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Confessions Of A Practical Atheist

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If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, then you probably have the impression that I am a Christian, a disciple of Jesus. You probably think that I believe in Jesus as the Son of God and that I see Him as all powerful, able to work miracles in any situation. Unfortunately, that is not completely true. In fact, I am a practical atheist.

atheist

Atheist Defined

For the sake of today’s discussion, I want us to define the word “atheist” as anyone who does not believe God exists. Based on this definition, I have determined that I am in fact a practical atheist. See if you can follow my logic here.

First of all, let’s look at this from the opposite perspective, that of a believer. If I was truly a believer, it would stand to reason that I would act differently than those around me. While my morality as a believer should be a main driver of my behavior, that is not what I am talking about today.

Faith Drives Behavior

What I want to focus on is true faith. If I was truly a believer and not an atheist, then I would truly believe in the power of God to overcome anything I could throw at Him. I would see Him as bigger than my problems and I would completely trust His promises to be the truth. My behavior, regardless of whether in the workplace, home, or in the community, would reflect this belief.

My faith in an all-powerful God would cause me to act in faith, taking risks where I felt He was leading me. I would not “play it safe”, but would be bold in my actions, especially those relating to what I knew to be His will.

Not only would I act in faith, but I would also pray in faith. A true believer in Jesus would surely pray to Him and call Him on His promise to give wisdom when asked. Regardless of the challenges faced in the workplace, home, or in social situations, a true believer would certainly trust the guidance of an all-powerful God rather than “going it alone,” right?

What About You?

You know we could go on, but let’s just pause right here. Are you getting the picture? Are you seeing some of your behaviors in this description? Do they fit with those of a believer or are they closer to what you might think would be those of an atheist?

Now that we have described the actions of a true believer, let’s contrast them with those of a practical atheist. To be clear, I am not really trying to characterize a full-blown atheist here. Instead, I am saying “practical atheist” because I want to focus on our behaviors that reflect a lack of faith in practical matters.

Practical Atheist

A practical atheist might be someone like you or me that professes our faith and talks about how much God has done for us. At the same time, if we look closely enough, it is unlikely we will see any history of taking huge risks for the kingdom.

A practical atheist talks about faith, but never really exercises it. Instead of huge risks or taking on extreme challenges that would only succeed with intervention from God, they are more likely to shy away from anything they cannot imagine achieving on their own. If they think they can do it, they will. If they think it would require a miracle, they pass.

Is This Familiar?

Is this you? Are you able to look back in your walk and see times when you took on a challenge or risk that could only be accomplished with help from God? If you can, then good for you! If not,…why not? Isn’t your God all-powerful and able to accomplish anything? Why aren’t you living like this is the truth?

Enough about risks and challenges. What about prayer? A practical atheist may believe there is a God, but there is little to no evidence of it in their prayer life. Sure, they may tell people they will pray for them. They may even do it, but you won’t find much faith in that prayer.

No Expectation Or Hope

Moving into the workplace, a practical atheist makes decisions on their own. Because they do not have true faith that God is there and will absolutely answer their prayers, they really don’t put much faith in them. Maybe they pray daily, but it is not done with expectation and hope in an answer.

At home, they wish things were different, but they only focus on what they themselves can change (or not) rather than going to God in earnest prayer for revelation and change. Instead of placing their burdens before an all-knowing God, they carry them around in worry. They hope for a day when they are big enough to overcome the challenges, but they ignore the promises of a God that already is.

I Am A Practical Atheist

A practical atheist lives and acts as if there is no God when it comes to the practical situations in life. In the interest of transparency, I believe I am one of these people. Sure, I believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. However, when I examine my life, I find very little evidence of a REAL faith in Who He is and what He can do.

I encourage you to look in the mirror and ask yourself some tough questions. Are you a practical atheist or are you acting with a faith that can move mountains? I am asking myself these very questions.

Are you guilty of atheist behavior?

Where do you need to exercise more faith?

How could your life look with behavior based on total faith?

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Are You Acting As Salt And Light?

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For the past couple of years, I have written this blog as an attempt to enlighten, educate, encourage, and enlist other Christian business owners and leaders to recognize God as the owner of their jobs and businesses and that He desires an eternal purpose to be accomplished through these jobs and businesses. Another way to describe this process came from Jesus when He told us to be salt and light in this world.

salt and light

Salt And Light

Near the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers (and us) to be salt and light in this world. He drew on two different analogies to show us that we are to stand out in this world. We are to make a difference wherever He has placed us and that difference should point others to Him (Matthew 5:13-16).

Paul tells us later that we are no longer to conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). He reinforces this idea when he describes us as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), the old gone.

How?

So how do we translate this idea of being salt and light into running a business? What does salt and light mean on Monday morning when decisions are to be made and strategies formed?

Great questions! I am glad you asked!

Of course, I am not the expert on this. Nor do I have the answers…at least not the perfect answers. If you do, please let me know. I would be very interested in hearing from you!

For those of us who do not have all the answers, I think the best we can do is to pray through each area and open our hearts and minds to what God has to say to us about it. If we are open to learn, will read His Word, AND be ready and willing to apply what we learn, then I am confident He will answer.

May Look Different For You

Keep in mind that being salt and light in my business may look very different than being salt and light in yours. God has given each of us different gifts, areas of influence, and circumstances. To think we can apply one rule across all businesses would be crazy.

At the same time, I think there are some core truths that we can apply to various areas of the business. These truths can help someone in the automotive business to be salt and light in one way while they may lead someone in banking or construction to do so in a different way.

The Main Point!

Regardless of the methods or processes used, as long as others are caused to “glorify God in heaven” as a result, I believe we are doing it right. In fact, if that is not happening as a result of the way we operate our businesses, I believe we are failing in our efforts to be disciples of Jesus.

Since this whole topic can cover a multitude of areas of business, and each could be lengthy, I am going to attempt to cover one or two areas at a time in future posts. These posts will not run in a continuous series, but I will make it clear when they are published that they are part of this overall series.

What Does It Mean To You?

In the meantime, I encourage you to pray that God will begin revealing to you where you can make changes in your job or business. Ask Him to begin making it clear where you can take action for the purpose of being salt and light. Where can your business stand out and be different – in a way that points others to God?

I think you may be surprised at how He will reveal this to you over time. Just when you are not expecting it, something will stick out like a sore thumb and you will know – an opportunity for salt and light! For a starter list, take a look at the following areas of a typical business. Allow God to show you opportunities in each to be salt and light.

Areas To Consider

    EE Benefits
    Compensation
    Marketing
    Product Quality
    Service Quality
    Reputation
    Hiring
    Accountability

How are you living out the salt and light command?

Can you see where you could do this at work?

Is the failure to do this a sin?

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Who Are You Imitating?

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Imagine someone offered to pay you handsomely if you would give them a shirt or a dress. The only catch is that they require you to make it on your own! If you had to take a bolt of fabric and thread, cutting and sewing it together yourself, how would you do it? If you are smart, you would find a pattern and follow it, right? The same is true for imitating other people!

imitating

Eyes On The Prize

In my last post, we talked about keeping our eyes on the prize. This is great advice for us to take from Paul, but sometimes it is tough to visualize. What exactly does it look like for us to get the prize. While I can certainly picture a scene with Jesus telling me, “Well done!”, it is tough for me to imagine exactly what it looks like between here and there.

Have you thought about this? Have you tried to imagine the various steps taken and decisions made between your current self and the one that hears Jesus say, “Well done!”? I have done this and it is not easy. In fact, it is downright difficult!

Paul As An Example

The funny thing? Paul knew this. He knew it would be difficult for most people to closely follow the commands of Jesus without an example of how to do it. While Paul himself was not perfect, he was fully committed to living according the example Jesus had set. Therefore he offered himself as an example.

Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1

If he were following Jesus and others were imitating him, then it could work, right? While this sounds like a simple idea, it is not necessarily easy for us.

In fact, for us it sometimes seems that imitating Paul could be just as difficult as imitating Jesus! Of course, Paul was sinful just like the rest of us (Romans 7:15-25), but so much of what we learn from him is flat out hard to put into practice. Plus, we can’t sit and physically talk to him for advice when we get stuck!

Imitating Another

It is for these reasons that I recommend we follow Paul’s advice, but we apply it to present day. Rather than (only) imitating Paul, I recommend we find someone we know that is living out the example of Christ and begin imitating them.

Sure, there are pitfalls to this practice. They are the same pitfalls you encounter when you put anyone other than Jesus on the pedestal as an example. At the same time, if we can know this and protect ourselves accordingly, I think there is value in this exercise.

Potential Pitfalls

First, to avoid the pitfalls associated with this idea, we need to choose someone we know about and trust. We need to know that they more mature spiritually and truly are attempting to follow the example of Jesus. Someone that is simply morally good, but not a disciple of Jesus, will only lead us astray. Eventually, it is likely that their own morals will conflict with Biblical principles.

Assuming you know someone that is truly following the example of Christ, then you also need to be able to observe their behavior. Being able to talk with them about it and understand their motivations is even better. Having them agree to mentor you along the path would be the ultimate goal!

Right Expectations

Another key to avoiding trouble with imitating someone else is to know in your heart (and not forget) that a man (or woman) will always let you down. There is simply no way (short of imitating the example of Jesus) to find a human that can rightly lead you at all times and through all circumstances.

They will stumble. They will fall. They may even crash and burn. That is due to our sinful nature and there is nothing you can do to change it. The only thing you can do is to acknowledge it and protect yourself against it. Do not rely too heavily on their example. Do not put time with them ahead of your time with God.

You Are Unique

A final note that you need to consider when imitating someone else is that you are you. Sounds silly, I know. But the truth is that God created you as a totally unique individual with a combination of gifts, talents, and weaknesses that no one else on earth has ever possessed. You are the only you that God has ever created. He will never create another you!

That means that you need to remember you are only imitating this godly example, not copying them. Your goal should not be to become anyone else. Remember that you are unique and should remain that way. Imitating their voice is fine, but don’t lose your own unique accent. Imitating their actions is likely good, but don’t forget your distinct mannerisms!

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)! God has plan for you that is only for you (Psalm 139:15-16). Embrace this! It is an awesome truth and no one can take it from you.

Imitating Jesus (And Others)

And while becoming the you that God designed you to be, take the opportunity to follow the example of others He has placed in your path. Imitating Jesus is certainly to be your first priority (1 John 2:6), but don’t ignore Paul’s advice as well. Imitating others can be a healthy part of your maturing process.

Have you considered imitating someone else?

Do you have someone you are already imitating?

What have you learned during this experience?

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Are Your Eyes On The Prize?

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Yesterday was a great day of football. Two teams fought their way into the Superbowl – the championship game of the NFL. These teams have had their eyes on the prize of this championship from the very beginning of the season. In two weeks, one team will achieve that prize. What about you? Are your eyes on the prize?

eyes on the prize

Eyes On The Prize

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul says the following:

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Simple Questions

I am sure you have probably read this before. I am sure you have probably heard several sermons on this passage before. Guess what? I am likely not going to tell you anything amazing about this passage that you have not already heard before. I am simply going to ask you a couple of questions.

Are your eyes on the prize?

Are you reaching forward toward the prize?

What is the prize to you?

Like I said, I am not going to tell you anything new about this passage. I am simply putting it in front of you and asking if you are following Paul’s example and applying it to your life.

Paul’s Eyes On The Prize

In reading about Paul in the Bible, it is clear that he lived what he preached. Everything he did was focused on his desire to do exactly what God had called him to do. He was determined (as we read earlier in the same chapter) to know Christ and to be like him in his death – obedient.

As I read about Paul, I want to do the same thing. I want to focus everything I do around knowing Jesus. I want to be obedient in every area of my life – including the business. For me, I try to have my eyes on the prize. That prize, in my mind, boils down to hearing the following words from Jesus:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
Matthew 25:21

Hearing “Well done.”

Therefore, when I am trying to make decisions in the business, I try to figure out which decisions would move me closer to hearing those words. I imagine Him standing there in front of me ready to say, “Well done.” What path do I take to cause Him to smile and say those words?

I am by no means perfect at this. Much like Paul, I do not consider that I have got this whole business as ministry thing figured out. Not by a long shot. However, I do try to have my eyes on the prize. When I am successful in doing that, it seems like everything works better.

For you, the prize may look different. You may imagine a different scene. That is perfectly fine! The key here is that you recognize that God wants us to be obedient and that is where our focus should be. God wants us to focus on Him and His purposes, not our own.

Wrong Prize?

There are those in this world that are completely and totally focused on themselves. They have their eyes fixed on the prize, but the prize is all about them. These people are similar to the Israelites that God referred to below:

For they did not practice My ordinances but rejected My statutes and profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on their fathers’ idols.
Ezekiel 20:24

Folks, I don’t know about you, but I do not want to be in that group. I do not want to be seen by God as having my eyes on the prize of my father’s idols. I do not want Him disappointed in my focus. I only want to hear, “Well done.” from Him.

Great Advice

I encourage you to pray about this. Take some time and ask God if you have your eyes on the prize – the right prize. Ask Him to make it clear to you where this is not happening and to give you the will and strength to change where necessary. Paul gives this same advice.

If you keep reading in Philippians 3, after he describes how he has his eyes on the prize, he says this:

Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.
Philippians 3:15

I think that is great advice. Will you follow it?

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A Yearly Audit

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Every year in December, our C12 material includes a Yearly Audit. It is a great opportunity to look back over the past year and assess what it might look like from God’s eyes. Rather than auditing our financials or other measurable metrics, this exercise is more about determining our growth in various areas of our walk with Christ.

audit

Yearly Audit

This year, I have included the actual audit from C12. Take a look at the following 10 dimensions and give yourself a rating from 1-10 (1 is Low, 5 is Average, and 10 is High) as measured against your potential or opportunity. Total your scores for each at the end of the post. Keep track of your score from year to year to see your improvement as you go!

1. You spent more time with The Lord.

    This is an easy one. Everything we are or do comes out of our relationship with God in Christ Jesus. We can never be more than our relationship with Him enables us to be. Obedience to God is the FINAL definition of success in our lives and our obedience comes out of our relationship with Him. As we grow to know Him better we are more able to hear His voice. The more clearly we hear Him, the easier it is to obey Him.

    Don’t be deceived. Our ministry in business or anywhere else will never grow if our relationship with God doesn’t. Of course our relationship with God is not totally defined by the amount of time that we spend with Him. The quality of the time and the result of the time are just as important. It’s possible that you may not have to spend more time with God to build your relationship with Him… but not likely!

    Unless you’re “one-in-a-million,” your love for God and your devotion to Him are mirrored in the prioritized time you spend with Him. We’re talking about all kinds of time here: daily quiet time, prayer during the day, evening meditations, and the sense that He is in you and with you in the everyday decisions you make to run the business.

    Wherever each of us may be in this equation, there’s plenty of room to grow. How was your year?

2. Your family relationships strengthened.

    Were you able to spend more time — and more quality time — with your spouse and children? We need to look at these relationships right after our relationship with God. It isn’t very likely that we had an improving relationship with God and a deteriorating relationship with our family.

    We can’t really get closer to God and not be convicted to love and serve our mates and children. Did you make more time available to your spouse, as your top ministry priority, and less to your hobbies or business? Is your sacrificial love for (and service to) your family growing? If so, you’ve had a good year.

    [Why do we start a year-end audit of our business by talking about God and family? Because we can only bring to work what we already have in Christ in our lives and homes. We are not two people. We are one person, living an integrated life before the Lord. Our ministry in business is simply an extension of our lives in Christ, not separate from it!]

3. You spent more time listening and relating to your key team members on a one–to–one basis.

    Increasingly, you did this with an ear tuned to God and His purposes and eyes searching for ways to minister to stakeholder needs. You had a good year if you care more for your lost employees, seeing the horrible prospect of their eternity in hell more painfully. You had a good year if you frequently prayed for their salvation, and an even better year if you actually did something more to impact them for eternity.

4. You saw the people that you deal with – suppliers, customers, employees, and others – more as objects of your personal ministry than as objects to be exploited for your personal gain.

    If you increasingly see yourself as an entrusted servant to them, rather than master over them — even a little bit more — you had a good year.

5. You are even slightly less acquisitive than you were a year ago.

    The urge to acquire things is of the flesh, not the Spirit. The vain thought that simply possessing more stuff will bring any real benefit to our lives is immature and foolish. Any honest Christian knows that there’s no joy or peace in things.

    The more stuff we have, the more we must tend to and use. Materialism is a curse; a cancer of the spirit. If you’ve extricated yourself, even a little, from its grasp, and are more able to steward your gifts with an open hand before the Lord, you’ve had a good year. You might measure this as a percentage of what you gave from what you were given. Were you more of a “cheerful giver” of your “first fruits” this year?

6. You are measurably more thankful for what you have and content with your present lot in life.

    Spiritual maturity brings with it a contentment that comes from the awareness of what God has done for us by grace. What do we have that we deserve? And, given that we have as much as we all do, being among the most materially wealthy people in the history of the world, how can we not be thankful? Why do we need more?

    If God were to say to you, “What you have is the best it will ever be,” what would you say to Him? Could you say, “Thank You, Father…I already have more than I deserve or need,” and really mean it? If you can, with a truly grateful heart, you’ve had a good year.

7. You have more peace in your heart.

    This is especially true if the peace is not related to circumstances, since circumstances always change. If our peace is dependent on them, it comes and goes with the changes. Spiritual maturity, and the peace that comes with it, is dependent on abiding in our God who never changes. Do you more clearly see God’s hand in your circumstances (i.e., “…give thanks in all circumstances” [1 Thessalonians 5:18], “Consider it pure joy…” [James 1:2], “…in all things God works…” [Romans 8:28]). If so, you’ve had a good year.

8. You learned more about your profession and are able to apply greater technical expertise in your field.

    If you believe that (a) your business is a gift from God, (b) as steward you’re to run it for Him with excellence, and (c) you’ve mustered the time and will to learn and apply better ways to do so, you had a good year.

9. You took better care of your body.

    Did you get the exercise you need? Was your diet better than last year? Are you giving the time to the maintenance of your body that you know you should? The way we care for our body is one measure of our self–control and a visible part of our witness. Mastery of self is a key to spiritual growth. If your temple is in better shape than it was a year ago, allowing for the wear and tear of time, you had a good year.

10. More eternal fruit has been produced through and around you, due to your effort and influence while abiding in Christ.

    Eternal fruit is defined as “lives turned toward God.” It means simply this: your obedience to God in what you say, do, and are, influences others to move towards God in their thoughts and actions, yielding eternal fruit.

    This doesn’t only involve conversions and discipleship. It includes anything that brings a heightened and more favorable awareness of God and His ways to others. A Godly life lived in a Godly way produces eternal fruit. Everywhere Jesus went eternal fruit was produced. This is true in all areas of our lives, not just in business, but we’re talking primarily about the workplace here.

    Are more people more favorably aware that you are an Ambassador for Christ in and around your business? Have more needy people been helped because God has entrusted the business to your care? Do they know that they’ve been helped because you love God and are doing so in His name? Are more Christians being influenced to grow in their faith because your business has brought you, reflecting Christ, into their lives? Have you grown as a humble, but firm servant leader and found ways to lead effectively according to timeless Scriptural core principles?

    If you can see that more eternal fruit has been produced in, around, and through your business, you’ve had a GREAT year.

_____ Total for the Year (Total your ratings for all 10 dimensions)

What were your strongest areas in the audit? Did you work on them?

Where do you need the most improvement?

Do you see value in this annual audit exercise?

Helpful Resources

17 Biblical Principles of Success

17 Biblical Principles

You need to check out my newest product! This audio package contains more than 14 hours of wisdom and godly counsel from over 50 successful men and women. If you want help applying Scripture to your life and business, this is the product for you!

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Christian Faith at Work Resource Kit

When I first started attempting to leverage my business for eternal returns, I was at a loss for the kind of resources I could put to immediate use. This page is my way of providing you with some of these kinds of resources.

resources

I’ve gathered more than 30 resources to help you integrate your faith into your business — and I’m giving them to you for FREE.

Just enter your first name and email below to immediately access the following:

How the Kit Helps You

  • Ready-to-use templates for life planning, strategic planning, and employee engagement.
  • Accessible articles and
  • devotionals for use with you employees, customers, vendors, etc.
  • 100% free — no cost or obligation.
  • More resources added every month!

Your email will not be sold or shared. I’ll only keep you updated about additional resources as they are added and opportunities to help you integrate your faith into your business. If you need any assistance or have ideas for resources you could use, please contact me here.[et_bloom_inline optin_id=”optin_4″]

 

My Recommended Reading List

Business

Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul by John BeckettLoving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul
by John Beckett

Instead of grinding it out until Friday and living only for weekends, a successful Ohio manufacturing executive has seen how his work can be filled with meaning and purpose by integrating his work and beliefs. Beckett brings all of life together: work, belief, value, character, relationship, truth, worship and joy. The result is employees who feel valued, enjoy their work, work hard and are successful at what they do.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the LeapGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
by Jim Collins

Collins that aims to describe how companies transition from being average companies to great companies and how companies can fail to make the transition. Peppered with dozens of stories and examples from the great and not so great, the book offers a well-reasoned road map to excellence that any organization would do well to consider.

Business by the Book: Biblical Principles for the WorkplaceBusiness by the Book: Biblical Principles for the Workplace
by Larry Burkett

What would happen if you made your business decisions by the BOOK? The bestselling Business by the Book offers radical principles of business Management that go beyond the Ten Commandments and other biblical maxims. Business by the Book is a step-by-step presentation of how businesses should be run according to the Creator of all management rules.

God is My CEO: Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-Line WorldGod is My CEO: Following God’s Principles in a Bottom-Line World
by Larry Julian

Will money or morality emerge victorious in the war zone of work skirmishes? Julian, with seasoned experience as a leadership management consultant for companies such as 3M, Honeywell, AT&T and General Mills, provides solid answers for this troubling dilemma. Many leaders, whether newly indoctrinated to the world of business or veteran executives, will find tools for the trade in this excellent guidebook to living out one’s faith in a ruthless “bottom-line” world.

Doing Business by the Good BookDoing Business by the Good Book
by David Steward

Jesus’ teachings were not meant to be spoken only on Sunday, writes Steward, CEO of World Wide Technology Inc., the world’s largest African-American-owned company. Rather, those teachings were meant to be implemented everywhere, including the workplace. In this book, Steward shares 52 biblical principles in short, easy-to-read chapters that can be digested once a week for a full year or devoured in one sitting.

R.G. Letourneau: Mover of Men and MountainsR.G. Letourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains
by R.G. LeTourneau

Despite early failures, R. G. LeTourneau rose to eminence in the competitive world of manufacturing and construction. Although his competitors thought him insane, history has proved that his inventive genius was decades ahead of its time. His combination of enterprise and Christian commitment led to his sponsoring many works involving missions and education. Through a lifetime of business ventures, this engineering genius put faith into action and reaped big rewards.

Christian Life

In His StepsIn His Steps by Charles Sheldon
by Charles Sheldon

Rev. Henry Maxwell, not fully realizing the implications of what lay ahead of him, repeated his astounding proposition, “I want volunteers from First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly, for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, “What would Jesus do?” Maxwell never dreamed that among those who responded would be the most influential members of his congregation. But together they pledged themselves to a new step of faith that would change, not just a handful of people, but an entire town – for good.

Heaven is for Real by Todd BurpoHeaven Is for Real 
by Todd Burpo

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn’t know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear. Told by the father, but often in Colton’s own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

History / Biography

Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim ElliotShadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot
by Elisabeth Elliot

This is the account of the martyrdom of Jim Elliot and four other misisonaries at the hands of the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Elisabeth Elliot makes full use of Jim’s rich and revealing diaries to expose the roots of what makes a person at the threshold of life commit his very being to a God who he felt might call him to death at any time. Elisabeth Elliot gives us the vivid details of a life “hid with Christ in God” and creates a portrait of a figure that continues to inspire many.

Tortured for Christ by Richard WurmbrandTortured for Christ
by Richard Wurmbrand

Richard Wurmbrand endured months of solitary confinement, years of periodic physical torture, constant suffering from hunger and cold, the anguish of brainwashing and mental cruelty. His captors lied to his wife, saying he was dead. Yet he went on to tell the West the truth about Christianity behind the Iron Curtain. Millions of people have been touched by this story.

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce & the Heroic Campaign to End SlaveryAmazing Grace: William Wilberforce & the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
by Eric Metaxas

William Wilberforce electrified Parliament in his early years. Had Wilberforce continued along this path, he might well have succeeded William Pitt the Younger as Prime Minister. Metaxas documents a powerful change to Wilberforce. Through a serious and intelligent conversion to Christianity, Wilberforce’s life was forever altered. His heart was changed … to God and humanity. He brought his faith to bear on politics … as controversial in his day as in ours.

Productivity

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free ProductivityGetting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen

Allen provides tips, techniques, and tricks for implementation of his workflow management plan, which has two basic components: capture all the things that need to get done into a workable, dependable system; and discipline oneself to make front-end decisions with an action plan for all inputs into that system. In short, do it (quickly), delegate it (appropriately), or defer it.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this site are "affiliate links," and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I only recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read my complete Affiliate Disclosure.
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Eternal Perspective: Would You Have Made This Choice?

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Quite often on this blog, you will read something I write about having an eternal perspective. I guess it is because I believe this perspective is so critical to our walk as followers of Jesus. Most of my examples of this eternal perspective come from my observations of life going on around us. Today, I want to look at a clear example in the life of Abraham.

eternal

Abraham’s Journey

If you have read much about Abraham (called Abram at this time) in Genesis, you know that God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would name later. Abram left immediately, showing the strong faith for which he is known. Where he was going, he did not know. At the same time, he believed God would provide for him.

Fast forward to Genesis 13 and there is already trouble. Lot, Abram’s nephew, had gone on the journey with Abram and had a large clan of his own. It did not take long for the people with Lot and the people with Abram to begin quarreling. The area where they had stopped was not large enough for both groups. Something had to give.

Abraham’s Choice

Notice first that in Genesis 13:4, that Abram called on the name of the Lord in this place. Right from the start, Abram is not trying to make it on his own, but is seeking the Lord in all that he was doing. In the very next verse, the problem is described and Abram has to act.

What does he do? What would you have done in the same position? God has called Abram on a journey and he is the head of the family. He brought his nephew along for some reason, but there is no question that this is not a 50/50 partnership journey. Abram is clearly the authority in this scene.

However, he does the unexpected and offers Lot the first choice of land. He didn’t just consider Lot and carve out a little choice land for him. Abram actually gave Lot the opportunity to take the best land and leave him with the left-overs. Would you do that?

The Results!

What happens next is amazing! Lot scans the land and chooses the entire Jordan valley as his area. Then he separates from Abram with his people to settle in that area. As soon as Lot had separated and before Abram had a chance to move toward his new land, the Lord spoke to Abram:

“Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, for I will give you and your offspring forever all the land that you see. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you.”
Genesis 13:14-17

Not only did God promise to bless him, but he also included the land Lot had chosen as part of His promise to Abram! How cool is that?!?!

Example Of Eternal Perspective?

Now, let’s stop and take a look at how these events give us an example of an eternal perspective.

First, take a look at God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3. Here, God promises Abram that He will make him into a great nation. God lays out what the future will look like for Abram and his offspring. Abram believed God and set out to follow His directions.

When later faced with what looked like a losing situation when his people were quarreling with Lot’s people, Abram did not worry. He did not try to make sure he held onto everything that he thought was rightfully his. He did not grab for the temporal wealth.

Looked Foolish At The Time

Instead, right after praying to the Lord, Abram made a decision that looked foolish at the time. He let Lot choose from the best of the land. This left Abram with what appeared to be the least of the land. At the same time, he trusted God for whatever He wanted to do.

Abram chose the eternal. He chose to believe God for the promise He made in Genesis 12:1-3. He chose to follow God’s leading with Lot. And he chose to trust God for the results. The amazing part is that God then expanded the promise and gave him back what he had just allowed Lot to take.

Similar Eternal Choices

Folks, we face choices like this every day. You can probably think of examples, but here is the biggest one I can imagine. God has promised us, His children, an inheritance that we cannot even imagine. He has promised us an eternity with Him where the reward is greater that we can handle with our minds.

In return, He asks us to surrender our temporal lives here and now to Him. We are to live this life sacrificially, keeping our eyes focused on the eternal reward. Like Abram, we are called to share what He has given us now for the benefit of those around us. We are to trust Him for what He thinks we need.

Let Go!

The problem is that unlike Abram, we don’t want to give up what we believe is rightfully ours right now. We want to hold onto the “choice land” – whether it is our businesses, our families, or our own pleasures and desires – and not give it up to Him. How is it that we think this is the better choice?

If we will instead turn over these temporal choices to Him and follow His lead, we will see that two things will happen. If we will do this, not only will we get the reward in eternity, but we will also experience a greater life here!

Do you see the “eternal” in decisions you face everyday?

Have you made the right choices from an eternal perspective?

How do you discern the choice between the temporal and eternal?

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Part-Time Father?

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I joke around a lot about being the father of three teenage children. I am sure you have either experienced or heard about the ups and downs of parenting children at this tough age as they are transitioning into young adults. I can promise you it can be thrilling and challenging at the same time. What would you think if I said I have decided that I only want to be a father for somewhere between 5-10 hours per week?

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Part-Time Father

Just for kicks, lets say I decided that for one day a week I decided I would actively parent my children. That is to say, for 5-10 hours on that one day, I would intentionally participate in their activities. We would play together, have a meal or two together, and I might even teach them something.

For the rest of the week, I would virtually ignore them. I would not do this in an ugly way or even to appear cold. I would just put my Dad “hat” on a shelf. Can you imagine how much stress and worry this would remove from my life?

Worth It?

Sure, there may be some very cool experiences I would miss, but there would not be that many of those, right? I mean, the trade-off would be worth it, wouldn’t it?

Clearly, I would have time to do so many other things I have wanted to do. Plus, I would no longer have to worry about so many of those issues that seem to suck the fun out of my life. Can’t you see my reasoning? Am I on the right track?

Your Response?

Right now, I imagine there are several thoughts running through your mind. First, you likely want to tell me that no matter how I spend my time, with or without focusing on my children, I am still a father. Once God gave us that first child, I became forever a father. This is not a title that I can remove at will or for convenience. It is from then on part of who I am – part of my identity.

Next, you would probably want to convince me that even though there are obvious struggles and challenges associated with parenting teenagers, the rewards far outweigh them. You probably want to share your own stories or experiences of how the struggles actually turned into success just when it looked the darkest.

Finally, you would likely use the argument that I took on the responsibility of my children when I became their father. This responsibility includes providing for their needs and teaching them the skills and knowledge they will need to become healthy adults.

Here’s The Problem

Okay, I get all of that. Actually, I agree with all of it. But I have a problem.

In fact, I have a pretty big problem with these arguments.

If all of this is true, why is it that so many Christians think we can do the same thing with our identity as followers of Christ?

Why do so many of us believe that we can be “Christian” for 5-10 hours on Sunday, but the rest of the week is free for us to do as we please?

Is One Day Enough?

I am not really even talking about those who are in church on Sunday and living in obvious and destructive sin the rest of the week. I AM talking about those of us who are in church on Sunday, remain (mostly) morally clean, and do a decent job of staying out of trouble the rest of the week.

Even so, it is this same group that believes this is enough. Though remaining (mostly) morally clean and out of trouble the rest of the week, that is where it ends.

We see nothing wrong with putting our Bible on the shelf Sunday afternoon and picking it back up the next Sunday morning. From Monday to Saturday, we act as if we are free to do as we please (even within moral constraints). And whatever we do, we think it is okay to keep it distinct and separate from our identity as Christians!

There Is No Difference!

Folks, this is no less crazy than me thinking I can stop being a father whenever I want. We are followers of Jesus. We have given our lives over to Him as Lord, not just Savior. When we did this, we forever became children and disciples of His.

This is now and forever part of our identity. Whether we are actively doing something related to our faith or not, we are still His children. Just like being a father, this is not a title we can set aside at will.

There Will Be Challenges!

Of course, when you do this you will face challenges you have never known before. You will wrestle with decisions that used to come easily to you. You will begin to consider the eternal impact of your actions (and inactions) when before you never gave it a second thought.

This is not for the faint of heart. This is tough and you will struggle through it, but there is hope! When we live out our faith 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, regardless of the circumstances or location, the rewards are incredible. Just like being a father, these rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Our Responsibility!

Finally, we have taken on the responsibility of living out our faith. Our most important commandment, as told by Jesus himself, is to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37-40). This is not possible one day per week. It is not possible if we leave Him on the shelf as we head out to work.

No, we are 24/7 to be identified with Jesus. We are to live out our faith in ALL areas of our lives. Whether at work, school, at church, or in the community – we are to identify ourselves with Him. Whether we want to or not, we cannot be a Christian for only 5-20 hours per week.

What are your thoughts?

Can you imagine actually defending the part-time father theory?

What do you need to change?

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5 Benefits Of Trials In Business, Part 2

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The fact that we face trials on a regular basis is not in question. Everyone agrees with this, but not everyone recognizes the benefits of these trials. In fact, most consider them unfair, destructive, or even get angry at God as a result of the more difficult ones. Fortunately, we can go to the Bible to see a different picture.

trials

Trials Are Pure Joy!

In my last post, we went to James 1:2-12 and discussed the fact that we are to consider these trials as “pure joy!” We are not to view them in any other way, but to thank God for them. In order to do this, it is critical we see the benefits.

It is just like exercising. Many people enjoy exercising and therefore do it for enjoyment. Most others that exercise see it as a necessary part of their life. They don’t really enjoy it, but they see the benefits and accept the exercise as a means to get those benefits.

Trials Bring Benefits

We need to look at trials in the same way. No, they will not be fun or exciting. They are most likely going to be tough, tiring, draining, and sometimes devastating. Just the same, we need to look hard at the benefits, considering the trials as joy as a result.

We have already looked at the first two benefits that come as a result of trials – Perseverance and Maturity. Now lets continue with the other three benefits we find in this passage (and beyond).

Wisdom
It may at first seem odd that James talks about wisdom right in the middle of describing the benefits of trials. Actually, he is not necessarily changing subjects. James is explaining that we need wisdom in the suffering of these trials.

Wisdom can show us how to best survive the trial when in it and how to best use it later when through it. All we have to do to get this wisdom is ask! So rather than praying for the removal of a trial, our mindset needs to be that we pray for the wisdom to use it for our benefit.

This same wisdom is invaluable when applied to business situations. Whether we like to admit it or not, some of the trials we face in business come as a result of poor decisions or behaviors. Applying wisdom in future situations will help us to avoid repeating some of these trials.

Wisdom will also provide opportunities we would not otherwise have. Wisdom allows us to be great mentors to those Christian leaders coming behind us. Wisdom gives us the ability to cut through the chaos in a crisis situation and avoid unnecessary damage. It moves into leadership positions we never anticipated. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Crown Of Life
Skipping down to verse 12 in James 1, we find what may be the ultimate benefit of trials! Let’s look at this verse:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

I will be honest and tell you that I do not know exactly what the crown of life is! I simply believe that it is a good thing and that it lasts beyond the trials, beyond this life altogether (Revelation 2:10). It is definitely something we want to receive!

Experience To Teach
The final benefit we gain from trials, and all we learn as a result of these trials, is a depth of experience that we can draw upon as we seek to teach others. This is a big deal!

We are told in the Great Commission that we are to teach all that Jesus commanded. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:2 that we are to teach others that are also qualified to teach. There are other instances where teaching is emphasized. If you are a Christian, you are to be a teacher.

I am NOT saying that all Christians are to grab a class and begin teaching in a group setting. I am not saying that all Christians have a gift for teaching. I AM saying that all Christians are in a position to teach SOMEONE what they know.

Andy Stanley worded it this way – “I am not responsible for filling someone else’s cup, just emptying mine.” When we recognize this responsibility, we will suddenly become thankful for those trials we have faced.

Praise For Trials

It is from these trials and the resulting perseverance, maturity, and wisdom that we can best be qualified to teach those who are looking to us for guidance. When you begin to see potential students around you, you will praise God for the trials you have seen!

Have you noticed wisdom as a result of trials?

What do you think the crown of life means?

Have you had the opportunity to teach someone because of a trial you experienced?

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5 Benefits Of Trials In Business

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You have heard it said that you are either in the middle of a trial, coming out of one, or heading into one soon. Certainly for those of us in business, this rings true – especially when trying to do business as a Christian. So if trials are so plentiful, are there any benefits to going through them? Why are we told to consider them “pure joy”?

trials

We Will Have Trials!

To start off, there is no question we are going to have trials in this world. In fact, Jesus told us this himself. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Of course, He went on to smooth it over by letting us know not to worry because He has overcome the world.

Well, that is good and I am thankful for it! He is telling us that the end of the story is good and I have a peace because of that knowledge that no one else can understand. However, that really doesn’t address the trials themselves, does it? How am I supposed to get through the trials themselves?

The Answer

Fortunately, there is an answer to this very question later in the Bible. Looking at the book of James (James 1:2-12), we are clearly instructed that we are to consider the trials we go through as “pure joy.” There you have it! That is all we have to do!

Seriously? That is the answer? I am supposed to just look at the trials I am going through and start considering them to be good? How can they be good?

Benefits To Trials

Well, if we read on, we will see how trials can be good. Go back and read through verses 3-8 and verse 12. Here is a virtual list of the benefits we should see in our trials. James paints a pretty clear picture of how trials can benefit us in these verses, but lets dig into each benefit and try to apply it to our lives today.

Perseverance

The first benefit James gives us is perseverance. I am sure you know what this means and can even see some of the more obvious benefits. These would include being stronger over time and better able to hand future trials. Along with this might come a more relaxed or calm demeanor when presented with new trials in the future.

Why is this a benefit? Aside from the obvious increased strength, this perseverance also serves as an amazing witness to those around you. Not only for non-believers, but for new believers as well. As you go through a downturn in the economy, a failed business, or even just a bad month, people are watching.

They want to know how you are going to react. They want to know if this faith you talk about is real in the foxhole. Is there substance to it during a storm? When they see your perseverance through a trial (because of the strength you gained from previous trials!), they are more likely to have a desire for the faith you have!

Maturity

My father used to tell me that trials build character (when I thought I had all the character I needed!). Maturity shows that this is not true – I did not have all the character I needed. Maturity is something that is gained over a period of many trials. It allows us to see how trials fit into the bigger picture of life. Maturity includes the ability to see how these trials benefit us!

As we progress through multiple trials over time, we begin to see a pattern. This pattern is that God takes care of us. He is there for us – before, during, and after the trials. He will carry us through them and heal us when they are over. Because of this process, we begin to find that we can trust God.

If we have seen how He is always faithful, we will apply that same trust to decisions that may have nothing to do with a trial. We will trust God in a crucial hiring decision or with the decision on whether or not to acquire a new business for expansion. Having the trust in God for these types of decisions adds confidence to our leadership and this clearly benefits us and those we lead!

Stay tuned to my next post for the remaining benefits!

What other applications can you see in gaining perseverance?

Can you see the evidence of perseverance in your life due to trials?

Can you think of any indications of your growing maturity?