Ramblings of the Journey through Life and Leadership

Doubt: An Invitation

2011-12-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

"Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty" -Father Flynn in the opening scene of the play Doubt.

We often deal with doubt in an unhealthy way... a way that leaves us empty and questioning our faith. But I'm learning that there is a healthy way to face our doubts. I'm learning to deal with my doubt in a way that reveals His character, postures me in His presence, and deepens my faith. I'm learning to see it as an opportunity to bond with God in a powerful and sustaining way.

If you are familiar with Thomas from Scripture at all, you probably know him for his moment of doubt. He is even often known as "Doubting Thomas."

We know Thomas for his doubt. I think Jesus knows Thomas for his faith.

In John 11, when all the other disciples were scared to accompany Jesus back to Judea for fear the Jews would kill them... Thomas spoke up and said "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). Thomas had a desire to be in the presence of Jesus. He was committed.

Then in John 14, Jesus tells the disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them. Jesus tells them he will come back and take them with him...that they will know where he is going. Thomas pipes up and says, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (John 14:5)

Thomas once again longed for Jesus' presence.

Then there is the infamous "Doubting Thomas" moment. Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to most of the disciples, but Thomas missed out on the experience.

"Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-25)

So, yeah, Thomas doubted. But as we read in the next few verses that doubt led Him into the presence of Jesus. He put his fingers where the nails were. And he believed. He proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Thomas allowed his doubts to force him into a deeper faith.

What are your doubts right now? Don't let those doubts make you wander away from your faith. See them as an invitation into His presence... an invitation to uncover His character.

Character Compass

2011-11-16T15:57:00.000-05:00

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times.

In your 20s (and 30s) it's not about what God is doing through you, it's about what He is building in you. It's more about the person you are becoming than the work you are doing.

In case you didn't know, I'm a little on the impatient side. Ok, A LOT on the impatient side. I want to do. I want to lead. I want to influence. I want to be used.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love learning. In fact, I have a freakish memory when it comes to soaking up information that I know I want to capture. "Growth" is even one of my values. But for some reason this lesson has been a tough one for me to tackle.

But this is what I know I need to learn based on that principle...

The character you are building needs to become part of your muscle memory. Surrender needs to become a habit. Integrity needs to become a habit. Grace. Forgiveness. Obedience. Loyalty. And I'm learning that once I practice those holy habits long enough it will become an old pattern. They need to be developed and become a part of my character compass that will be set for when the pressure is on.

It's not an "either or" statement. It's a "both and". It's not that I can't lead or influence or be used. But, that shouldn't be my focus. Right now, I shoudn't be focused on production. I should be focused on development.

So in the season that I'm in now, it's important that I'm building the character that will one day be able to sustain my calling.

If you are a young leader, I would really encourage you to read these posts that have been influential for me over the past couple weeks:

Brad Lomenick: Rules for Young Leaders on Gaining Credibility
Mark Batterson: 17 Reminders for Leaders
Ron Edmundson: My Hardest Advice for Young Leaders

Voices from the Crowd

2011-11-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

My parents didn't say much. They trusted my coach usually. But sometimes, my dad's voice boomed. Sometimes my mom would stand nervously. They rarely questioned, but when they did, it was hard not to listen.

Most of us have seen "those parents". The ones that yell plays to their kids from the stands. "Get back on defense!" Usually those parents aren't aware that during the last timeout your coach told you to full-court press on the next made basket. "Shoot the ball." Usually those parents aren't aware that before the game your coach commanded that you pass 5 times before a shot was taken. So who do you listen to?

I think it's a question worth asking in our everyday lives. Who do you listen to?

Do you listen to the people in the crowd (who may have your best interest in mind) who are unaware of what God is doing in your life. Or do you choose to tune them out and have selective hearing reserved for the most important voice- God.

Now, don't get me wrong. I think it is important- and Biblical- to listen to the people in our lives. I think God uses the voices of the people around us to communicate truth when it's hard, encouragement when we need it, and correction when it's the last thing we want. But, I am also aware that there is a danger in that.

Don't get so focused on the voices in the crowd that they boom over the voice of your coach.

I met my Paul.

2011-10-24T10:41:00.001-04:00

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Paul. Timothy. Reliable people. Others.
Paul. Timothy. Reliable people. Others.

4 Generations.

I had the incredible privilege of hanging out with my "Paul" this weekend. Dave Buehring was in town to speak to our leaders at National Community Church about creating a culture of honor and leading out of the ways of God. It was such a joy to sit under his teaching at Leadership Summit.

But my biggest takeaway this weekend came on Friday night when I was having a conversation with Dave and Heather. It was the evidence of 2 Timothy 2:2 right in front of me.

Dave discipled Heather. Heather is discipling me. Paul. Timothy.

I'm so grateful that Dave took the time to invest in Heather. To pass on what the Lord had deposited in him and what he had learned from those who went before him. I'm so grateful that Heather has taken that, captured it, made it her own, and so generously passed that on to me.

Now I am a "reliable person" and I am tasked to pass on what has been deposited in me to "others".

Discipleship has NEVER been more real to me. Dave didn't just make a disciple...he made a disciple-maker. I don't want to just be a disciple. I want to be a disciple-maker. And one day, like Dave, I want to be a Paul... 4 generations removed.

Who's your Paul? Who are you being a Paul to?

THE List.

2011-09-26T13:30:00.001-04:00

I have one year. Well actually, I'm already down to 11 months now. This is a list of things I want to do during my Protege Year. If you have anything you think I should add to the list, let me know!! AND if you have connections to make some of these things happen, please share :)

I've already gotten to do lots of great things since I got to DC on September 1st. I've toured the Naval Academy in Annapolis, gone apple picking in Maryland, lots of monument walks, went to a Mystics game, and I've been to 3 Nationals games. I've already had lots of fun, but I'm hoping to cross off everything on my list by next August! Here's to lots of adventures!!

1. Go on a Segway tour

2. Tour the Museum of Modern Art in NYC

3. See Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center

4. Tour the Capitol building

5. Fly a kite next to the Washington Monument

6. Visit the Holocaust Museum

7. Tour the National Cathedral

8. Sporting events! Redskins, ~~Nationals~~, ~~Mystics~~, Wizards, DC United

9. Go to the National Zoo

10. Hang out at Gravelly Point

11. Write a sermon with Heather

12. Visit all the Smithsonian Museums in DC

13. Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden with Jenilee

14. Hike the Billy Goat Trail

15. Go to the Inner Harbor (the REAL Inner Harbor)

16. Go to the Army v Navy game

17. Visit Mount Vernon

18. National arboretum 4 leaf clover competition

19. Ferry from Old Town to National Habor

20. Hang out at Yards Park

21. Shooting range with Maegan

22. Ice sculptures

23. Midnight Memorial tour with Heather

24. Change of the guard at Arlington

25. Baltimore aquarium

26. See Memphis on Broadway with Heather

27. Marine Barracks parade

28. Visit Gettysburg

29. ~~Explore Annapolis~~

30. Scavenger hunt at Crime and Punishment Museum

31. Play basketball on top of the Supreme Court

32. Wings of Fancy exhibit

The Process

2011-09-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

I've always been driven by results. The scoreboard didn't matter until the clock hit 0:00. The project wasn't completed until I turned it in. Point A is great. But Point B is what matters. That's what I've always thought...

The last three months have completely rocked my way of thinking about this. I saw DC as the end, and I wanted to get there. That was what mattered. I had no idea how much I would learn in the process. I've been stretched. I've grown. I've been forced to give up control and be dependent on God. I learned what it meant to finish well. I found the importance of honoring those around me.

So, I have started a new chapter in my journey. Along with it will come challenges, successes, failures, adventures, and probably even some frustrations. But I can already say that it is worth it because just the process of getting here caused me to be more like Jesus Christ. And THAT is what really matters.

I am moving to DC....WHAT?!?!

2011-08-22T08:24:00.000-04:00

You know those times when someone asks you why you are doing something and your only answer is "God". It feels like such a cop-out. Like there has to be so much more to it. The person on the other end insists on you giving details and the process behind your decision.

Why am I moving to Washington DC? God. That's really it. And it's not a cop-out. It is me recognizing that His fingerprints have been all over the unexpected.

Ok, ok. You want more than just that, I know. And I'm willing to give more as long as you recognize that at the end of it all... God. He is the reason. He has guided, revealed, confirmed, and sustained. And HE is the reason.

I am moving to DC on September 1 (I'm home with my family in KY for a few days) to join the team at National Community Church. I will be taking part in their Protege Program while working primarily with their Discipleship Team. I will also get to spend some time working alongside their Student Ministry Team.

NCC is a multi-site church with seven locations in the DC Metro area. They have two permanent locations, Ebenezers Coffeehouse and Barracks Row, and then they meet in rented space in movie theaters in the area. I have had the opportunity to visit NCC on two different occasions and I have already fallen in love with the culture and values of the church. They have an intense desire to see people involved in community and I am looking forward to serving the vision of NCC!

The Protege Program is an intensive leadership development program that serves as a training and proving ground for emerging church leaders. It will force me to stretch myself, both in my faith and leadership, and lay a firm foundation to pursue the life-long pursuit of the passion and vision that God has place on my life. As an NCC Protege, I will gain valuable experience in three primary areas: spiritual formation, leadership development, and practical ministry experience. This will be season for me to learn. A lot.

I just read back over this blog post and it sounds really serious. I think I failed to mention that the people that I am going to get to work with and do life with are some of the most fun, adventurous, and life-giving people I have ever been around. So that's a win too!!

I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had in Knoxville to influence people for the gospel. I got to serve with incredibly talented people and more importantly, I got to serve with my best friends. Definitely going to miss Knoxville, but DC...here I come!! 10 DAYS!

A Grateful Goodbye to Knoxville

2011-08-15T08:34:00.000-04:00

I'm moving to Washington DC (more on that later).

But before I explain what is ahead, I want to make a feeble attempt at expressing my gratitude for the people that have invested in me over the last five years in Knoxville. And I hope this blog is just ONE of the ways I've communicated how grateful I really am.

I started coming to Sevier Heights during the summer before my freshman year of college when a friend invited me (yes, it actually works when you invite people to church...trust me). My faith was minimal and my Biblical knowledge was nonexistent. Since then I've fallen in love with the Word of God, proclaimed my faith through the water of baptism, gained a passion for His church, and surrendered to the calling He has for my life. Needless to say, I've grown. A lot.

It is with a full heart that I say "thank you" to the countless people who have impacted my faith journey. To those that challenged, supported, encouraged, and guided. To those that stood beside me and walked with me through the failures and successes. To those who shared lots of laughs and memories. And especially to those who believed and valued the gifts that God has given me.

I love you all.

Creativity's Rightful Owner

2011-07-25T10:20:00.001-04:00

Creativity has a lot of hype in our generation, especially in the church. We are constantly implementing creative elements to communicate the gospel. And I love that.

Day in and day out I work with extremely talented people who are way more creative than I could ever even dream of being. For example, The Walk has used shoe laces, Post-It notes, confetti canons, personal laundry service, beat-boxing, air fresheners, matches, Polaroids, sand, spoken word, frisbees, step teams, balloons, koozies and lots of free food to communicate the gospel to college students every week. Needless to say, I've learned a lot about the demands of creativity over the last 4 years.

I've learned that creativity is hard work. I've learned that consistency is a key component of creativity...even when you don't "feel" like it. I've learned that creative meetings are often messy, and usually awkward.

The most important, challenging, and convicting thing I've learned about creativity is this...

Creativity is not my own. It's God's. He is the source.

We are familiar with being a good steward of our money, our time, and our resources. Creativity is a stewardship issue too... because it is not mine. We should be be disciplined to relinquish it back to it's rightful owner, God.

Creativity is God-given. It should be our desire to max it's potential.

How can we be good stewards of our creativity?

Be ready. Be aware.
Record... every creative impulse and potential illustration.
Implement. There is a difference between imagining and creating. Ideas are great, but creativity results in a product.

When was the last time you admitted that your creativity was not your own? Are you being intentional about returning your creativity back to it's rightful owner?

Words with Impact

2011-07-21T21:37:00.001-04:00

These have been my favorite words over the past few months. I'm learning every day how to include them as part of my language and my lifestyle.

Honor. I blogged about this a couple of months ago. One of the biggest ways I'm learning to show honor right now is by expressing how thankful I am to those who have added value to my life. I've learned that unexpressed gratitude often communicates ingratitude. So, in an effort to show honor, I'm opening my mouth and saying "thanks!"

Contagious. Jesus was contagious. People wanted to be around Him. Can people say the same about me?

Intentional. I want to be intentional about the same things as Jesus...prayer, community, relationships, conversations, servanthood, gentleness.

Reflection. I want my life to be a reflection of the purpose and personality of Jesus Christ. Imago Dei.

Tension. It's the essence of leadership. Living in the tension and thriving in it. Right now, I'm learning the tension in the character of God- He is a Holy God and He is an intimate God. So thankful for that tension.

Accountability. I need it. I love that I have people in my life that have permission to call me out. And they take full advantage of that whenever they can. But those same people are my biggest encouragers when I need it most.

Peel the Orange

2011-06-21T08:13:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of things that are beautiful from a distance. I've seen so many pictures of the infamous Hollywood sign. It's pretty cool from a distance. But once you get up close, it's broken down and quite honestly, a piece of junk.

There a lot of things that smell good from a distance. Like that food at Dollywood that smells irresitable, then you take the first bite and regret ever thinking that buying that $7 fajita was a good idea.

Last year, the theme for our student ministry was "Peel the Orange". An orange is beautiful on the outside. It's bright. The texture is smooth. It stands out, and from a distance, is very appealing. However, when you decide to start to peel back the orange, it's not near as appealing. The pith (the white lining) doesn't look very appetizing and it can be pretty messy. It tends to peel away in pieces and can oftentimes be frustrating. But then underneath that messy pith is the best part. The fruit. It takes work to get there, but it is totally worth it.

The idea of "Peel the Orange" revolved around our need to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is oftentimes the birth place of joy, belonging, love, creativity. It embraces the idea that you are imperfect but you are worthy of community.

Over the last couple years I've gotten a lot better at being vulnerable. There are people that I have invited into my life to hold me accountable. To challenge me. To encourage me. In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen. Deeply seen. I needed to allow people to see the pith and to walk with me through the mess. Peeling back my orange and being vulnerable was a challenge, but I've found an even greater challenge.

In order for connection to happen, we have to be willing to see others. Am I willing to peel back someone else's orange? Am I willing to embrace them? To see their pith and walk through their messy circumstances? Do I take the time and energy to dig deep enough to get to the fruit?

Behind the Walls. Exposed.

2011-06-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

I can't imagine the fear of the people inside Jericho when the walls came crumbling down. They had heard the sound of trumpets outside their walls for six straight days. But they trusted those walls. I mean after all, Jericho was known for being a city that just couldn't be conquered. Fortified. Strong. Indestructible. Untouchable. But God saw something different. He used Joshua and the Israelites to show off his power. He used it as the stage for His glory.

On the 7th day, the priests blew on their horns, the people shouted because victory was the Lord's, and the walls came tumbling down. The walls were gone. The people of Jericho were exposed. Joshua and the Israelites went into the city and destroyed everything. They took the lives of all the enemies of the Lord. All except one woman, Rahab, and her household. Rahab had begged for mercy and was found in the house clinging to the scarlet cord.

Like the people of Jericho, I think we all trust in walls that we have built. Walls that appear to be fortified. Strong. Indestructible. Untouchable. We build them around us so that we won't be exposed. We trust in those walls. We hide behind money, reputation, church attendance, relationships, sports. But one day, all those walls will come crumbling down. And we will be exposed. And the only thing that will matter is if we are clinging to the scarlet blood of the cross.

What walls have you built? What is fortifying your heart? When those walls come crumbling down, will you be found clinging to the scarlet cord? Or will you be exposed without the protection of the cross?

Scars and Tassels

2011-06-16T10:17:00.001-04:00

Every scar has a story. The one on my hand is from flipping a 4 wheeler when I was 12 even though my dad told me I wasn't allowed to drive it. The one on my elbow is from attempting to save a ball from going out of bounds when we were playing our arch-rival Model High School when I was a freshman. The one on my shin is from the sack race at Field Day when I was in 4th grade. Then I have lots more that I'm sure each have a really great story behind them, I just don't remember them.

Every scar has a story, but there is one scar in particular that IS my story. Some days I'm insecure about it. Some days I forget it is even there. But whenever I become aware of that nasty 4 inch piece of skin on my knee, it reminds me.

Sometimes it reminds me of the funny story that my sister likes to tell about right after I got out of surgery (apparently, I wanted to say "thank you" to EVERYONE...even the custodians). Sometimes it reminds me of my friends that made the 6 hour drive to Kentucky to come visit me. Other times it forces me to remember the greuling days in physical therapy with Tricky Ricky, my trainer.

But, every time I catch a glance of that scar, I can't help but think about my story. I can't help but think about God's faithfulness in my life. That scar serves as a constant reminder that I'm no longer who I once was. My identity was basketball. My hope and future was basketball. But, all of that changed. Now my identity is found in Christ. My hope and future is found in my faith.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites wore blue tassels as reminders of God's commands and His faithfulness.

"The tassels will remind you of the commands of the LORD, and that you are to obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own ways, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the LORD your God!'" (Numbers 14:39-41)

I think it is important to remember God's commands and His faithfulness. It forces us to recognize what He has done so that we can become more aware of WHO He is. My scar is my blue tassel.

What has the Lord given you to help remember what He has done in order to become aware of who He is?

Noteworthy Character

2011-05-26T17:57:00.000-04:00

There is one verse in the Bible that I wish took up chapters. Actually, I wish it was unpacked into books worth of information. Or even better, I just wish I was a fly on the wall when it happened. (Okay, there are actually tons of verses in the Bible that I wish I got to actually see happen, but this is my one for the day.)

Jesus had just died on the cross and resurrected from the grave. He finds himself walking along the road to Emmaus with 2 guys. They don't even realize that is is Jesus, which is actually a pretty comical account. But Luke 24:27 just blows my mind. Can you imagine this...

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he (Jesus) explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."

Now I have been in some good small groups. I've had great teachers lead me through Scripture. But man, Jesus himself going through ALL the Scriptures and pointing out how ALL of it relates to him. That has to go down as the best Bible study in history!

That verse challenges me to remember that He is found in Scripture. From creation to Joshua to Hosea to Jeremiah...Moses through all the Prophets. It all points to Him. Jesus is THE noteworthy character. We should read our Bibles through that lens.

Being the Exception

2011-05-17T12:21:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of characters in Scripture that stepped into an extraordinary move of God by being willing to be the exception. Moses confronted Pharaoh. Hosea was obedient to God's commands, even when they didn't make sense. Joshua and Caleb focused on the grapes, not the giants. You could go on and on with a list of characters that embraced opportunity, but one that stands out the most to me is Daniel.

The first two verses of Daniel 1 are filled with heartache. God had kept His word, even though it was bad news, and the Babylonians besieged Judah. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was on a rampage and took the Israelites captive and demanded that the best of the best be trained to serve in his courts. Daniel was among many that were chosen.

Daniel was from a noble family. Educated. Good-looking. Great stature. Just a boy with a whole life of promise ahead of him. He was taken in by an egotistical king in a foreign country. Forced to learn a foreign language, adhere to strict diet mandated by the king, and be immersed into a culture of self-indulgence. He was forced into the unknown. As a teenage boy, he entered into a culture known for it's fixation on worldly gain and pleasures. Babylon. Where nothing goes as planned. Where you feel like everything is falling apart. Where compromising is the easy way out. That's where Daniel found himself.

BUT. I'm so thankful for many of the "but's" in Scripture. It is always a place where we are challenged- and often startled- but ultimately it is a place of great strength and satisfaction.

BUT God demonstrated His love for me even though I'm a sinner, and sent Christ to die (Romans 5:8). That "but" communicates the gospel.

You meant it for evil, BUT God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). I'm sure Joseph's brother's really appreciated that "but".

When Saul fell to the ground and realized that he was being confronted by Jesus for his actions, Jesus said to him, "BUT rise and enter the city" (Acts 9:4-6). That "but" changed the course of Paul's life.

As Gentiles, we were far off from the promises of God. No hope. No future. BUT now in Christ Jesus we have been brought near the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). This "but" grafts us into the family of God.

BUT. That's it. The turning point of the chapter, and even the entire book of Daniel. Up to verse 8 in Daniel 1, he had been stripped of everything comfortable. "BUT Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." Daniel wasn't willing to compromise. He set his mind. Resolved. He determined that it was worth it to be outnumbered in Babylon. He set himself apart.

God's fingerprints are all over this story. I can imagine that Daniel could have felt forgotten, even abandoned, by God. But God is active in the midst of the unexpected. After all, in chapter 1 alone we see God take several intentional actions. In verse 2, HE was the one who delivered Judah into the hands of the Babylonians. In verse 9, HE was the one who caused the official to show favor to Daniel. In verse 17, HE was the one who granted Daniel and his friends the knowledge and understanding that they would prove to be invaluable as the story unfolded in the chapters to come.

What happens when you end up in Babylon? The place where you are vulnerable. Facing the temptation to compromise. Where you feel abandoned. Stripped of comfort. The unknown. When God seems to be silent. We must resolve to honor God, even in Babylon. All too often our resolutions weaken, or even disappear, in the face of temptation or criticism. But like Daniel, we must be willing to be the exception in order to step into the promises that God has for us.

When you find yourself in Babylon, resolve to set yourself apart. And don't forget that God is still faithful even in the midst of the unexpected.

The Most Worthy of Honor

2011-05-15T09:04:00.001-04:00

I have been so challenged in recent weeks with the call to honor people. I've learned that the natural outflow of love is honor. Romans 12:9-10 says "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor everyone above yourself." Love and honor are woven together.

I was most challenged by the thought that honor is a language and a lifestyle. Meaning, we honor not only by what we say, but also how we act. Isn't that so true in the way we honor God? Sometimes, it comes easier to honor God with our language, but not so much with our lifestyle.

God had something to say about that in Isaiah 29:13. "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by man.'"

Ouch.

God is worthy of honor through our language and our lifestyle. We are often guilty of honoring Him with our lips, but not with our lives.

We are called to honor Him. True honor is never manipulative. And honoring from pure motive is possible only when we have a proper persepctive of who God is.

Are you guilty of honoring God with your lips, but not with your life? Is there empty worship present in your life?

As we wrap up the subject of honor, I want all of us to be reminded that God is worthy of our honor. We have lowered Jesus to a position of one of many options. And he is not. He is the King of Kings. He is the way, the truth and the life. We are called to HONOR Him. And there will be a day when every knee will bow and He will get the honor that He deserves. So let's start honoring God now. Not just with our lips, but with our lives... because He is worthy.

How do we show honor?

2011-05-12T09:19:00.000-04:00

We know what honor is - it is freely given because of what God has done for us. Honor means to value. We know who we honor- everyone. Those that lead us, that are alongside us, and even those beneath us.

Honor is a language and a lifestyle. We can show honor by what we say and how we act. So, how can you communicate honor to someone in your life this week?

Serve with passion- Go above and beyond. Have the "and then some" attitude. Who is there in your life that you could serve with a little more umph in order to show that you value them?
Defer your preference- Give in. Allow someone else to make a decision where you will eat dinner this week.
Pay attention- I remember when I was little and my dad came home from work. I couldn't get out the door fast enough to run and throw my arms around his neck. Now, our attention is chin to our chest with our eyes focused on the constant flow of text messages. Who is there in your life that you could be more intentional to engage with this week?
Give with thoughtfulness- Pick someone in your life. Have you heard them say something recently that they would really like to have? Go get it. Or what about meeting a need for someone. Giving isn't sacrifice until it hurts.
Speak with affection- Not just to their face, but behind their back too. Often times, unexpressed gratitude communicates ingratitude. Who are you so thankful for in your heart that you have not expressed with your lips?
Look past offenses- Sometimes the best honor comes through forgiveness. Put something behind you.

Honor is a language and a lifestyle. How will you communicate it this week?

Honor. Everyone?

2011-05-09T09:09:00.000-04:00

We honor people based people not based on who they are and what they have done, but based on who God is and what He has done. Honor is freely given. But, who exactly do we have to honor?

Everyone.

We honor those that lead us.
     You honor your mom even when she gives you a curfew earlier than you would like.
     You honor your teachers even though they give you a project due right after the holiday.
     You honor your coaches even when you don't get the playing time you feel like you've earned.
     You honor your boss even when he makes ridiculous demands.

We honor those alongside of us.
     You honor your siblings even when they push your buttons.
     You honor your classmates even though they get on your nerves.
     You honor your teammates even when they don't seem to be putting in as much effort as you.
     You honor your coworkers even if they don't have the same gifts and talents as you.

We honor those below us.
     You honor the Middle School students even when they seem immature.
     You honor your employees even when the project was a failure.
     You honor your kids when though they don't respect your authority.

Honor is hard work. You have to be intentional in order to honor those around you. It often requires discipline and sometimes outrageous amounts of humility.

Who do we honor? Everyone. Because we are honoring them based on who God is and what He has done for us.

What is honor, anyway?

2011-05-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

On my journey to rediscover the virtue of honor, the first question I asked myself was "what is honor, anyway?" I realized that I didn't even know what it meant, so how did I expect to show it to those around me.

First, let me tell you what honor is NOT. Honor is not respect. Respect is something that is earned. Respect is earned through successes, achievements, performance, or maybe even a response to failure. It is based on merit.

Honor is freely given. Honor is value and worth. And it is given- whether people deserve it or not.

Respect is earned, but honor is freely given.

Our generation has done a great job at ruining the concept of honor. We have confused it with respect. We think honor is something we can withhold from someone basked on their performance. We think that we only honor the people that we like- the people that are worthy of our honor.

But that is not Biblical honor. We are missing the point.

We don't honor people based on who they are or what they have done. We honor people based on who God is and what He has done. See the shift in perspective. Our lens is no longer our own perception of who is worthy of our honor. Our lens becomes the knowledge of what God has done for us... and that is the driving force of honor- whether they deserve it or not.

Honor as a Virtue

2011-05-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

Our generation has done a great job at ruining the concept of honor. We withhold it based on our perceptions and preferences and often refuse to honor those above us and those below us.

Over the next several days, I'll share a little about what I'm learning about the importance of honor. I will answer three questions that have helped me in my journey to rediscover the value of honor:

What is honor?
Who do we honor?
How do we show honor?