Christians: Lose Your Swagger

Last Friday, I started reading the book, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity. I'm only about 80 pages into it but I've already underlined lots of interesting thoughts. The book was written by David Kinnaman of the Barna Group. The Barna Group is like the Gallop Poll for the Church. George Barna and friends have done an exceptional job over the past 25 years or so keeping the pulse of the Church and the world. In this particular book, they reveal the results of a survey performed with the next generation (Mosaics - born between 1984 & 2002 and Baby Busters - born between 1965 & 1983).

Here's the most interesting thing found in the book so far: We need to lose our "swagger." Here's the quote from the book, "The primary reason outsiders feel hostile toward Christians, and especially conservative Christians, is not because of any particular theological perspective. What they react negatively to is our 'swagger,' how we go about things and the sense of self-importance we project." Those outside of the Church say that the "Church is infatuated with itself."

A couple of paragraphs later, Kinnaman writes, "We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for."

The title of the book is unChristian because outsiders think Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind. It is a stinging rebuke on the Church - and much needed.

Powerful Christians

Thought this article was worth the link:

http://www.wittenburgblog.com/2008/01/awkward-subject-evangelical-power.html

36 Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say no to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't
do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget.
13. Have backups - an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the kid in you everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read in spare time.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in
the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before. (Contributed by Timely Words reader Ann Diamond)

107 Hours per week

Just something that I've been pondering for awhile:

I often find myself wondering (and hoping) if our churches are "equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry" as Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-13. At TNC, we encourage people to soak and serve, i.e., soak up the worship, teaching, and fellowship in one of our two services on Sundays and serve in some capacity during the other service. In addition, we encourage everyone to be a part of a small group (Journey teams) where we develop further in our walk with Christ.

If you soak and serve on Sunday mornings that encompasses about 3 hours. If you participate with a J Team that takes about another 1.5 - 2 hours each week. So let's do the math: There are 168 hours in a week. Let's assume that you sleep 8 hours each night for a total of 56 hours. If you take part in the weekly routine at TNC, that's another 5 hours. That leaves you with a total of 107 hours each week when you are not a part of a structured program at church.

So, here's my question. During most of your week (107 hours), it's just you and God. Now granted, you spend some time with other believers during the week but hopefully you get my drift. How are you doing when it's just you and God? Are you spending time with him? Are you learning from him daily? Are you communicating with him on a constant basis? Are you sharing his love with others? Are you worshiping him as you have opportunities? Are you growing and stretching others in their spiritual journey? Are you doing the work of the ministry?

How are you spending your 107 hours each week?

A Timely Word for 2008

This was emailed to me and I thought it was worth posting.

Tell God: Whatever It Takes, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyway
by Jon Walker

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV)

… In this new year, we can “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We can, once again, affirm our commitment to the work of the Great Commission. My prayer is that we will view this declaration as a covenant with God, promising him that from now we will do whatever it takes: anytime, anywhere, anyway….

A Call to Radical Commitment

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.

Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.

When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.

Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!

I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"