Category: Life & Learning

Make it corny to make it stick

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I remember early on in teaching a key aspect of the art: When you make something corny it sticks longer. Corny is what it is. But, it’s not all bad. Think of it this way. If you want someone to remember something, to have it mull around in their head, what do you do? A strong emotional attachment to something helps it stick to one’s memory.

Winter, often used a symbol of death, ended yesterday. It was incredibly warm. I couldn’t help but think that some people’s winter ends with a permanent heat wave. Then I thought, wow, that’s a corny thought. But, it reminded me of something. There are eternal consequences for our actions. For some winter ends in bliss, for others in torment. Often people try to squelch, suppress, or overly emphasis and scare people with the topic of hell. It’s real, it’s a consequence, it should effect how we live. However, hell isn’t the main thing.

Spring is associated with birth and new life, and that is the main thing. Jesus came to conquer sin and death. He came to point people to life and in Him we’re a new creature.

The bottom line: Some people’s winter will end with an eternal heat wave. Corny? Yep. So, I hope it sticks and causes you to love people to Jesus.

Life & Religious Freedom vs Connivence

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The news of late stands as alarming. Given an issue with a nonprofit wanting to stop funding for planned parent hood, the healthcare mandate on contraception, churches not being able to meet in public schools when such are not in session, small groups not allowed to meet in homes, it should give one pause. Life and freedom are fragile things.

Life
A society is measured by how it treats life. What concerns me about discussions of late is how pregnancy is treated. To be frank let me say this: Children are not pets. Life should be celebrated regardless of where it comes from. While I believe abortive contraception is wrong, the issue isn’t contraception. The issue is how we as a society view life. Are we at the point where life is only ok when it’s convenient? Societies have often found themselves on this slippery slope and millions die as a result.

Jesus died for all sin. Abortion is no doubt a sensitive topic often treated without grace. At the same time it must be clearly stated that all life is precious. If life is only precious through the lens of connivence, then as a society we’re in very dangerous territory. We fight for life when cancer is involved but as a society fall silent when birth is involved. It seems the greatest sin in our society is being inconvenienced.

Religious Freedom
A society is also measured by how it handles religious freedom. Religion has been the cause of war and discrimination. It has also been the cause for equality and life. By stating religion I’m including atheism as a religion as its system of belief and practice, as it’s fallout is like that of other religions. A war on religion is a war on freedom itself. For once a society tries to control religion tyranny is close at hand.

Having baptistic beliefs, I’m a firm believer in individual soul liberty. The first amendment was largely promoted by Baptists. In Virginia Baptists preachers, a minority, were thrown into prison for preaching without a license. Individual soul liberty means one has the choice of what religion they are to follow and should not be coerced into a system of beliefs, such as the Anglican or catholic church. This was a reaction to religious intolerance of the old world.

Interestingly, freedom of religion isn’t convenient. Nor is the freedom of assembly convenient. The first amendment is a foundational principle to freedom and our country. Without it we’re left with tyranny which is sadly already taking root. Our society does not, nor should it grant the right of freedom from religion. Given actions of late, however, one wonders what direction we shall take. If I were the press I’d be worried, for if religion and assembly are hindered, freedom of the press could be next.

The bottom line:
Are we a society willing to give up freedom at the altar of connivence? We’re constantly sacrificing morality in the name of freedom, but freedom is fast being sacrificed as well. What will we do when suddenly tyranny ceases to be convenient and we already gave up the freedoms that help keep tyranny in check?

We have a dad problem, not a debt problem

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“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ~Apostle Paul

Our society has a dad problem. Not a debt problem. Not a… name the issue… problem. We have a dad problem. If you look at crime statistics, school statistics, you name it, you’ll likely be able to trace it to a dad issue.

Why a dad not a man problem?
I think THE crucial aim of a dad is to develop his boy into a man, and to model for his daughter what a great man is. This involves being a man himself. This involves character. This involves being a romancer of his wife. This even involves showing how to get back up from failure. If I had to target one area to win the war on manhood, I’d start with dads.

Father doesn’t mean dad
The ability to cause a life to happen doesn’t make you a dad. Let’s define what a dad is: A dad is a responsible man who defends, disciplines, develops and loves on people. I say people because you can’t be one person at work and another at home. Consistency matters if we’re to develop our kids to be solid adults. Kids pick up on hypocrisy quickly.

The war on manhood
Our society lost what it means to become a man. This came from three things: 1) A consequence of an egalitarian view of the family instead of a complementarian view. 2) Men have abdicated their responsibility of being a man. 3) It takes good dads to to have good dads. Dad’s are the key to turning this around.

The example
If we want a model of what it means to be a man, Jesus is the best place to start. 1) Jesus stayed on mission. He pointed people to God. That’s how He rolled. 2) Jesus patiently pushed, taught and comfortable people. The disciples were a crazy bunch of dudes who often lacked faith and were about themselves. After Jesus rose from the dead, the 12 men acted as selfless servants. 3) Jesus defended people. Jesus sacrificially defended people. A man’s job is to take the hits for others.

The bottom line
Want to solve our debt problem, crime problem, poor problem, etc? Open the door to develop solid dads. Character, principle, compassion, romance, creativity, productivity and joy starts with dad.. For my Christian friends, great dads is the start to great theology.

PS… Thanks, Dad!

The Dynamics of Communication and Sex… Deal on Amazon

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There is a deal in Amazon for Pastor Jim Olah’s book “The Dynamics of Communication and Sex.” Jim pastored for nearly 40 years and has a passion for counseling and pastoral care. The book is only available via the kindle or kindle app. Valentines Day is coming up and the book is available for free through the upcoming holiday of love.

You can find the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072BVUJU

Brush your teeth… A parable

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Perplexed and scratching his head, the man could not figure out why his presence people dread. His posture, clothing and appearance were fine, it was his breath that was far from divine.

To flashback a time or two is to visit a statement when the dentist was through. He said to the man most perplexed what at the end of the day he should do next. “Brush your teeth, floss & rinse, this will keep you like a prince.” With an eye roll and a droll sigh, the perplexed man waved goodbye.

I am fine this I see in how everyone one interacts with me. A week or two went by without so much as a leave or cry. But as time progressed each week and day, something told people they should not stay. Each week it became clear, the smell of his breath you had fear.

So the perplexed man sat wondering what to do about peoples’ reactions that were no longer new. He ate things minty and sweet, but that only lasted a moment before defeat. Then he remembered his scoff to a dentist’s advice given so soft. Perhaps the man was right and was trying to help not fright.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” ~Ephesians 5:25-27

Read your Bible!

2012 Election Season Tips

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Here comes another election year and the onslaught of all that comes with an election cycle. I wanted to give a few tips as we enter this season. Too often in churches politics becomes polarizing. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Gospel First Gospel Central
A key question to ask yourself is what is most important? In relationships with people is it more important that they follow your political persuasion or that they now Christ? For some people aiming to persuade a political opinion can close the door to the Gospel. I’m passionate about our country, but I more passionate about the Cross.

Be Informed
You have an obligation to be informed: about the process, about the people, and about their views. Not just what you believe but also other viewpoints. The big thing: think and develop discernment. It is often to get stuck on a single issue. Often that is counter productive.

Be Civil
A Democrat may be a socialist and a Republican may be a fascist, but that’s rarely true. Often they’re people just like you trying to make sense out of the world and be a part of the process. Be Civil. If you can’t be civil, take Proverbs advice and be quiet as “even a fool is consider wise when he keeps his mouth shut.” For some historical perspective, our country often sees hard times and has intense elections. As Christians, we should elevate civil discourse and model it well.

Pray
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” ~1 Tim 2:1-2

Be Involved
It’s not wrong to hold a political opinion. To act completely neutral isn’t authentic. The Bible says to submit to governing authorities and according to our constitution, that’s “we the people” in an election. Where being involved becomes a problem is when the Gospel is no longer first and central. Holding your political views doesn’t make a person saved. Knowing Jesus and the power of the resurrection does.

Vote
Vote and encourage others to vote. And when you vote: be informed, examine Scripture, pray and then vote your conscience.

The bottom line:
Elections have been nasty because “We the people…” made them nasty. Let’s set a new standard for 2012 regardless if you’re DNC, GOP or ???. As Christians let’s not forget what is most important. Don’t turn people off to the Gospel because of pushing a political opinion.

2011 Issue of the year… Civility…

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I spent much time talking about civility and public discourse in 2011. Offline discussions with friends frequented that topic as well. Here in chronological order are posts about the topic of civility and public discourse. It’s interesting that when I started blogging on this topic that soon aft wards it entered into the public lime line with the shooting of a congresswoman.

https://twoznek.com/2011/01/06/a-return-to-civility/

https://twoznek.com/2011/01/11/civility-civility-where-art-thou/

https://twoznek.com/2011/02/24/book-review-decisions-points-by-george-w-bush/

https://twoznek.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=795&action=edit

https://twoznek.com/2011/09/06/civility-is-a-marathon-and-we’re-out-of-breath/

https://twoznek.com/2011/10/19/occupy-whatever-the-problem-of-protests-morality/

2011 Look Back… Top posts…

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It’s fun to look back at all the blog posts for 2011. The last half of the year was sporadic given a transition into a new leadership position. One of the biggest posts is:
https://twoznek.com/2011/06/21/a-new-chapter/

Most viewed posts of this year was:
Book review on Think Orange. Hardly a week doesn’t go by without this being viewed:
https://twoznek.com/2010/04/05/book-review-think-orange-by-reggie-joiner/

Top post for 2011 was on civil discourse and social media:
https://twoznek.com/2011/03/01/civil-discourse-conflict-and-social-media/

Ironically, the second most viewed post dealt with conflict and social media:
https://twoznek.com/2011/07/12/man-up-why-i-agree-with-mark-driscoll/

Civility, or the lack there of, was a major issue in 2011. In various events it seems America could use a lesson on how to interact appropriately with each other. For sure, over reactions or mis-understanding fueled tirades filled most of the year. Hopefully that won’t be the case coming into an election year…

The next thing…

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Fresh paint makes the old stand out. Once its done you see the next thing that needs to get done. Once that’s done you see the next. Cleaning up a house or building is like growing in Christ. Everything can’t get done at once. But, once you finish one thing, the next thing stands out. Here are a couple things to think through as you head into the new year…

Plan
Set up a growth plan. Keep it simple, doable, and big enough to stretch you. People often get scared or short-circuit with words like “review” or “evaluate.” Developing a growth plan serves the same function but has an added bonus: A growth plan focuses on where you’re going and can do, not where you’ve been and fall short. This is why Disney focuses on growth plans instead of annual reviews.

Focus
Complete a step that will push you to the next step. It’s like dominos. Focus on what’s going to propel you to the next thing when you’re done. Watching dominos fall is sweet when things are place and well executed. The big secret to focus is saying no. The power of no is a stronger yes.

Celebrate
Rest and enjoy your work. God made us to work and He made us to enjoy life as well. People who are driven would accomplish more by trying to do less. For example, many people who are big into physical fitness overwork themselves. This prevents them from achieving the goals. They’re over working. A trainer of mine said most people who are into working out would become stronger if they did less.

Do something
If you’re clueless where to start, just start. The advantage of planning is that its easier to change with a plan than without one. The big thing about just starting is humility. Ask for help. Sometimes you need someone to just say, good plan, go for it. To quote photographers, the best camera is the one in your hand. Just get started.

We’re starting back up….

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Back in September I began the process of deciding where to take my blog. I haven’t written much since then because to post to just post something doesn’t make sense to me. While consistency is king for blogging, posting to just post doesn’t make sense. I invested time in reading about blogging and other pastors who blog or tweet. Here are some conclusions.

Blogging is legitimate
I listen carefully to older saints, and they make a strong point on younger people in ministry writing about ministry. Some go as far as to say younger people shouldn’t. I obviously disagree with that. Here is why, we need one another. I think a wise person is able to weigh what a person says. Sometimes I find older people forget the rawness and energy of starting out jus as younger forget to look and listen from the mistakes of older saints. I view blogging as a community exercise. We need many voices.

Blogging needs to avoid hot issues
One peace of advice given is to not blog about hot topics if you’re working through them in your church. This is a big issue I looked at as to blog or not blog. I like to blog about what I am passionate about. I also recognize there is a church audience that can read this blog. This is amplified by my liking to discuss new ideas. Obviously there are things I need to avoid and the question is can I blog and avoid them. To quote my son: I think I can. (For the grammar police, peace was chosen specifically.)

Blogging is writing
I like to write. I enjoy it. Pretty much that is why I started blogging. I’m not so concerned with building an audience as I am in enjoying the writing and refining ideas. There is much to right about, such as developing ideas I had to cut from a sermon, book reviews, or things God is teaching me.

The bottom line:
I’ll try to blog about 2-3 times a week. It will continue on the line of life and ministry.