Wonderfully Made, Terribly Fallen

As a pastor, I am reminded nearly every day that I work with people who are not perfect. They are Christians, but they are not perfect. I call them "brother" and "sister," but they are far from perfect. What is more, I am reminded every day that I'm not perfect.

In a sense, this is bad news...and, good news.

I came across a quote I received while doing some graduate work that really solidified in my mind who I am...who we are as Christians: We are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen.

Do you ever wonder why you do things that you don't want to do? It's because you are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen. Do you ever wonder why you don't do things that you desperately want to do? It's because you are wonderfully made, yet terribly fallen. Don't worry. You're in good company with Saint Paul (Romans 7) and a host of saints that have gone before you and now exist in heaven as a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to cheer you on.

Listen, as Christians, each of us has the potential for for greatness within us. We also have the potential for rotteness. The difference is found in your humility to obey the Spirit of God who resides within you. You see, as my friend Gary Thomas says, "Our life is not meant to be perfect, but we are meant to trust the One who is" (Authentic Faith, Zondervan). The greatness I recommend to you is the greatness that God brings out in and through you to the world around you.

What do you need to submit to God in order to realize greatness today?

A Leadership Pep Talk from Rocky Balboa

Look, I'm not afraid to admit it...I love Rocky! I love Rock's common-man wisdom and draw strenght from it.

In the past year, I've drawn strength from one scene in Rocky Balboa (a.k.a. Rocky VI). Rocky challenges his son to get some courage and quit being rapt in what others think about him or his dad's desire to fight at 60 years of age. With a father's perception, Rocky understands his son's heart--he's insecure. You've got to check it out!



God also understands how insecurity paralyzes leaders. Knowing that Joshua needed a boost of courage after the death of Moses, his mentor, God spoke into his young, inexperienced heart. "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to teh right or to the left, that you may be successful whereever you go" (Joshua 1:6-8).

If you are fighting some insecurities, draw some strength from God...and, if necessary, from Rocky too.

Thoughts on Leadership

I found this excellent post from Perry Noble dot com. He asks the question: Are you an initiator or a reponder? As a recovering "responder," I thought his insights were right on. Enjoy.

-An initiator spends their time trying to think big and extinguish the fires of hell…a responder spends their time trying to figure out how to keep people happy and tries to extinguish the fires of small minded people.

-An initiator spends their time asking God to lead them to take huge risks…a responder spends their time asking God to keep them safe.

-An initiator takes God led risks…a responder will call a business meeting.

-An initiator spends all of their time trying to please God…a responder spends all of their time trying to please people.

-An initiator will preach what he feels that God has told him to preach and not fear the consequences…a responder will preach what makes people happy so he can receive a paycheck.

-An initiator spends all of their time trying to figure out what’s next…and a responder spends all their time trying to figure out how to guard the past and the present.

-An initiator prays huge prayers and asks God for impossible things…a responder doesn’t really think God is in the miracle business anymore & will pray prayers that doesn’t require God’s help to accomplish so that “God doesn’t look bad!”

-An initiator will surround himself with leaders who will speak their minds…a responder want people around him who will say, “Your poop doesn’t stink!”

-An initiator wants to meet with people who do not think like him…a responder is threatened by people who aren’t just like him.

An Urgent Message for Men Who Have Influence

You've got to take 5 1/2 minutes of your life and watch "Slow Fade"... a music video by Casting Crowns. It's impact could be life changing for you and those you care about.

Slow Fade is not about male-patterned baldness. It's about thinking through our choices before we make them. The song will remind you that the choices we make at any given moment have consequences, both short-term and long-term, that can either bring blessing or tragedy upon us and those we care about.

Watch it for the wife who calls you "husband," the children who call you "dad," the athletes who call you "coach," the parents who call you "son" or "daughter," the congregation who calls you "pastor," the employees who call you "boss," and the host of others who call you "friend."

Satan is out to destroy every one of us, including those around us. Hey, I'm not paranoid. I am just realistic.

So check this out. If it strikes a chord in you and you would like to talk, I'd be honored to connect asap. I'll listen and I'll pray.