... And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
This is the only direct quote from Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded outside the gospels. In other words... listen up!
How does this scripture speak to you?
Recently, I’ve learned through a mission’s trip to Los Angeles that life really is not about us. It’s not about what we can obtain while we’re here. Yes, it feels great to receive but this shouldn’t be our core motivation for serving. Jesus gave us the perfect example. He gave up His life so that we may live forever in Heaven. What was His motivation?
Pure. Unconditional. Love.
Is there any better example?
He set the bar as high as it could go—we can only hope we’d make it half as far. Life is about giving, about service to others, and I believe the key behind it all is our motivation. Am I driven out of self-interest (what I’ll eventually get) or a true, genuine desire to see those I’m helping benefit? The answers may be tough truths, but know that real honesty will only lead to continual blessing...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Cliff Jumping
When Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez landed in Mexico, one of his first orders to his men was to burn the ships. Cortez was committed to his mission and did not want to allow himself or his men the option of going back to Spain. By removing this option, Cortez and his men were forced to focus on how they could make the mission successful.
Talk about commitment! I love to think of this idea as Cliff Jumping. When you jump off a cliff, your decision is absolute; you have no choice but to move forward. You've signed up, sold out, and eliminated all possibility of retreat!
This is a concept I’ve struggled with in my Faith. To be honest with you, I was afraid to become a Christian. I knew my friends would mock me. I knew it would ruffle feathers in my family. It involved personal sacrifice. And sadly, I allowed these fears to influence my decision for Christ. As such, when I finally did say “YES” to the Lord, I kept my identity and actions private. I did not fully commit; I trusted in myself, rather than God.
In my mind, I was a Christian, but my actions reflected little change. Remaining at the cliff’s edge enabled options for retreat, which were especially tempting when challenges or difficulties arose. Without true commitment, I had the luxury of waiting, seeking other paths, and reverting to old ways. As time passed, I was still standing in the same spot realizing I was just living a lie, making excuses. I was not growing, I was not contributing, and I certainly wasn’t setting the right example. It’s as if I said “YES” to a new job, but never showed up to work, therefore never reaping the returns or the pay check.
As frustration built, I turned around, mustered up the courage and jumped.
The fall was liberating and as I landed, I felt strengthened. I finally lived up to my commitment. It wasn't the decision that changed me, but the path I walked after the decision. It forced me into the right actions. The details of this example could take up a book, but I digress.
So let’s talk about you. Where are you challenged? What is your cliff?
Maybe it’s your Faith? Your career? Your health? Your relationships? Have you been trying to commit to something, but continually procrastinate? Take an honest look at yourself.
Commitments show up through action. Here are a few bullet items that may help you get started:
In the end my friends, it boils down to this: A simple decision. A decision similar to Hernando Cortez. A decision similar to what Indiana Jones demonstrates in the video below. What will you decide? Will you take the leap too?
Talk about commitment! I love to think of this idea as Cliff Jumping. When you jump off a cliff, your decision is absolute; you have no choice but to move forward. You've signed up, sold out, and eliminated all possibility of retreat!
This is a concept I’ve struggled with in my Faith. To be honest with you, I was afraid to become a Christian. I knew my friends would mock me. I knew it would ruffle feathers in my family. It involved personal sacrifice. And sadly, I allowed these fears to influence my decision for Christ. As such, when I finally did say “YES” to the Lord, I kept my identity and actions private. I did not fully commit; I trusted in myself, rather than God.
In my mind, I was a Christian, but my actions reflected little change. Remaining at the cliff’s edge enabled options for retreat, which were especially tempting when challenges or difficulties arose. Without true commitment, I had the luxury of waiting, seeking other paths, and reverting to old ways. As time passed, I was still standing in the same spot realizing I was just living a lie, making excuses. I was not growing, I was not contributing, and I certainly wasn’t setting the right example. It’s as if I said “YES” to a new job, but never showed up to work, therefore never reaping the returns or the pay check.
As frustration built, I turned around, mustered up the courage and jumped.
The fall was liberating and as I landed, I felt strengthened. I finally lived up to my commitment. It wasn't the decision that changed me, but the path I walked after the decision. It forced me into the right actions. The details of this example could take up a book, but I digress.So let’s talk about you. Where are you challenged? What is your cliff?
Maybe it’s your Faith? Your career? Your health? Your relationships? Have you been trying to commit to something, but continually procrastinate? Take an honest look at yourself.
Commitments show up through action. Here are a few bullet items that may help you get started:
- What one area is of highest priority? (Start here)
- What do your results look like?
- How are you spending your time?
- Do you need to let something go?
- What are the risks?
- Do you require a plan?
- What small action can you start with today?
In the end my friends, it boils down to this: A simple decision. A decision similar to Hernando Cortez. A decision similar to what Indiana Jones demonstrates in the video below. What will you decide? Will you take the leap too?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A New Man
... that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)
I must admit that I am a new man. I love this scripture because it speaks so closely to my life. I grew up without really knowing who God was or why He was important. In fact, in my adolescence and college years I would label anyone who spoke of God or practiced "religion" as bizarre and outlandish. It just wasn't what the "cool" people did. I also remember how uncomfortable it felt when I saw someone praying or who used "Jesus" or "God" in conversation.
But, why?
Well, I soon realized it was out of ignorance; I just didn't understand.
Like most college graduates, I was on a passionate pursuit for success -- hungry to reach the pinnacle of my career as fast as I could. Thankfully, this drive to achieve brought me down a personal growth path I could have never imagined. I sought out books, audio programs, interviewed people— anything that would help me get to the next step. After about a year, a pattern started to emerge. These "role models" I sought for guidance attributed their success to a power greater than themselves.
This discovery had my wheels turning. And little did I know... it was God starting to call me.
Two years later I came to a place of surrender. Depression set in as the results of my excessive work ethic and focus let me down. I finally admitted to myself that I needed God's help... but what did that really mean? My curiosity brought me to a Bible study where I met a Pastor who took the time to answer all my questions. He taught me who Jesus was, why He came to earth, and most importantly, why I needed Him in my life. Slowly, things began to click as my ignorance was refreshed with knowledge.
The answer was simple: I needed a Savior.
Facing this truth was difficult and made no sense, but in the bottom of my heart I knew it was right. With faith, I submitted my life to Jesus and all has changed since. Things that were once important started to fade... the money, the cars, the homes I once eagerly desired—all dwindled. The urgency to become "successful" was replaced with a calm trust that my life is now divinely guided. Excessive drinking, drug use, and sex— 3 of the most dominant temptations of anyone in their 20s— were slowly cut away from the heart.
To this day, the changes are still occurring. And I share this not in an attempt to persuade you into Christianity, but to simply share how I changed. Faith is now the centerpiece of my life and will serve as a foundation for topics to come. I couldn't think of a better way to start off this blog then by introducing a small piece of who I am.
God bless you.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)
I must admit that I am a new man. I love this scripture because it speaks so closely to my life. I grew up without really knowing who God was or why He was important. In fact, in my adolescence and college years I would label anyone who spoke of God or practiced "religion" as bizarre and outlandish. It just wasn't what the "cool" people did. I also remember how uncomfortable it felt when I saw someone praying or who used "Jesus" or "God" in conversation.
But, why?
Well, I soon realized it was out of ignorance; I just didn't understand.
Like most college graduates, I was on a passionate pursuit for success -- hungry to reach the pinnacle of my career as fast as I could. Thankfully, this drive to achieve brought me down a personal growth path I could have never imagined. I sought out books, audio programs, interviewed people— anything that would help me get to the next step. After about a year, a pattern started to emerge. These "role models" I sought for guidance attributed their success to a power greater than themselves.
This discovery had my wheels turning. And little did I know... it was God starting to call me.
Two years later I came to a place of surrender. Depression set in as the results of my excessive work ethic and focus let me down. I finally admitted to myself that I needed God's help... but what did that really mean? My curiosity brought me to a Bible study where I met a Pastor who took the time to answer all my questions. He taught me who Jesus was, why He came to earth, and most importantly, why I needed Him in my life. Slowly, things began to click as my ignorance was refreshed with knowledge.The answer was simple: I needed a Savior.
Facing this truth was difficult and made no sense, but in the bottom of my heart I knew it was right. With faith, I submitted my life to Jesus and all has changed since. Things that were once important started to fade... the money, the cars, the homes I once eagerly desired—all dwindled. The urgency to become "successful" was replaced with a calm trust that my life is now divinely guided. Excessive drinking, drug use, and sex— 3 of the most dominant temptations of anyone in their 20s— were slowly cut away from the heart.
To this day, the changes are still occurring. And I share this not in an attempt to persuade you into Christianity, but to simply share how I changed. Faith is now the centerpiece of my life and will serve as a foundation for topics to come. I couldn't think of a better way to start off this blog then by introducing a small piece of who I am.
God bless you.
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