Category Archives: Social Conscience

What Type of Culture are You Facilitating?

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Culture… It can be defined as the customs, beliefs, values, and celebrations of a particular group of people. While we typically associate culture with a country’s people group, there is a myriad of other cultures.

Family cultures vary in birthday celebrations, entertainment choices, discipline styles, faith commitments, and vacation destinations.  Churches, restaurants, towns, and workplaces also have their own versions of culture.

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a teacher, a waiter, a welder, a consumer, or a football fan, you are contributing to some culture, most likely several cultures! So, what are you adding to the cultures in your realm of influence as you go through your day?

I ask this because cultural contributions are a topic close to my heart. Each part of our day gives us an opportunity to choose between positive and negative contributions. As we drive to work each morning, we can positively or negatively impact the traffic culture. (Let that sink in… is your horn a tool or a tactic? Do you wave someone on or wag a finger at them?)

In the busy coffee shop, we can stir up discontent or exemplify patience. Yes, even that seemingly small choice will make a difference in the atmosphere while we wait. Cultural contributions are evident in our facial expressions, our words, our actions, and our attitudes. (When stressful moments come, what we carry in our heart is what comes pouring out… but that’s a topic for another blog!)

While your daily contributions do impact the culture around you, facilitating a culture takes our responsibility further. If you’ve read this far, don’t stop now! 😊 Think of the top 2 or 3 places you spend most of your time. These are the places where you have a role in culture facilitation.

I’ve worked jobs that felt like I was working with family. There was laughter, encouragement, and a boatload of inside jokes. I’ve also worked at jobs that felt like eggshells were scattered all over the floor and stepping on even one would lead to disaster. You had to be careful of what you said, who you said it to, and what tone you used. Similar contrasts can be seen in every culture that we engage in. A negative culture will multiply stress, decrease fulfillment, and increase a sense of aloneness.

My current school has been my work home for over 14 years. We’ve had our ups and downs and the student population we serve comes with more challenges than many. And yet, I have no desire to go to a more affluent school, higher paying district, or one with more accolades. Why? Because I am part of a staff that has worked to develop and maintain a positive culture even through administration changes. Is everyone 100% all in? No… rarely does that happen. Is everyone trustworthy or positive or culture-focused? Nope! BUT, the majority–from admin to cafeteria staff to custodians to teachers–are committed to giving their best day to day. And… don’t miss this… there is an attitude of togetherness, support, and “I’ve got your back” that sets our school culture up for continued success even when the changes, the data, the challenges, can feel smothering and disheartening. This positive culture was not built by one, but by many. It didn’t happen overnight, it happened when individuals chose to show up, give their best, and seek the good of the whole consistently.

Is this type of work or school culture feel foreign or unattainable to you? Do you want to help facilitate a positive culture but you’re thinking: “You have NO idea what my workplace, home, or school is like!” Let me encourage you… YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Maybe the macro level is out of your realm of influence, but the micro level is not! You can facilitate a positive culture in your home, your office, your workshop, your classroom, your worship center, or on your team!

The starting point is this: Treat others the way you’d like to be treated (not the way you’ve been treated)!1

How did Cindy Lou Who get through to the Grinch? By showing kindness that he did not expect or deserve!2

In addition to kindness in the face of crudeness, consider these commitments needed to facilitate a positive culture:

  • Be humble-We all make mistakes, don’t be afraid to own up to yours!
  • Be generous-It will come back to you!
  • Be honest-Lies and half-truths will eventually bite you in the behind and ruin your reputation!
  • Be respectful-The CEO and the janitor deserve the same level of respect, manners are important!
  • Be nonjudgmental-Rarely do we know what others are walking through!
  • Be cautious with your words-Talking about others negatively reflects more on you than on them!
  • Be encouraging-Celebrate the successes of others, big or small!
  • Be compassionate-Life can be challenging for all of us even on a good day!
  • Be teachable-No one knows it all or likes a know it all!
  • Be integrous-Doing the right thing will help you sleep well at night and make you the type of person that others trust and appreciate!

Be the change! Choose 1 thing you can do today or tomorrow that will bring a positive vibe to your realm of influence. You won’t regret stepping up your game when it comes to facilitating a positive culture at home, school, work, or on the field. When you lay the groundwork, others will join you. You truly can make a difference!

My students say a chant with me every day. It starts with: “I am one of a kind! I bring something to this world that no one else can.” We declare some other things over ourselves and then end the chant like this: “I am a world changer!” So are you!

You are amazing!

1Jesus (Luke 6:31)

2The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Power & Love-A Balancing Act

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“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.  Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote packs a serious punch! One right to the gut and one that challenges us as believers. Meditate on the truth that MLK Jr. shares… it reflects the heart of the Father. Micah 6:8 states: “He {God} has shown you, O mortal {you and me}, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jesus seconds this expectation when He declares His passionate expectation: Love the Lord with all of our being AND love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).

The POWER: We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be Truth carriers, wonder-workers, agents of justice, and disciple-makers.

The LOVE: It’s love that paves the way for His Truth and His power to effectively impact our realm of influence! When His heart beats in us, we reflect His attitude, His motives, and His compassionate mercy to those around us.

The bottom line: We have no authority in situations where we refuse to demonstrate love (I Corinthians 13). But, love empowered by truth produces healing and growth!

Live Loved,

Note: This article was originally published here on August 31, 2021

Unoffendable!

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My gym workouts are made bearable by three things: I know I need them, I go with my handsome hubby, and I watch podcasts that feed my spirit!

Today’s teaching came with a challenge*:

“Become unoffendable!”1 

Wow… Think about that for a bit.  I know it made me pause and process.

Our current American culture seems to be looking for offense around every rock and tree.  People of all ages and socioeconomic levels are embracing the tendency to be offended by any opinion that differs than their own.

As believers, we should be different, right?

Sadly, Christians have a well-deserved reputation of being easily offended.  We (and I use that word broadly) may find offense in how people dress, their political views, their colorful vocabulary, their opinions, and so on.

Conversely, Jesus was not offended… not by the poor, or by the demon-possessed, or by the coarse laborers, or by those caught in sin.  In fact, Jesus was not even offended by the doubters or the soldiers that nailed Him to the cross.

Jesus was and is the epitome of “Unoffendable!”

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with a new friend and felt a real connection to them?  They like the same music as you, share the same tastes in food, and even have similar views on raising kids.  You think, “Wow, this is a great person. I hope we can hang out again!”  But then, a subject comes up that throws a wrench in that plan… a strong moral opinion, an opposing political view, a different stand on social topic, etc. and you emotionally slam on the brakes.  “Woah, I guess we are not as in sync a I imagined! I can’t believe they think that way.”  Thus begins an emotional withdrawal process because they are not as like us as we originally thought.

When we encounter people like ourselves, we feel validated.  Our human tendencies are to gravitate towards people who are similar to us.  We like when we see ourselves reflected in others!  However, we give ourselves permission to dislike or disassociate ourselves from people who are different than us.  We may even allow ourselves to dishonor people who do not share our beliefs or our way of life.  This is not the example that Jesus set for you and I.

{Caveat: There’s a difference between honoring people and allowing people authority in our lives.  It is not wise or healthy to allow just anyone the opportunity to speak into our lives.  However, we should honor all people as valuable.}

Consider Philippians 2:3-5 in the Passion Translation:

3 Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. 4 Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. 5 And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.

How easy it is for us, believers or not, to major on the minors!  As a friend recently said, “We tend to elevate the ways we are different instead of celebrating the ways we are the same.”2   Not only should we celebrate ways that we are the same, but we should choose to honor others in spite of or even because of our differences.  We don’t have to agree with others to appreciate who they are as a person. The beauty of diversity is the richness it brings to our sometimes ethnocentric lives.

WWJD is more than a slogan!  It is a reminder to us to think like Jesus thinks!  We as believers have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16) and the power of the Holy Spirit vibrating in us!  When we encounter people who believe differently than us, spout contrary opinions, or embrace a lifestyle contrary to our way of thinking, we can still choose to honor them and treat them with the love that the Heavenly Father carries in His heart for them.  We can choose to be unoffendable!

I’m convicted! I’m challenged!  How about you?

Live Loved,

1Listen to Danny Silk’s complete teaching on being unoffendable here.

2James Dodzweit teaches on Church Unity here.

*Originally published by DiscoveringJoy.net on June 18th, 2018

Will the Real Jesus, Please Stand Up?

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When I take the time to peruse social media and headlines, I find myself going through a variety of facial expressions… sadness, chuckles, surprise, interest, and eyerolls. This week, the story that garnered the biggest eye roll ever was the one about tearing down “racist statues of white Jesus.” Now, I get that most representations of Jesus we see are not truly reflective of what Jesus looked like as a Judean man. Is that a result of racism? Ummm, no. It’s because people tend to create mental, and therefore physical, depictions from their own frame of reference… all people, not just white. 

Visualization 101… Let me demonstrate. Picture this scene in your mind… A child rode a bicycle down the street and stopped at the park to play with a friend. After an hour, the friends parted and the child returned home. 

Did you picture it? Now, think about your mental picture. You most likely pictured a bicycle that looks like one you have ridden, possibly in your favorite color. The child would’ve been a boy or girl who looks like you or one you know well.  The street would’ve been familiar to you too. What did the kids play? Was it soccer, basketball, or on the swings? Probably what you would have played in a park! Your mental picture might have included a high-five goodbye or a cellphone check-in depending on your experiences. You and I create mental depictions of events based on our own frame of reference.

History 101… America was settled by the Europeans.  Europeans for centuries have depicted Jesus to look like themselves and therefore, each country that they colonized reflected those depictions.  Colonization is not a new concept.  When Rome was a world dominating power, they also sent leaders and troops to established colonies that reflected Roman culture.  It’s what conquering countries did historically. 

Jesus 101… Will the real Jesus, please stand up!  What did Jesus really look like? Since Jesus was Judean born, He most likely had brown skin and brown eyes. His muscle structure would have reflected His work as a carpenter.  Like men of His day, He probably sported facial hair and a head full of curly hair that rested on His collar.1 

The writers of the New Testament didn’t take the time to describe Jesus’ physical attributes to us. In the overall scheme of things, did it really matter? No. Why? Because the writers were much more focused on what Jesus’ character “looked like.” Jesus came to earth equally God and human so that He could bring Salvation to ALL people! His interactions with others reflected the character of God.  Jesus’ life is an incredible example of someone who ministered cross-culturally, across gender lines, to all age groups, disregarding social expectations, ignoring political agendas, and interacting with all socio-economic groups!

Take a gander* for yourself at what the real Jesus “looked like:”

  • Jesus ignored custom by teaching women (custom stated that women shouldn’t be taught because they were untrustworthy and worthless). (Luke 10, John 6 are two examples)
  • Even though Romans ruled over and oppressed the Jews, Jesus healed the daughter of a Roman Ruler, the servant of Roman Centurion, and the son of a royal official. (Matt 9, Matt 8, John 4 respectively)
  • Jesus ministered to the untouchables. He was not afraid to talk to AND even touch those who were considered unclean. (Matt 8-man with leprosy, Matt 9-the bleeding woman)
  • Contrary to the religious mindset, Jesus spent time with the “sinners” of His day which included tax collectors who cheated the people in the name of the government. He declared the criminal on the cross as welcome in Paradise and loved Judas for three years as part of His inner circle in spite of the knowledge that Judas would betray Him. (Matthew 9, Luke 19)
  • Jesus cared about rich (Nicodemus), the working class (the disciples and the crowds of people who followed Him), and the poor.
  • Without thought to gender, age, or economic status, Jesus healed the disadvantaged and hurting whether deaf, dumb, crippled, blind, or demon possessed.
  • Jesus crossed racial barriers and gender barriers when He spoke to the Greek woman in Mark 15 and the Samaritan woman and her town in John 4.
  • When the disciples considered children a nuisance, Jesus welcomed the messy neighborhood kids, hugged them and blessed them! (Mark 10)
  • Jesus told His disciples to preach the Gospel (good news) to Gentiles and Samaritans in Matthew 10.  He told you and I that the good news of the Kingdom of God was to be preached to all nations! Mark 3:10, Matt. 28:19-20)

Call it cliché, but when I listen to the political, social, and relational rhetoric splashing across social media, my question is WWJD? What Would Jesus Do if faced with today’s issues? I can tell you what He would not do… He would not cheer as people violently hurt and destroy; He would not hashtag and holler; He would not flood social media with conspiracy theories; He would not callously dismiss those who disagreed with His point of view. On the contrary, He would be in the trenches helping those in need, holding the hurting, weeping with those who weep, and being an agent of healing wherever He went. How do I know? It’s not hard to figure out if you look at His MO… He spent time with those who disagreed with Him. He listened and discussed ideas. He challenged those who thought they represented truth, but only represented their version of it. He loved, healed, and honored regardless of race, gender, social standing, or political alliance. 

Do you consider yourself a follower of Jesus like I do? Is the real Jesus evident in our lives? His instructions for us are the same as they were when He walked on the earth: Be salt, be light, let your good deeds bring glory to the Father, go and sin no more, love your enemies, give to those in need, do not worry, pray, do to others what you want them to do to you (Matthew 5-7).  All of these are fabulous concrete ways to look like the real Jesus and impact our world!

But… let’s not forget the most important expectation laid out for us: love God first and then love people… all people (Matt. 22:35-39).  What would Jesus do today? He would love people so well, that they would hunger for the Truth reflected in His eyes!  Consider this, when we devalue others (even in our minds) because of their political views, financial status, age, gender, race, or life choices, we lose authority and opportunity to speak into their lives. What does loving God look like? Obedience. What does loving people look like? Kindness, forgiveness, grace, patience, humility, protection, and selflessness. (I Corinthians 13:4-7). If we attempt to speak truth without God’s type of love, we are simply a noise maker adding to the chaos (I Corinthians 13:1). However, when we love others well, we will find an open door to speak life and truth because our actions demonstrate compassion and authenticity.

I encourage you… ask yourself what I am asking myself.  Are my interactions with others, personally or virtually, adding to the chaos and division? Or are they making others feel valued in a way that opens the door for healthy interaction and demonstration of the truth of God’s love. Is the real Jesus standing up in us? His love is the difference between being a noise-maker and a world-changer!

Dear Lord, May we be accurate representations of your love in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our work places, and online! Help us to value others the way You do! Remind us to weep with those who weep and be agents of healing to this world. May our deeds bring glory to You! We can’t do it on our own, help us, Jesus! Amen!

Live Loved, Be Love,

1British anatomical artist, Richard Neave’s, rendering of men during Jesus’ time (left & middle).

*This list is certainly not all inclusive. The gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are filled with evidence of Jesus’ love for everyone.  He even spoke truth to the religious people who were determined that He was sent by satan. It’s this group of hypocritical people that He challenged repeatedly because they perpetuated a dead form of “worship” and hindered people from encountering the true God.

Stolen Identity

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I rarely watch the news; the hate-filled acts across the world leave me heart broken and frustrated. Have you ever, like me, wondered…  Why is there so much hate in the world? 

Is hate caused by pride? Self-righteousness? Anger? Self-loathing? Pain? Fear?

Most likely, it’s a combination of these and more. 

But maybe you feel “hate” is too strong a word for the pervasive disregard and lack of decency we see on the news, in the store, in schools, in our neighborhood… regardless, there’s a grass roots effort to perpetuate this hatred.

The enemy of our soul is the source of hatred; Satan (meaning adversary), roams around on the earth delighting in causing death and destruction (John 10:10).  Again, why?

Biblical passages indicate that Lucifer, now known as Satan, became prideful, wanting to be like God or even above God.1  You see, angels were created by God, but they were not made in His image or to be like Him.

But who IS made in His image?  You and me! How Satan must have raged when He realized that God was creating man-male & female-to reflect His heart, His mind, and His nature!  God gave us what Satan couldn’t have, His likeness.  No wonder Satan is on a rampage to destroy us! His jealousy fuels his hatred of all mankind.

Satan and his minions have diverse tools of destruction at their disposal.  Sadly, many of those tools we put straight into their hands through our own decisions or lack of decision.  But the greatest tool he wields is that of identity stealer! 

How does he steal our identity?  Lies, whispered lies, constantly flowing through the media, through others, through our own self-criticism.  Lies that lead to pride, self-righteousness, anger, self-loathing, pain, and fear. His lies are meant to convince us that we are nothing like God, that we are alone, that we must fight to get what we want. Ultimately, these lies are meant to steal our God-given identity: Loved one.

When the enemy’s lies block out the truth of who we are, we become victims of a stolen identity!

Victims of stolen identity malfunction in thinking and in relationship.  They may think themselves better than others or never good enough.  They may feel entitled or victimized. They fear those who look, act, think, or believe differently than themselves.  Victims of stolen identity struggle with emptiness and confusion that ultimately leads them to hurt others. Does any of that sound familiar? It does to me!

The solution?  A journey of discovery!  Destination: Identity Restoration! 

In an atmosphere of love, children thrive!  They are free and expressive.   Ask them who they are and they declare their name and age.  Ask them who they belong to and they’ll throw their arms around a loving adult in their life.  Children play with any other pint-sized person that crosses their path, never requesting political leanings, portfolio proof, or family history.  They have not yet been branded by the lies that steal confidence in who they are.

That childlike confidence is still possible for you and me!  It’s a confidence born of trust in a Loving Father who created us to look like Him.  He looks on us in delight, even in the middle of our mess, because He sees in us, His own reflection!  Don’t get me wrong, He doesn’t delight in our poor choices.  They grieve His heart in the same way our children’s painful choices grieve us.  Yet, we as parents, look beyond our child’s actions and see the child, our child, precious and irreplaceable!  Why would Daddy God look at us any differently?

This is the basis of our identity: We are His beloved creation!  That’s right!  No matter who you are, what you believe, what skin you’re coated in, where you live, what you’ve done, what’s been done to you, how you dress, who you sleep with, what you’re addicted to, or how angry you are…  God loves YOU!  He is deeply smitten with you, His beloved image-carrier!  Your true identity is found in Him!  I’m sorry if anyone has made you feel less than loveable.  It’s not true!  You are worthy of being loved just because you are made in the image of God!

I challenge you… go on a journey of discovery!  Ask God to help you sense His love and develop a deep revelation of His love for you!  Look for Him in the burst of sunrise, the fragrance of a flower, and the sweet smile of a child.  Search the Bible for the truth of His love for you!2  Allow your heart to blossom to the reality that you have an amazing identity: God’s image-carrier!  You were designed to be a child of God.  As you turn your heart towards Him, you will find security and confidence in His love for you.  Your identity will be restored!

“And I pray that He would unveil within you the unlimited riches of His glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with His divine might and explosive power.

Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of His love will become the very source and root of your life.

Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is His love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!” Ephesians 3:16-19 (tPt: the Passion translation)

If you are struggling to know and believe God’s love for you, please leave me a note and I will pray for you! You are not alone in your journey!

Live Loved! You truly are!

P.S. Please share on social media if this encouraged you! 🙂

1Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:11-19, I Timothy 3:6

2Jeremiah 29:11 & 31:3, John 3:16 & 15:13, I John 4, Psalm 139:1-18

Mic Drop Monday: Food For Thought!

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What do you think of when you remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah?  Many of us heard the story as children and knew that those people didn’t love God or serve Him.  However, in looking at it through the eyes of adults, we often think that these two cities were condemned for their sins of perversion.  At least that’s what I thought… till I read these verses in Ezekiel 16:

49 “‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.

Did you see that?  Did you see what it was that saddened God’s heart?  Yes, detestable things, pride and arrogance.  But that’s not what jumped out at me.  Look again!  “Overfed and unconcerned with the poor and needy!”  Some versions say they did not help the oppressed.  The people of Sodom & Gomorrah hadn’t just grieved God because of their wickedness (hearts twisted or bent on doing wrong!) but because they overindulged in themselves and did not care for those in need.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 5, God addresses His concerns about Israel to Jeremiah:

2 “Their evil deeds have no limit;
    they do not seek justice.
They do not promote the case of the fatherless;
    they do not defend the just cause of the poor.”

Now meditate on these verses:

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

When we purpose to help those in need, defend the oppressed, and care for the needy, we are seeking justice! Jen Toledo defines justice in this way, “Justice is God’s correction of every violation of love.”  What violations of love do you see around you?  Racism, prejudice, bullying, belittling, loneliness, need?   To see God’s Kingdom come into our realm of influence, we need to be ambassadors of His love, bringing justice and righting wrongs whenever the opportunity arises!  Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s whispers and stomp on the enemy’s injustices!*

 

I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t want to be lumped in with the likes of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Even more, I want to please my Daddy!  I want to purpose to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and walk humbly!  Recently, I’ve heard God whispering an idea to help those in my part of the world.  I will be moving in that direction soon and I’ll post when I do!  What about you?  Is God dropping ideas in your heart too?  I’d love to hear them!

 

 

Live Loved!

*The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

If this challenged and blessed you, please share on social media!

Mic Drop Monday: Are You Naked?

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Hmmm, I’m wondering, how many Jesus followers are walking around naked?

Here’s the test:

Does my heart harbor unforgiveness? Prejudice?  Pride? Self-righteousness? Judgement? Anger? Ungratefulness?

Do I allow myself to have foul conversation? To talk unkind about others? Be impatient? Rude? Bitter? Complaining? Vengeful?

Then I am walking naked!

Colossians 3 reminds us of what should be in our closet!  We need to put on the clothing of love:

 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

OK, I experienced a few ouch moments reading that, how about you?  Let me go get dressed…

Live loved and Dressed too! 

Put the Stone Down!

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I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your measuring stick is flawed.

Please don’t be offended… because mine is also flawed!  Yet, sometimes we wield our measuring stick like a sword aimed at what we consider errors in the lives or opinions of others.

Even though we know we are far from perfect, we forget that our measuring stick is not that of Mary Poppins.  You know the one, the practically-perfect-in-every-way measuring stick. We hold it up to “that neighbor,” “that relative,” “that church,” “that blogger,” “that co-worker,” and find them lacking in some area.  Why does it seem so easy to zero in on the negative?

Unfortunately, highlighting the faults of others seems to be a social epidemic.  If you spend any time on social media, or the internet for that matter, you’ve seen what I’m talking about.  Self-appointed “inspectors” pass over the good in favor of criticizing, cutting down, nitpicking, and judging.  Sadly, I think Christians (and I use this term loosely here) are some of the biggest culprits.

You may have stumbled across one of these situations:

  • Complete websites dedicated to tearing down pastors, prophets, and teachers.
  • Bloggers who have taken the time to write an entire blog about why a worship song isn’t worth singing.
  • Professors who teach that church services shouldn’t have low lights, loud music, dancing, children’s church, etc.
  • People who have stormed out of churches because they didn’t like something the pastor said, did, stood for, or even implied.
  • Those who are more concerned that you use their version of the Bible than living by what’s inside of it.
  • Pastors who use their authority to declare entertainers, music styles, and even people groups as demonic.

How it must grieve God’s heart to see His children throwing stones at others.

Some of you might be thinking, but we are supposed to judge the fruit, right?  We are supposed to be “wise as serpents,” aren’t we?  Let me refer you to the first sentence of this blog and then remind you of the second half of Matthew 10:16, “and be harmless as doves.” Note that the word “judge” means to form an opinion or conclusion.  There’s an old adage that says, “Opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and they often stink!” Much of what criticizers call out in others is simply a reflection of their own opinion or their disagreement of someone’s understanding or interpretation.

Even if someone is doing or saying something that seems askew, what purpose does it serve to publicly defame them?  Does it glorify God? Build them up?  Encourage other believers?  Bring life to the situation?  I’m confident that the answer to those questions is an emphatic “NO!” Rarely ever will public criticism bring about a positive outcome or fruitful discussions.

So, what IS an effective action when you suspect that a speaker, ministry, or songwriter seems off?  Pray and bless! Pray for God to give them (and you) a revelation of truth and clarity!  Pray that they will be drawn deeper in relationship with the Father! Bless them in the areas they are right on track.1

This may come as a shock, but there is NO perfect theology, NO perfect church, NO perfect worship style, NO perfect sermon length, NO perfect author… Do you get my point?

Churches, pastors, ministries, authors are all different and unique.  Why?  Because that’s how God created each one of us!  We were wonderfully formed in His image as one-of-a-kind children who have individual relationships with our Heavenly Father.  As creative as our God is, why do we think that He would want us to have cookie-cutter churches or ministries?

While our tenants of faith stand strong (based on the Word of God), our walks as believers, our preferred ways of worship, our revelations, our engagement with the Holy Spirit will reflect our uniqueness.  He is not a cookie-cutter God!

So if we are all so different, what does God expect of His wonderfully unique children?  God’s measuring stick is reflected in His Word: Seek Justice, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8), Love God, love others (Matthew 22:37-39), Bless, do not curse (Romans 12:14), Mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:12-13).

Peter sets forth a challenge:  “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8 NLT)

Here are some practical ways to rise to the challenge!

  • Purpose in your heart to look for the good in others. See criticism as a weapon of the enemy and demolish it!
  • Celebrate the efforts and hard work of ministries, pastors, writers, believers, prophets, etc. who are living and declaring the Kingdom of God.
  • Find and embrace a place of worship that shares your heart, vision, and style. Stick with that church family through thick and thin until God clearly directs you otherwise!
  • Pray for other believers and ministries asking the Lord to bless them in their “on-target” areas and bring revelation to their “off-target” areas.  Pray the same clarity for yourself!
  • Seek to be like Jesus!  Study His life and grab His heart!

Let’s be Jesus-followers together!

Live Loved!

1Note that James 5:19 discusses turning back one who wanders from the truth.  Realize that publicly denouncing someone on social media or anywhere else will not turn someone to the truth.  A personal relationship that is based on love and respect will enable this to occur and the one in error will be protected because love covers a multitude of sins!

Here more here: Designed to Impress

Life Giving Treasures

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It’s a small wooden trunk, a simple box really, but every time I glance at that trunk, it brings a smile to my face!  It’s not the box itself, but the knowledge of what resides in it.  Words… so simple, yet quite profound.  My wooden trunk is filled with the words of others… words of thanks, words of love, words of encouragement.  That trunk is a “thesaurus,” literally, a treasure of words that speak to my heart.

 

 

You may be familiar with the Five Love Languages™ introduced by Gary Chapman.  These “languages” are the primary ways that people tend to give and receive love.  Words of affirmation are appreciated by most everyone, even if it’s not each person’s top love language.  For me, it ranks near the tippy-top!  So, when I receive a card that includes a note of blessing or affirmation, it touches a place deep within me and replenishes my “love tank.”

Words of affirmation can be simple “good jobs!” or “You’re great!” But that’s truly just the start!  Life-filled words stir sparks of hope in disheartening situations.  They bring inspiration in the midst of discouragement.  Words of affirmation provide comfort in hurt, light in darkness, and peace in the fearful places.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Life-giving words are tools that build others up.  They may be declarations of a positive future, celebrations of character qualities, or sharing of proud moments.  We are made in the image of our Creative Father God!  He enables us to find creative ways to use our vocabulary of “life” words to build up those in our realm of influence.  One of my “treasure cards” includes 10 truths that a precious sister wrote about me.  What a creative way to build up a friend!

The beauty of written words is that you can revisit them often.  However, spoken words are precious drops of blessing as well.  Encouragement and life spoken to or about someone in the hearing of others strengthens hearts and heals souls.  Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to use our talk to build others up according to their need at that moment.

Life goes fast, often dragging us behind…  It’s time to press pause and ask ourselves, “How can I build others up today?” “What word of encouragement can I speak to a service worker?”  “What positive declaration can I make over a difficult situation?”  “In what way can I celebrate my spouse, child, or co-worker?”  The opportunities are unlimited!  All that’s required are life-building words and a heart to bless!  II Corinthians 4:7 declares that the Treasure that’s inside of us longs to pour light and life on those in our world; and YOU and I get to be a part His plan!

Dive Deeper: Proverbs 18:21, II Corinthians 4:6-7    

Live Loved,

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Dare to be Different!

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Going against the flow is intimidating for most people.  It’s much easier to ride the waves of the norm and “fit in” with what’s expected. But rarely do we grow… or shine… when we’re in that mode.  Stretching ourselves is a challenge, yet it can bring great rewards!  Not only will we find that doors of opportunity open but we blaze pathways of confidence for our future selves and those who watch our lives.

That’s not to say that there won’t be failures.  Sometimes taking risks causes painful results.  It’s part of the journey.  Speaking up against a bully, literally or figuratively, can result in a sock to the nose!  Yet, if we don’t take a stand for what we believe, we risk living a wishy-washy whiny existence that’s wrapped in dissatisfaction.

How can you stretch yourself… just a bit today or this week?

For me, it was entering a chili competition. This was out of character for me as I generally avoid anything that smacks of competition (aside from a good game of Dominoes!).  Though I enjoy cooking, I don’t consider myself a “foodie.”  But since this was a church event and we were raising money for the youth, I threw myself into it.

The result: I won!

 

I created my own version of chili and called it “Pittsburgh Comfort Chili.”  I stretched my creative muscles and came up with a unique black and gold dish that was hearty and satisfying!  I have to admit that winning my cute little Chili Cook-off trophy and hearing the compliments was rather exciting!  (Side note: Kudos to all the entrants at Freedom International Church as there were many unique yummy ones and the youth definitely benefitted!)   This risk paid off!

What about you?  How do you see yourself going against the norm for the good?  Could it be speaking up when your co-workers are trashing a peer?  Maybe it’s speaking out against an intense book that your middle schooler is expected to read. Possibly, your risk might be encouraging someone who is consistently rude to you.  How about buying the lunch of someone who is behind you in a line?  Today, I watched a 3rd grader share something with another student who had been tormenting him just an hour before.  Doing the unexpected or unprecedented is not an easy choice.  But it may be one that brings success, confidence, and a deep satisfaction that you stepped out and stepped up your game.  It may lead to the extraordinary!

My beliefs about who I am impact how I choose to live.  I Corinthians 2:16 reminds me that I have the mind of Christ.  Genesis 1:26 declares that I’m made in the likeness of God.  I’m wonderfully and uniquely created according to Psalm 139:14. I Peter 2:9 in The Passion Translation says this: “But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious wonders throughout the world.”

I’ve been designed to stand up and stand out!  Not to attract attention to myself, but to impact the world around me for good!  When the air feels heavy with death, I will speak life.  When darkness feels pervasive, I will shine light.  When best intentions drag from discouragement, I will build confidence.  I will go against the status quo to make my world a better place.  The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra we put into it!  I hope my kids are watching… I want them to be trail blazers too!

Dive Deeper: Psalm 139, Ephesians 2:10

Recipe: Pittsburgh Comfort Chili

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Live Loved,