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Thursday Thirteen: 13 Reasons to Pursue Church Growth
 1. The foundational formula for six sigma processes is y=f(x)+E. ("E" is really the greek letter "sigma", but I don't have that in my blog software) This means that an outcome is determined by input and process plus variance (error). This is the law of cause and effect de-simplified. The "effect" is the outcome. The cause consists of the tools and materials used as well as how you use them. Any errors or variances you make will keep each outcome from being the same every time. For example: If you are going to paint 50 houses, you might use the exact same paint, equipment, and people on ever house (this is "x"). You may also paint each house using the same process of beginning in the front at the bottom and moving to the top in the back (this is "f"). However, the outcome at every house will be different, perhaps not noticeably, because you cannot account for the weather, bugs, accidents, or worker error (this is "E"). I promise, this gets better soon.
2. The point of six sigma is eliminating as much of "E" (variables) as possible to create as predictable a result ("Y") as possible. Six sigma operation means that for every 1million "results" only 3.4 errors occur. This is about to get better.
3. Last night, Marianne and I were at Barnes and Noble, and I was reading something about six sigma and it got me thinking about how we might use six sigma principles to improve our Sunday morning gatherings.
4. I know many cringe, and initially I do as well, at the idea of using secular business principles in the implementation of the Sunday gatherings. But I think if you hear me out, most people will agree with this (those who subscribe to a strict regulative principle will probably not... but I think it's impossible to be consistent and subscribe to a strict regulative principle, but that's a different debate for a different day).
5. The reason six sigma cannot really be used in church is because (as opposed to the driving philosophy of six sigma) we have a fundamental assumption that the primary variable in our gatherings is GOOD and cannot be controlled. To oversimplify, I would suggest that every time the church gathers, two primary outcomes should occur: God should be glorified and disciples should be made. However, neither of these outcomes can happen through formulas (see #6). They require the variable of God's intervention.
6. Churches have often attempted to take formulaic approaches to their gathering in an effort to glorify God and make disciples. In an attempt to make disciples, many have attempted leverage culture by using popular videos, music, websites, etc. to present the Gospel in unique ways. Many have attempted to use long-standing, traditional methods such as hymns and homilies to bring glory to God. While there is not necessarily anything inherently wrong with such attempts; no video, song, or even sermon can bring glory to God or make disciples on its own. It can only be the tool which is used by God when He intervenes and glorifies himself and re-creates lost people into disciples.
7. Knowing that God's intervention is necessary to bring about the proper outcome does not mean we should just do nothing and wait for God to intervene. I once knew a preacher who sat down every Monday and sketched out an outline for his sermon, then prayed over it and threw it away. He would get up Sunday and hope the "Spirit moved him". I would suggest God still expects us to make our best efforts in glorifying him and making disciples, with the understanding that HE IS THE NECESSARY VARIABLE.
8. Summary to this point; in our equation:
- "Y" is the outcome of our gathering which is to glorify God and make disciples
- "E" is the necessary variable in our gathering which is the supernatural activity of God
- Therefore, "f" and "x" are the elements and processes we insert into our gatherings, anticipating the intervention of God to bring about HIS outcomes.
 9. Now, I'd like to suggest a second equation. Understanding that God's intervention is the single most important element in any gathering of the church; I'm assuming we are then responsible to put forth our best effort. Thus, my second equation is one which is likely already used (to some degree) everywhere from Capitol Hill Baptist Church to Granger Community Church. Its the same formula as above, but now the elements represent:
- "Y" is the outcome of the gathering (this is what we are shooting for, hoping and anticipating God's intervention)
- "f" is the process behind the gathering (things like order of service, communication, sermon planning, etc.)
- "x" is the elements of the service (actual songs, actual sermon, technical equipment, etc.)
- "E" is the "non-supernatural" variables (weather, power outages, equipment failure, human error, etc.)
 10. Every church should spend time carefully considering what these types of outcomes for their gatherings should be (remember, this is secondary, we've already established the primary outcomes are glorifying God and making disciples). I would suggest these outcomes must reflect our dependence on God, therefore, they should not be things like "people get saved" or "the Spirit moves". These are not targets we can hit without God's interventions. I would suggest the following as potential outcomes:
- Jesus is the central character
- Every thing that is done is biblically faithful
- Truth is proclaimed
- Prayer happens
- Current events and popular culture are interpreted
- Participation is encouraged and enabled
- Creativity, innovation and newness are present
- Tradition is honored
- You can add others in the comments
11. If the things that are happening in your gathering are good things; and if you are expecting and anticipation God to intervene in your gatherings; and if said intervention is good for people; doesn't it stand to reason that you would wantas many people as possible to experience these gatherings? (Of course, this MUST be motivated by a love for people, rather than a love for self/popularity/influence)
12. If you truly want as many people as possible to experience your gathering,why would you not (assuming you will not violate any of the items in #10) conduct your gatherings in such a way as to allow for the most possible people to experience them?
13. Conclusion:
While waiting on God to intervene; we should do everything possible, short of sin, to make our gatherings as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
I'll let you unpack in the comments what it means to be "as accessible as possible".
Another List About Showing Wisdom When Answering People
A well-known conservative Christian blog has been running a series of posts entitled "Next". They are designed to be short, witty, and somewhat snarky responses to objections people raise about the church. Often the responses are well-thought out and reflect very good answers to sometimes tough questions. However, I shudder a little every time I read them because the answers just don't seem to reflect the type of grace I'd like them to. If you know me well, you know that I'm not always the most gentle of people, but I feel like this is an area of my life that the Spirit has shaped over the years... which is perhaps why I'm more sensitive to this. So I asked in the comments of one of these posts if they could show me some Proverbs (the author is absolutely brilliant in his use of Proverbs) that demonstrate this type of dialogue as appropriate. After not receiving a response, I went ahead and did a quick word search in Proverbs for "answer". Below I listed the verses which seemed appropriate to this discussion, and then made a short list of things I learned about wisely answering people (especially those with whom you disagree). I'll continue working on answering THIS way, I hope you will to.
- Proverbs 1:28
"Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
- Proverbs 18:13
He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.
- Proverbs 18:23
A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.
- Proverbs 21:13
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
- Proverbs 22:21
teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?
- Proverbs 24:26
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
- Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
- Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
- Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
- Proverbs 27:11
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
WISDOM FOR ANSWERING PEOPLE:
1. Be Gentle, not harsh.
2. Listen well before you formulate your answer.
3. Weigh your answer, don't immediately gush.
4. Give answers that reflect Scripture.
5. Don't endlessly debate with a fool.
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Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health
 1. Do you thirst for God?
2. Are you governed increasingly by God's Word?
3. Are you more loving?
4. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
5. Do you have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
6. Do you delight in the body of Christ?
7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
8. Do you still grieve over sin?
9. Are you a quick forgiver?
10. Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?These are from the book Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald Whitney.
Win A Free Bible!
If you're interested, you can register to win a free Bible from logos. These are pretty nice Bibles, so if you're like me and collect different versions... check this out! Logos Bible Software is celebrating the launch of their new online Bible by giving away 72 ultra-premium print Bibles at a rate of 12 per month for six months. The Bible giveaway is being held at Bible.Logos.com and you can get up to five different entries each month! After you enter, be sure to check out Logos and see how it can revolutionize your Bible study.
5 Thoughts About Self-Discipline
These are from Penelope Trunk, who is sometimes brilliant, and sometimes less than impressive... (read her other stuff at your own risk) Self-discipline is about small things paving the way for very big things. The key to self-discipline is finding an easy re-entry point. You need to give up perfectionism in order to get anywhere. Self-discipline is mental, but only because it's about believing in yourself. The moment of regaining self-discipline feels triumphant.
Why My Children Go to A Christian School
Before you get too excited about this... Please remember this post, and realize that the principle of "It doesn't matter" applies here. I'm not going to make a bigger deal about something than the Bible does; and obviously the Bible doesn't say anything about Christian schools (or schools in general). Therefore, my intent is not to say my way is the only way, but rather to simply be informative as to why my way is my way. My children belong to God. They are a resource of His which He has mercifully given to Marianne and I for a time, and He's entrusted us with the responsibility to treat/rear/use them as He would. (this is an important principle which is true for and should be applied to every area of our lives) My desire is to act as a steward for God in the spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational development of Emma and Liam.Who my children are influenced by and how they are influenced is and will be the primary factor in their development. Thus, I must be very intentional about those influences. This includes monitoring TV, wisely choosing movies, knowing and approving of friends, and of course choosing a school. I want the teachers who influence my children for five days a week to share my values and desires for my children as much as possible. Knowing I'll never find a teacher who shares those things precisely, I prefer QUALITY of shared belief to QUANTITY of shared belief.In other words; if a teacher hates the Detroit Tigers, listens to Barry Manilow, loves to waterski, prefers winter to all other seasons, and comes from Wolf Lake...BUT... loves Jesus; I want that teacher instead of the teacher who roots for the Tigers, listens to U2, would rather be golfing, loves autumn and grew up in Norton Shores. The QUALITY of our one shared belief trumps all others. There are many elements of a public school education that I'd love my kids to experience. Public schools have more opportunity, they have better technology, they have numerous and better athletic opportunities, they have free transportation, and they get 7-10 thousand dollars per student from the government. But I'd give up all that in a heartbeat to have my children influenced by someone who wants nothing more than to see them grow into disciples of Christ.** (this is not an indictment of all public school teachers. i've known many great Christians who teach in public school settings, and currently several of my good friends are a part of the local school systems... but they aren't the ONLY teachers my kids would have)At this point, some might say, "Why not just home school then? That way, you're kids will get the exact values you want to pass on." My answer to that is simple: I have no desire to turn my kids into me. I want them to be so much better than me, and that will only happen if they are influenced by people other than me, who excel in areas I cannot. This is not a diatribe against home schooling, but I'll briefly suggest that students who are home schooled K-12 miss out on a wealth of influence because they simply don't get the same level of adult interaction (in the classroom setting!). Ultimately, it comes to this. My children are in a Christian school because I want them to be influenced by Christians. They are in their formative years now, and so right now I am far more concerned about who is influencing them than I am with whom they are influencing. Again, this has not been a thorough treatment of this topic. It's just me saying, "here's why I do it..." Read it as such. **I know some will say, "but love for Jesus isn't enough. if the teachers are not qualified, you're harming your kid." I get that. But that's not a dillema I'm facing right now. There are several Christian schools in West Michigan whose teachers are qualified ENOUGH... and I'll go as far as to say this is probably more often a dodge than it is a reality.Labels: children, christian school, homeschool
One Stinkin' Messed Up Church...
As I sat at the beach baptism today and looked around, I was really struck by how messed up our church is.
Sure, we have a few of the Ken and Barbi type families with perfect marriages and well-behaved children; and to the outsider, it might look like most of our families are like that. But, I know otherwise. As I looked around today I saw a large number of families and people that have been through or are going through difficult times. Our church really is full of messed up people.
As we sang, "Come Lord Jesus, Come", I knew that so many people meant those words from the depth of their hearts because they're wading through the mess of living in a sin infested world.
I suppose in some places this morning churches gathered and people patted each other on the back and congratulated one another on how much they all have it together. But, I'm so glad that wasn't us. I'm so glad we're not foolish enough to think we're that great. I'm so glad we're able to come together in all our messiness and just for an hour put aside our junk and celebrate God's goodness (particularly in the lives of 25 people this morning!).
That's all I have to say about that.
Why It Matters That It Doesn't Matter What Kind of Music We Use
Let me start by saying I take the Bible very seriously. That means I believe it means what it says, and it says everything it means to say. I believe the Bible should set our priorities and inform our preferences. I believe it should be the guiding light to the path of life we walk.
So, if the Bible says we should or should engage in certain behaviors; I believe we should engage or avoid those behaviors. Some obvious commands exist. Don't kill, don't lie, honor your parents. These are "no-brainers", and if we value the Bible we must obey them. Some commands, though, are more subtle. "Live by the Spirit" is a more difficult command in which to engage; but, if we are to be faithful to the Bible as our rule in life, we must figure out what it means (this one is from Ephesians 5 by the way).
Faithfulness to the Bible also means that we never allow our preferences or opinions to hinder us in our pursuit of obedience. Thus, even if I prefer to tell a white lie because it will make things easy, I cannot lie and still be in obedience to the Bible. As simple as this seems, we all know experientially that it can be quite complex.
Faithfulness to the Bible also means I don't place less emphasis on something than the Bible does. Jesus said the greatest command was to love God and the second was to love my neighbor. I don't get to emphasize other commands over these. I don't get to suggest that anything is primary to these two great loves. If I am faithful to God's Word, I must place the same emphasis on everything that He does.
Now, consider this. I also don't get to overemphasize anything the Bible doesn't emphasize. Taking the Bible seriously means NEVER making a big deal about something the Bible doesn't make a big deal about.
Fewer things have been a bigger deal in the church over the last thirty years than music. "Worship Wars" have led to "contemporary services" which have given ways to all manner of "innovation"; all the while churches, families, and friendships have been split because some preferred to keep things the same and others wanted change.
The easy approach to this problem is to just quote Romans 14 and tell everybody to just avoid offending each other. (I think that may be why we have so many churches with different services showcasing different kinds of music) This is, however, a less than appropriate response to the question of music in the church. The truth is that the only appropriate position we should take is, "it doesn't matter."*
Practically speaking, every minute I spend discussing music with someone is a minute I'm not spending discipling that or another person. (obviously, there could be initially a discipleship element to such a discussion, but endlessly hashing out the same arguments is far from discipleship) For this reason alone, we could say, "it doesn't matter" is the best answer.
However, far more important is that style of music doesn't matter in the Bible. The most clear passage regarding music in the church is found in Ephesians 5 (the same chapter I referenced above). Paul suggests that singing with and to one another is one recipe for being Spirit-controlled. He doesn't say what style the music is. He just says, "sing together." Psalm 150 paints a picture of worship music that showcases a bunch of instruments, but doesn't delineate the style. Revelation has several passages that describe worship in heaven. All of them indicate large crowds and powerful music, but none indicate the style.
The style of music doesn't matter in the Bible...
...and it shouldn't matter to us.
When we make a big deal about musical styles, we are making a big deal about something the Bible doesn't make a big deal about. That is dangerous enough. But when we choose to let this "big deal" break the unity of the body and when we find ourselves sitting in judgment on others because of this "big deal"; we've become people who are no longer faithful to the Bible.
By the way, this cuts both ways. I'm not just writing about those who favor traditional music. Because I've known several "cutting edge" sorts who think their musical style is the best thing going. "It doesn't matter" means it doesn't matter for ANYONE.
And now the big ending...
This isn't really about music at all is it? It's about everything that we choose to make a big deal about in our relationship with God, but moreso in our relationship with His people. The same principle I've applied to music here applies to all the things onto which we want to place more emphasis than the Bible does. Almost always, it's these things that disturb the unity and oneness of the Body (see Ephesians 4).
So... please... before you place too high a priority on "your thing"...
guitars, skits, puppets, children's ministry, keyboards, pews, pulpits, clothes, small groups, choirs, sunday school, youth group, videos, organs, innovation, awana, study groups, sermons, etc...
... make sure the Bible places the same priority on it. Otherwise, you've turned the Bible into a book of suggestions and the chuch into a social club.
Thanks.
---------------------------------- *I am not saying it doesn't matter what music we use. I AM saying it doesn't matter what style the music is. I don't really buy into the "secular/Christian" music distinction, but that is a different issue anyway. Here we are simply talking about "music I like" versus "music I don't like."
6 Marks of a Missional Church
This is an official statement from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Thanks to Wes for posting it on his blog. 1. A missional church grasps that God is a missionary God and that “it is not so much that God has a mission for His church in the world, but that God has a Church for His mission in the world.”*
2. A missional church believes that the mission of God is rooted unalterably in the Bible, God’s infallible Word. Therefore, a missional church believes that the essence of God’s mission is to extend the reign of God and is summed up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. A missional church is a visible community of authentic disciples of Jesus Christ who gather for celebration, prayer and teaching and then disperse locally and globally as His missionaries to love and serve people. In so doing, a missional church both pursues and welcomes those who are searching sinners as they are drawn into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The greater purpose in all of this is that the earth will be filled with the worship of God.
4. A missional church believes that it is more than just a collection of individuals, but that it is a community called together by God both to love Him and serve Him.
5. A missional church is concerned with more than maintaining programs for existing members; it is called to mobilize itself its people both individually and as a community to daily self-sacrifice for the hurting world around them. A missional church is both inwardly strong and outwardly focused.
6. A missional church perceives that the essence of these things is the essence of its existence. Therefore, a missional church will constantly seek to reevaluate itself as to whether or not it’s its emphasis, organization, and activity effectively positions the church to partner with God in His mission.
Church Clothes
I'm thinking of using this as the foundation for my sermon on Saturday. Any thoughts or feedback? -------------------------------------------------------
I ran into a guy I knew from church the other night. I was at Subway with Emma when i saw him standing on the other side of the restaurant. I waited to catch his eye than gave a subtle, manly wave of recognition.
"I didn't recognize you in your work clothes," he said. He asked if I was taking the day off.
I explained that I was actually on vacation. I was taking a couple days off to catch up on some projects. We talked for a minute, then it was his turn to order so the conversation ended.
I wasn't wearing "work clothes".
In fact, I wasn't wearing anything that I don't wear any other day. I had jeans on, and they're frayed at the bottom of the legs. But all my jeans are frayed at the bottom, because no one carries jeans short enough for my stubby legs. I also had a jean jacket on. So maybe "work clothes" was just a code word for "lots of denim."
I suppose that someone who didn't know me well might draw the same conclusion about my outfit. That probably speaks to my lack of fashion sense. I guess I could have said to my friend, "Oh no, these aren't work clothes... You should see my work clothes!"
My work clothes are mostly paint splattered shirts and shorts that my wife pulled out of circulation because they have holes in them. My work shirts also double as "spaghetti shirts" for the kids so they have a nice blend of orange stains to offset the paint.
I find it interesting that a concept of "work clothes" exists which is shared by everyone. As I think about it, I realize that a vast number of categories exist into which we can place our various outfits. I suppose the typical American family has any number of work clothes, play clothes, dress clothes, winter clothes, summer clothes, rain clothes, and of course, church clothes.
I hate church clothes. I don't really have anything against the clothes people wear to church. And I don't really have anything against people who get dressed up for church. I just hate getting dressed up myself.
I do my best to avoid all situations in which dressing up is required. Sometimes, I pretend to get sick if I'm supposed to attend a wedding (not adviseable on one's own wedding day!). I look for schedule conflicts to avoid dinner parties. Something about dress pants and suit coats and ties just doesn't work for me. I like my frayed jeans and denim jacket.
Growing up, I loved going to church, but I hated the clothes I had to wear. Sweaters made me itchy, I couldn't keep my dress shirts tucked in, and even clip-on ties felt like they were strangling me. I don't know whose idea it was to get all fancied up on Sundays, but I'm certainly not their biggest fan.
Now that I have that off my chest, i should be fair and mention that church isn't the only setting for which people get dressed up. The business arena has an implied, but fairly strict dress code. I'm not sure, but there may be a hidden clause in all elementary teachers manual pertaining to the wearing of wooden jewelery. My favorite dress codes, though, are those of professional sports coaches.
Coaches of professional sports teams are some of the best, and some of the worst dressers. Basketball coaches are typically known for their dapper appearance and Armani suites. Football coaches seem to emulate the American ideal of the "guy next door" usually wearing sweatshirts or sweaters with their team logos. Baseball managers are priceless. They wear a full uniform. Few sights are more odd than sixty year old men with huge guts wearing baseball pants. Some of them even wear cleats.
Why?
I have no idea. Maybe they want to be ready just in case everyone on the team gets hurt.
I play sports recreationally, so I have a drawer at home for some of my sporting clothes. Mostly, it just holds my soccer shorts, but I feel more athletic if I call it my "sports drawer."
What if the clothes we wear had the ability to change us? What if I could become a world class soccer player just by pulling on my Ronaldo replica jersey? What if I turned into a succesful businessman everytime I wore a suit and tie?
Isn't this kind of the idea behind some superheroes? Batman's suit gives him a lot more options for dealing with bad guys. Growing up, I always thought that heroe's ability to fly was a result of the cape they were wearing.
Of course this is ridiculous. It is physically, chemically, genetically, and even spiritually impossible for a person to change who they are on the basis of a wardrobe change alone.
No one pulls a tweed jacket out of their closet hoping to become a college professor, and of course getting married requires more than just putting on a wedding dress. I've never met anyone who became an Olympic track star by pulling on a wind suit, and I've yet to meet the professional football player who did nothing more than put on a helmet one day. Strangely, though, I've known a lot of people (probably myself included) who suddenly become Christians when they put on their church clothes.
I wonder sometimes if people have several different closets at home. In one they keep their business clothes, in one are their recreational clothes, in one is their church outfit and in one they keep their work clothes. I think that maybe on one hanger in each closet they keep a different personality to match the clothes. The result is a neat and clean compartmentalized life.
The upside of such an arrangement is that recreational Joe doesn't ever have to be bothered by office Joe. Office Joe stays in the closet all weekend. The downside is that family Joanne is not impacted at all by Christian Joanne. Christian Joanne only comes out on Sundays.
Paul wrote about having a compartmentalized lifestyle in Romans. He said, "don't be conformed to your surroundings." Conforming is changing shape to match the surroundings. Water always conforms. No matter what you pour it into, water takes the shape of its surroundings.
Compartmentalized Joe and Joanne are just like water. they change who they are depending on their situation.
Do you remember the story of Samson? He was a classic case of compartmentalization. He began as a judge of Israel, his job description was to protect the Israelites from the Philistines. While he was in this role, he spent his time hitting Philistines with donkey skulls and burning their fields with torches made of foxes.
Later he decided he wanted a woman. He shifted into a new stage of life and became friends with the Philistines. He was even the star of their parties. Apparently their women were better looking than the Hebrew women, so he became like the Philistines so he could marry one of their women.
Another time, he was hungry. Even though he had taken a vow strictly prohibiting contact with dead bodies, he allowed the situation he was in to dictate that he pull honey out of the carcass of a lion. All that mattered to Samson was the moment he currently found himself in.
He live a classically compartmentalized life. He had conformity down to a science.
Compartmentalizing life didn't work out so well for Samson. Ultimately, all his compartments imploded and he had to figure out who the real Samson was. Unfortunately it was too late. Even though Samson finally figured out who god wanted him to be, it was too late to save his life. He ended up dying with the Philistines.
Compartments kill us.
Every time i change my shape to match my environment, I get a little bit further from who I really am.
Some people have been compartmentalizing for so long they don't even really know who they are when they put on their church clothes. It's just another identity they wear during the week. When Sunday is over, they put that person back in the closet and leave him or her there until next week.
Paul said not to be conformed. If you are regularly changing into something or someone you are really are not, you're a hypocrite. Living in compartments is hypocrisy.
The next thing Paul said was, "be transformed." Transformation is the opposite of conforming. Transformation is an inward change that eliminates the potential of conforming.
When water changes properties from liquid to solid, it has undergone a transformation. Water as ice will no longer conform to its surroundings. Its shape is certain.
When we undergo the transformation of spirit that Paul talked about we become a person that looks like Jesus no matter where we are, not just when we put our church clothes on.
I have a friend who thinks the word "Christian" should be used as an adverb more than any other part of speech.
Sometimes I use "Christian" as a noun to represent the different compartments of my life. I think of myself as a father, and a friend, and a writer, and an athlete, and a Christian.
Sometimes I use "Christian" as an adjective to segment parts of my life. I wear a Christian t-shirt, as I listen to Christian music at the Christian skate-night with my Christian friends.
God didn't make me to live in compartments. He made me to live the same all the time. He made me to live Christianly.
I need to get beyond being a just a businessman or even a Christian businessman. I need to live Christianly at work (an everywhere else).
I don't need separate closets for recreation David and Christian David. I need to play Christianly.
I should be able to wear my denim to church and my church clothes to work because my appearance and my environment should have nothing to do with what I look like. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, whatever I'm wearing, I should be doing it Christianly.
I guess that's what Paul meant when he said, "Whether I'm eating or drinking or whatever I'm doing, i should do it to the glory of God." My identity as one who lives Christianly doesn't change as I move through the compartments of my life. My identity as one who lives Christianly is who I am, and it should pervade all I do...
no matter what closet I get dressed from.
------------------------------------------- and no, reading this doesn't mean you can skip church. It isn't ONLY about the sermon.
Thursday Thirteen: 13 Reasons Your Perspective Should Be Vertical and Not Horizontal
1. A vertical perspective allows you to be free of the muck around you. 2. A horizontal perspective gets you bogged down in the trials of life. 3. A vertical perspective gets you focused on the only thing that really matters. 4. A horizontal perspective distracts you from the important things. 5. A vertical perspective allows you to understand truth from an unchanging source. 6. A horizontal perspective leads to truth by committee, vote, or opinion. 7. A horizontal perspective leads you to measuring yourself against others. 8. You'll always find someone who is doing better than you, which leads to depression. 9. You'll always find someone who is doing worse than you, which leads to arrogance and criticism. 10. A vertical perspective allows you to measure yourself against God's standard. 11. You don't really measure up to God's standard either... but if your perspective is vertical, you know He's taken care of that and you don't need to. 12. A vertical perspective allows you to focus on what is permanent. 13. A horizontal perspective leads you dwell on the temporal.
New Blog Look
So tonight Marianne was making cupcakes and cakes for Liam's birthday. As she talked about the color scheme, I began to think about how much I like black, white, and gray together in designs... especially when a little grey is inserted as an accent color. Then I came across this link from Kem Meyer to a bunch of inspiring minimalist web designs. Next thing I knew, I was inspired. First I worked up a new logo on photoshop. Then I began wildly coding in html tables (I'm such a dinosaur). And now, I breathe a deep sign as I head to bed. I really, really like this look... whether you do or not!
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