Tim Sinclair :: Books. Blogs. Broadcast.

The Fine Line Between Thrifty and Stingy

2012-02-09T06:24:00.000-06:00

Maybe you have noticed this in your own life: any good thing--when taken to an extreme--can quickly become a bad thing. And knowing where the good ends and where the bad begins is critical.

There is an extremely fine line between:

Passion and anger.
Realism and pessimism.
Funny and annoying.
Thrifty and stingy.
Drive and recklessness.
Creativity and laziness.
Confidence and arrogance.
Curiosity and addiction.

It's easy to think that, just because our strengths and abilities were given to us by God, that we're able to properly use them on our own without his help, input, or direction. But that's not true. Each of us, left to our own devices, will likely take our unique personalities and penchants past the point of healthy and into the realm of unhealthy...or even sinful.

Leaders easily become bosses. Helpers easily become meddlers. Go-getters easily become aggressive.

You probably know the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10. There's no doubt that Martha's desire to be hospitable was a good thing...I'm sure it was naturally a part of her being. But, in this instance, Martha crossed that fine line. I mean, Jesus was sitting in her living room and she was in the kitchen chopping potatoes. It's not that hospitality is wrong, it was just that Martha took it too far.

I guess the question for me--and maybe for you, too--is, "Have I left the creator of my gifts completely out of the process of using them?" If so, there's a distinct possibility that they aren't being used in the way that he intended.

Oasis is a Cool Word

2012-02-02T06:21:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if it's ironic or providential that the word "oasis" has "as-is" in it.

That's what an oasis should be though, right? A place you can go--just as you are--to find rest, refreshment, relaxation, and perhaps even a new perspective on life. Whether your idea of an oasis is an island getaway, a secluded cabin, or an over-stuffed couch, the basic idea is the same: Come as you are. Leave changed.

Ideally, an oasis is what friendship should to be. And marriage. And church. And a relationship with Christ. We can bring our junk, work it out in a safe environment, and then move forward as healthier, happier, and more God-honoring people.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Notice Jesus didn't say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you an earful." Or, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will shame you...or judge you...or shun you." No, the Lord of the universe promises us rest...even when we approach him with a trunk full of over-stuffed baggage.

And that is tremendously good news.

If you feel weary and worn down today--and even if you've been burnt by your friends or your spouse or your church--you can still find rest. You can still find a place to come just as you are. You can still find an oasis.

Jesus promises to be our oasis in Matthew 11. He takes us "as-is", and promises that (in the end) we'll be changed.

Why Don't Your Kids Go to Church?

2012-01-26T06:08:00.000-06:00

You may have heard today's youth described as a "generation of causes." And it's certainly true.

It's why few non-profit organizations ask teens and twenty-somethings for regular monthly donations but, instead, suggest that they purchase bricks or goats or wells instead. As a whole, Generation Y likes--perhaps needs--to physically see the tangible fruits of their time or money in order to get involved in a project.

This attitude has clearly taken its toll on church attendance. Regular church-going, without any measurable statistics to prove that change is occurring, is a hard discipline for many Y's to master. In fact, a new Barna survey has found that 59% of young Christians disconnect from the church after age 15...many never to return. Statistics like these, and real-world evidence of such numbers, have caused more than a few youth-focused ministries to spend less time on life-changing relationships with Jesus and more time on life-changing social projects.

For example, the United Methodist Church has started a new initiative called Spark12 that is designed to give youth a cause to fight for, rather than just a church to go to.

Passion conference attendees recently raised about $3 million dollars to help end slavery and child trafficking around the world.

A church in New York regularly encourages congregants to reach into their community and "serve humanity in fellowship, that all may grow in harmony with the good."

Please hear me: none of these activities is bad. Actually, they are each very good. My concern is that (inadvertantly) we may be teaching an entire generation to, essentially, "be good for goodness' sake." But, unfortunately, goodness' sake isn't good enough. We need to be good for God's sake.

In Matthew 25, Jesus explains that it is not just good to help those who are hungry or thirsty or naked or in prison, but those things are an actual reflection of our love for him. Jesus says to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Fighting against social injustices should be an outflow of our relationship with Christ, not the sum total of it. If Jesus himself isn't powerful enough to lead the next generation to care for the lost and the broken and the needy, why would we expect that by exclusively caring for the lost and the broken and the needy it will lead the next generation to Jesus?

Should the church care about the physical needs of those in their community and around the world? Of course. But, without Jesus as both the means and the end of such care, church ceases to be church and starts to be nothing more than charity.

The Best Way to Get Jesus into Schools

2012-01-25T06:21:00.004-06:00

One of the most controversial things I have ever said on the radio came when I suggested that many Christians may not realize what they're asking for when they demand that prayer and Jesus and Christianity be allowed in our public schools.

As our Constitution is set up, any government institution that opens itself to one religion must also open itself to all religions. The first amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It's not that Jesus can't be present, it's that--if he is--then Mohammed and Buddha and everyone else have to be allowed in as well.

For the last 235 years Christians haven't had to worry about other faiths stepping on our toes. We have enjoyed our religious freedom because, frankly, there hasn't been anyone else exercising theirs. But in the 21st century we're faced with a problem: people of other faiths are demanding the same rights as us.

My original point was, if religion is going to be an "all" or "nothing" proposition in school, then I choose "nothing." And now, fourteen months later, the primary reason for my concern is being played out in dramatic fashion in North Carolina.

After The Gideons International delivered several boxes of Bibles to Windy Ridge intermediate school, administrators allowed students who wanted one to come by the office and get a copy. When a concerned parent questioned that decision, the school assured her that they would make available religious texts donated by any group.

What the school didn't know was that the parent in question, Ginger Strivelli, practiced Witchcraft...and she wanted to distribute pagan spell books at the school.

Oops.

It is incredibly narrow-minded and short-sighted to believe that by advocating for "freedom of religion" in the public square Christians are merely opening our kids up to periodically lighting a Menorah or singing an African harvest song once a year. How might you react if your child brought home a book of witch spells that he picked up from the school secretary? Are you okay with a student praying to Allah over the school intercom? How about your daughter sitting next to a guy in class who is allowed to carry a small, religious knife?

(Can't happen? Last year a Michigan school made headlines for allowing members of the Sikh faith to carry small, symbolic knife known as the Kirpan.)

Witches believe they are religious. So do Sikhs. And so do Satan worshipers. And the harder we fight to get Jesus into our schools, the harder we are fighting to get all of the rest in with him.

Given the scope of our Constitution and the inherent risks associated with our current approach, it seems to me that the only good way to get Christ into public schools is to put him inside our kids before they go.

The Most Harmful Word in the English Language

2012-01-19T05:56:00.000-06:00

We are living smack-dab in the middle of what could easily be dubbed "The Entitlement Generation." An unapologetic "I-want-what-I-want-when-I-want-it" attitude is pervasive in our culture, and I truly believe that one word has single-handedly done more to contribute to this idea than any other:

Deserve.

Deserve is used by advertisers to create discontentment.

"Call right now to get the tax relief you deserve."
"We can help you buy the house you deserve."
"Join now to sculpt the body you deserve."

Deserve is used within families to demand fairness.

"I had to give the kids a bath last night, so I deserve to watch TV tonight."
"She went out on Friday, so I deserve to go out on Saturday."
"This relationship isn't working, and I deserve to be happy."

Deserve is used with our finances to avoid perseverance.

"She got a job right after college. I deserve one too."
"The next door neighbors have a new car, so I deserve one too."
"I have worked here for five years, so I deserve a promotion."

Webster's defines the word deserve this way: "to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to because of actions, qualities, or situation." But I think it can be broken down far more simply than that.

Deserve means to "de-serve."

As in, un-serve. As in, the opposite of serve. As in, a selfishly inward focus rather than a sacrificially outward one. When we feel like we deserve something, we are likely de-serving someone else at the same time.

Entitlement is a human problem, not a Godly one. If God were in the business of fairness, Jesus never would have gone to the cross. God never would have shown Noah the rainbow. Hebrews 4:16 wouldn't tell us to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace...."

Jesus came to earth to be a servant. To give love, to show mercy, and to offer grace to a world that didn't deserve it. He deserved more. He deserved better. But he served instead.

Christ already knew what I am just now learning...that every choice we make says one of two things about us. It either says "I serve," or it says "I deserve."

We Get It...You Love Your Mom

2012-01-10T11:25:00.000-06:00

(This is a completely satirical piece in the wake of the recent Tim Tebow phenomenon. If you're not up to speed, you might want to read this article first.)

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is a great basketball player. He really is. And he seems like a great guy. He really does. But I, for one, am tired of seeing and hearing about his mother every thirty seconds.

Before each home game, Rose walks to the west end of the United Center, looks up to Suite 45, and blows a kiss to his mom. And she blows one back. Every. Single. Game.

In December, when the 23-year-old star was awarded his new contract, he threw his love for mom in our faces yet again. "I can say this now, Mom...we finally made it!"

When Derrick Rose was awarded the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award last season, he thanked his mom again. "Last, but not least, I want to thank my mom, Brenda Rose...You keep me going every day. And I love you. I appreciate you being in my life."

I mean, I know she means a lot to him and everything--and she's the single most important influence on Derrick's life--but, come on man, enough is enough. He even cried!

In post-game interviews with tiny newspapers and giant television networks alike, Derrick Rose talks about how much he loves and respects his mom, and I think it's time that someone tell him to leave the sappy stuff at home and focus on basketball for once. No one is paying to see him gush. We're paying to see him win basketball games. Doesn't Rose realize that he is thrusting his personal family business into arenas that are unexpected and unwelcome?

The situation is clearly out of control and needs to be stopped. Otherwise, every professional athlete might start talking about his or her mom before and after games. Then what?

Jesus Looks Good On You

2012-01-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

What do the George Foreman Grill, Dyson vacuum, and Chevy Volt have in common? Well, other than having power cords and being made of plastic, they are also specifically designed to show you how good a job they're doing while they're doing it.

The Foreman collects grease and fat from your burgers in an oval-shaped tray. The Dyson gathers dirt and debris from your carpet in a see-thru container. The Volt displays your gas mileage and energy savings on the dashboard display.

Other grills get rid of the same amount of grease, but it runs between the grates. Other vacuums pick up the same amount of dirt, but it's hidden in bags or behind the case. Other cars get good gas mileage, but it isn't calculated right in front of your eyes.

As you make dinner, clean up the house, or drive to work, these products are telling their story the entire time. Foreman and Dyson and Chevrolet have figured out just how important it is to show externally all of the amazing things that are happening internally. People tend to wholeheartedly buy-in to products that constantly remind them just how transformative they really are.

Of course the Bible has figured out this concept, too. James 2:26 says, "Faith without works is dead." I had always taken this verse to mean that my faith isn't real if there is no action behind it. And that's true. If my beliefs don't change me much, then my beliefs aren't worth a whole lot. But I think there is another, more long-lasting, application of this passage as well: future faith is dead without works today.

Our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will choose to either follow Christ or deny him. And much of that decision is based upon the faith that they see lived out in mom and dad or grandma and grandpa. If following Jesus is perceived to be merely an intellectual exercise--with little to no physical change--then the faith of our future truly will be dead. If James 2:26 were written for a high school health class, it might say, "Humanity without reproduction is dead."

As with grills and vacuums and cars, it's critical that the inner-workings of our faith be exhibited on the outside as well. It will be much harder for the world to deny that Jesus is real--to dismiss the idea that faith works--if they see Jesus on you rather than just hear that he's in you.

Say Merry Christmas, Now!

2011-12-20T07:08:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you but, for the past few years, it seems to me as if the "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" war has been at an all-time high.

On one hill are Christians who can't stomach the thought of either Christmas being lumped together with Kwanzaa and Hanukkah or having Jesus' birthday turned into "just another pagan holiday." On the other hill are atheists and pacifists and members of non-Christian faiths who either don't believe in Christ or don't want to risk offending those who don't.

I completely understand most Christians' desire for the right to say or display "Merry Christmas" when and where they want to. I want that too. What I don't completely understand is the pseudo-recent obsession with requiring everyone else on the planet to follow our lead. I say "Merry Christmas" because it is what I believe, not because I think it's what the person I'm talking to believes. My words speak of me, not them. So, when someone greets me during the holidays, I expect to hear what they want to say, not what they think I want to hear.

If we (as Christians) don't want to shop at a store that refuses to recognize Christmas, then we shouldn't. If we want to respond to every "Happy Holiday" greeting we hear with "Merry Christmas" instead, then we should do that. But why in the world should we expect--or demand--that people who have no belief in Jesus use his name?

Forcing the "Merry Christmas" issue is, effectively, asking people to break the third commandment. Taking the Lord's name in "vain" means to use it in a worthless or empty way, devoid of meaning...OR to attach Christ's name to something that isn't from him. Demanding that an agnostic or atheist, Hindu or Jew use the name of Christ is actually doing both. Since none of these beliefs recognize Jesus as their savior, saying "Merry Christmas" is using his name in an empty, meaningless way. Plus, it's attaching Christ to something that isn't of him. Namely, a holiday season that is nothing more (to them) than snow and presents and time off from work.

So, if you're not celebrating the birth of Jesus this year, please don't say "Merry Christmas." That's not what you mean. Say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" or "Merry Gift-mas"...but don't pretend that you're stopping down to remember a miraculous birth that you don't believe ever occurred. If December 25th is simply a day to spend with your family and exchange gifts and drink eggnog, then be honest about it. It's fine.

As for the rest of us, we shouldn't be offended by those who opt for a holiday greeting rather than a Christmas one. Their choice of words is simply a reflection of their heart. Matthew 15:18 tells us, "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart." And, if Christ isn't in someone's heart, why should we expect it to be displayed in his or her language?

It is not your job to change someone's heart. Nor is it mine. Our job is to show people--through our words and our actions--the true Christ of Christmas, and then let him take it from there.

Tim's 10 Most-Fascinating People of 2011

2011-12-15T08:13:00.001-06:00

Barbara Walters revealed her "10 Most-Fascinating People of 2011" this week, and the list read like the front page of the National Enquirer. With a few exceptions, each person (or group of people) on the list was simply popular tabloid fodder. And, to me, there's a big difference between popular and fascinating.

Is it really possible that there is nobody on the planet that is more interesting--more intriguing--than the Kardashian sisters, Simon Cowell, and Katy Perry? Or Pippa Middleton, Derek Jeter, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson?

So, I've come up with my own list. We'll call it "Tim's 10 Most-Fascinating People of 2011." Some are fascinating for good reasons. Some are fascinating for bad reasons. But, unlike Ms. Walters' list, each has a story to tell...and a story that Americans who live in places other than New York and Los Angeles want to hear.

1. Herman Cain* - former Godfather's Pizza CEO who rocketed to the top of the Republican presidential nominee polls before a handful of harassment allegations forced him to drop out of the race.

2. Tim Tebow - Christian quarterback of the Denver Broncos who is now being called the "Mile High Messiah" after a series of miraculous come-from-behind wins.

3. Navy Seal Team 6 - the military team that took out the FBI's #1 Most Wanted man, Usama bin Laden, while he was hiding in a residential area of Pakistan.

4. Reed Hastings - Netflix CEO who, literally, lost millions of customers with an ill-advised and dramatic price hike for his DVD delivery and download service.

5. The clean-up crew at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor - men and women who have willingly risked their lives to protect their country after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

6. Joe Paterno - former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions who, at 83-years-old, lost both his job and impeccable reputation after a child abuse scandal involving one of his former assistants came to light.

7. Sandra Bullock - A-list actress who went through a very public (and very messy) divorce in the midst of adopting a baby from New Orleans.

8. Paris Jackson - 13-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson who has recently said that she wants to, in some ways, follow in her father's footsteps.

9. An Occupy Wall Street protestor - a relatively new group of Americans who converge on major city centers to live in tents, sleep in trees, and willingly get arrested for their beliefs in economic equality.

10. Amy Chua - Yale Law professor and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother who received significant criticism for her radical, bordering on abusive, views on parenting.

So what do you think? Did I miss anyone? Who would you put on the list instead?

(*Herman Cain was included on Barbara Walters' list as well.)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Really?

2011-12-08T21:06:00.001-06:00

I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: most of life's problems come as a result of unmet expectations. If you're hoping for flowers and a quiet dinner on Valentine's Day and your husband gives you nothing more than a card, there's a problem. If you thought your teenage daughter would be home right after the 7 o'clock movie and she doesn't show up until midnight, there's a problem. If you assume that you'll get a 5% raise at the end of the year and you get 2% instead, there's a problem.

Honestly, I think this is the very reason that the holidays are such a difficult time for many of us. The poor feel poorer. The sad feel sadder. The lonely feel lonelier. All because the expectations at Christmas are so much higher than the rest of the year. And, frankly, with songs like "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" all over the radio and happy, dancing Santas all over people's lawns, it's no surprise.

So, if you're feeling a little Grinch-y this holiday, there are two things you should know. The first is that, despite what your head and your heart may be saying, you are not alone in your struggles or in your sadness.

Other families are missing loved ones too.

Other families are fighting with each other too.

Other families can't afford everything they want too.

Other families are stressed out too.
Other families are holding years-long grudges too.

In fact, my own family is mourning the loss this year of an uncle who always sat at our table on Christmas day. Our finances are far shakier than we'd like them to be. And stress? Yeah, we've got plenty of that too. And there are many thousands, probably millions, of others in a far worse place.

The second thing to remember is this: Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year because everyone seems happy. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because it's the season in which we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. Whether the kids are jingle-belling or anyone is telling you to be of good cheer, Jesus still came to earth as a baby and was born in a manger to a virgin named Mary. Angels still appeared to the shepherds. Wise men still followed a star. The calendar was still split in two. That's wonderful no matter how you slice it.

If we're looking for happiness at Christmas, we're often going to be extremely disappointed. However, if we're looking for joy...there's not a reason in the world that we shouldn't find it.

An Open Letter to Illinois Football Fans

2011-12-08T11:40:00.001-06:00

When Ron Zook walked into the WBGL radio studios last Thursday, he was a full hour early for our interview. For the first time in seven years, the former Illinois head football coach was without a schedule. Without someplace to be. Without a game plan to go over or a running back to recruit. When Zook realized his error, he simply said to me, “I’m not used to this.”

Just five days earlier the coach had been fired by University of Illinois Athletic Director Mike Thomas. The move wasn’t unexpected but, to the 57-year old Zook, it was certainly disappointing. Regarding both the present and the future of Illinois football, the former coach takes an opposing view of many fans and members of the media. “I know that the program is in great shape right now. They’ll go on and, hopefully, have the success that everyone wants them to have – me included.”

Though our thirty minutes together was supposed to focus on him, his family, and his future, Coach Zook found it hard to talk about anything other than his former players. As I thanked him for his service to the university and to the Champaign-Urbana community as a whole, the coach responded, “I wish that the community could get to know our players like I do. They’re good kids and they want to do the right thing. They know the difference between right and wrong. They’re searching just like all young people are…and we’re just trying to help them make the right choice.”

During Ron Zook’s tenure at the U of I, it’s apparent that he helped many players do exactly that. Trulon Henry, a senior set to graduate at the end of the semester, recently said of the coach, “I’d jump off a cliff for him.” Zook recruited the linebacker to Illinois after Henry had served time in prison for armed robbery. “A lot of coaches wouldn’t have brought me here.”

But, in my mind, Ron Zook isn’t “a lot of coaches.” He’s a hard-nosed guy with a heart of gold…committed to teaching his players how to overcome adversity both on and off the field. Zook understands that there is far more to life than football, and his goal is to adequately (and appropriately) prepare these 18- to 22-year old men for both. Big Ten fans should know better than anyone these days how hard that outlook can be to find.

Partway through our conversation, I watched Coach Zook’s eyes water as he talked about his own life outside of football. He teared up as he mentioned his two daughters, and how he was looking forward to their family’s annual tradition of shopping on Christmas Eve. It was a tender part of the coach that, I would guess, not too many die-hard Illini fans ever had the chance to see. I can’t help but wonder if public sentiment would have been different if they had.

But, of course, college coaching decisions aren’t made on feelings. Nor should they be. Hirings and firings are made on results, and that’s where it seems like Illini nation may have lost its collective long-term memory.

With a bowl berth this year, the Illini program that Ron Zook built is headed to its third post-season game in the last five seasons. This hasn’t happened to Illinois since 1994 and is the exact same 2007-2011 ratio as arch-rival Michigan. In 2008 Illinois appeared in the coveted Rose Bowl for the first time since 1984 and for just the second time since Kennedy was in the White House. With a win over UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl this year, the Fighting Illini will have won bowl games in consecutive years – something the team has never before accomplished.

After Zook’s two rebuilding years in 2005 and 2006, the Illini finished with a winning record in 2007 and 2010, with the chance to be above .500 again in 2011. Again, that’s three of five. Have we forgotten that, between 1991 and 2004, Illinois finished the season at one game over .500 or worse eleven times? Five times in the 80s, nine times in the 70s, seven times in the 60s, etc.

The 2008 Rose Bowl clearly turned the Illini faithful into the Illini delusional. Fans now expect to win every single game, and be in the Bowl Championship Series hunt every single season. Anything else, it appears, is unacceptable. But it is also unrealistic.

One sniff of the roses does not turn Champaign, Illinois into Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. One BCS bowl does not turn U of I's Memorial Stadium into OSU's Horseshoe. For the Fighting Illini program, every bowl berth is marked progress...every winning season is a sizable step in the right direction. Any Illinois football fan who assumes that the team is going to miraculously morph into Alabama or USC in the blink of an eye (or, for that matter, in seven years) is kidding themselves.

I want the Fighting Illini to win as much as the next guy, but Ron Zook was a coach, not a magician. As I see it, Illinois fans either need to quickly learn this concept or sincerely hope that our next head football coach's name is David Copperfield.

A Verse That Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means

2011-12-05T08:52:00.001-06:00

Despite being one of the best players to ever play college football, Tim Tebow has taken a ton of criticism in his career. Some believe it's because of his faith. Some don't. But, at least for our purposes today, that distinction is irrelevant.

At the University of Florida, Tebow won the National Championship (twice), received the coveted Heisman Trophy, and broke darn-near every record a college quarterback could break. Yet, going in to the NFL draft, it was the consensus opinion (of ESPN and others) that Tebow wouldn't fare well at the elite level. He was too short. He threw sidearm. He wasn't accurate. He couldn't adapt to an NFL offense. He wasn't fast enough. He was "soft."

And guess what? Tim Tebow is winning anyway.

After starting the season 1-4 with a different quarterback, the Denver Broncos inserted Tebow into the lineup and saw an immediate change. As an NFL starter, Tim Tebow is now 6-1 and has won five games in a row. The Broncos are 7-5 and in a tie for first place in the AFC West. Tebow wins...despite any concerns about his height, throwing motion, accuracy, brains, speed, or commitment.

What would have happened, though, if Tim had listened to the critics? What if he had decided that ESPN was right. What if he had packed up his cleats and decided to become a real estate agent or an insurance salesman? Well, first of all, the Denver Broncos wouldn't be in the playoff hunt. And, secondly, you and I would have missed out on an important life lesson.

I don't know which voices in your life are telling you that you can't do what you've been called by God to do, but I do know that critics are out there. I know that you have people who do their best to convince you that you're too weak, young, old, damaged, poor, dumb, or insecure to fulfill the plans that the Lord promises he has for you.

Though you and I aren't in the NFL, there will always be those critical of our hopes and plans and dreams. There will always be voices that tell you to not go to seminary or enroll in nursing school. There will always be friends encouraging you to bail on writing a book or starting a ministry. There will always be family members who push you to give up on the dream of owning your own business or becoming a full-time missionary.

The natural verse to end with, of course, is Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." It's important, however, that we not assume that these words imply that God will bless everything that we want to do. Rather, they mean quite the opposite. God will give us the strength to do everything that he wants us to do. Even if it's scary. And even if no one else thinks we should.

Throwing Gifts on the Front Lawn

2011-11-30T11:56:00.001-06:00

I spent an hour watching the original "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" movie with my wife and boys a few nights ago. I know it's a classic but, somehow, I had never seen it before.

Early in the movie, the elves made all sorts of incredible toys in Santa's workshop but, because of the Winter Warlock who lived on a nearby mountain, they decided to just throw them in the front yard. Rather than risk the potential pain and danger of delivering their toys to the sad children in Sombertown, these elves were content to create a yard full of useless lawn ornaments. Attempting to cross the mountain--even for something good--was just too big of a risk.

Over the past few days I've been wondering how often I turn my God-given gifts and talents into pointless Christian lawn art? I've been asking why I am content to live my life in the "faith bubble" that I've created for myself? Maybe it's because I'm afraid of failure. Or rejection. Or pain. Or embarrassment. Maybe it's because I don't want to leave what's comfortable. Or safe. Or popular. Or traditional. Maybe it's because I'm selfish. Or ignorant. Or lost. Or blind.

Regardless, I'm guilty. And I'm guessing that you probably are too. At least some of the time.

Is there a co-worker you've been led to share your faith with?
Is there a ministry at church that you've been called to work with?
Is there a homeless person you've been inspired to talk to?
Is there a book you've been equipped to write?
Is there a child you've been asked to foster?
Is there a team you've been told to lead?
Is there a mountain you've been challenged to cross?

It's a bit counter-intuitive, but the gifts that God has given to you and me were not meant exclusively for us. They were meant to be given away--to be shared--even when there's fear and trembling and maybe even a little sweat involved. Romans 12:6-8 says, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

God has given each of us specific talents and abilities and callings and passions and desires. The question is, in the face of even the slightest resistance, what are we going to do with them? Are we going to selflessly give these gifts away or carelessly throw them on the front lawn?

Cancelled Dreams

2011-11-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

American Eagle Flight 4144 from Chicago to Champaign is rarely late and almost never cancelled. According to Flight Stats, the plane arrives on-schedule 83% of the time, and has only been cancelled twice in the past two months. On Tuesdays, American Eagle performs even better between the Windy City and the Twin Cities with an 89% on-time percentage.

On most days, a delay or cancellation for Flight 4144 is merely an inconvenience for a businessman trying to get home or for a University of Illinois parent trying to visit campus. Another plane heads--shuttle style--the same direction two hours later. Maybe a family dinner is missed. Or a meeting. Or, heaven forbid, an Illini game. But two hours isn't usually a big deal.

But on this particular Tuesday, when Flight 4144 was cancelled for just the third time in three months, it wasn't "most days." And two hours was a big deal.

Anna Ocean was supposed to be on that tiny plane. Traveling from Seattle, Washington, Anna was rushing to see her dad, Champaign resident James Harry, who was on the critical care floor of Provena Hospital.

Just six months before, Jim was at our house...and he was beaming. As we celebrated my son's second birthday, we celebrated Jim's daughter too. He hadn't seen her in person yet, but he had pictures, and everyone at the party had the chance to look at them - at least once. Calling Jim a "proud papa" would have been a massive understatement.

My wife's 82-year-old uncle had finally found the daughter he thought he had lost forever when she was about the same age as my two-year-old son. For 50 long years this quiet, unassuming man frequently wondered where Anna was and what she was doing. Then, this past March--with one phone call--Jim not only found his long-lost little girl, but two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He called that discovery "the highlight of my life."

Jim and his wife Judy planned a trip to Seattle for a reunion in August, but that's when Jim's health began to deteriorate. Diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis--a disease that causes extreme muscle weakness and fatigue--doctors said that Jim had to wait until he was healthy enough to make the cross-country flight. Unfortunately, healthy never came.

As I stood in his hospital room on Monday, Jim was on a respirator and had more IV's in his body than I have fingers on my hands. Sedated, he looked peaceful, but his heart was far from calm. Jim's pulse and blood pressure rose and fell dramatically, setting off alarms at the nearby nurse station faster than they could reset them.

That's when Anna was called. And that's why Anna was supposed to be on American Eagle Flight 4144.

The plane should have landed at Willard Airport in Savoy at 4:50pm on Tuesday, November 8th, but it never left Chicago.The flight was cancelled. And with it, the possibility of Anna and Jim seeing each other for the first time since the early 1960s.

Instead, Anna arrived in Champaign at 7:50. Jim passed away at 7:02.

Since that day, I can't tell you how many times I've said to myself, "The story wasn't supposed to end this way." If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was Jim. He was a humble, unassuming man who was content with what he had. Uncle Jim never asked anything of anyone. Ever. Not even in his final days. Jim had the uncanny ability to find joy in the little things of life and I, for one, was thrilled at the prospects of watching him find joy in something big--something huge--that Tuesday night. Even if it happened as he took his last breath.

But, sadly, it wasn't to be.

My hope today comes from John 14 in which the Bible promises us that the story isn't over. It doesn't have to end in tragedy. God has prepared a place in heaven for all those who believe in him. A place where we will once again see those who have gone before us. A place where Christ followers will go when we die, or where Jesus will take us when he returns.

In a broad sense, this means that there will be many thousands of happy reunions in heaven as loved ones reconnect with Christian parents and grandparents and friends who have gone before them. But right now, for my family, it means that the final say in whether or not Anna and Jim ever stand face-to-face wasn't up to American Eagle.

The end of their story--and the end of yours and mine--rests in something far more secure.

I'm Positive It's Negative

2011-11-09T08:32:00.000-06:00

I finally got a call from my doctor on Tuesday. After more than six weeks of waiting on pathology results for a small tumor that was removed from my scalp, we have answers.

The results...were negative. The good kind of negative, not the bad kind. As in, the tumor was not lymphoma. Three different labs looked at the sample, including Mayo Clinic, and each them said it was incredibly difficult to determine what they were looking at. In fact, one of the pathologists at Mayo said it was "one of the strangest things I've ever seen."

As I understand it, the tumor was made up of "atypical lymph cells of the T variety," but (thankfully) these cells weren't cancerous. In layman's terms, my head randomly decided to grow a benign tumor made up of cells that were acting much like a bored group of honor roll students wandering the streets after dark. They shouldn't have been there, but they weren't doing anything bad once they showed up.

A collective sigh of relief has been breathed at the Sinclair house for sure...but we still have many questions that will hopefully be answered by our oncologist next week:

- Would those cells have turned into cancer if given more time?
- Will the growth come back?
- Could a similar thing show up somewhere else?
- Should we do regular scans to make sure everything is okay?

Regardless, my wife and I would like to thank you for your prayers, cards, phone calls, and offers to help. I can't tell you how much those have meant to us. We're tremendously grateful for the good news about my health, but we're almost equally as grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, listeners, and readers. Again, thank you.

Is It Cancer or a Giant Zit?

2011-11-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today marks 38 days since a small tumor was removed from my scalp. Back then we thought it was just a oil-filled cyst, but when my doctor began the procedure, he quickly realized otherwise. Within a week, two area physicians and one pathologist all wanted to say that I had lymphoma, but no one was quite willing to.

Five and a half weeks (and three pathology labs) later, we still don't have answers. Mayo Clinic, one of the finest medical facilities in the world, has the sample now...but we're still waiting. Was the growth really cancer or was it just a highly-agitated, incredibly-gigantic zit? Hopefully we will know sooner rather than later.

As my wife and I have looked for hope and solace in our time of waiting, we have spent many hours trying to discern what God's plan is in all of this. Is he trying to teach us patience? Is he attempting to deepen our prayer lives? Is he encouraging us to draw closer to each other? Is he hoping that this situation will allow us to better tell his story someday? Is he challenging us to live out our faith in the face of fear?

Maybe.

But what if this time of waiting is not about me (or us) at all? What if my waiting is simply a small part of someone else's story? What if somewhere, somehow God is doing something which requires my patience right here and right now? What if my suffering is for their good? What if my agony is for their well-being? What if God is simply asking me to sacrifice my own personal comfort for another human being?

Jesus experienced that very thing on the cross. God was doing something for us, but his one and only son had to suffer in order to make it happen. Jesus wasn't getting a return in exchange for his pain. His death on the cross wasn't a business transaction. His crucifixion was suffering exclusively for our benefit. Actually, that's what made it so special. There was no selfish reason--not one--that Jesus should want to die. But he willingly did. For you and for me.

Romans 8:28 says in part, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." And, often, our assumption is that "good" means that we will be healthier or wealthier or wiser when the suffering ends. But I'm not so sure that's always true. What if suffering for someone else's gain, with no tangible benefit on the other side, is--in and of itself--"good?"

Would You Please Pray for Me and My Family?

2011-10-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

Patience has never been my strong suit. I don't like sitting in traffic or waiting in line. If I send an email or leave a phone message, I get antsy if the person I'm trying to contact hasn't responded in a few hours. I'm not even very good at holding on to a present for someone once I've bought it. I have this crazy need to give the gift to them right then.

You can imagine my frustration then with a recent series of health concerns. At the risk of boring you with details, here is the timeline of what has transpired in the past few months:

September 26 - I had minor surgery to remove what my doctor thought was a benign cyst from my scalp.
October 3 - Pathology revealed that the cyst was actually a tumor...and my doctor and the pathologist both suspected lymphoma. The sample was sent to a lab out in California to get a second opinion.
October 6 - The secondary pathology results come back "inconclusive," leading my oncologist to send the tissue to Mayo Clinic before proceeding with any form of treatment.
October 19 - We learned that not only were the Mayo results not available, but they didn't even have the sample yet! My oncologist decided to order a PET scan while we're waiting, just to get a jump on things.
October 21 - The PET scan is scheduled for early next week, but we won't have our next meeting with the oncologist until Thursday the 27th.

Essentially, since being told that I possibly have lymphoma, my wife and I have had to wait three agonizing weeks with no definitive diagnosis or treatment plan. And there is more waiting to be done. Given that my life is in the hands of these results, I'm growing increasingly frustrated with the entire process. (On the positive side, waiting for a traffic light to change doesn't seem so bothersome anymore.)

I'm reminded of Isaiah 40:31 which says, "They who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak." But, being completely honest, I am tired. I am weak.

I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of wondering. I'm tired of worrying my wife. I'm tired of staying up until midnight having morbid conversations. I'm tired of smiling and saying "I'm fine" just because I don't want to get into it. I'm tired of living my life under a cloud of uncertainty.

Thankfully, I'm also reminded of Exodus 17 where Moses was watching a battle between Israel and Amelek. When Moses held up his hands, Israel would be winning. When he put them down, Amalek would take control. In verse 12 it says, "Then Aaron and Hur held up his (Moses') hands, one on each side. His hands did not move until the sun went down." When Moses didn't have the strength to continue on his own, God provided people to help him press on. As it turns out, I need people like that too.

Though I have had many close friends and family praying for me already, I guess I'm asking for more. I'm asking for help "holding up my hands" today. When you get the chance, would you be willing to pray for me and my family? Pray for strength. Pray for encouragement. Pray for a complete absence of lymphoma in my body. And above all--despite the waiting, the fear, and the frustration--pray that my hands be held up throughout this entire process.

Who Is God Voting For?

2011-10-20T05:55:00.000-05:00

An article on CNN's website asks, "Who does God want in the White House?" In the piece LZ Granderson notes that at least four Republican candidates--Rick Perry, Michelle Bachmann, Herman Cain, and Rick Santorum--have said that God told them to run for President.

Granderson is clearly bothered by this duplicity (or four-plicity), and he repeatedly uses it to question the sanity of the candidates and/or the omnipotence of God. At one point Granderson writes, "Four candidates have claimed a level of divine intervention with their campaign, which either means the creator of heaven and Earth is hedging his bets or somebody's mistaken." The author has even come up with a question for the next debate: "Now which ones of you were really called by God and which ones are hearing voices in your head?"

Sadly, Mr. Granderson has made an incorrect assumption. He assumes that if God is calling someone to run for President, then God is also guaranteeing that he or she will win. And nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a firm believer that God sometimes allows, and even plans, our "failures"--mainly because he has a much broader view of success than we do.

Could it be that God is using these politicians to spur others (on both sides of the aisle) to get, be, and do better? Could it be that there is personal growth that will be immeasurably shaped through their candidacy? Could it be that God is giving some or all of them valuable experience for a Presidential run in the future? Is winning the only reason that God would ask someone to run for office?

As I stated in a recent post, our definition of failure and God's definition of failure are not the same. Often, our short-term disappointments are merely circumstances considered by humans to be devastating, but orchestrated by God to be divine.

None of us--including LZ Granderson--can say for sure whether Perry, Bachmann, Cain, or Santorum have truly heard from God. But it is entirely possible that God has told each of these candidates to run for President. And it is also entirely possible that none of them will win. And neither option indicates that the candidates are somehow crazy or that God is somehow irrelevant.

God can ask someone to run for office and ask you to vote for someone completely different at the same time...without contradicting himself. He's big like that. I need this reminder as much as anyone: Questioning what God has asked others to do is, at best, a colossal waste of time. At worst it's prideful and arrogant and sinful.

Personally, I have a hard enough time discerning what God has asked me to do.

(Wonder what I would say about my faith if I ran for office?)

Did I Just Lie to God?

2011-10-13T06:08:00.000-05:00

This might very well be the most ambiguous blog post I've ever written, and I apologize in advance for that. But, at this point, the specifics aren't important. The mindset in the middle of those specifics is.

I prayed a really difficult prayer the other night. I said, "Lord, I don't like this, and I would like you to miraculously change this. However, if this is what it takes to better tell your story...if this is what it takes to teach me who you really are...if this is what it takes to make me who you want me to be...than this is what I want."

In retrospect, I kinda feel like I was lying to God because, on a purely human level, this is not what I want. In fact, this is the exact opposite of what I want. This is scary. This is painful. This is out of my control. I don't know about you, but I am not a big fan of fear and pain and insecurity.

However, I'm reminded of Jesus who prayed a very similar prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before being crucified. He didn't like what was about to happen to him. It was going to hurt, and he wanted out. So, he asked for an alternative. Yet Christ also took time to acknowledge that God's will should trump his wants. In Luke 22, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

I don't know what this looks like for you. Maybe it's the loss of a job or the loss of a spouse. Maybe it's a health concern or a financial crisis. Maybe it's a failed relationship or a failed business. Maybe it's an uncontrollable addiction or an uncontrollable child. Frankly, it doesn't matter. Just know that it is okay to pray for your own wants and desires. It's okay to pray for healing or restoration or favor or relief. It's okay to pray for selfish stuff. Jesus did.

The key, though, is understanding that this is part of a bigger plan. This is something that God can change, but that he reserves the right not to. This is part of a story that we are not the author of, and that we don't know the ending to.

We all want our way. But just imagine where we'd be if--2,000 years ago--Jesus had gotten his.

A Faith You Can Be Comfortable With

2011-10-06T05:40:00.000-05:00

The Transportation Security Administration unveiled a new plan this week that will allow frequent fliers to bypass certain security measures in order to speed up the check-in process. Over the last few years (and certainly since September 11, 2001), the lines at our nation's airports have become exponentially longer, and the TSA hopes that this policy change will help move things along.

Travel safety is but a small example of a principle that applies in nearly every aspect of life: freedom and security are inversely proportional. The more freedom you allow, the less security people have. The more security you put in place, the less freedom people have. For example...

- Allowing people to freely board an airplane risks a terrorist attack.
- Allowing your children to ride their bikes to a friend's house risks a kidnapping.
- Allowing your spouse to travel regularly for business risks an affair.
- Allowing your teenager to go to a party risks underage drinking or smoking.
- Allowing customers to post openly on your business Facebook page risks profanity.
- Allowing banks to set their own fees risks the consumer being taken advantage of.

In each of these examples, the "freedom vs. security" line is solely determined by a person's or organization's comfort level. And that line can vary wildly based on the person or people involved. One guy with a few explosives in his shoe made Washington uncomfortable enough to change the travel policies for 400 million Americans.One suspicious van driving slowly around the neighborhood can make many parents uncomfortable enough to keep their kids inside the house. One four-letter-word can make many businesses lock their social media pages down for good.

Unfortunately, it seems as if many of us (myself included) tend to use comfort as our barometer for spiritual things as well. We frequently condemn, judge, criticize, and hate on people who engage in activities that we are personally not comfortable with...as if our likes dictate God's laws. We use our upbringing and experiences to shape our beliefs instead of allowing the Bible to do that for us.

What is your opinion on drinking, dancing, tattooing, smoking, card-playing, skirt-wearing, church-going, TV-watching, and family-planning? Do your feelings represent your comfort or do they represent God's commands?

Christians have varying opinions on what the Bible says about certain issues, and that's to be expected. The challenge, however, is not letting our faith be formed by comfort but, rather, by Christ.

A Long Walk, Spoiled

2011-09-29T06:04:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to play golf last week with an amazing group of pastors. It was a fun day getting to know other ministry leaders and relax together on an absolutely beautiful morning. The course we played is less than a mile from my house, and I have been there dozens of times. However, three of the four guys on my team were from out of the area...meaning every hole was brand new to them.

As we played, I was able to tell our foursome where each bunker was and which way the greens sloped. I knew which holes were coming up next and where we needed to aim in order to have a good angle in to the pin. I even pointed out where several hidden water hazards were. I was full of information.

The problem was that, despite my knowledge of the golf course, I am terrible at actually playing golf. No, seriously. I am awful. In four hours last week, I might have had seven decent swings. And most of those were practice.

In short, I was a fountain of information with barely a trickle of application.

I don't know about you, but I feel that way in my faith quite a bit too. I know a bunch of Bible verses. I understand what salvation is and how it works. I can even answer a fair number of theological questions. But when it comes to "playing the game" well, I'm not that great. I am frequently a fountain of spiritual information with barely a trickle of spiritual application.

Someone once called golf, "a long walk, spoiled", and I can't help but wonder if that person was simply frustrated with not being able to put their knowledge of golf into practice on the course. I wonder if they just wanted to enjoy the game without putting any work into playing it well. I wonder if they longed to be a professional without first being a novice.

Spiritually, I'm that guy sometimes. I forget that Christianity is not intended to be "a nice life, spoiled." Like golf, Christianity requires work. It requires discipline. And, more than anything, it requires practice. Otherwise, we're just wandering around the course of life shouting instructions at all of the actual players.

Hurting People You Don't Love...Yet

2011-09-22T05:58:00.000-05:00

If there's one concept I wish I had fully grasped much earlier in life, it's this one: The choices you make today will affect people you have not yet met, but will one day love.

While making knowingly poor decisions in the past, I was prepared to deal with the immediate, personal consequences. I was even willing to accept the impact that my actions would have on people around me. What I forgot to account for, however, were the parts of my future that would be harmed.

It's impossible to know who you'll be hurting or what you'll be harming with the unwise choices that you're making right now, but the bottom line is that there are always future ramifications for today's decisions.

Giving yourself away in college will rob you of offering your entire self to your spouse on your wedding night.
Racking up massive credit card debt when you are newly married will prevent you from adequately providing for your future kids.
Gossiping about people in your church or school or neighborhood will remove opportunities for new friendships down the line.
Developing an alcohol, gambling, or pornography addiction during your 20's will steal your ability to interact in a healthy way with the friends or family you have in your 40's.
Abusing a child now will take away your chances of spending time with your grandchildren later.

Proverbs 24:14 tells us of the long-term benefits associated with making wise short-term decisions. "Wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you...and your hope will not be cut off."

It is hard to think about more than the immediate sometimes. Trust me, I have been terrible at it. So, as a reminder to us both, I'll say it again: The choices you make today will affect people you have not yet met, but will one day love.

Am I Any Different?

2011-09-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

Being called the "villain of accountants" or the "villain of quilters" would be one thing. But Mike Tyson is known as the "villain of boxing." That's no small feat.

In his career Tyson has been accused of domestic violence. He has been convicted of rape (as well as bad acting). The heavyweight champ has bitten off the earlobe of an opponent, and has since been banned from the sport that he dominated for so many years.

Mr. Tyson also happens to have an image that matches his sketchy reputation. It's a scary one. A noticeable one. An easily-maligned one. A "forget-about-the-plank-in-my-own-eye" one. Take a few shots at Tyson's character, and there are few people who would blame you for it - much less call you on it.

Recently I've been wading through a lot of my own junk. I've been taking inventory of the baggage that I carry around with me. And the more I do so, the more I'm compelled to ask how different Mike Tyson and I really are. I mean...

- Is the tattoo etched on his face any different than the smile I plaster across mine?
- Is his bad-boy persona any different than my good-guy routine?
- Are his public addictions and financial issues any different than my private ones?
- Are his verbal outbursts any different than my sarcastic jokes?
- Is his love of attention-demanding movie roles any different than the approval and affirmation that I covet in my own life?

It seems to me that all of us (Mike Tyson, you, and me) are in the same boat. We are all hiding pain. We are all masking insecurities. We are all covering up faults and flaws and foibles.

We just happen to be wearing different costumes.

__________________________________________________________________________

Visit People of the Second Chance.

Pieces of the Puzzle

2011-09-01T05:59:00.000-05:00

The other day my four year old was putting together a puzzle on the floor of our family room. He had been holding one of the pieces for quite some time when he looked at me and said, "I can't figure out where this one goes."

Looking down from my spot on the couch I told him, "That's because you're not ready for it yet." And he wasn't. Some of the edges were connected. A few of the middle pieces were in place. But, from where I sat, it was clear that my little guy had much more work to do before understanding where to put the piece in his hand.

Jeremiah got stuck holding something that simply didn't fit yet. And while the only solution was to put the piece down and get to work doing other parts of the puzzle first, he didn't want to. He wanted to make it fit right then.

I don't know about you, but I honestly believe that most of my life has been riddled with impatience (and outright defiance) over wanting to do and be things that I'm simply not ready for. Truth be told, I still have a lot of not just hard work, but heart work to do before God can use me.

Nashville pastor Justin Davis recently said on Twitter: "We often want to pursue being used by God before we pursue being healed by God." I was one of those people. And maybe you are too. Maybe you are tightly holding on to a piece of your puzzle that simply isn't ready to be used yet. Maybe you have some work left to do. Maybe there is some healing that needs to happen first.

Maybe, just maybe, when you and I ask God why we can't figure out where a certain piece of our life is supposed to fit, he is simply saying, "That's because you're not ready for it yet."

I'm Not Taking This Rubber Band Off Until...

2011-08-18T08:48:00.002-05:00

The shoes our team distributed in Peru last week were held together with thick rubber bands. After fitting a little boy or little girl with a new pair of sneakers, many of us simply put the accompanying rubber band around our wrist and moved on to the next child.

On the bus one day, my friend (and former orphan) Jesy pulled out a Sharpie and turned one of the rubber bands on my wrist into a bracelet. She wrote, "Tim - God Bless!" and included the date and a small picture of the Peruvian flag. I'm still wearing that bracelet.

The irony in all of this is that Jesy actually dreams of one day making real jewelry out of the silver that is so plentiful in Peru. She and her housemates at the Buckner International transitional home already have a business plan and budget lined out...all they need is the money to make it happen.

Spools of silver, jewelry-making tools, and packaging supplies will cost $15,000 up front. Then, the proceeds will be used to keep the business (and their home) going for many more former-orphans in the future. The ultimate goal is to provide for even more transitional houses as well. (All of this, of course, falls under the direction and leadership of the amazing staff of Buckner - Peru.)

Would you be able to help these girls start their very own jewelry-making business? If so, please email me or send a check made out to Buckner International to:

Tim Sinclair
PO Box 352
Mahomet, IL 61853

Just be sure to put "Peru-Jewelry Project" in the memo line. I'll be collecting all of the checks and then send them in bulk to Buckner.

This is a gigantic project, but I'm convinced that the next bracelet I wear from Jesy is not going to be made of rubber, but of silver.

She Didn't Look Like an Orphan...

2011-08-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

Meet Jesy.

Last week I spent half an hour talking to her on one of our mission team's bus rides to an orphanage on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Jesy only speaks a little English. I only speak a little Spanish. So, we had to hunt and peck for topics that we could clearly communicate with one another.

We learned each other's names. We chatted about our age and hometowns. We even managed to talk about our faith a little. It wasn't until the end of our trip though that Jesy said to me in broken English, "I used to be an orphan."

I don't know what I was expecting, but Jesy did not look like an orphan to me. It was hard to believe that (just a few short years ago) this bright, beautiful girl once lived behind the concrete walls and steel gate of an orphanage. But, as someone from the mission trip put it, the walls were not to keep bad people in...but to keep bad people out.

For most kids around the world, there is no transition between orphan and adult. Twenty-four hours is all that separates one side of the wall from the other. An 18th birthday at an orphanage isn't as much a celebration as a send-off. But, thanks to Buckner International, that wasn't true for Jesy.

Jesy is part of Buckner's transitional home in Peru along with half a dozen other young women. After leaving their respective orphanages, these girls get the opportunity to live, work, and study together - under the supervision of a mentor and live-in "house mother." Our team was invited to their home for a pizza party during the trip, and it was truly a remarkable place.

The problem (as it usually is with these types of things) is money. The Buckner team in Peru desperately wants to start more of these homes, but doesn't have the budget to do so. What they do have, however, is an amazing group of girls who are working hard to invest in their own futures.

Peru is known for silver, and Jesy and her housemates have the dream of one day starting their own jewelry-making business with it. Claudia Leon (the director of Buckner in Peru) has already made up a budget and business plan for the idea, and now she just needs $15,000 to get started. The money they earn from selling the jewelry would be used to financially help Jesy and the other girls, as well as fund more transitional homes in the future. Plus, the experience would teach valuable skills that will benefit these girls for years to come.

I am committed to raising this money, but I need your help. Right now we're at about $3,000, and I would love to send them a check very soon. Are you able to get involved? Any amount is helpful. If so, you can make a check out to: Buckner International. However, please put "Peru-Jewelry Project" in the memo line. Then mail it to:

Tim Sinclair
PO Box 352
Mahomet, IL 61853

I'll be collecting the checks and then sending them in bulk to Buckner.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. And, from Jesy, "Gracias."

The Most Important Blog I've Ever Written

2011-08-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Shortly after arriving in Lima, Peru last week, I made a sobering realization: I am not going to change the world. Subconsciously, I think I had grandiose plans of revitalizing poverty-stricken neighborhoods and rehabilitating soul-starved children by showing up for three hours with a pair of new shoes in my hand.

Obviously, I was wrong.

But, as I said in a blog from last week, "Sometimes it's about caring for someone's today, regardless of their someday." And our team did just that. We loved on kids as best we knew how...hopefully changing their lives - if only for a moment.

In the process of caring for the "today" of these kids, I asked a question of Claudia Leon - the director of Buckner International in Peru. I asked her what dreams and plans she had for the future of her ministry. And, without hesitation, she said, "I want more transitional homes."

Transitional homes help bridge the gap between an orphanage and the real world. They help abandoned or abused girls get an education, learn a skill, and develop healthy friendships before being sent out on their own. The girls in the picture above are part of Buckner's one and only transitional home in Lima, and it is an amazing place.

As Claudia and I discussed how to financially provide for more of these homes, she told me about a micro-business project she had been working on. Peru is known for silver, and Claudia dreams of the girls in her transitional homes one day making jewelry from it. The money they earn would be used to fund the home, and the skills they learn would be used to fund their lives.

When I asked what such a business would cost to start, Claudia said her bottom-line budget was $15,000, including tools, packaging supplies, and the silver itself. An added bonus is that the business would be financially self-sustaining, benefiting every girl who comes through that home in the future. Almost without thinking I told her, "There's no reason we can't find $15,000 for you to start this project."

So, that's what I'm doing. I'm reaching out to you to help me start a jewelry-making business in Lima, Peru that will change the future for potentially hundreds of girls who are transitioning from being an orphan to being an adult. Would you help? If you'd like to donate to the project, please send me an email here and I'll give you the details.

We might not be able to change the world...but we can certainly change a child's place in it.

The Other Side of the Door...

2011-08-08T23:18:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning, just outside Lima, Peru, I found myself inside a orphanage for special needs boys. I have to admit, however, that it looked more like a prison to me. Ten foot walls surrounded the compound, bars covered the windows of the barracks, and several rather serious-looking security guards walked the area. With the exception of a small plot of land used for farming, the entire place was made of bricks and cement.

Though the staff at the Nino Jesus de Praga home does a great job with these sometimes-difficult boys, there's no denying that their concrete jungle of a home is a dreary, even sad, place. Few of us, left to our own devices, would choose to live there. I certainly wouldn't.

When our time with the boys was over, our team each grabbed a box lunch from the bus and were directed toward an exit near the back of the orphanage. As the door was opened for me by one of the security guards, my jaw fell. On the other side of the giant wall - not more than a hundred yards away - was the Pacific Ocean. I had been at Nino Jesus de Praga for three hours, and I had no idea that one of the most beautiful views in the world was so close.

While these particular children clearly needed the safety and security of their surroundings, I couldn't help but ask myself a few questions after walking through this "secret door." How often do I focus on the sad or depressing or scary stuff in my life, completely unaware that God has something amazing waiting for me right around the corner? How often do I wallow in my own, personal concrete jungle...totally naive of the beauty that awaits me on the back side of my fear or pain or rejection?

Jeremiah 29:11 promises us "a hope and a future." That means, no matter what you're going through today, no matter how dreary or sad or depressing your life appears to be, God has something remarkable waiting on the other side of it. It might take awhile. It might be hidden right now. It might not even be what you're expecting. But it's coming.

And when God opens a door, the view is guaranteed to be breathtaking.

The Most Poverty-Stricken Place I've Ever Been

2011-08-06T23:24:00.001-05:00

"Everything looks like it's under construction, but I'm pretty sure that none of it is."

That was my first thought as our bus made its way up to the Pamplona district of Lima, Peru. Walls were half built. Roofs were unfinished. There were holes for windows with no glass in sight. The "homes" in Pamplona have been built into the side of the hills, and if one started to fall I'm quite sure that they all - like dominoes - would crumble in succession. It is hands down the most poverty-stricken place I have ever been to.

We regularly see parts of our world that have been ravaged by natural disasters on the news. We hear the stories of families that are trying to pick up the pieces of their lives that wind and rain have stolen. But these precious people in Lima aren't in the process of recovering from anything.

No hurricane or tornado ripped through Pamplona last month. No fire broke out or storm blew in. No earthquake cracked their foundations and toppled their walls. These conditions are a day-to-day reality, not the result of a one-time tragedy.

Maybe it's because this is my first day in Peru (or maybe it has something to do with me getting seven total hours of sleep in the last 66 hours), but I don't see this city-within-a-city changing because of our visit. With our help or without it, I don't see a revitalization of Pamplona in the near future. But you know what? That's okay.

Americans especially like to involve themselves in mission projects such as this one because (in two weeks or two years or two decades) we assume that our efforts will be "worth it." We enjoy seeing a "return." We like knowing that we had a hand in moving a situation from bad to good. Or at least bad to better.

But Hugo, the young boy who got new shoes from me today, will need another pair next year. Mariabella, the cutest five year-old girl ever, will not be able to afford her own crayons or paper anytime soon. The man I saw sitting in a pile of old newspapers, looking out over his community, will probably see a very similar sight next year and the year after and the year after.

How am I okay with that? Well, sometimes, just sometimes, life isn't about change or progress or transition. Sometimes it is about doing the right thing, regardless of whether or not there's a return in it. Sometimes it's about caring for someone's today regardless of their someday.

Whether or not their futures are any brighter, today was better for Hugo and Mariabella. And that's good enough for me.

Is Your Church Just Wrigley Field Without the Ivy?

2011-08-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

I sat in the bleachers at Wrigley Field earlier this year and made the following observation: more people were there for the atmosphere than for the game.

Sure, they wore Zambrano jerseys and Cubbie hats and cheered when they heard the crack of the bat, but the ivy, the hot dogs, the camaraderie, and the 7th inning stretch were (for many) far more important than whether or not the white flag with the blue "W" flew over the park as they left. On the North Side of Chicago, fans come to a game for everything but baseball.

Fishing is much the same way I think. Few people fish for the fish. They fish for the experience. For the quiet. For the sunrise. For the stories. For the father-son bonding. But not for the fish.

There is a lot to be said for enjoying an experience...especially when your baseball team stinks or when the fish aren't biting. But what happens when we begin applying this principle to our faith? What happens when we begin making church about the band and small group about the brownies? What happens when the wall color becomes more important than the worship and the pastor's hairstyle becomes more important than the things God is trying to teach us through him?

Style and preference and feeling are each God-given parts of who we are, and I'm not suggesting that we ignore them when finding a place to serve or worship or gather. But it is those very things that can easily lead us into a consumer mentality when it comes to Jesus. They can quickly cause us to fall in love with the Christian culture rather than with Christ himself.

The tendency, if we're not careful, is to end up like a lot of Cubs' fans. We wear the right clothes, say the right things, and clap at the right times...yet care very little about the end result. We find joy in our gatherings rather than in the purpose behind those gatherings.

The problem isn't being attracted to a particular style or method. The problem is being more attracted to the atmosphere than the game itself.

Are Authors Egomaniacs?

2011-07-31T20:45:00.000-05:00

How do you convince people to buy your new book without coming across like a total egomaniac? That's really the question we're asking today isn't it? How can we (authors specifically) help our social media friends and fans feel like we're doing something for them or with them...rather than to them?

As the morning show co-host and social media coordinator for the radio station I work for (Family Friendly WBGL), I'm familiar with the challenges many authors face when trying to build an online platform. But now, as a new author myself, I'm facing those same difficulties personally. The main question seems to be: How do I create a social media presence that is compelling enough to draw people in, yet not so self-promoting as to push them out?

My new book is called Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture, and it looks at how to share our faith in ways that resonate with those around us. In a nutshell the book's theme is: "Relationship spreads ideas." As it turns out, relationship sells books too. Here are two principles I try to keep in mind when talking about Branded on my Facebook page and Twitter account:

1. Social networking should be an accurate reflection of my total person. Yes, my job as an author is a significant portion of who I am, but so is my family, my faith, and even the pseudo-mundane things in between. No one is going to want to be around me in person if I talk exclusively about one thing...so why in the world would they want to be around me if I do it on Facebook or Twitter? People are multidimensional and our online personas should be as well.

2. Social networking isn't about me, it's about them. People don't follow me because of me, they follow me because of what they get from me. Everything I post needs to run through the how-does-this-benefit-the-reader filter. Is it interesting, helpful, funny? Does it make my follower or fan want to do something or share something? If a potential post or blog or tweet doesn't evoke a feeling of some sort, it's probably not worth posting.

So how have I done this with Branded?

From the very beginning of the publishing process, I tried to involve my online friends and fans. With the permission of my publisher, I let people vote on the title and sub-title of the book, give their opinions and comments on the cover art, and even read short excerpts of the book on my blog. This gave my followers a unique sense of ownership in a project that was still many months from hitting shelves.

In the weeks leading up to publication, I began periodically posting short quotes from Branded on Facebook and Twitter along with a link to the pre-sale page on Amazon. This was designed to "soft sell" the ideas in the book, without a specific "ask" to buy a copy. I also announced a handful of book signings during this period. Again, this allowed me to "talk about the book without talking about the book."

Now that Branded has been out for a few weeks, I'm trying to be extra-creative. My entire fan base already knows that the book is available, so it's now my job to remind them in helpful ways that don't feel like reminders. Posting links to interviews or online reviews is one way. Re-tweeting or sharing other people's comments about the book is another. Since I am a non-fiction author, I have decided to offer a 30-minute Skype session to any small group who decides to study the book. I've encouraged people (with free gift cards and books) to tweet or share or like or "+1" various links and blogs.

Will all of this work? I have no idea. Branded has been out for almost exactly a month. But I think these are steps in the right direction. What do you think?

Grading Someone Else's Problem...

2011-07-27T20:35:00.001-05:00

A number of school districts (and even entire states) have recently adopted policies that will begin measuring the Body Mass Index of students and placing a corresponding "weight grade" on his or her report card. In addition to the A's and B's and C's handed out for subjects like math and reading, kids in these schools will receive similar marks on their height-weight ratio.

Nearly every comment I have seen regarding this idea says it is a terrible plan. The concerns, mainly from parents, run from damaging the self-esteem of our children to giving the government too much control over our lives. Many are also worried about things like eating disorders and teachers playing the role of doctors. The Body Mass Index as a legitimate indicator of health is certainly in question too.

While I agree that grading a child's BMI is an awful idea, my objection is not for the same reason as most. My problem is this: when a school grades a child on his or her BMI, they are grading a student based on something that is almost completely out of that child's control.

At least until high school, kids don't make their own money. Kids don't buy their own food. Kids don't drive themselves to McDonald's. Kids don't fill their own plates. Kids don't choose their own mealtimes or regulate their own snacks. Kids don't pick the school lunch menu. Parents do. Or grandparents do. Or daycare does.

The amount of exercise an elementary school child gets is slightly less dependent on parents, but not much. Kids can't move to a safer neighborhood on their own. Kids can't get out of a grass-less community alone. Kids can't sign up for t-ball or soccer by themselves. Kids can't make it light outside after they get home from the babysitter. And, even if they could, periodic exercise is hardly enough to overcome regular drive-thru and microwave meals. (I won't even get into the numerous genetic factors we could take into consideration.)

Grading a child based on BMI is, in effect, akin to grading them based on the clothes they wear, the backpack they use, or the car they're driven to school in. There is little that a seven or eight year old can do to change either without mom's or dad's immediate involvement. In reality, a "weight grade" doesn't measure the students' progress, it measures the parents' progress (or lack thereof).

It seems to me that the key to solving America's childhood obesity problem doesn't lie in our schools. It lies in solving America's adult obesity problem first.

Is There a Wrong Way to Pray?

2011-07-26T09:47:00.001-05:00

Pastor Joe Nelms made news headlines over the weekend after his prayer at a weekend NASCAR event in Nashville. Quoting both a movie and a former racing legend, Nelms thanked the Lord for "my smokin' hot wife" as well as for "Sunoco Racing Fuel and Goodyear tires." He closed by saying, "In Jesus' name. Boogity, boogity, boogity. Amen."

I've heard the prayer called everything from refreshing to ridiculous. From brave to bizarre. Christians, particularly, have very strong opinions on the matter. One Facebook commenter said it this way: "If quoting a movie in a prayer makes a good connection with the listeners then, by all means, let the good times roll." Another said, "His prayer was really over the top. At one point in his prayer I was thinking it was almost to the point of being blasphemous."

Honestly, I've been struggling to wrap my brain around why this whole situation has rubbed me the wrong way. I'm completely in favor of using our God-given strengths and talents and personalities to reach our own, individual spheres of influence in relatable ways. (Heck, I wrote a book about it.) I'm also totally for talking to God in everyday language, just like we would talk to our friends or family. And yet something deep inside me has been unsettled since I first read the news story.

After wrestling with this for awhile today, I think my main problem is that I'm even thinking about this prayer at all. As best I can tell, another person's prayer isn't supposed to be about anyone other than them and God. Ever. It's not for witnessing. It's not for teaching. It's not for relating to a crowd. It's not for making me feel better.

Matthew 6:5-6 says, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."

Can prayer be powerful and life-changing for those who witness it? Of course. Can it encourage someone who is hurting or lost? Absolutely. But it should never be intended for anyone other than Christ. It should never be crafted for the ears of men. The powerful and life-changing stuff that happens as a result of public prayers is because of God's actions, not because of our words.

The problem here isn't what Pastor Joe Nelms said. The problem isn't with where he said it or how he said it. The problem is that we're analyzing this (me included) as if he said it for us. But prayers aren't for people's ears. Performances are. And the only person who can honestly say which one this was is Pastor Joe himself.

Even If You DO Nothing, You're SAYING Something

2011-07-18T11:22:00.001-05:00

Former NBA player Charles Barkley once said, "I'm not a role model. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids." Miley Cyrus made a similar comment recently: "My job isn't to be a parent. Your kids are going to make mistakes whether I do or not. That's just life."

Sorry Charlie, like it or not, you are a role model. And while it's not your job to parent my kids, you are an influence Miley. Saying otherwise simply means you don't want to deal with the undeniable consequences of your actions. You want to do what you want to do...free of any guilt associated with how your life is impacting other people. Unfortunately, being a role model isn't a choice. The only choice in the matter lies in what kind of role model you are. Good or bad?

Choosing to live your life however you want to is fine, as long as you're cool with knowing that (at the same time) your behavior is encouraging and influencing many thousands of others to live the exact same way. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Choices have consequences.

The truth of the matter is that we are all role models. Every single one of us. We all represent something or someone, which means that our words and our actions really do matter to people other than ourselves. Like it or not, we give people an impression of our family, our job, our church, or our neighborhood every minute of every day. Even if we do nothing, we're saying something.

Several people have recently told me (in response to my book Branded) that Jesus doesn't need marketing. And, they're right, He doesn't. But that doesn't change the fact that you and I are marketing him. As Christians, everything we say and do pays witness to the One who's name we bear. As "little Christs" we are reflections of Jesus. Our individual lives are painting a collective picture of who Jesus is and of what Christianity is all about.

Like Charles and Miley, you and I don't get to choose whether or not we paint - only how we do it.

If It Doesn't Hurt, You're Not Doing It Right

2011-07-12T12:42:00.001-05:00

I watched Facebook and Twitter light up last week as a Florida jury found Casey Anthony not guilty of killing her two year old daughter. I watched as post after post expressed outrage, shock, anger, and even hatred toward Casey and the jury who let her walk free. I'll admit, the verdict surprised me too.

Several days afterward on the WBGL morning show, we tried to bring the situation close to home by asking the question: "How would you respond if Casey joined your small group?" Given the anger from 48 hours earlier, I was somewhat caught off guard by the endless number of loving and generous responses.

I would accept her.

I would do my best not to judge.

I would be thankful.

I would feel flattered.

The church isn't for saints but for sinners.

And I agree. In fact, if I had answered my own question that day, I would have likely said, "First of all, none of us was there when Caylee died. None of us was in the courtroom when the case was presented. Legally, we should offer her the benefit of the doubt. And, spiritually, we're called to love her regardless of what the law says."

However, less than an hour after asking that question, I got a phone call from a listener in need of prayer. She told me that a man in her church - a teacher - was on trial for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. While he professed innocence, there was evidence to the contrary. Many in her congregation were struggling with how to react to what was happening in their own backyard. Should they rally around this man? Distance themselves? Wait for the court to decide?

This woman's battle, however, was much greater than simply sharing a church with a potential felon. Her daughter had just told her that (despite the charges against him) she had fallen in love with this man, and he with her. Given the legal situation and the nine year age difference, the mom on the phone was both terrified and angry. How could she not be?

Which begs the question, have I really extended grace or forgiveness or trust to someone if it doesn't hurt to do so? If there's no risk involved? If it doesn't cost me much? It's easy to say that I would love Casey Anthony if she joined my small group because, first of all, the chances of it happening are next to zero. Secondly, even if she did, it wouldn't be that hard to keep my potential reservations about her actions and character at arm's length.

But what if my two boys were 20 years older and one of them started dating Casey? Could I forgive then? Could I trust then? Or would I fight like a dog to keep that woman away from my son? I think I know the answer, and it's not the same as the churchy answer I gave to my own question earlier.

Since 99.9% of us don't know Casey nor will we ever have any sort of direct contact with her, we have nothing on the line. None of us is truly offering her forgiveness or trust or grace...we're just saying we would while hoping like crazy that we never have to.

The Story Behind the Project

2011-07-06T12:41:00.001-05:00

Knowing that something exists and knowing why it exists are two very different things. For example: Knowing that there's a black wall with a bunch of names on it in Washington D.C. is not the same as understanding that the names inscribed on the wall are those of the more than 58,000 who gave their lives fighting for our country in Vietnam.

Understanding "the story behind the project" makes all the difference in the world.

I think most of you know that I've written a book. It has a white cover with a gumby-looking guy on it, and there are some words inside. It's called Branded, and it's available in bookstores and online now. But, I'm guessing you probably don't know why I wrote it.

When I was in Jr. High and High School, I distinctly remember saying, "I'm not very good at evangelism." It wasn't true of course, but church had taught me that evangelism involved going door to door, approaching strangers in the mall, and picking certain unsaved friends as "projects." So, in those respects, I was pretty terrible.

Though barely a teenager, everything about those methods felt wrong to me. At times they made me physically sick. I assumed my adverse reaction was because I didn't love Jesus enough. I assumed it was because my faith wasn't strong enough to stand up for Christ in front of others. I assumed it was because I wasn't "an evangelist." But I assumed wrong.

It wasn't until well after college that I realized Jesus didn't ask me to do any of those things. Church did. My uneasiness wasn't because I was talking about Jesus, it was because I was being rude. It wasn't that I was uncomfortable evangelizing, it was that I was uncomfortable claiming to care about a stranger's eternal destiny while refusing to care about their "right now." It wasn't that I couldn't defend my faith, it was that I couldn't defend intentionally interrupting someone's dinner because I wanted to "sell them something."

The first line of Branded says, "It's weird. I'm a Christian, and even I don't like us very much." If you've ever felt that way, I hope you'll pick up a copy of the book. There is a more effective, more natural way to share your faith, and Branded gives you permission to do it. I think I needed that permission myself.

Is Your Tithe a Gift or a Business Decision?

2011-07-05T14:34:00.001-05:00

We all have one. A seemingly meaningless incident - an innocent exchange - that alters us forever. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

Mine came during my freshman year of college. As I was helping some friends move into our dorm, we were approached in the parking lot by a disheveled-looking man who needed help. He explained that he and his wife had just brought their daughter to school from several hours away but had spent their last dollars changing a flat tire. They needed gas to get home and didn't have the money.

I don't remember what my friends did, but I distinctly recall reaching into my pocket and giving the man a ten dollar bill. It was all I had. But it felt good. It felt right.

Several weeks later, about half a mile away from my dorm, I was walking home from class. From behind me I heard, "Excuse me, sir?" I turned to see the man from move-in day. He continued. "I've had some car trouble and need money to get it fixed." My stomach turned. "You don't remember me, do you?" I asked. He didn't. "You got me once, and you're not going to get me again."

As I walked away, I had no idea that I was really saying, "You got me once, and no one is going to get me again."

For the last fifteen years, every time someone I don't know asks me for a handout I think of that man from college and immediately recoil. I think of how he conned me. How he lied $10 away from an 18 year old. How he didn't use the money for gas, but probably on alcohol or cigarettes or drugs. How he was doing the same thing to many hundreds of other unsuspecting philanthropists.

Human nature tells us to want something in exchange for our money. In a market-based society, we want a good deal. If I give you $10 dollars, I want at least $10 dollars worth of stuff in return. Back in college I wanted $10 dollars worth of a good feeling. I wanted the joy of knowing (or at least thinking) that I helped a family in need buy enough gas to get home. I didn't get that good feeling, and it made me mad.

Working in ministry, however, has begun to change my thinking on this issue - but not in the way you might expect.

I can't tell you how many times I've answered the phone or opened an email over the years that started with: "We're regular givers to your ministry, and...." The "and" is always (and I mean always) followed by a critique, a demand that something or someone change, or a sharp condemnation of how the caller or emailer's expectations have not been met. They lead with the money part as if to say, "Do what I want you to do, or I'm pulling my support." Often they actually do. (Pastors see this ALL the time. Just ask one.)

Apparently, most "gifts" aren't gifts at all, they're purchases. People who put restrictions on a gift aren't givers, they're customers. They want something specific in return for what they've given and, when they don't get it, they get mad. They take their ball and go home. Kinda like I did in college. I didn't get what I wanted out of my charity, so I refused to help anymore.

After more than a decade of working for non-profits, I see the hypocrisy of my position. True gifts are not about the people or organizations we're led to give to, but about the One calling us to give in the first place. We are to give to those in need because Jesus asks us to, not because the recipients are somehow "worthy" of the gift.

Anything less than that is nothing more than a business decision.

I'm Joining Your Bible Study!

2011-07-05T07:59:00.001-05:00

At least three times in the past week, I've had small group or Bible study leaders tell me that their respective groups plan to study my new book Branded this summer. As we've talked, each leader has gone on to ask, "Would you be willing to join us one night to be a part of the discussion and answer questions?"

While I have been able to say yes to a couple of these requests, my frustration has been wishing that I could somehow magically show up at everyone's group to be a part of these discussions. Then I realized, I could - via Skype!

So, if your Bible study, small group, church, or staff decides to study Branded this year, I will set up one free video Skype chat to talk with you. I'm happy to answer questions, lead a discussion, talk about my vision for the book, or even pray together. It's up to you.

Just buy at least eight copies of the book (or eBook), and I'll make plans to join your group for thirty minutes or so. All you need to do is send me an email telling me what group you're a part of, how many copies you bought, and where you bought them. Then, we'll work out a date and a time to get together.

I'm looking forward to joining you!

I Am Out of Control

2011-06-30T05:36:00.007-05:00

Today is a big day (for me anyway). It's the culmination of a year and a half's worth of work. And waiting. And more work...and more waiting. Today, June 30th, is the official release date of my first book, Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture. And, while I'm extremely excited, I'm also wrestling with several sobering realizations:

1. Ideas spread not because the creator wants them to spread, but because consumers think that the creation is worth spreading.

As much as I want the concepts and principles in Branded to gain traction, the truth is that what I want doesn't matter. Not even a little bit. I can't force anyone to read the book. I can't force them to like it. And I certainly can't force them to pass the ideas on to their friends and family and co-workers.

My comfort, I suppose, comes in knowing that God understands this dilemma. In fact, I wrote about it in Branded.

"When God created humans, He could have made us robots. He could have forced His creation to follow the master plan. He could have demanded that Adam and Eve obey His every command. But He didn't. God knew that forced love isn't love at all - it's punishment. He understood that mandated allegiance isn't allegiance - it's slavery."

The decision to believe (and then share that belief with others) is up to you and me. God isn't going to force our hands. If Jesus has changed our lives, it's up to us to tell others about it. When it comes to Branded, I can only hope that the words inside it are worthy of sharing. That decision is up to the reader though...not me.

2. Success is measured by following God's plan, not by achieving worldly success. Honestly, I would love to sell a million copies of Branded. I would love to be a sought after conference speaker. I would love to create a DVD series based on the book. But, if those are the reasons that I answered God's call to write, then I've completely missed the point.

In the very beginning, God knew exactly how many people would reject Him. He knew it in advance...before His plan was ever set into motion. And despite the foreknowledge that millions upon millions of people would turn their backs on Him throughout history...despite knowing that, at one point, everyone on the entire planet (except Noah) would have to be wiped out because of their disobedience...God still moved forward. It's mind-boggling.

Would I have written Branded if I knew ahead of time that only four people would read it? What about 40? Or 400? Would I have done the hard work that God was calling me to do if I could have looked into the future and seen that the results wouldn't meet my own human standards of success? I hope so, but I don't know so.

As hard as it is to accept sometimes, I know this: The eventual sharing of Branded is determined by you, and the ultimate success of Branded is determined by God.

I am out of control. And I am okay with that.

Lying Makes You Fat (Sorta)

2011-06-27T07:17:00.002-05:00

Several months ago Dr. Rita Hancock interviewed me about my new book Branded and, specifically, how the concepts in it relate to weight loss (her specialty). Honestly, I wasn't sure that any of them did. But the more I pored over her questions, the more I came to realize that certain sections of Branded really DO apply to the addict (of food or otherwise) in all of us.

Dr. Rita: In your book Branded: Sharing Jesus With A Consumer Culture, you talk about "authenticity." Could you tell us more about how authenticity relates to weight control for Christians?

Tim: Many Christians seem to think that looking or acting perfect is the best way to make Christ look good too. But that's simply not true. No one is perfect - spiritually or physically - and any attempt to come across as such is an immediate indicator that something significant is being covered up...that a lie is being told.

In the real world, honesty is beautiful. Opening up about our flaws and our struggles draws more people to us than it pushes away...and it's a powerful way to share Jesus. While Branded isn't about weight per se...there are certainly parallels. It's critical that we understand that superficially changing our appearance isn't going to permanently change our soul. If we can be honest with ourselves (and others) about what's driving us to eat, we will have a much easier time achieving tangible, long-lasting results in the end. Polishing up the outside - without addressing the inside - will just leave us disappointed in the long run. It's a lie that isn't sustainable or believable.

Dr. Rita: Why do we try so hard to look and act perfect on the outside when we don't authentically feel that way on the inside? It's not like we're fooling God.

Tim: I'm a firm believer that we live on the outside what is truly on the inside. The Bible backs that up in Luke 6:45 when it says, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." The problem is that heart work is hard work. Making transformative changes in our lives is difficult and painful. Frankly, it's easier to try and change public perception than change personal problems. We know we're not fooling God, but (at least temporarily) we get a benefit from making our friends and family thinkwe're on track.

Dr. Rita: So, trying to look and be perfect doesn't really fix what's wrong with us on the inside, does it?

Tim: Of course not. Unfortunately, whether physically or spiritually, there will always be someone more "perfect" than we are. Someone who has a better body. Someone who has a stronger faith. It's counterintuitive, but like I said earlier, honesty is beautiful. I've found that the more we're honest about who we are, the more people will resonate with us...flaws and all.

Taylor Swift has millions of fans around the world, and yet she doesn't hit every note in concert. In fact at the Grammy's a few years ago, her performance was downright bad. But Taylor's perfection isn't what people are drawn to. Her honestyand authenticity is.

God loves us in spite of our flaws too. Romans says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Meaning, no matter how perfect or imperfect we are,everybody needs grace.

Dr. Rita: So, we ought to confess our imperfection and accept God's love in spite of our imperfect selves. I love that. Can you tell us what steps we need to take to feel as authentic on the inside as we want to appear on the outside?

Tim: Someone once said, "People are like teabags. You find out what they're really like when you put them in hot water." It's true. We can fool people for awhile with a fake exterior, but life will eventually bring out who we truly are. I don't necessarily think that there is a 1-2-3 process for success here. Everybody is different. However, I think it's important to start by figuring out which internal longings are causing which external actions. We'll never change what we do until we know what we need.

Dr. Rita: What's your best advice for Eden Dieters who take the Apple Test and realize that they were tempted to eat because, deep-down, they feel unauthentic in Christ?

Tim: I'm pretty sure that Dr. Phil said this before I ever did, but changing a habit requires putting something else in place of it. At the risk of sounding hyper-spiritual, I would suggest filling these voids in our lives with the stuff that the Bible calls us to do. Feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, taking care of the widows, etc. Taking the focus off of ourselves for a little while often puts the rest of life in perspective. Plus, each is a tangible, relational way to impact others for Christ. Giving, ironically, is very fulfilling.

Storytelling 101

2011-06-22T14:26:00.001-05:00

(The following is an excerpt from my new book BRANDED, which hits stores on June 30th.)

Whether it’s a book or a movie, a television show or a musical, every story has one defining characteristic: conflict. It’s inevitable. A cheating husband. An enemy combatant. An unrealized love. An underdog. Even children’s stories have conflict. Humpty Dumpty couldn’t be put back together again. London Bridge fell down. A baby and cradle are blown out of a tree.

Conflict adds excitement and suspense to a story. It keeps the audience wondering what will happen next and guessing how the characters will handle the situation. Without conflict, we wouldn’t know who to root for. Without conflict, there would be no distinction between good and evil. Without conflict, I wouldn’t cry like a baby every time I watch Bambi.

A story without conflict is two things. First, it’s boring. If you and I went to see a movie that had absolutely no conflict, we would either walk out or fall asleep. Human beings, by our very nature, identify with conflict. We’re able to see ourselves in those stories. What kind of power would The Ugly Duckling have if it were The Pretty Duckling? How intriguing would Rocky be if it were a movie about a CPA?

The second thing about a story with no conflict is that it’s not believable. Nothing is perfect. Nothing true anyway. We’re fallen beings in a fallen world, and the absence of conflict is an immediate indicator that the words we’re hearing and the pictures we’re seeing can’t possibly be legitimate. Getting wrapped up in a storyline requires that we believe what the author is telling us. And if there’s no conflict, there’s no belief.

So imagine how skeptical non-Christians are when we tell them a perfect story. When we leave our sins, setbacks, and struggles out of the equation. In an effort to make Christ seem more attractive, it’s tempting to highlight all the good stuff and none of the bad. To talk with non-Christians about love and joy and fellowship, but not about grace and repentance and fear. To smile and hug and raise our hands without ever crying and doubting and spending time on our knees. It may seem unnatural, but without conflict, our “perfect” lives are telling a tale that can’t be believed. And shouldn’t be believed.

Whether it feels right or not, there is tremendous power in your conflict. In your divorce. In your drug habit. In your bankruptcy. In your depression. In your grief. None of your friends wants to watch The Perfect Christian. It’s boring—and it’s not believable.

Our friends and neighbors are skeptical enough of Jesus as it is. There’s no reason to add to their skepticism by telling a story that couldn’t possibly be true.

No One Wants to be a Project

2011-06-10T12:45:00.002-05:00

Several years ago a friend of a friend called and asked me if I was interested in getting together for lunch or dinner. While I knew this person, I certainly didn't know him very well, and (in my head) it seemed like perhaps a full-fledged meal wasn't exactly the logical next step in our relationship. Coffee would have made more sense.

Despite the potential awkwardness, I contemplated going anyway. That was until, near the end of our conversation, he casually said, "I also wanted to tell you about my family's involvement with a new college campus ministry."

Ugh.

Call me heartless or mean or cynical, but those few words made me want to throw my phone under a bus. What could have been a thoughtful (albeit forward) gesture from an acquaintance, turned quickly into a sales pitch. It was clear that this guy didn't care about me. He didn't want to "catch up." He wasn't reaching out to start a friendship. He was reaching out to start a financial relationship. He needed sponsors, and I was one of his "projects."

I could be wrong, but I don't think that anyone wants to be somebody else's project. Mainly because those relationships are solely based on the project initiator's needs rather than a mutual affinity for one another. It's like a car salesman. The only reason he smiles, laughs, and offers to go get you coffee is because his commission check depends on it. If you ran into him in the park, I hardly think you'd get the same response.

The same idea goes for sharing Jesus too. Though our hearts are good, the idea of turning specific people into evangelism projects seems counterproductive at best. Somehow we manage to make someone else's decision to follow Christ about us instead. Their salvation becomes our success.

The people in your life are perceptive enough to know when you've relegated them to a line on your to-do list. They can sniff out insincerity from a mile away. Building relationships with those around us requires that we care about more than just their eternal destiny. It requires caring about their "right now." The rest will naturally fall into place.

Faith Without RISK is Dead

2011-06-08T12:39:00.001-05:00

My wife and I own a small, historic office building in the small town where we live. In years past, we have leased the space to several local businesses, but last week we were faced with a decision: lease the building for another year or pursue a potential buyer who had come forward.

Up until this point, our decision-making had been easy. We rented to the one and only person who wanted to rent. There weren't any other options. But when a second possibility entered the picture, there was suddenly risk involved. One decision was likely to be better than the other in the long run, and we wrestled for days over which one was which. Should we go for the guaranteed twelve month lease, or should we risk that money for the possibility of an almost immediate sale?

This dilemma got me thinking that faith and risk are directly proportional. The more risk something involves, the more faith one must have in order to pursue it. You've got to believe that the bungee cord is going to hold you before you jump off a bridge. You've got to trust that the bank is going to save your money and not lose it. You've got to have faith that the person you're marrying isn't going to run off with someone else ten years down the road. For my wife and me, we had to believe that the sale of our building was going to work out before walking away from a year's worth of rental income.

Following Jesus requires faith primarily because there is a sizable amount of risk associated with it. The risk is that we're completely wrong. The risk is that we're devoting our time, energy, and money to a made-up story akin to The Chronicles of Narnia or Hansel and Gretel. The risk is that we're missing out on the "fun" stuff that falls somewhere between legal and moral. The risk is possible rejection or ridicule. The risk is lost opportunity or advancement. The risk, in some parts of the world, is life itself.

Faith without risk isn't really faith - it's posturing. It's lip-service.

If you and I don't feel like we're risking anything...maybe our faith isn't what we claim it is. Maybe we're not doing what Jesus called us to do. Maybe we enjoy playing the part without believing the dialogue. Maybe we're simply looking for the security found in the Christian message without completely living out the story?

Risk is refusing to cheat on our unpaid taxes.
Risk is turning off the TV show that everyone at work is watching.
Risk is walking away from an unhealthy relationship.
Risk is continuing to give money away when you just lost your job.
Risk is telling your boss that your uncomfortable with what he just asked you to do.
Risk is sharing your story with a hurting friend.
Risk is trusting that waiting is better than settling.
Risk is sacrificing our comfort for the good of someone else.

James 2:17 says, "Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead." We can say that we have faith all we want to, but it's our willingness to risk that ultimately proves it.

Why Do We Try to Be So Perfect?

2011-06-02T06:36:00.002-05:00

Today's blog was actually written for fellow author Mary DeMuth's website. It talks about my battle with perfectionism and how most all of us apply my "perfection principle" to our relationship with Christ. For whatever reason, we believe that looking perfect as Christians makes Christ look better in the process. But I don't believe that to be true. I encourage you to read the blog and then comment as you feel led.

While the words aren't directly from my book (Branded), they are indicative of much of it's content. If you're interested in ordering your own copy, they've begun shipping from Amazon this week. You could have it at your door in just a couple days.

The "Six Word Memoir"

2011-05-31T08:29:00.001-05:00

I recently came across a fascinating project. Actually, it's more of a mental exercise...but it's an exercise worth trying. It's called the "Six Word Memoir."

The "Six Word Memoir" finds it's home on SMITH magazine's website, and the concept was recently posted again on author Ian Cron's blog. In a nutshell, the goal is to write the story of your life in six words. A pithy sentence or phrase or set of phrases that describes who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.

I've read some that are funny. Some that are heartbreaking. And some that are just plain weird. But the important part is, each is meaningful to the person who wrote it. Here are a few of my favorites:

Twenties? So hip. Fifties? Sore hips.

Bridesmaid twice. Bride never. Disappointed maybe.

Rollercoaster life means lots of vomit.

Middle class: Above poverty. Below dreams.

In his phone I am "sweetheart."

Someone wise once said, "I wrote a long book because I didn't have time to write a short one." The idea being, it's HARD to succinctly and yet sufficiently get a point across. But there is remarkable power in brevity. Less, in many cases, really is more. And seeing the story of your life in six short words can be very powerful indeed. It's worth the effort.

On this blog, I've written about struggling with perfectionism. I've written about my divorce. I've written about my ongoing journey of finding myself (and God) in the midst of it all. And while those things don't necessarily define me, they do tell my story pretty well. They give an accurate picture of the "arc" of my time here on earth thus far.

So, with that said, here is my "Six Word Memoir":

Faked perfection. Failed publicly. Finding perspective.

What's yours?

Hungry, Hungry Hypocrites

2011-05-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

When it comes to the word hypocrisy, I've found that Christians and non-Christians have two different definitions. To Christians, hypocrisy is “striving for perfection without attaining it.” To non-Christians, hypocrisy is “accepting grace without giving it.”

Followers of Jesus tend to assume that the world is looking for perfection. And, since nobody can actually be perfect, we cover up our faults, put on a false front of superiority, and look for ways to point out how we are doing a better job at living life than everybody else.

But, in reality, the world doesn’t expect followers of Jesus to be perfect. They expect us to be honest about our shortcomings. They expect us to be transparent about our failures. And they expect us to consistently and freely offer the same love and grace to others that we claim to have been given by Christ.

Hypocrisy decried by the mainstream culture has little to do with an occasional angry outburst at work, periodic bouts with materialism, or a divorce. It has little to do with saying a bad word every once in awhile, cutting someone off in traffic, or having a baby before you get married. Instead, the true rub comes in the consistent double-standards that Christians so often display. It comes from using select Bible verses and Christian traditions to condemn those around us, while using other verses and traditions to explain away our own, less-than-biblical lifestyles.

You may remember a recent blog about my struggle with how and when to tell my two young boys about the divorce I went through in my twenties. As comments started coming in, it was clear that many others had wrestled with this same question. We all were battling pain, guilt, and remorse…and were thrilled to be able to find (and offer) encouragement in each other’s posts.

Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for an anonymous visitor to throw some “holier-than-thou water” on us. His post simply read, “Hmm? Anyone read Mark 10:12, Matthew 5:31, or Deuteronomy 24:3?” As if those of us involved in the discussion weren’t already aware of what the Bible had to say about divorce.

His actions were the online equivalent of waltzing into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, yelling “Ephesians 5:18,” and leaving. He was using a few specific verses in the Bible to condemn us, without any thought whatsoever to the myriad of verses in the Bible that would just as rightly condemn him. This guy was so focused on proclaiming perfection, that he had no time or energy for giving God’s grace.

This is the kind of hypocrisy that turns the world off. This is the type of inconsistency that Christians have justified for years. This is the sort of double-standard that is standing in the way of effectively showing those around us what the gospel is really all about.

Jesus doesn’t ask any of us to be perfect, but he does ask us to be gracious. Proverbs 15:26 says, “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.” Ironically, the world around us is asking for the very same thing.

Pretending or Living?

2011-05-25T12:11:00.001-05:00

(This is the introduction to my book "Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture." You can order it now or read the first few chapters for free.)

“It’s weird. I’m a Christian, and even I don’t like us very much.”

I can’t tell you how many people have said something like that to me over the years. I have to admit I’ve had the same thought at times. Maybe you have as well. Perhaps it came when the church you once thought was safe turned out to be full of judgmental cliques. Or when the small group Bible study you used to attend turned out to be a bunch of gossipy socialites. Or after the guys you saw pray around the conference table at lunch turned out to be the ones who chased women and drank too much on business trips.

Call it hypocrisy, call it insincerity, call it whatever you want. The bottom line is that many Christians have an “-ing” problem. We’re pretty good at say-ing, but not so good at do-ing. We’re pretty good at act-ing, but not so good at be-ing. We’re pretty good at pretend-ing, but not so good at truly liv-ing.

I don’t know about you, but it seems that to compensate for that deficit (and make ourselves feel better), those of us who are Christians have attempted to “brand” our relationship with Jesus. Rather than actually trying to change, we’ve instead decided to make the world think that we’re different. Think that we’re holy. Think that we’re transformed. We’ve covered ourselves up with all sorts of meaningless trinkets and rituals that (in our own heads) permit us to show one thing, yet be another.

We put “Jesus Saves” bumper stickers on our cars so we don’t feel as bad about driving eighty miles per hour on the interstate. We listen to Christian radio during our morning commutes so we don’t feel as bad about watching Desperate Housewives the night before. We post uplifting, churchy things on our Facebook pages so we don’t feel as bad about routinely belittling our kids. You get the idea.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the world is watching, and our ridiculous actions aren’t fooling anyone. Those who don’t know Christ aren’t buying the act. In fact, they’re ignoring it. Following Jesus has become to them like a high school variety show, complete with dated costumes, cheesy songs, and bad acting.

I think it’s time to change that perception.

Your impact (and mine) on our friends, family, and co-workers has nothing to do with the sayings on our bumpers or the symbols around our necks. It has nothing to do with the number of Bible verses we tweet or the biblical names we give our kids. It has nothing to do with how many times we go to church or how often we put money in the offering plate.

Rather, sharing Jesus with today’s culture has everything to do with being personally branded by Christ. With being forever changed by Jesus. With being permanently marked by our Savior. I can’t promise you the process won’t hurt a little, but I can promise you that it will be well worth it.

7 Things Every Graduate Needs to Know

2011-05-19T04:17:00.001-05:00

(I was asked to speak at a high school baccalaureate service this week, and the speech I gave was patterned after a letter I wrote to my two young boys last year. Below is a very condensed version of what I shared...)

Dear Graduate,

You have spent the last thirteen years of your life in school and are ready to begin a new chapter. And whether your new chapter involves college, vocational training, work, or travel...there are seven things that you need to know first. Things you weren't taught in math or science or English class.

1. When it comes to education: Spend much time learning, but spend more time giving. It is better to do more while knowing less than do less while knowing more. (Proverbs 11:24 - "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.")

2. When it comes to happiness: Realize that, if the grass is greener on the other side, someone probably worked really hard to make it that way. It is better to tend your own lawn than abandon it for someone else’s. (Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.")

3. When it comes to friends: Choose peers who like you for you instead of liking you for themselves. It is better to be accepted by one for who you are than accepted by many for what you have. (Proverbs 19:6 - "Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.")

4. When it comes to work: Find a job that grows your heart and shrinks your ego rather than grows your ego and shrinks your heart. It is better to be poor and powerless doing something you love than rich and powerful doing something you regret. (Proverbs 29:23 - "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.")

5. When it comes to love: Don’t get married when the girl says she can’t live without you. Get married when your heart says you can’t live without her. It is better to be single wishing you were married than married wishing you were single. (Proverbs 31:10 - "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.")

6. When it comes to family: Don't let someone's actions impact your love, but use your love to impact their actions. It is better to know a love that doesn't end rather than constantly wonder when it will. (Proverbs 22:6 - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.")

7. When it comes to faith: Align your lifestyle with your beliefs, not your beliefs with your lifestyle. It is better to hold on to your convictions when life gets hard than let go of them to make life easier. (Proverbs 28:14 - "Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.")

Now, class is over...go eat some cake.

The View from Under the Bus

2011-05-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago I was informed that Publisher's Weekly had agreed to review my new book. In the literary world, this is comparable to Billboard or Rolling Stone doing a write-up on a Christian album. It happens, but it's somewhat rare...especially for a debut author. So, obviously, I was excited to get the news.

However, as I waited for the review to come out, two thoughts kept coming to mind:

- If Publisher's Weekly says good things, I'm going to tell everyone I know.
- If Publisher's Weekly says bad things, they clearly have no idea what they're talking about.

In fact, I had even begun writing blogs in my head about taking praise and/or dismissing criticism. I was fully prepared to accept how great Publisher's Weekly said my work was, or dismiss their negative comments as biased and uninformed. I was ready to freely take the good, or soundly reject the bad.

I don't know about you, but I find that it is all too easy to casually dismiss people when we don't agree with their perspective. We forget that, if we're willing to hold someone's praise in high esteem, we must also be willing to hold their criticism that way. If someone or something is important (or honest or revered) enough for us to value their positive comments, they are important (or honest or revered) enough for us to value their negative comments.

This happens frequently at church, at work, and at home. We claim to love our pastor, but as soon as he starts talking about tithing or serving or hell...we think about going somewhere else. We claim to respect our boss, but the moment she asks us to redo a big project...we start looking for another job. We claim to love our spouse, but the moment he calls us out on something...we commence the silent treatment.

Proverbs 1:7 says, "...fools despise wisdom and instruction." The temptation is to ignore (or rebel against) every negative that comes our way and soak up every positive. But that, as the Bible tells us, is a foolish way to go. Perhaps, instead, we need to consider the source - not the subject - before we start throwing things under the bus.

(For the record, Publisher's Weekly had a lot of nice things to say about the book!)

Bin Laden is Dead and Christians are...What?

2011-05-03T08:47:00.002-05:00

Is it ever okay to lie? For most, the quick, gut-level response to that question is "no."

But let me ask you this: if a burglar broke into your house carrying a weapon and asked you if there was anybody else in the home, would you say, "Yeah, actually, my kids are hiding in the closet." Of course not. In extreme circumstances, sometimes we are forced to choose the lesser of two evils. Lying is wrong. But, when faced with the safety of your family, it can be the best option.

With that said, how should Christians react to the death of Usama bin Laden? Extending the "lesser of two evils" analogy, I think there are a couple of things to remember:

1. Not choosing the lesser of two evils is, essentially, choosing the greater of two evils.
2. The lesser of two evils is still evil.

Number one should dictate our actions. Number two should dictate our emotions regarding those actions.

When given the choice between two evils, we must chose the lesser. That might mean voting for a candidate who doesn't completely line up with your beliefs. That might mean speeding to get to the hospital with an incredibly sick child. That might mean using a baseball bat to get an intruder out of your home. That might mean taking the life of the mastermind behind the world's largest terrorist organization. None of these is ideal but, given the circumstances, they are better than the alternatives.

Are there biblical examples of this? Yes, plenty. David killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Joshua toppled Jericho (Joshua 6). Gideon fought the Midianites (Judges 6). Each event came at God's specific direction and involved the loss of life in exchange for the protection of others.

When choosing the lesser of two evils, we must not delight in the deed but rejoice in the result. Bending our beliefs, breaking the law, and being physically aggressive are actions that, in a world as God intended, would never have to occur. Rejoicing in anything evil - even if it is the best alternative - is dangerous. It desensitizes us from the gravity of the decision, and makes such choices easier in the future (with or without justification).

1 Corinthians 13 says, "Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth." On Sunday it seems as if the lesser of two evils was done. But, as Christians, we should not delight in that. Evil is evil. Rather, we should rejoice in knowing that the alternative would have been much, much worse.

Moving the Finish Line

2011-04-28T06:36:00.001-05:00

While working in the yard the other day, I watched as my son and a friend of his from our neighborhood played in the driveway. As is typical for little boys, they were racing. If I heard "on your mark...get set...go" once, I heard it a hundred times.

The part that was most interesting to me wasn't the start of the races though, but the end. In the interest of winning, the boys kept changing the finish line. When one would reach the end of the driveway and declare himself the champion, the other would go flying past...insisting that they were really racing to the grass or the tree or the rock. Neither one wanted to accept the idea that he was slower than the other, so he moved the line.

It's really not much different once we grow up. Because we want to feel like we've won, we tend to set our own personal "finish lines" just past where those around us happen to be. We watch soap operas to make us feel like our family is winning relationally. We buy a bigger TV or a newer car than our neighbors to make us feel like we're winning financially. We go to church more often than our coworkers to make us feel like we're winning spiritually.

The problem is that faith doesn't have a finish line...at least not in the traditional sense. Death, I suppose, is a finish line of sorts...but it certainly doesn't matter who gets there first, or with the most stuff, or with the happiest family, or with the most consistent church attendance. Eternity is a pass/fail, all-or-nothing thing, not a free market system full of hierarchies and gradients and nuances. There is no #1 or "best in class" or grading on a curve.

We live in a culture where bad businesses fail and good ones succeed. Where people who work hard move up and people who don't suffer the consequences. God's kingdom, however, isn't set up that way. Romans 10:12-13 says, "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Salvation isn't the end. It's actually a beginning. It's the starting point of a race that isn't possible to win...simply to run. And in this race, God determines the finish line - not us.

Why I Love Women's Softball

2011-04-19T11:17:00.002-05:00

Between having a grade school-aged niece and being a public address announcer for the University of Illinois, I've watched a lot of softball recently.

Though essentially the same sport, these two levels of competition couldn't be more different. And, to be fair, it makes sense. There's a whole lot of growing up that happens between first grade and college.

In first grade, as soon as the ball is hit, nine six year olds run after it...often tackling each other and pushing one another out of the way. They're more concerned with beating their own teammates to the ball than with getting the other team out.

Six year olds are also distracted by the littlest of things. The butterfly in left field. Their mom or dad in the stands. The worm under first base. They know there's a game going on...but, hey, that cloud looks like a duck!

Most six year olds haven't figured out the idea of "team" yet either. If it's not their turn to hit or catch or throw, they have little to no interest in the game. For them, softball is about personally having fun, not the success of the team as a whole.

At the college level, things are very different.

More than any other athletes I've seen, college softball players are encouraging. Throughout the game they are constantly cheering one another on...huddling between plays...and patting their teammates on the back.

Every single girl on the field is focused too. Nothing in the stands, nothing in the air, nothing in the grass is more important than her job as a catcher or shortstop or center fielder. Distractions are not an option.

Finally, each player is ready. Even if she hasn't fielded a ball all day, she knows that her time to shine could be just milliseconds away. The years of practice and training and sacrifice have prepared her for making a play when the opportunity arises.

I've been a Christian for more than twenty-five years, and it saddens me to think of how often I live out my faith like I'm a first grade softball player. I'm more concerned with beating up fellow Christians than impacting the world around me. I'm easily distracted from the things that God is calling me to say and do and be by completely meaningless stuff. I'm frequently interested in worship or study or service only when I'm having fun, or when I'm the center of attention.

Instead my goal should be to take my spiritual cues from the Illinois softball players that I get to see play each week. I want to be encouraging to my teammates (even when times are tough)...to be focused on what Christ has called me to do (even when distractions are tempting)...and to be ready to do my part when the opportunity arises (even when waiting is boring).

In softball, and in faith, maturity makes a huge difference.

Born This Way...

2011-04-13T11:47:00.001-05:00

One of the biggest songs of the year so far is "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. It's an incredibly catchy song - very reminiscent of Madonna's "Express Yourself" if you ask me - and has almost instantly been adopted as an anthem for those who consider themselves to be different or misunderstood or unaccepted.

On one hand, it's important to be comfortable in our own skin. It's critical that we don't spend our entire lives wishing we were prettier or skinnier or funnier or smarter. That's a healthy perspective. But, on the other hand, I think many are mistakenly making the leap from accepting who God made us to be to rationalizing who we want to be. Part of the chorus says this:

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

It's true, God doesn't make mistakes...but you and I make plenty. It's part of free will. Every day we choose Christ or ourselves. We decide between his perfect example and our own sinful nature. Implying (or believing) that our human tendencies are the determining factor as to whether or not we're "on the right track" is ridiculous.

From what I understand, Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer really wanted to do the horrible things they did. Most people who cheat on their spouse really feel like that's the right thing for them. Parents who abuse their kids often know that it's the best way to discipline.

Yes, these are extreme examples, but it just seems like we're on a slippery slope when we start carelessly throwing around the phrase "God makes no mistakes." It's rarely an acceptance of His sovereignty and almost always an excuse for our sin.

A Pastor, an Author, and a Musician Walk Into a...

2011-04-12T11:28:00.002-05:00

When my publisher first asked me to recommend people who might be willing to endorse Branded, I had a sizable list for them. Unfortunately, I was informed that blood relatives, next door neighbors, and people who owe me money are not necessarily convincing choices for such a recommendation.

Remarkably (and undeservingly I might add), a number of well-known, highly-respected people have stepped to the plate to read and comment on the book. Here's what they've had to say:

"Convicting at times and outright hilarious at others, Branded is a simple plea for all of us to be true to the artists God created us to be."--Dave Frey - lead singer of Sidewalk Prophets

"Anyone who is interested in representing Jesus well in our day needs to read this book."--Joe Stowell - President, Cornerstone University

"Well-researched, well thought-out, and well-written, Branded has given this generation of Christ-followers not just something to think about, but something to do."--Will Davis Jr - Pastor, Austin Christian Fellowship, author of Pray Big

"Tim Sinclair is a top-flight communicator, period. Here's hoping we all have a growing passion, like Tim, to communicate Christ as clearly as we can."--Brant Hanson - Syndicated Radio Host, Mornings with Brant

"A great book for all of us involved in sharing the joy of Jesus. Tim offers a great perspective, in easy-to-understand terms, with a unique sense of humor."--Alan Mason - Chief Operating Officer, K-LOVE & Air 1

If you'd like your own copy, you can pre-order Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture right now for less than $10. I hope you'll also consider attending the premiere party on June 24th at Refinery in Champaign.

Does God Cause Our Failures?

2011-04-05T14:05:00.001-05:00

I've often wondered whether or not God creates situations for us in which he hopes (or maybe knows) that we'll fail. For example, will He lead us to go to college knowing that we'll flunk out? Will He ask us to apply for a job knowing we'll never get it? Will He orchestrate a relationship knowing we'll call it quits?

The answer, it seems, depends on our definition of failure.

Sitting in the pit that his own brothers had dug for him, Joseph probably felt like a failure.
Being ridiculed for building a giant boat on dry land, Noah probably felt like a failure.
Watching their fearless leader be nailed to a cross, the disciples probably felt like failures.

Meaning...

If Joseph's goal was family unity, he was a failure.
If Noah's goal was popularity, he was a failure.
If the disciple's goal was peace, they were a failure.

But, as you and I know, none of these were "failures" at all. They were merely circumstances considered by humans to be devastating, but orchestrated by God to be divine.

Joseph's "failure" put him in position to rescue an entire country from famine.
Noah's "failure" put him in position to save his family from flood.
The disciple's "failure" put them in position to witness the single most remarkable event in human history.

That pit you're in...that ridicule you're facing...that war you're fighting...it might not be a failure at all. It might just be that you have the wrong goal.

Is Wanting Better than Having?

2011-03-30T07:57:00.002-05:00

When we want something, we dream about what could be.

When we have something, we realize fully what is.

Cornell University recently did a study which found that stuff doesn't create satisfaction, but experiences do. Those behind the research say that stuff is easily compared to that of our friends or neighbors or relatives, meaning that we're only happy until we see someone with something better that what we just got. Experiences, however, are unique to each of us...and, therefore, more satisfying long-term.

With TV's or cars or jobs, we tell ourselves a story about what having those things will be like - forgetting that, once we have them, the story will be over. Reality kills the dream.

With experiences, the story comes afterward...and lasts forever. Climbing a mountain, skydiving, taking a trip to Disney...those are memories that last far beyond the events themselves. And, often, those memories get better with time.

I bring this up less than a week after learning that I didn't get the Chicago Cubs public address announcer job. From where I sat, that job looked really cool. And, if I were to simply focus on the fact that I didn't get the gig, I would be miserable.

However, if I look at my audition process as an experience (rather than just a means to an end), it's impossible to be too disappointed. I sat in the booth at Wrigley - twice. I met both the owner of the Cubs and the President of the team. I shook hands with Ernie Banks. I worked my way from 1 of 3,000 to 1 of 4. There's no doubt that my grandkids will one day hear the story.

While I would have taken the job if it had been offered to me, I'm beginning to think that maybe I got the best of both worlds: the story of the experience, without the reality of the job itself.

I think it's important for all of us to remember that somebody will always have a bigger house or a better job, but they'll never have experiences quite like ours. Stuff is fleeting. Stories are forever.

Watching Your Wait

2011-03-28T07:47:00.001-05:00

I heard an interview with Christy Nockels, one of the Passion Conference worship leaders, over the weekend. She was talking about her new song "Waiting Here for You," and how she felt that waiting on God was really a form of loving Him.

As an impatient person, that statement shook me. If waiting on my spouse or my kids or the Lord is a form of loving them, then what does it mean when I refuse to wait? What am I saying when I run off ahead to do my own thing? Is that hate? Apathy? Egotism? Carelessness?

Personally, I don't really like any of those options.

When we wait for someone, we acknowledge that nothing that lies ahead is as important as what's behind. Rushing into the mall isn't as important as holding our child's hand as we walk through the parking lot. Independently making a family decision isn't as important as giving our spouse time to think it through. Pursuing our own agenda isn't as important as praying for God's direction.

I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I'm just now figuring out this concept. The most famous Bible verse about love (1 Corinthians 13:4) says it plainly: "Love is patient."

Perhaps it's in there for a reason.

A "Dream" Job

2011-03-24T05:59:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks, I've had the chance to live every little boy's dream. What started as a half-hearted video audition on YouTube has turned in to a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs. Right now, there are four finalists - and I'm one of them.

I've been to Wrigley Field twice in the last ten days, each time sitting behind the microphone in the press box and announcing fake starting lineups to 40,000 empty seats. Empty or not, the experiences have been nothing short of amazing. Walking where the infamous Harry Caray walked...sitting where the legendary Wayne Messmer sat...looking at a field that Babe Ruth played on...it's surreal. I even met Ernie Banks yesterday!

Everyone (especially in the media) is calling this a "dream job"...and it is. Honestly, what could be better than watching baseball every day for a living? But the thing about dreams is that they often leave out a healthy dose of reality. Dreams tend to forget about the immutable laws of the universe.

Maybe you're chasing a dream too. Maybe it's a job or a hobby or an experience. I don't know what your dream is...but I do know what a dream isn't.

A dream isn't a dream if it causes your marriage to fall apart.

A dream isn't a dream if your kids rarely see you.

A dream isn't a dream if you're too exhausted to enjoy it's benefits.

A dream isn't a dream if money or fame or influence is the only upside.

A dream isn't a dream if it distracts you from the calling that God has truly put on your life.

Personally, I'm trying hard to think rationally and not be blinded by the bright lights and big names at Wrigley...but it's hard. As a friend of mine said recently, "I'm too biased to pray for you right now." (Something tells me he wants free tickets.) But, regardless, I've been challenging myself to honestly think and pray through what my "dream" really looks like. And I'd encourage you to do the same.

Jeremiah 29:11 says this: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has big plans for you and me. And, my hope is that we're walking close enough with Him that our dreams and His plans line up.

Provision or Temptation

2011-03-16T08:30:00.001-05:00

When you and I have needs, we are at risk. But the biggest risk doesn't come from the need itself - it comes from the ways we choose to fulfill the need.

People who need love are less likely to live a lonely life than they are to rush into a new relationship.

People who need money are less likely to go hungry than they are to try a get-rich-quick program.

People who need control are less likely to continually feel powerless than they are spend twelve hours a day at work.

The greater our needs, the more likely we are to make bad decisions in order to meet those needs. The more desperate we are, the easier it is to take a short cut. The more urgent a situation is, the greater the possibility that we confuse provision with temptation.

God's provision for us is not always the first thing that pops up. New relationships, unique business opportunities, and hard work aren't necessarily bad things...in fact, they can be very good things. But, if we use them as quick solutions to problems that God plans to solve in a different way, than each is nothing more than temptation.

Your next big opportunity could be provision...or it could be temptation. The key is discerning which one.

("And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19)

Get Your Poo Off of My Shopping Cart...Please

2011-03-07T09:20:00.001-06:00

New research has recently discovered that 74% of all grocery store shopping cart handles have what I call "bathroom bacteria" on them. About half tested positive for E. coli as well. And while these statistics completely gross me out, I've been surprised by how many people seem to brush them off.

It can be argued that exposure to bacteria is healthy for your immune system. It can be proven that these germs are on your phone, your shoes, and your doorknobs too. It can be said that relatively few people get sick from going to the store. And those things are all true.

But, somewhere in the midst of all that truth, it seems that we're overlooking the real problem: most people are not washing their hands after using the bathroom. Unfortunately, rather than focus on what we all should be doing (namely hand-washing), we've instead decided to justify why it's perfectly acceptable (and even healthy) to have fecal matter on nearly everything we touch.

That seems a bit backward, doesn't it - accepting the results rather than changing the behavior?

Though, I suppose, I can relate. How often do I ignore what I should be doing, and instead focus on ways to make myself feel better about not doing whatever "it" is.

For me, it's speeding. I regularly go a few miles an hour over the speed limit. And then I justify my lead foot by saying that everybody does it, it's quicker, it's not hurting anyone, etc. But the point isn't that everybody else is going 70 miles an hour or that my speed isn't hurting anyone. The point is that 65 miles an hour is the law.

Maybe speeding isn't an issue for you, but maybe gossip is. Or lying. Or stealing. Or cheating. And maybe, like me, you've found yourself justifying those actions because the results don't seem to be negatively affecting anyone else. But, again, that's not the point.

The point is that there's poo on my shopping cart...and that's never okay.

I Do This. You Don't. I Win.

2011-03-01T08:52:00.001-06:00

"And they'll know we are Christians by our love."

Contrary to popular belief, those aren't words from the Bible, but from a song written by a Catholic priest back in the sixties. However, John 13:35 says pretty much the same thing: "By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another."

It seems that, so often, I get that verse all messed up. I start thinking that Jesus actually said, "By this you will know who are my disciples, if they love one another." The change in perspective is slight, yet significant.

The first way - the biblical way - suggests that others will know that Christ is a part of my life because of how I love people. It's an encouragement for me to live a life of love. The second way - my way - suggests that I can personally determine another person's faith (or lack thereof) based on his or her actions. It's an excuse for me to judge other people.

Sadly, the Bible has become a manual for comparing ourselves to one another, rather than comparing ourselves to Jesus. And I think it's because we like to win. If the competition is between us and Jesus, we'll never come out on top. But, when we're able to find people around us who are "worse" than us, we feel like we've won. We play the "I do this. You don't. So, I win." game. I don't swear. You do. I win. I have a healthy marriage. You don't. I win. I go to church every Sunday. You don't. I win.

In reality, everybody else's actions have very little to do with me. As a matter of fact - in God's eyes - they have nothing to do with me. I'm not competing against them. I'm running a race with the solitary goal of becoming more like Christ. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, without Jesus, everyone loses anyway - everyone falls short - no matter who's out in front.

What Do Google, FedEx, and Xerox Have in Common?

2011-02-23T12:46:00.001-06:00

They're brand names. They're made-up. And, most importantly, they're nouns that have become verbs.

Google isn't just a search engine, it's now the process by which we look for information online. (For example, "I'm going to google Justin Bieber to see if I can find a picture of his new haircut.") FedEx isn't just an overnight delivery service, it's now the process by which packages are sent from one place to another. (For example, "Let's fedex these books to Toledo, okay?") Xerox isn't just an office machine company, it's now the process by which we make copies of documents. (For example, "Hey, would you xerox 25 of these for me?)

Google, FedEx, and Xerox have each done such an amazing job at what they were created to do, that their names have become synonymous with their action. Google means search. FedEx means ship. Xerox means copy. And everybody knows it.

I can't help but wonder what action my name is synonymous with? To those around me, does Tim mean grouchy or gracious? Arrogant or amiable? Selfish or selfless? Lest there be any confusion, the Bible gives us a pretty good idea of what our lives should look like. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

How remarkable would it be if you and I could do these things--the things that God created us to do--so well, that our names became synonymous with our actions?

Am I About to Hurt My Kids?

2011-02-15T07:09:00.001-06:00

My first marriage began two days after my twenty-first birthday. Young and in love, I ignored many of the warning signs that sometimes whispered, sometimes screamed that walking down the aisle wasn't a good idea - for me or for her. Divorce paperwork was filed within five years, and (since my ex-wife and I don't have any children together) we haven't really spoken since.

It takes two to make a marriage work, and (frequently) it takes two to cause it to fall apart. This was the case for us. Mistakes were made by each party...both of commission and omission...and those mistakes ultimately led to the demise of a covenant that was intended to last a lifetime.

When going through the separation, not once did I ever think, "How am I going to explain this decision to my future kids?" Truthfully, the idea wasn't on my radar screen. But now, happily remarried and with two amazing children, I've been wrestling regularly with how and when to tell my boys about the divorce. And, candidly, I'm scared.

I'm scared they might think "God hates divorce" means "God hates dad."

I'm scared they might question why their mom was my second choice.

I'm scared they might wonder if one day I will "divorce" them too.

I'm scared they might assume the same things about divorced people that I once did.

I'm scared they might follow in my misguided footsteps someday.

I don't want to hurt my kids, but I know that (at least in some small way) this revelation likely will. However, it's an admission that must be made at some point. I honestly have no idea what I'm going to say to them or how I'm going to say it. But, whenever they're ready (and whenever I muster up the courage), I hope to help Jeremiah and Elijah understand a few things.

1. God hates divorce. Not divorced people. In fact, it's because of God's unfailing love for us that he hates the things that were never intended to be a part of his perfect design. (John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")

2. The adjectives we put in front of the word 'sin' are irrelevant. In fact, the only word that matters when it comes to our sin is his grace. (2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”)

3. Patience is the cure for temptation. In fact, one of the greatest dangers in life is proceeding without praying. (Mark 14:38 says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”)

4. While we learn from our mistakes, God forgets them. In fact, God promises to give us a second (and third and fourth) chance to make a first impression. (Hebrews 8:12 says, "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.")

5. Our imperfect past doesn't ruin God's perfect plan. In fact, the difficult lessons learned in our past often reinforce the beauty of God's plan. (Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.")

I hope and pray that my two boys will not just listen to my heart, but truly hear it. The challenge is going to be pushing through the terror (and the tears) long enough to teach.

Why Flowers are a Lousy Gift

2011-02-14T11:32:00.001-06:00

Okay, that's not completely true. Women, especially, love flowers. However, when it comes to long-lasting, life-changing, get-em-out-of-the-house-before-it-burns-down kind of gifts, a bouquet of roses from 1-800-FLOWERS probably isn't going to make the cut.

Every once in awhile, it's important to take it up a notch. To borrow the title from a best-selling book, we need to move from "good to great" in the gift giving department. And, in my experience, every great gift has four components.

1. They make SENSE. They fill a need, want, desire, or longing. In the movie Hitch, Will Smith's character took his date not to a movie or a restaurant or a bowling alley, but to Ellis Island. Generations before, this girl's great-grandfather got off the boat at Ellis Island and signed the welcome book. The trip, despite a few missteps, made perfect sense. (Surprising your husband with a TV on Super Bowl weekend or your wife with a trip to her childhood home also make a lot of sense.)

2. They involve SACRIFICE. Not just money, but time, energy, comfort, etc. A young boy was once asked by doctors if he would be willing to donate blood for his sister who was very sick. He was told it would help save her life, so the boy agreed. After the transfusion he asked his parents, "Am I going to die now?" This young boy thought he was giving up his life for his sister, not just some of his blood. His sacrifice (or willingness to sacrifice) made his gift remarkable. (Any time you give up something important to you for the sake of another person, your gift has more weight to it.)

3. They are SPECIAL. Special means unique, rare, hard to find, or custom. You probably can't find a truly "special" gift at Walmart or Target. NASA astronaut Mark Kelly had his wife's wedding ring inscribed for that very reason - to make it uniquely hers. On the inside of the band it says, "You're as close to heaven as I'll ever get." Wow. (The fireplace mantle at our house is special. We got it from a North Carolina flea market on our honeymoon, and there's not another one exactly like it in the world.)

4. They have a STORY. When the gift (or the method by which the gift was obtained or given) has a story, it lives on. Think engagements. Even bottled water and coffee packaging tells the story of where it was gathered and how it was brought to Starbucks especially for you. (Oftentimes, doing a great job on numbers one through three automatically lead to a story worth telling.)

Can flowers ever be a great gift? Well, take time off work (sacrifice) to pick a fresh bouquet (special) from the field behind your house (story) and surprise her on the anniversary of your first kiss (sense)...and you'll have your answer.

Freedom Means Not Disagreeing With Me

2011-02-07T13:08:00.002-06:00

Since the very founding of our country, America has been fighting for freedom. Freedom for ourselves. Freedom for slaves. Freedom for Vietnam. Freedom for Iraq. The list is long.

For the most part, history has proven democracy to be a good thing. A noble cause. A system worth fighting for. And so, we fight. Or, at the very least, we push really hard.

Egypt, however, presents a dilemma. Having been ruled by President Hosni Mubarek for thirty years, the people of Egypt have had enough. Despite Mubarek being an ally to the United States, he is a dictator - rigging elections, censoring citizens, and imprisoning people indefinitely and without reason. It's no wonder that the Egyptian people want free and fair elections. They want to choose their own representative government. They want the values that America has espoused for more than two hundred years.

The tragic flaw with democracy is that it is based on the assumption that the majority is right. It suggests that whatever 51% of people decide to do is best. Obviously, that's not always true. (Hitler, while not part of a democracy, had a LOT of support.)

Unfortunately, in the case of Egypt, encouraging free and fair elections could very well be encouraging the election of a government that wants to wipe America off the map. Many of the opposition groups rioting in Cairo (including the Muslim Brotherhood) aren't exactly going to be sending us flowers anytime soon.

How sold on freedom are we now? Has America truly been trying to free other countries and people groups from tyranny, or have we simply been attempting to ensure that the world agrees with us and falls in line with our thinking? Up until now, the United States has permitted, and even subsidized, President Mubarek's rule in Egypt in exchange for suppressing Islamic militants there and keeping peace with Israel.

Is that freedom for Egypt? No. Is that fortuitous for America? Yes.

Christians have been fighting freedom battles of our own recently. We've pushed for prayer in school. The Ten Commandments in the courthouse. A nativity scene in the public square. The list is long. However, we're starting to realize that the very freedom we're fighting for could very well destroy the environments we've been working so hard to create.

Prayer in schools means rolling out your prayer mat at lunchtime just as much as it means bowing your head at graduation. Wearing a cross necklace (Christian) is the same as carrying a dagger (Sikh). Putting Jesus in the manger is the same as hanging up the Star of David. Christians enjoyed our freedom mainly because we were fortunate enough to not have anyone else exercising theirs. Now, we're not so sure.

In truth, we're not waging a political argument, but an ideological one. One that we want to benefit us as Christians, but no one else. Unfortunately, we can't have it both ways. Freedom is freedom, and that freedom must allow for people to be wrong - even in large numbers. And even when we don't agree.

The Bible says that Israel was expecting a king or a warrior to save them politically, but they got Jesus instead. Rather than wearing a crown of gold, He wore a crown of thorns. Rather than riding a mighty steed, He rode a lowly donkey. He didn't demand anything of anyone, He died for them instead.

Jesus was a relational Savior, not a political one. He came to change hearts, not laws. To offer freedom of choice, regardless of what that choice was.

Take It God, I'll Be On the Couch

2011-02-02T14:03:00.001-06:00

On Facebook the other day, a friend of mine was lamenting the news that social security is dangerously close to bankruptcy. The first three comments on her status were, essentially, the same: "I'm trusting God to supply my needs, that's all I can do."

It's interesting that so many of us, including me sometimes, talk about trusting God when it comes to things that we really see no urgency in...yet don't show that same "trust" in other, more pressing areas of life. I'm assuming those who commented on my friend's post have jobs. If God is to be trusted, shouldn't they wait on their couch for God to provide? I'm assuming they go to the doctor when they're sick. If God is to be trusted, why not just lie in bed?

The Bible certainly tells us to trust Christ. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Yes, there are times when we are asked to sit tight and simply wait on the Lord. However, the very next verse (Proverbs 3:6) tells us that trust is often exhibited by action. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Those words seem to indicate motion, movement, and momentum.

In other words, we must let God guide us as we do something. God used Noah to save civilization by building an ark. He used Moses to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Could He have done these things by Himself, sure. But He didn't.

There's an old story that tells of a man who was stuck on the top of a house during terrible flooding. He prayed over and over again for God to save him. "I trust you Lord.," he said. "Please rescue me." An hour or so later, a boat came along offering him a ride. "No thanks," shouted the man. "God will save me." Later that evening a helicopter flew overhead. The man waved it away, insisting that it was God who promised to take care of him.

Eventually the flood waters got too high, and the man drowned. When he got to heaven, he asked God, "Why didn't you save me? You promised to save me." And God said, "I sent you a boat and a helicopter, what more do you want?"

Is God asking each of us to get involved in politics, start a non-profit, or join the neighborhood watch? No. But, chances are, He's not asking you and I to just sit around either - waiting for Him to magically wipe away the problems of the world.

My fear is that, all too frequently, when we say, "I trust God to take care of this situation," what we really mean is "I trust God to take care of this situation using somebody else."

I Am a Fake Environmentalist

2011-01-31T12:46:00.001-06:00

Buying a Prius in order to save money on gas doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a capitalist.

Supporting the World Wildlife Fund and the Girl Scouts and the Fraternal Order of Police doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a philanthropist.

Growing your own food because it's healthier doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a nutritionist.

Purchasing a "green" product because your friend has one doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a populist.

Putting your blue bin on the curb but refusing to drive it to the recycling center doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a pragmatist.

Installing solar panels on your roof because they look cool doesn't mean you're an environmentalist, it means you're a narcissist.

Frugality, generosity, wisdom, popularity, practicality, and attractiveness don't make you an environmentalist. They make you an egotist. True environmentalists make sacrifices for their cause. They give up money, time, energy, and fame in order to stand up for the precepts that they hold true. They hold on to their belief more than they hold on to their comfort.

So, are you a Christian? Am I? Have we truly put Jesus above all else, or are we just doing whatever makes sense?

Majority Rules...Except When It Doesn't

2011-01-25T12:00:00.001-06:00

Though the Illinois Supreme Court could still overturn the decision, as of now, Rahm Emanuel will not be able to run for mayor of the city of Chicago. In fact, ballots are already being printed without his name on them. And, to most, it seems like a shame.

Emanuel was born in Chicago, raised in Chicago, represented Chicago in the U.S. House of Representatives, and lived in Chicago before moving to Washington D.C. in 2008 to become President Obama's Chief of Staff. Today, Rahm still owns a home in the city, votes in the city, and pays property taxes in the city.

Mr. Emanuel is incredibly popular in his hometown too. The most recent polls show Emanuel with 44% of the vote, compared to 21% for the next closest candidate. The President of the United States thinks Emanuel should be able to run. Whether or not they plan to vote for him, the majority of Chicagoans seem to think he should be able to run too.

Unfortunately, the law says that none of those things qualifies Rahm Emanuel to be mayor. Not intent, not family, not history, not popularity. The city rules clearly state that a candidate must have "resided in the municipality" for at least one year prior to the election. One year ago, Mr. Emanuel was residing in the nation's capital - not Chicago.

The Christian culture thinks in much the same way these days. We assume that we're Christians because our family was or because we go to church or because we do a lot of good stuff. We believe that we're a part of God's family by proxy or osmosis or succession. But, according to the Bible, none of that meets God's standards.

John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Like running for mayor of Chicago, the qualifications to begin a relationship with Jesus are not difficult, but they are clear. We can justify our feelings or beliefs to the contrary any way we want to but, ultimately, the rules are the rules.

Just ask Rahm.

The Truth Hurts

2011-01-19T12:33:00.002-06:00

The Governor of Alabama is being criticized this week by many for his comments about faith. Shortly after being inaugurated, and while speaking to a church crowd, Robert Bentley said, "Anybody who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior...you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother."

For a variety of different reasons, many in the state took offense at what was said. And, honestly, I've gotta admit that I was a little taken back by the comments too. Not because they weren't true, but because of the time and manner in which they were given. Whether Governor Bentley intended it to be the case or not, his words came across in a controversial way, rather than in a loving way. (As I know all too well, public figures often run into this kind of thing.)

After our on-air discussion of the issue, many people game to Bentley's defense...on the phone and on Facebook:

"That is truth! What an awesome Governor."

"The truth hurts."

"He (God) will bless this man for his courage to be persecuted."

"I think that we are offending people straight to hell by not advertising our belief in God."

While I'm not convinced that what Governor Bentley did was wrong or inappropriate (certainly given his audience at a church), I am a little nervous about the subsequent reaction from many Christians. I guess I'm just concerned that (as a whole) sometimes we don't think very hard about how or when to say something, only about what it is we want to say. But, the reality is, method does matter.

Would you and I listen to Christian radio if all the lyrics were the same, but the bands were made up exclusively of pipe organs and pan flutes? Would you play the radio station on your drive to work if Casting Crowns and MercyMe were heavy metal groups? A few might, but most all of us would find some other way to fill ourselves with truth.

What about at church? How many times has each of us walked out of the building silently (or loudly) complaining that the pastor wasn't engaging enough, or the music was too loud, or the drama was distracting? If truth is truth, regardless of how it is presented, then these things shouldn't matter. Ever. And yet they do. Maybe that's not the way it should be, but that's the way it is.

People have preferences and none of us is ever going to please all people at all times. However, the "truth is truth, take it or leave it, and people should happily listen regardless of the time or place or delivery method" approach is probably hypocritical and it's likely hurtful to the cause of Christ long-term.

An Excuse for Dysfunction

2011-01-17T13:24:00.001-06:00

Recently, the entire staff at our radio station was given the DISC personality assessment. DISC is an acronym for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, and every person alive is said to fall into one of those four categories. Sometimes two.

The goal of our exercise was to 1) learn more about ourselves and 2) learn more about the people we work with every day. In a nutshell, we did. D's learned why S's tend to clam up during heated discussions. I's learned why C's never want to have fun. C's learned why I's never finish anything. And so on.

For example, I am a D/I. The positive of being a Dominant Influencer is that I like to get things done and have fun doing them. The negative of being a Dominant Influencer is that I can sometimes come off as a jerk in front of large groups of people. As any psychologist will tell you, any positive taken to an extreme becomes a negative.

While I'm confident that no one I work with would see it this way, my immediate thought after going through the assessment was that tests like the DISC could easily become excuses for dysfunction. It's only natural to, once we know what our tendencies are, rationalize our negative behaviors by saying "I am what I am. The test said so, remember?" Instead of learning to work more effectively with others, we put the onus on them to adjust to our extremes, rather than do our best to keep those oddities in check.

Honestly, I think our faith often works this way. Inherently we know that we are "sinners saved by grace", so there's a temptation to blame every bad choice we make on that idea. I sin. God saves me. So why try? We see no reason to work on our naturally sinful tendencies because, let's face it, God is a forgiving, grace-filled God.

But God's grace is far from an excuse for our dysfunction. Grace is offered in spite of our dysfunction. And, while our salvation isn't dependent on the severity to which we are flawed...our ability to represent Jesus to others is.

Why I Hate the Phrase "God is in Control"

2010-11-04T06:10:00.001-05:00

I don't hate it because it isn't true. It is. I don't hate it because it shouldn't be said. It should. I hate it because those four simple words are so often used by Christians as an excuse rather than an encouragement. As a passive statement rather than a passionate one. As a reason to trust but not try.

I can't tell you how many times I heard someone say "God is in control" regarding this week's election. I heard it when various candidate's beliefs were brought up. I heard it while the votes were being tabulated. I heard it after the results were in. God is in control. And, of course, He is. But, each time, it was said in a way that conveniently dismissed the ultimate importance of that person's individual involvement in the process. As if God's power gave them permission to not pay attention.

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." But that trust is supposed to be a comfort, not a crutch. It isn't an excuse from being concerned about our future. It isn't a pass on all things political. And it certainly isn't an invitation not to care.

You see, God's control doesn't eliminate our freedom to make choices and it doesn't eliminate the consequences that come from those choices. God is in control when a husband walks out on his wife. God is in control when somebody has a bit too much to drink and gets behind the wheel. God is in control when a child turns her back on her faith.

Do you tell your teen to not study for the ACT because "God is in control?"

Do you play solitaire at work all day because "God is in control?"

Do you ignore your family and watch TV all day because "God is in control?"

Of course not. So why in the world do we use that very phrase as a reason to not be an integral, involved part of our country's political process? Why do we assume that God would rather have us spend a few extra minutes on Facebook, rather than take time to learn about the candidates and then vote for those who line up with our personal values? Do we really think that His control will free us from the consequences of our inaction?

It's true, God has a handle on our future regardless of which party is in power or who our President is. We can all take comfort in that. However, we're on a slippery slope when we let His omnipotence start excusing our indifference.

We're Looking in the Wrong Place

2010-10-20T08:10:00.001-05:00

When it comes to weddings, I think we've gotten it all wrong. Well, maybe not all wrong, but at least the beginning part. Tradition says that, when the organ (or whatever) begins to play and the bride makes her way down the aisle, the guests are to stand up, turn around, and watch her.

It makes sense I guess. This is a moment that she's been looking forward to her entire life, and every bride is certainly deserving of the attention. It's fun, too, to see which wedding gown she picked and how she chose to do her hair. It's fun to see how nervous her father is and how slowly (or quickly) they make their way to the front. But, to me, in the midst of all this - in the midst of satisfying my own curiosities - the real story gets lost.

A wedding isn't about the bride's relationship with us (the guests), but about her relationship with the groom. The dress, the hair, the jewelry, the smile...they weren't painstakingly chosen for the people sitting in the seats, but for the guy standing at the altar. Who cares about my reaction? It's his reaction that matters. And, personally, I would rather see him seeing her for the first time, than see her myself.

Next time you're at a wedding, let me encourage you to at least sneak a peek at the groom as his bride-to-be starts walking his way. Make it a point to witness his first reaction, rather than be concerned with your own thoughts and feelings. I'm guessing that the smile on his face and the tears in his eyes will give you a better picture of the bride than your own two eyes ever could.

Not ironically, the Bible uses the bride and groom analogy frequently, calling the church the "bride of Christ." As in a traditional wedding, the church (the bride) is called to prepare herself for Christ (the groom) and Him alone. But, I'll be the first to admit that I spend way too much time looking at the church (and it's members) and very little time focusing on Christ himself. I turn my back on Him in order to satisfy my own curiosities, craning my neck to evaluate how someone looks or acts or worships. It's sad too because, in the end, I wind up missing out on the real joy of my own beautiful story.

The good news, I suppose, is that the "fix" for this problem is a fairly simple one - turn around. Look at the bridegroom rather than at the church. His face will tell us all we need to know.

Christians or Liars? I'm Pulling for Liars.

2010-10-13T06:28:00.001-05:00

I am a Yankees fan.

Okay, truth be told, I'm not really much of a baseball fan at all...but, if someone came up to me on the street and asked me who my favorite baseball team was, I'd probably say New York. I mean, they're the most popular franchise, and they have a few well-known players. I can name Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, which is approximately two more guys than I can name from any other team. Plus, lots of people seem to wear Yankee hats.

My dad used to live in New York so, every once in awhile, I'll even watch a Yankees' game - but only in October when things get exciting. The rest of the year I don't pay much attention. Honestly, I'd usually rather take a three hour nap.

___________

The above anecdote is the only way I can possibly describe the results of a new Barna study on faith. Their latest research found that, even in American cities with the lowest "Christianity rate" (Seattle, Las Vegas, San Francisco, etc.), close to 75% of people said that they were Christians.

Of course, it's not any of our jobs to judge whether or not someone actually believes what they say they do, but...you've got to be kidding me. There is no way in the world that 78% of Miami residents follow Jesus or that 92% of people in Memphis are believers. It's just not possible.

My guess is that the respondents to this study are likely relying on their own 'default' settings. When people are asked a question that they don't really have a solid opinion on, they end up grasping for the most popular answer. Like me with baseball, they've heard of a few high-profile Christians (Billy Graham, Rick Warren, etc.) and have seen lots of people with Jesus bumper stickers. Their parents called themselves Christians so, on Christmas and Easter, they sometimes end up at the Christian church in town. They're Christians - the same way I'm a Yankee fan.

Just for a second, let's pretend that everyone who told Barna that they were a Christian actually was one. That would mean that New Orleans is not only 94% Christian, but also the second most murderous city in America (WalletPop.com - 2010). It would mean that Los Angeles is not only 75% Christian, but also the meanest and one of the most homeless cities in the country (NPR - 2009). It would mean that Birmingham, Alabama is not only 96% Christian, but also one of the top ten most dangerous cities in the U.S. (The Birmingham News - 2007).

But I refuse to believe that's the case.

Instead I'm trusting, wholeheartedly, that millions of people either gave the default answer to pollsters, or they flat out lied. Personally, I hope there was a lot of lying going on. People who have the same affinity for Christ that I have for the Yankees are difficult to truly share Jesus with because they think they already have Him, but aren't passionate enough to really care if they don't.

Liars at least know the difference.

It Is Better (A Letter for My Two Boys)

2010-10-11T06:38:00.004-05:00

Jeremiah and Elijah -

Even though you are both too young to read this letter, I am determined to write it. My hope is that, eventually, these words might serve as a guide as you navigate your way through life. But, in the meantime, it will serve as a goal for me as a father. It will be a daily reminder of the principles and practices that I hope to instill in you, as well as model myself.

This life will present you with many choices. And, as you make these decisions - both small and large - keep the following principles in mind:

6. When it comes to family: Know that your actions do not affect our love, but that our love is designed to affect your actions. It is better to know a love that doesn't end rather than constantly wonder when it will. (Proverbs 22:6 - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.")

As your father (and your biggest fan) I promise to help you both learn and apply these principles. I ask you to help keep me accountable for them as well.

I love you,

Dad

Should You Get Paid to NOT Speed?

2010-10-06T09:14:00.001-05:00

On the morning show this week we talked about whether or not parents should pay their kids to get good grades, and it was definitely a divided issue. One comment I received via email said, "My son's job is to go to school and get good grades. We pay him for a job well done, just like adults get paid for going to work and doing a good job." And, while I understand that mentality, I don't agree with it.

There seems to be a misunderstanding between the meaning of the words duty and job. A duty is something that must be done without promise of a reward or a return. A job is optional but is something that, once completed, demands payment.

Personally, I believe it is a child's duty (or obligation) to go to school every day and try as hard as he or she can - not their job. Paying them to do so implies that education is, somehow, optional. According to the government, and to most parents, it is certainly not. To me, handing out cash for grades is equivalent to the police department issuing checks to motorists who don't speed or principals passing out twenty dollar bills to kids for not smoking after school. Those things are required, and requirements are punishable when they aren't followed - not paid for when they are.

(As an aside: Rewards can certainly be useful for encouraging our kids good work...but it certainly doesn't seem like these benefits should be promised ahead of time in exchange for a certain result at school.)

Whether or not you pay your kids for good grades, I think there is something to be learned here when it comes to our faith. Christians (including me) often see following Christ as a job, rather than a duty. We look for a payoff when we do or say or believe the right thing...and we get frustrated when our good behavior isn't subsequently rewarded.

We tithe and then expect benefits. We pray and then expect positive results. We hold back our anger and then expect the dicey situation to miraculously resolve itself. But, as Christians, our reward is heavenly, not earthly. Like a student working his or her way toward graduation, we have an ultimate goal in mind, but it's not one that we should plan on getting paid for along the way.

The destination, in and of itself, ought to be reward enough.

Why Isn't Divorce Illegal?

2010-09-28T15:30:00.001-05:00

Just because the Bible says something is wrong, does that mean it should be against the law?

It's a tough question, especially for people of faith, and it's one that I'm admittedly working through myself. When you start layering political systems on top of religious beliefs (or vice versa), things tend to get sticky in a hurry.

Any eighth-grader understands that the Bill of Rights guarantees all Americans, regardless of religion or belief, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That's why murder and slavery are illegal (amongst other things), and why I would contend that abortion should be banned too. Regardless of what the Bible says, these actions are prohibited by law because they take away the very freedoms provided for in the founding of our great nation.

Fair enough.

But what about the issues that don't infringe on another's life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness that are still Biblical no-nos. Things like adultery and envy and greed. What are our leaders to do about them? Should they do anything? Does flying the flag of freedom really encompass governing personal value systems?

It's interesting to me that the vast majority of conservative Christians are dead set against legalizing gay marriage, and yet no one seems to have even the slightest interest in banning divorce. Why is that? There seems to be a double-standard. And, with nearly 50% of Christian marriages ending in divorce (including my first), it's no surprise why.

If the objection is a matter of faith, then both acts are against God's teachings. If the objection is a matter of social impact (family health, children's well-being, etc.), then why aren't we legislatively battling for the millions of families that are decimated every year because of divorce?

I am, of course, not making the case that divorce should be illegal. Rather, I'm trying to figure out it I can make the case for gay marriage to be illegal. Honestly, I'm not sure that I can. Spiritually, I'm against both, but, politically, I'm not sure how we ban one without the other.

Could it be that many Christians are simply frustrated that we can't get more people to see things our way, so we try to dictate their compliance? If so, we're forgetting something: Laws do not change hearts. Jesus changes hearts. And, as much as we might want to govern our country into following Christ's lead, it will never work. And, frankly, I'm not sure it should work.

God has given us the freedom to follow (or not follow) the boundaries that He outlined in the Bible. And, as difficult as it may be, I think it's only fair that, as Christians, we allow others that same freedom. You and I were put on this planet to represent Christ and point the way to Him...not politically chicken-wing people to the foot of the cross.

If we honestly have a heart for transforming families, there are two options: showing them justice and showing them Jesus. To me, there's no question as to which one is more effective.

Knowing the Unknowable

2010-09-27T10:47:00.002-05:00

About a year ago, I reconnected with an old friend on Facebook. He's an agnostic, and (since I am a Christian) our conversations have challenged me to think long and hard about my own faith. This particular guy is very well-read and very well-researched, so (to him) being an agnostic is much more than just a "default" setting...it's an honest, thought-out belief system.

Over the weekend, he sent me a message which outlined, amongst other things, what he plans to tell his young son about God. He put it this way:

"I'm not going to say "there is no God," because although there is no evidence of a god, that is unknowable. But I'm not going to tell him there is a god, because that is also unknowable."

While I genuinely respect my friend's intentions to speak only "knowable" truth into his son's life, his statement is, by it's very nature, flawed. Either there is a God or there isn't. One is right and the other is wrong - regardless of which is which. But, rather than take a step of faith in one direction or the other, he (and millions of other agnostics) choose to sit on the fence instead...making a decision, even in their non-decision.

Personally, I can't imagine what my life would be like without faith. I can't imagine where I would be or what I would be doing if I was never willing to make the leap between the "known" and the "unknown."

I didn't know that Heather wanted to marry me when I asked her. I didn't know that I would be successful in radio after dropping out of architecture school. I didn't know that I could handle the responsibility of being a father or of owning a home. Each decision required a combination of evidence and belief. A little bit of head and a little bit of heart. If I had waited to commit to these things until I knew their outcome beyond a shadow of a doubt, without any chance whatsoever of being wrong, I would be a sad, lonely man.

It seems as though a person without any faith is a person with a lot of fear. Mainly, the fear of being wrong.

If everything in life could be scientifically proven, then humans would be robots. Everybody would believe the exact same thing and act the exact same way, because there would be no other reasonable options. Undeniable proof would dictate as much. But life isn't that way. In order to live, we have to leap. We have to risk. We have to trust.

Do you not buy a Mercedes because there isn't absolute proof that it won't drop it's transmission three days after the warranty expires? Do you not get on an airplane because there isn't absolute proof that it won't crash? Do you not send your child to school because there isn't absolute proof that he or she won't get made fun of? Or, do you take what is knowable and use that information to make an informed decision anyway.

Christianity requires "faith", there's no doubt about it. Atheism does too. But deciding not to decide between the two is just deciding to be wrong...regardless of what the truth actually is.

Picking Up Starfish in Haiti

2010-09-22T08:39:00.001-05:00

I love the story of the grandfather and grandson who were walking along the beach one day. As far as their eyes could see, starfish lined the sand - having been washed up and abandoned by the tide. Knowing that these starfish would die if left out of the water for too long, the little boy began picking them up one at a time and throwing the creatures back into the ocean. Splash. Splash. Splash.

The grandfather said, "You know you'll never be able to save all of them, right?" To which the boy replied, "I know. But I can save this one." Splash.

It was almost exactly seven months ago that my good friend (and co-host) Pam returned from a week in Haiti. Less than a month after the devastating earthquake, Pam witnessed first-hand the literally millions of people without shelter, without water, and without family members. One of the first things she said to me when she got back was, "I don't know what I'm going to do, but I know I'm going to do something."

And, tomorrow, something begins.

On Friday, Pam is leading a team of thirteen people to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Stuffed into their luggage will be one hundred water filtration systems, two hundred kites and ten thousand dollars. Over ten days, the group will teach people how to get safe water, play with kids at an orphanage, and help build a house. Will they save a country? No. Probably not. But will they save a life? Yes. Hundreds of them.

You know, I think the only thing worse than not helping the masses is using the masses as an excuse to not help anyone. Maybe we can't change our entire school system, but we can mentor one kid in it. Maybe we can't beautify an entire city, but we can pick up trash at a nearby park. Maybe we can't provide clean drinking water for an entire nation, but we can provide safe alternatives for a family or two.

Pam is...and you can too. In fact, just twenty dollars will provide one person with clean water for twenty years! I'd even encourage you to give what you can to Pam's ministry called XXI Stones and help them reach out to the people of Haiti in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Whether it's in Haiti or in your hometown, you and I have a part to play. And while it may feel like a small part, it's a part nonetheless. Remember, saving millions of starfish starts with picking up the one right in front of you.

For Politicians, Jesus is a Fashion Not a Faith

2010-09-17T14:42:00.001-05:00

It saddens me that, in today's political culture, a candidate's faith is seen as a detriment to his or her service rather than an asset. There seem to be unwritten rules that say, in order to effectively govern, you can quote the Bible, but you shouldn't read it every day. You can hold a press conference at a church, but you shouldn't go to one regularly. You can invoke God's name, but you shouldn't say anything about Jesus.

But that's not really faith...it's fashion. It's showing people just enough spirituality to convince them that you're not a hell-bound hedonist, but not so much spirituality as to imply that you're a heaven-sent holy roller. Just once...just once...I want to hear a Christian politician address his or her faith like this:

"Many politicians spend their careers saying things that you believe, instead things that they believe. It's a great way to get elected, but it's a terrible way to govern. So, today, I am here to tell you what I believe...with the hope that we can find common ground and move toward making a lasting difference in our country.

First of all, I personally believe that the Jesus of the Bible is the ultimate historical example of how to live, love, and lead. He was compassionate to those who were less fortunate, loving to those who disagreed with him, and a servant to those he worked alongside. As a candidate for United States Senate, I pledge to follow Jesus' leadership model as best I know how. Furthermore, I challenge any person of any faith to suggest that the methods implemented by Jesus of Nazareth would not be a breath of fresh air in Washington.

I know that there are some who are concerned that Christianity will cloud my judgement and keep me from being objective. But that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. Bribery clouds a person's judgement. Not belief. Quid pro quo diminishes objectivity. Not conviction. When someone has faith in something that money can't buy and power can't corrupt, their thinking remains clear and their resolve remains steadfast. My beliefs (both in God and in the Constitution) dictate my actions...not a paycheck, not a power trip, not a President.

For those who are worried that my own personal morality will negatively impact the freedom of the American people, please hear me. I proudly serve a God who gives people a choice as to whether or not they follow Him. Far be it from me to attempt to legislate what God has designed to be optional. In accordance with the laws of the land, I believe in the freedom of religion, all religion, providing that one person's religious beliefs don't violate another citizen's life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness.

Finally, speaking of life, I believe that life is given by God. But I also believe that it's guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. I promise to vote in favor of the unborn without fail, fulfilling my duty not only as a Christian, but as an American.

I look forward to your vote on November 2nd. May America bless God and may God Bless America. Thank you."

You Can't Legislate Common Sense

2010-09-14T10:57:00.002-05:00

Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's wise.

For example, it's legal to ride a motorcycle in the state of Illinois without wearing a helmet. It's legal to cheat on your spouse. It's legal to let your fourteen year old daughter sail around the world by herself. It's legal to build a mosque (or "Islamic Center") at Ground Zero in New York. None of them is exactly smart, sure, but every one of them is perfectly acceptable in the eyes of the law.

A gap frequently exists between the rules and what is considered "right", and (no matter how ridiculous it may seem) there are always people willing to completely ignore logic and instead tiptoe along the lines of legality. As much as we may try to legislate common sense, it's impossible, because there's always someone stupider than the system. (Does it really have to be against the law to go over Niagara Falls in barrel?)

I've noticed that there seems to be several commonalities amongst people who bypass "smart" and instead chose "legal." I call them Justification Gymnasts, as they carefully try to find the (usually unattainable) balance between their legal obligation and their moral compass. (And, let's face it, we've all been Justification Gymnasts at one time or another.)

1. Justification Gymnasts have their priorities out of order. Riding without a helmet puts style over safety. Having an affair puts pleasure in front of persistence. Sending your kid around the world in a boat puts recognition ahead of reason. Building an Islamic mosque steps away from Ground Zero puts selfishness over sensitivity.

2. Justification Gymnasts don't realize they've lost their balance until it's too late. Many motorcyclists don't get a second chance after their first helmet-less crash. Many marriages don't recover after a sacred trust has been broken. Many parents lose their kids forever (literally or figuratively) when the proper boundaries aren't in place. And, at least in this one case, a rogue Imam may permanently damage any possible relationship between peaceful Muslims and the rest of the American people by going through with his plans.

In the end, no matter how much we try, you and I can't determine what these "gymnasts" choose to do. Apart from the law of the land, we can't control the actions of others. But we can control our responses to those actions. Matthew 7:12 says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Notice it's not, "Do unto others as they have done unto you." Bummer.

I have no doubt that the Ground Zero mosque will be built, despite the overwhelming rejection of the idea by the American people. And, regardless, our sensibilities will certainly be offended again soon by a different person or organization that wants to legally push their agenda regardless of how sensible it is. It happens all the time.

So, how will you and I react when these types of things come up?" Is it legal for us to call these people names? Is it legal for us to write scathing blogs or articles about them? It is legal for us to make life as difficult as possible for them? Yes. Yes. Yes.

But, the question really is, are these kinds of reactions wise? As if Matthew 7 weren't enough of an answer, Proverbs 9:12 says it this way: "If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

3 Reasons to Burn the Koran

2010-09-09T06:37:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about why any church would want to burn copies of the Koran, like the Dove World Outreach Center is planning to do on Saturday in Florida. Personally, I've been able to come up with three reasons:

1. They want to make a difference. Some churches effect change in their community by hosting Vacation Bible School, by handing out free bottled water on a hot day, or by helping single moms repair their minivans. But those things don't generally get you on CNN or Fox. You've got to really think outside the box to get noticed by the big boys and really impact lives.

2. They want to take a stand. Some congregations choose to speak out against highly controversial (and yet Biblical) issues like abortion and non-traditional marriage and public prayer. But, about half of people disagree with what God has to say about those things - and that's no fun. It's far better to publicly show your hatred for terrorism. Way more people are going to resonate with the idea that randomly blowing up things is wrong.

3. They want to share their beliefs. Some Christians take a friend out to lunch or invite a neighbor to a play. Some bring dinner to the family who moved in down the street or visit a co-worker in the hospital. But those things just reach one or two people at a time. Why not do something that will show the entire world what Christianity is all about, instead of just a few?

Well, regardless of those three "pseudo-stellar" reasons for burning the Koran, I can also think of one pretty good reason for the Dove World Outreach Center to step away from their lighters on Saturday: the words of Jesus. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says, "But I tell you: love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

The Bible tells us that love will always win out. And, thankfully, no matter how many copies of the Koran are burned on Saturday, that truth will never change.

Taking the Bait

2010-08-25T11:28:00.001-05:00

Perhaps its just me, but I often feel the pull to do (and to be) more. To fill my days and nights with meaningful and weighty activities that quench my own selfish need for significance. Frequently, these are good things like volunteer opportunities or church commitments or extra work responsibilities. But, recently, I've begun to understand that the good has a not-so-subtle way of pulling me away from the great.

This “less vs. more” battle actually began long ago. In the beginning – the very beginning – with the dawning of time itself.

After setting the stars in the sky, washing the world in water, and covering creation’s continents with plants and animals, God made man. On the sixth day, the Lord of the universe breathed Adam into being, and later Eve, and lovingly placed them in paradise. In utopia.

The Garden of Eden was perfect in every way, and (save one very important tree) the land, and everything on it, was theirs. Genesis 2 tells us that God’s masterpiece was Adam’s and Eve’s to tend, to work, and (presumably) to enjoy. There were no other tasks to worry about – no other jobs to do. Just tend, work, and enjoy.

It’s why they were created.

But Satan, the serpent, sensed a foothold. He placed a bet that, if he could create dissatisfaction on Earth – if he could divert humans from their true calling – he could gain the upper hand. So, the snake tempted Adam and Eve. And he tempted them with more.

More power. More knowledge. More control.

And Adam and Eve bit.

It was from that day forward that humans began covering up. We began hiding. From God. From our individual callings. From our unique purposes in life. While Adam and Eve layered themselves with leaves, today we bury ourselves with busyness. Mask ourselves with the mundane. Clothe ourselves with control.

You and I have each been created for a purpose – a purpose for which God asks us to devote our lives – and yet we’re somehow not satisfied with it. We want more. We have a snake (of sorts) whispering in our ear that we can do it all. We can have it all. We can be it all. And "all" is always just a little bit more.

We've taken the bait...just like Adam and Eve did.

So, today, I'm encouraging you (and me) to ignore the whisper. To dismiss the little voice that says you're not doing enough. To walk away from the temptation to add just one more thing to your plate - even if it's a "good" thing. And then, in turn, to consciously embrace the reasons that God has put you on this planet and leave the rest alone.

If history's first inhabitants had done as much, we would be living in a very different world.

Separating Art and Actions

2010-08-18T07:40:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I sometimes find it difficult to separate people from their problems.

It's easy to associate what someone does with who they are. It's easy to assume that a person's outside permanently betrays their inside. But it's hard to realize that each and every person on the planet was created by, and is loved by, God...regardless of his or her actions. And it's even harder to figure out how we, as Christians, react to those people as they freely choose to live life independently of what the Bible teaches.

At what point, if ever, do we decide to distance ourselves (socially, educationally, etc.) from a person or group based on what they do or don't do? At what point, if ever, is our attention more harmful than it is helpful. At what point, if ever, does our time become the outright condoning of behavior that is contrary to a Christ-follower's beliefs.

For example, when Ellen joined the cast of American Idol last year, there were plenty of people of faith questioning whether they would ever watch their favorite show again. Anne Rice's comments about abandoning Christianity recently left many believers wondering whether they should read her novels anymore. When Amy Grant went through a divorce there were hoards of people suddenly dismissing her music - past, present, and future.

Though I certainly don't have all the answers, I've forced myself to immediately question these gut-level responses. To inherently second-guess whether or not I'm truly taking a stand for righteousness, or simply throwing stones because it's convenient.

Consciously or unconsciously, I think we often feel like we're somehow betraying Jesus if our money or time or energy goes to a person who has publicly ignored Him. Watching Ellen somehow implies that we support the gay lifestyle. Reading Anne Rice somehow implies that we've accepted her supposed rejection of Christianity. Listening to El Shaddai somehow implies that we think divorce is the best decision for troubled marriages.

While it's not always the case, I think that most often we as Christians are carelessly separating ourselves from a world in which Christ is desperately needed. We're so scared of accidentally stepping into spiritual quicksand, that we (instead) end up cowering in the corner...burying ourselves in our own kind. Trapped forever in a useless pile of self-righteousness.

Obviously, every family is entitled to determine what television shows, movies, books, and music is appropriate for them. We do that in our house all the time. However, we've made a calculated decision to differentiate between a person's art and his or her actions.

I love John Mayer's music. I think Ellen is hilarious. Bing Crosby is a staple in our home at Christmas. Yet, I would never endorse the lifestyles that each has (or had) chosen to lead. Their art is fabulous and is appropriate for me and my family. Their actions, not so much.

In the Bible (Matthew 7:1-2 NIV) it says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Meaning, if a person's sin is the determining factor for whether or not we associate with a person, none of us would ever be able to talk to, laugh with or enjoy one another's company. Ever.

Yes, we have a moral obligation to govern the images and ideas that enter our minds...but we also have a moral obligation to not shun or disown or disregard people simply because they're not living up to a certain lifestyle. If a person's art is offensive, that's one thing. If their private, personal actions are sinful, to me, that's quite different.

Otherwise, in light of Romans 3:23, you probably shouldn't be reading my blog.

It's About the Heart, Not the Hair

2010-08-17T10:30:00.001-05:00

I wanted to respond to a Wall Street Journal article that twenty-something Brett McCracken recently wrote about the state of the church. In "The Perils of 'Wannabe Cool' Christianity", McCracken laments the trend of many pastors, authors, speakers, worship leaders, and others who have (in his words) tried to make Jesus "cool."

In his piece the author condemns using technology like Twitter and texting, writing books about sex and sensuality, and hosting shocking websites and posting viral videos as being both gimmicky and fake. He laments skinny jeans and gelled hair and, I can only assume, "deep V" t-shirts. In fact, McCracken writes, "If the evangelical Christian leadership thinks that "cool Christianity" is a sustainable path forward, they are severely mistaken. As a twentysomething, I can say with confidence that when it comes to church, we don't want cool as much as we want real."

Just barely out of my own twenty-somethings, I can tell you first-hand that he's right. Partially. Today's generation does want authenticity. We do want transparency. We do want honesty. But I think it's more than unfair to use someone's "cool factor" or "cultural relevance" as a measuring stick for whether or not he or she is being genuine.

The Bible asks Christians to be in the world, but not of it. And, admittedly, that's a fine line to walk. But there is one man who did it pretty well. Perfectly actually. Jesus was the ultimate example of both cultural relevancy and spiritual authority. Instead of Lost and American Idol, He referenced lost sheep and golden calves. Instead of using 140 characters on a cell phone, He used lines in the sand. Instead of YouTube videos and Facebook posts, Jesus told stories that were virally spread through word of mouth.

And He did it all without a shred of insincerity or phoniness.

It is possible to live out an honest, true faith and still be relevant to the people of the 21st century. It is possible to completely be in love with Jesus and still effectively reach a culture that is drawn to the temporal. It is possible to be real and still wear gel or skinny jeans or the "deep V." Are these things always authentic? No. But can they be? Absolutely.

I know that many have a strong distaste for all things modern or hip or cool, but as long as the main thing remains the main thing, I'm really not sure what all of the complaining is about? As Jesus modeled for us in the Bible, true authenticity has nothing to do with hair and everything to do with heart.

The Magic Microwave

2010-08-12T15:57:00.001-05:00

My three year old Jeremiah was "cooking" in his Little Tykes kitchen the other day. Making pizza apparently. When he pulled his creation from the oven, he sadly said, "Oh no, it's burned!" With that, the little guy walked over to his pretend microwave and threw the charred pizza inside. Several seconds later he opened the door and exclaimed, "Look! It's not burned anymore!"

Of course, in reality, that's not possible. On a purely elemental level, burned can't become unburned. There's no undoing that action. Once dinner is charred, it's ruined - permanently. And, unless you have a magic microwave like Jeremiah, it's time to call Domino's.

I was burned once. Maybe you have been too. My "fire" happened almost six years ago. September 27th, 2004. I'm actually looking at the divorce degree right now. Some of the problems were clearly my fault. Some of them clearly weren't. But burned is burned, regardless of where the flames originated.

As if saying goodbye to the woman I married at the tender age of twenty-one wasn't painful enough, for quite some time I was daily scorched by what I call "false flickers." Each searing singe reminded me that, after a divorce, God couldn't (or wouldn't) use me anymore. That my stupid mistakes and decisions and actions were, essentially, fatal. That I was permanently ruined.

But, thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth.

God is in the business of turning burned bodies into beautiful beings. He's a master at making miracles out of our messes. He regularly redeems the rusty, the rotten, and the rundown. Just ask David (the adulterer) or Moses (the murderer) or Jacob (the liar). Even after their notorious falls from grace, God chose to use each of them mightily. And He promises to do the same for you and me.

Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."

Whether you're struggling with alcohol or affairs...habits or hangups...drugs or divorce...know that there is no such thing as "permanently ruined" with God. No matter how much smoke is in the kitchen, some way, some how, He always manages to get dinner on the table. And it's never from Domino's.

Living in Bulk

2010-08-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

Recently a survey was released that gave seven surprising tips for saving money when you shop. Honestly, some of them weren’t all that surprising (ie. don't shop when you're hungry). But one tip definitely caught me off guard: don't buy in bulk.

Wasn’t picking up the sixty-four roll toilet paper value pack supposed to save me cash down the road? Wasn’t the jumbo tub of mayonnaise supposed to be cheaper for me in the long run?

Apparently not.

Though the survey results didn't make sense at first, the more I've thought about them, the more I'm starting to understand. In fact, I think the answer is pretty simple: when we have more, we use more.

With a gallon of ketchup in the fridge, there’s no reason not to squirt a little extra on your hamburger. With twenty-four identical pairs of white socks in the drawer, there’s no need to hang on to one or two that get a small hole in the bottom. With the life-size box of Cheerios in the pantry, there’s no purpose in not completely filling your bowl – even if you’re not all that hungry.

Conservation, I've found, is born out of need. Until many of us have a bona fide reason to "go easy", we don't. (No one ever thought of recycling before the dumps started filling up and forests started being depleted.)

Cans of soda may be more expensive per ounce than a two-liter, but I guarantee you’ll go through the exact same amount much faster when it’s in the bottle than when it's in the can. There's more to be had...so we do. When the gas light goes on in the car, it’s natural for most people to drive more conservatively. To take fewer trips. To consolidate their errands. Not so with a full tank.

The point for you and me? While it seems like doing or being everything to everybody (I'll call it "living in bulk") is a sign of effectiveness or competence, it's actually the just the opposite. Instead of being everything to everyone, we eventually become nothing to everyone. In fact, three things happen when we try to "live in bulk":

1. We poorly maintain our relationships.

2. We needlessly waste our abilities.

3. We carelessly dilute our calling.

God's plan for your life (and mine) never involves ignoring our families for the sake of our job or our church. It never involves doing everything sort of well and nothing very well. It never involves watering our lives down to the point that we can't possibly make an impact.

If you read Romans 12:8 (NLT), you'll notice that it's full of "ifs" and not "ands":

"IF your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. IF it is giving, give generously. IF God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And IF you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

You and I are on this planet to be an "if" not an "and." We're charged with making a difference, not to everyone, but to someone. We're called to be a small part of the Body of Christ, rather than have Christ be a small part of our body.

The temptation is to do it all, but "living in bulk" merely meets our own needs...not anyone else's.

I Golf, Therefore I Swear

2010-08-05T09:11:00.001-05:00

I saw this quote several years ago and, unfortunately, I think it's pretty accurate.

How is it that a tiny white ball and a long stick can cause grown men and women so much stress? How is it that a four inch hole cut into some grass can prove so elusive? How is it that trying to hit my three-iron makes me want to throw it into a lake?

Ask most any instructor, and they'll tell you that the surefire way to improve your golf game is to simplify your swing. When you're trying to exert every possible bit of force from your body (and the golf club) onto one very specific part of the ball, too many wiggles or waggles can be disastrous. They can cause you to lose momentum and hit the shot short. They can cause you to not hit the ball flush and send it careening into the woods. They can cause you to hit over the top of the ball and skip it just barely past the kiddie tees. Or, in my case, they can cause you to miss the ball completely...thereby forcing you to pretend like you were taking a very life-like practice swing.

As Christians (and as people) I think it's time to simplify our collective swings. If you're like me, you could probably use fewer wiggles and waggles. You could handle removing several things from your plate that are pulling you off course and keeping you from doing the things in life that God is calling you to do. From hitting the proverbial ball as far and as straight and as high as you could be.

Recently, I've come to adopt the following phrase into my decision-making routine: "Jesus was born to save the world. I wasn't." It's not my job to do everything or reach everybody. It's my job to get rid of all the extraneous stuff in my life and put my time, money, and energy behind the relatively few things that Christ has called me to.

I've hit far too many of life's golf balls into the woods and the water to continue whacking away on my own. I'm just getting frustrated anyway. So, I've decided to simplify my swing. Care to join me?