I see…

 

Ps 127:1 tells me that men will often do a lot of work and put great effort into building their homes… not the house, but your home, your marriage and children. It is good to try and build your homes, but this verse reminds us that if God is left out of the picture the effort is futile or in vain. A family without God can never experience the God-designed spiritual bond that He intends for relationships. Don’t make the mistake of leaving God out of your life, or your daily activity. If we make God the foundation of our home, which is our highest priority, we allow Him to build the home as He knows best.

 

Ps 127:2 reminds me that working hard is not the sin here, but rather working too much (sunup to sundown). It’s like neglecting the most important people in our lives, which is senseless. Take time to rest at home with your loved ones.

 

Ps 127:3-5 mentions children being a gift and a reward from the Lord, and men are blessed to have many children. Today, many people see kids as liabilities, a distraction or a nuisance, keeping us form what we really want to do, or they are financially way too expensive (growing out of clothing too fast, going off to college, healthcare, etc.). But we learn valuable lessons from our kids, too. Simple questions from kids can help us rediscover new things in fresh ways. After being a believer for 12 years, I didn’t really understand the love that my heavenly Father has for me until I became a father myself. The emotion can be overwhelming, I know how much I love Stephen and Bethany, and that doesn’t even come close to how much God loves me!

 

The quiver is full of them? A quiver of arrows was generally five! Times have certainly changed. I read that the average American family has around two children, but the truth is the same, that children are precious and a gift. Arrows in the warrior’s hand may mean that our children will stand with us when times in the hood get tough; we survive adversity because God builds a strong home, having family who stand with us! Our kids are a reward, much like the promise given to Abraham, that he would be a great nation and his offspring would be like the sand of the earth or the stars of the sky, (Genesis 15:5 and Genesis 13:15).

 

John Maxwell on Leadership (Psalm 127): 

 

·     People cannot provide permanent security for the leader. 

·     Leaders should never put their emotional health into the hands of someone else. 

·     Spiritual and emotional health requires the truth. 

·     Leaders must remember that hurting people naturally hurt people. 

·     Trouble arises when leaders depend upon people to do what only God can do.

 

Consider passing this note to friends that you would like to join the Men of Steel. This is a word-of-mouth ministry!

How to Spot Overload in Your Life

In America, we are way too busy… work, school, after school classes, scouts, baseball, cheerleading, swim practice, ballet, piano lessons, and the list goes on. We tend to over stimulate our kids and wonder why a peaceful evening at home with the family never happens. 

I found this in a recent HomeLife magazine: Since faith moves us toward action, basically to love like Christ, we volunteer in church, the community and other charitable organizations. But we often find ourselves taking on too much. We fear that saying no will lead to guilt and obligation. But there are times that we need to take time out. 

 

·     When we are spending less time with the Father – the nature of relationships is that we spend time with those most important to us. Concerning God, how much time do we give to Him in Bible study, prayer, reflection, worship? If you’re crowding out that time, you’re too busy. 

·     When you’re neglecting your family and loved ones – it seems counter-productive, but it is possible to allow your work and service activities to take you away from those closest to you, which is not a place you want to be. 

·     When you’re physically, mentally and emotionally drained – realistically, how much good are you to others if you are exhausted? Not much. Remember that we are designed for rest and downtime, remember the 4th commandment? It’s not a bad thing, it’s a must. 

·     When your joy is gone – if you find yourself felling no joy and satisfaction in the works of your faith or your daily life, you may be suffering from overload. 

 

Dr. Richard Swenson, M.D. wrote a neat little book called, The Overload Syndrome, where he challenges readers to live within their limits. Chapter 4 hits this “activity and commitment” issue right on the head. Here’s the doctor’s Rx: 

1.  Reestablish control on your life and schedule – be active and intentional in this correction, avoiding self-pity.

2.  Prioritize activities and commitments – start with priorities from God’s Word, look through God’s eyes and then act on what is seen, seek first His kingdom and the rest will follow, and remember that people are always more important than things.

3.  Practice saying NO to good things – it’s easy to say no to bad things, but the goal is control on your life. But it is never an excuse for laziness or noninvolvement.

4.  Consider doing less, not more – make sure to do the right things, not just more things.

5.  Periodically prune your activities.

6.  Limit your long-term commitments.

7.  Work to establish and maintain balance.

8.  Guard the dinner hour.

9.   Restore the practice of Sabbath rest. 

Not a bad prescription to bring the margin and balance back into your life.

Balance and/or Priorities in Life

I trust the week has gone well for you all. Our list of men has increased by five this week. Remember that the topics are not sequential, so coming back after missing a Saturday is quite easy, no catching up! 

Last Saturday I was challenged to find something on “balance.” Generally this could mean balancing all the demands we have as men…family, work, play, sports, hobbies, you name it. One thing is for sure, when it comes to balance, setting priorities is the way to go! Ever notice that we will DO the stuff that is important to us. We make time, don’t we? We must remember the difference between the urgent and the important. How can you tell the difference?  

Check out this teaching video, about 30 minutes or so, from Pat Morley, the author of the Man in the Mirror book. The video Bible study is on priorities, likely the root cause of our need for balance. Then think about these questions:  

·     How do your dreams and hopes for your children reflect your priorities? Do they reveal weak spots or blind spots?

·     Read Matthew 22:36-38 and think about the significance of this command on the way we prioritize our time and money.

·     Read John 14:15, 21, 23 and think about the relationship between obedience and loving God. What is something that you have done for God even though it was unpleasant?

·     Name an area in your relationship with God that you are not doing all you should. What are you willing to do to improve?

·     Read John 15:12-14 and think about who you are willing to die for.

·     Read Genesis 2:15 and think about ways your vocation might contribute to God’s agenda.

·     What good work might God be calling you to do?

·     Is rest a priority with you, or do you feel guilty when you are relaxing? What is the Jesus position on relaxing (Matthew 11:28-30)?

·     Think about how the world competes with biblical priorities. Any examples in your life?  

Remember this is not homework! But try to view the priorities video and think about some of these questions. I have a conference all day on Saturday but will be at the KGBC pavilion 7:30-8:30, and then will have to take off! 

Check out this music video called American Dream. Is this not an accurate picture of what American men are doing?

Proverbs 27 for the Common Man

I want to thank you for your time this past Saturday morning; I trust it was worth it.

 

As you heard, the 12 of us came to the pavilion that day with various expectations and needs. The group may not be exactly what every man is seeking, but perhaps we will address concerns that affect us all.

 

BTW, if you are interested in the song and lyrics that I mentioned (Slow Fade) you can find it here.

 

The format for Men of Steel at this point is developing, but I am convinced that we should not start a Bible study series that will cause men to think they will get behind if they miss a Saturday. Perhaps we should explore a new topic each Saturday, announced ahead of time (like by e-mail) so we can gather with a similar idea of what to expect. Maybe even prepare to contribute to the discussion. We can then come to the devotional time with ideas about a Scripture. Remember, this is not a requirement like homework!

 

So, at the pavilion on Saturday October 11, how about really diving in to Proverbs 27? Consider this as you read the chapter this week: 

• God is the One who controls the future – v 1
• Jealousy destroys human relationships – v 4
• God wants us to trust friends and correct one another – vv 5-6
• We need a sense of “home” and a “people” who can give support and counsel – vv 7-10
• The danger of listening to the wrong people – v 10
• The foolishness of conceit – vv  5, 12, 16
• We need to learn from friends – v 17
• God knows us because He knows our hearts – v 19  

Ask yourself: 

1. How does our relationship with God affect our relationships with family and friends? (2, 4-6, 8-11, 14-17)
2. How does your relationship with God affect foolish people? (3, 12, 15-16, 20, 22)
3. How does your relationship with God affect your business dealings or planning for the future? (18, 23-27)

From John Maxwell, regarding leadership and relationships: 

• Don’t brag (1-2) – leaders understand how little they get from self-promotion.
• Don’t envy (4) – leaders sabotage themselves if their motive is to keep up with others.
• Be up-front (5-6) – leaders don’t fear confrontation, but speak the truth in love.
• Don’t forsake your roots (8) – leaders understand the power of heritage.
• Stay close (9-10) – leaders work at maintaining relationships and meeting needs.
• Add value (17) – leaders sharpen those with whom they come in contact.
• Don’t be moved by flattery or praise (21) – stay humble or you’ll stumble.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Seven Ways to Help Your Teen in School

Today I read an article by Will Snipes that I wanted to pass along:

 

The middle school and high school years represent some of the most challenging years for a teen. Not only are academics in play, but all the other areas of teen development. These seven tips can help you stay connected to your teen both academically and socially.  

1. Spend intentional time together. This could be as simple as turning off the radio in favor of some conversation in the car or making sure family meals still happen. Either way, try to ask questions without prying. Creating intentional moments to connect will pay off in truly understanding your teen.
2. Check assignments. Although middle school creates a growing sense of independence, students still need accountability. Look through notebooks and ask questions about directions and due dates. Do your homework by signing papers and returning parental correspondence on time.
3. Encourage organization. Teens juggle multiple classes, assignments, and a multitude of paperwork. If you have a disorganized teen, help them get organized by purchasing an organization system to fit his needs. Help them learn which papers need to be saved and which can be discarded. 
4. Know your teen’s friends. Transition years bring new friends into the mix. Take the time to get to know these new friends and their families. Invite them over and always make your home a place where kids can feel comfortable hanging out. Look for opportunities to minister to new friends and new families.
5. Get involved at school. There is a big drop-off in parent involvement from elementary school to middle school and especially at the high school level. Suddenly, it’s no longer quite so “cool” to have your mom or dad around. At the same time, parents need to be a visible presence, so find a way to volunteer. Get to know your teen’s teachers. Let them know that you want to be informed and involved.
6. Increase responsibility. Teens are certainly busy with school and extra-curricular activities, but they need to also help out at home. By giving your teen responsibilities at home, you will help grow a stronger sense of independence. Give your teen some options and then stress “working together toward a goal as a family” when it comes to completing duties or tasks.
7. Promote student involvement. Encourage your teen to stay involved in church activities and to try to get involved with a sport or hobby. Help them find a healthy place to connect with peers and adults who can push them in the right direction.  

–Will Snipes spends his summer speaking at various youth camps and events. He then returns each fall to his full-time job as a middle school teacher and coach in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina.

Marriage Glue: Ways to Stick Together

There is a lot of good stuff in the August HomeLife magazine, especially on nurturing our marriages.

 

·     Keep dreaming together: When you share your hopes and dreams with your spouse, and when you dream about your future together, you are solidifying your commitment to each other.

·     Express your commitment in words: Write out your covenant to each other, frame it, and display it in a place where each of you will see it often.

·     Learn new things about your spouse: You are both works in progress, and God will continue to refine you. Continually study your spouse and learn about his or her interests, feelings and gifts.

·     Pray with and for your spouse: The Bible tells us that a cord of three strands in not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). When you are both focused on God and each other, your marriage will be strong enough to face the storms of life.   

 

“Genuine love is honor put into action regardless of the cost.” – Gary Smalley, Love is a Decision.

Ten Ways to Seal Your Marriage

Marriage is a pretty important institution, ordained and blessed by God in the very beginning. But life is hard and many marriages and families fall apart. How can the church address the issue of making stronger families? By making stronger marriages! With the movie recent release of Fireproof, I thought that we all could use a little encouragement on developing our marriages! 

 

1.  Make Christ the center of your lives (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

2.  Remain sexually and emotionally faithful (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)

3.  Keep no secrets from your spouse (1 Corinthians 13:6)

4.  Love and respect your spouse (Ephesians 5:33)

5.  Pray for your marriage (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

6.  Be kind and forgive (Ephesians 4:32)

7.  Follow God’s instructions for money management (1 Timothy 6:10)

8.  Don’t go to bed angry (Ephesians 4:26-27)

9.  Honor each other’s parents (Exodus 20:12)

10.  Always strive to make your marriage better (Philippians 3:12)  

 

All sound biblical guidance, right? But will we commit to it. How can we make our marriages better… starting this week? Have you taken the Love Dare? This list was taken from HomeLife magazine.

A Man Fell In a Hole…

You’ve heard some version of this story… a guy walks down the street and he falls into a deep hole where the walls are so steep he can’t get out. [ BluefishTV has a short video of this story ] How about using this version…

·     A physician passes by and the guy shouts up, “Hey buddy! Can you help me out?” The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on.

·     Then a Sunday school teacher comes along and the guy shouts up, “I’m down in this hole. Can you help me out?” The teacher quotes a Bible verse and moves on. 

·     Then a friend walks by. “Hey, Bob, it’s me. Can you help me get out?” So the friend jumps in the hole! The first guy says, “Are you crazy? Now we’re both stuck down here.” To which the friend replies, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before – and I know the way out.”   

 

Remember, it’s all about relationships! The pastors of a church teach, preach, mentor, equip, train, lead and encourage the saints for the work of ministry… (Ephesians 4:12). Every church member is a minister; the pastors of a church are the administers.

 

There are people that you can reach that the pastors will never reach! The pastors are looked at as slaemen, where those not in professional ministry might be viewed as satisfied customers. How can your staff help you grow as a Christian and/or help you to better minister to those around you?