Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love
Ephesians 5:1-2a
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Ephesians 5:25
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
One night traveling for work, I was listening to a sermon on the radio. I don’t remember the Pastor who was talking that night, but the message was about his goals for his life. The goal that caught my attention was “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.” The preacher stressed that what a man considers to be showing love might be entirely different from what a child or a wife expects for love.
So, a man may think that he is showing love to his wife by providing for her and bringing her gifts but he may not be showing the love she desires. Each woman’s idea of love is different and there are multiple books on the subject (e.g. The Five Love Languages). The preacher related how he always strives to understand his wife and show affection that is meaningful to her. I’ve found a main component of showing love is spending time with your wife. The same could be said of your children. The saying goes, “Children spell love T.I.M.E.”
What is love? To discover the meaning of love, let’s use our source of Truth, the Bible. Love is used in reference to children in Proverbs 13:24, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” The Hebrew word for “love” in this verse is “ahab.” Ahab conveys intense unconditional tender affection between parents and children, husbands and wives. In this verse, God instructs us to discipline or correct or admonish children when they do wrong. If a parent does not teach their children the correct way to go, they do not love their children. Ephesians 6:4 further instructs us on how to teach our children, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” For children, it takes “time” to train them up in the Lord. To love children in a way they understand, you must spend time with them, answer their questions, teach them about right and wrong, and mentor them through play.
The Greek word that is translated the same way as the Hebrew word, “ahab,” is “agape.” The Greek word, agape, is used in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Jesus sacrificed Himself for us on the cross showing His intense unconditional tender affection toward us. We husbands must sacrifice our interests and jobs and make sure to spend time with our wives. We must make sure we listen to both our children and our wives. We must at all times be there for them. A man will be defined by his family - how he leads, loves, and sacrifices for them. My vision statement for myself concludes “Love my wife and children in a way that they understand.”
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Walk with Christ
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:5-7
No different than any another institution, business, or organization, the prison system evolved over time to what it is today. During those changes, some of the prison's words became part of our culture and the English language. The Auburn, New York penal method was very cutting age during the 19th century. That system was the first to dress inmates in the striped uniforms. Another new concept was the method used to move prisoners around the facility. The prisoners marched in unison with each prisoner interlocking their right arm with the prisoner in front of them. They stared away from the guards and fellow prisoners. This type of marching was called “lockstep” and was also used as a form of punishment.
Today, lockstep is defined as either “A way of marching in which the marchers follow each other as closely as possible” or “A standardized procedure that is closely, often mindlessly followed.” Another dictionary expands on the definition, “in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison.” When we Christians say “Walk with Christ” - since the world believes that we are intolerant, I believe the world hears “Lockstep with Christ.”
Romans 8:28-30 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Between justification (Being forgiven and saved) and glorification (being with God), we Christians go through a process to become the likeness of God. This process is called “sanctification.”
John 17:16-17 says “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Jesus prayed these words for His disciples asking God to set them apart from the world by His truth or His Word, the Bible. When you believe in Jesus, believe that He died for your sins, believe that the only way to be with God is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, your sins are forgiven and you are saved from eternal separation from God. But you can still sin. Your life has changed and now you begin your discipleship where you learn more about God and how to live. This learning will never end. It is a lifelong journey to be sanctified.
Therefore, when I say my personal vision is to “Walk with Christ,” I want to daily learn how I’m supposed to live but more importantly - live how I’m supposed to live. I do not walk in mindless conformity. I walk a separate way from the world. I walk set apart. I can only accomplish this walk through Him. I cannot do this on my own. He must carry me.
How do I go along this sanctification journey? I pray. I study His Word. I join a Bible-teaching church to help me with my discipleship. I seek fellowship of other believers to aid me on my journey. I share the Good News. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
1 John 1:5-7
No different than any another institution, business, or organization, the prison system evolved over time to what it is today. During those changes, some of the prison's words became part of our culture and the English language. The Auburn, New York penal method was very cutting age during the 19th century. That system was the first to dress inmates in the striped uniforms. Another new concept was the method used to move prisoners around the facility. The prisoners marched in unison with each prisoner interlocking their right arm with the prisoner in front of them. They stared away from the guards and fellow prisoners. This type of marching was called “lockstep” and was also used as a form of punishment.
Today, lockstep is defined as either “A way of marching in which the marchers follow each other as closely as possible” or “A standardized procedure that is closely, often mindlessly followed.” Another dictionary expands on the definition, “in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison.” When we Christians say “Walk with Christ” - since the world believes that we are intolerant, I believe the world hears “Lockstep with Christ.”
Romans 8:28-30 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Between justification (Being forgiven and saved) and glorification (being with God), we Christians go through a process to become the likeness of God. This process is called “sanctification.”
John 17:16-17 says “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Jesus prayed these words for His disciples asking God to set them apart from the world by His truth or His Word, the Bible. When you believe in Jesus, believe that He died for your sins, believe that the only way to be with God is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, your sins are forgiven and you are saved from eternal separation from God. But you can still sin. Your life has changed and now you begin your discipleship where you learn more about God and how to live. This learning will never end. It is a lifelong journey to be sanctified.
Therefore, when I say my personal vision is to “Walk with Christ,” I want to daily learn how I’m supposed to live but more importantly - live how I’m supposed to live. I do not walk in mindless conformity. I walk a separate way from the world. I walk set apart. I can only accomplish this walk through Him. I cannot do this on my own. He must carry me.
How do I go along this sanctification journey? I pray. I study His Word. I join a Bible-teaching church to help me with my discipleship. I seek fellowship of other believers to aid me on my journey. I share the Good News. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Rally Cats and Mitch
Back in 1988 when I was a lowly freshman, I joined “Rally Cats.” It was attempt to meet more people than just engineers. My dorm floor was crawling with them. Engineers aren’t bad, but there is more to life than studying and mathematics. Rally Cats was a student spirit group for the University of Cincinnati (UC) Bearcats. The organization tried to raise support for school athletics which at the time were not that good.
The group would host pre-game events and would get preferential seating at games - although there were plenty of seats to be had. Our basketball team was okay when I started school. Going to those games, blowing plastic big red horns at free throws was a blast.
Football games were a different story. UC was one of a few college schools to actually serve beer at games. It didn’t help. Attendance at the games was pathetic and unfortunately the team didn’t fare any better. I don’t fault the team or the coaches. It’s just that UC has always been a “basketball” school, the home of Oscar Robertson. It also didn’t help that half the stadium was condemned, unsafe to use.
Some students took it upon themselves to force change. They posted a sign over on the condemned half of the stadium during a game. It read something along the lines of “Fire the Football Coach!” The two students happened to be members of the Rally Cats. As a response, the school disbanded Rally Cats. I’m happy to say that Rally Cats was re-started a year or two after and exists today.
Through my college years, the football team continued to sputter. Now, you probably can’t get a ticket to the game. The stadium has been repaired and is no longer condemned. The Football Bearcats may even be more popular than the Reds or the Bengals. In 2008, UC went to the Orange Bowl. As of October 19, 2009, the team is ranked in the top five, but this success is not why I’m proud of my University and its football team. What has me so excited? When I watch them on TV, some of them have Bible references written with marker on their biceps such as John 14:6. What has me so excited? They behave responsibly and honor the game. What has me so excited? The team filled their last roster space with Mitch, a 12 year old boy recovering from a brain tumor. Even as the players and the team grow in notoriety, they never fail to flood Mitch with e-mails, texts, and phone calls of support as he struggles to recover. These college kids are learning to “Lead like Christ.”
Please read about Mitch and UC at Pete Thamel’s BLOG - http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/cincys-secret-weapon/.
Video of Mitch's Story
Friday, October 16, 2009
Lead like Christ
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:34-35
Lead like Christ. This goal is a tenant of my vision, part of the path to “be a man of God.” When I composed this aspiration, I tried to choose my words carefully. Let’s dissect the phrase to see if I did.
The word “lead” is from the Middle English, leden, which means to guide, to direct, to serve. If you search through synonyms, you’ll find “lead” could also mean to command, to govern, to have authority over someone or something. The word “like” is from Old English, akin, which is defined as the same form, similar, bearing resemblance. “Christ” is from the Greek, Christos, which means literally anointed, the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, “Lead like Christ” can be re-written as to direct, to serve with authority bearing the resemblance of the anointed Messiah, Jesus.
One could argue that the phrase “Lead like Christ” is really just being a Christian, because there are many who believe the word “Christian” means “little Christ.” However, if you examine the words etymology, Christian is Greek for Christianos. During the time of Jesus, the suffix ianos was popularly used as “slave of.” Therefore, Christianos means “slaves of Christ.” This does not match up entirely with my vision tenant. This tenant is to define my actions as father, husband, co-worker, and friend. When I’m confronted with daily life, I should consider What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) or What Did Jesus Do? (WDJD). I should “Lead like Christ.”
What are the components of leading like Christ? I can think of a few traits such as serving, humble, courageous, mentoring, compassionate, and decisive. I’ll research this in further blogs, but before becoming this leader you must deny yourself, humble yourself, and give glory for anything to the rightful place – give the glory to God.
Lead like Christ. This goal is a tenant of my vision, part of the path to “be a man of God.” When I composed this aspiration, I tried to choose my words carefully. Let’s dissect the phrase to see if I did.
The word “lead” is from the Middle English, leden, which means to guide, to direct, to serve. If you search through synonyms, you’ll find “lead” could also mean to command, to govern, to have authority over someone or something. The word “like” is from Old English, akin, which is defined as the same form, similar, bearing resemblance. “Christ” is from the Greek, Christos, which means literally anointed, the Messiah, Jesus. Therefore, “Lead like Christ” can be re-written as to direct, to serve with authority bearing the resemblance of the anointed Messiah, Jesus.
One could argue that the phrase “Lead like Christ” is really just being a Christian, because there are many who believe the word “Christian” means “little Christ.” However, if you examine the words etymology, Christian is Greek for Christianos. During the time of Jesus, the suffix ianos was popularly used as “slave of.” Therefore, Christianos means “slaves of Christ.” This does not match up entirely with my vision tenant. This tenant is to define my actions as father, husband, co-worker, and friend. When I’m confronted with daily life, I should consider What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD) or What Did Jesus Do? (WDJD). I should “Lead like Christ.”
What are the components of leading like Christ? I can think of a few traits such as serving, humble, courageous, mentoring, compassionate, and decisive. I’ll research this in further blogs, but before becoming this leader you must deny yourself, humble yourself, and give glory for anything to the rightful place – give the glory to God.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Why am I here?
Back in High School, I asked one of my friends, “What is the meaning of life?” Expecting some tired answer from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe (Remember “42”), my friend answered differently. He replied, “Have Fun.” At the time, I found the answer actually insightful and very surprising considering the source. But after much reflection, his response was actually hollow. Really, think about. We have been placed on this earth for the only expressed purpose to “have fun.” If this answer is true, by what I see of the world, there isn’t much fun about it - at least not 24 hours a day, seven days of week. Whose definition of “fun” are we using? There must be more, so let’s re-phrase the question.
Why am I here? In posing this question, I have to consider whether the response would be universal for everyone or would only be applicable to me. Furthermore, where would I even look for an answer to this? To help answer this question for myself, I’ve decided to use the mission-vision approach.
What is a Mission? Companies use mission statements to explain the reason that the business exists. For example, Microsoft’s mission is that “We work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.” Nike’s mission is “Innovate for a better world.” Disney’s mission is “To make people happy.” Arby’s mission is “Quality Food, Fast and Friendly.” 3M’s mission is “To solve unsolved problems innovatively.”
So, if I apply this technique, my mission would be the overall purpose for my life. The statement should resonate with me and inspire me. My mission should help guide me and prioritize what I do each and every day.
What is a Vision? Companies use vision statements to describe the desired outcome of the business and the plan to achieve it. The statements can be one sentence or multiple paragraphs. Microsoft’s vision is “Create experiences that combine the magic of software with the power of Internet services across a world of devices.” Nike’s vision is “To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Disney’s vision is “To be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information, using its portfolio of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products.” Arby’s vision is “To provide an exceptional dining experience that satisfies our guests' grown-up tastes by being ‘Cut-Above’ in everything we do.” 3M’s vision is “3M is committed to actively contributing to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress.”
Again, by applying this technique, my personal vision is what I want to become. The vision tells me how I should behave and how I will accomplish my mission. Together, mission and vision statements remind me of why I even exist, my purpose, and how I intend to accomplish that purpose. With that said, in conclusion, please find below my mission and vision answering "Why am I here?."
Mission - Be a man of God
Vision - Lead like Christ, Walk with Christ, Love my wife and children in a way that they understand
Why am I here? In posing this question, I have to consider whether the response would be universal for everyone or would only be applicable to me. Furthermore, where would I even look for an answer to this? To help answer this question for myself, I’ve decided to use the mission-vision approach.
What is a Mission? Companies use mission statements to explain the reason that the business exists. For example, Microsoft’s mission is that “We work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.” Nike’s mission is “Innovate for a better world.” Disney’s mission is “To make people happy.” Arby’s mission is “Quality Food, Fast and Friendly.” 3M’s mission is “To solve unsolved problems innovatively.”
So, if I apply this technique, my mission would be the overall purpose for my life. The statement should resonate with me and inspire me. My mission should help guide me and prioritize what I do each and every day.
What is a Vision? Companies use vision statements to describe the desired outcome of the business and the plan to achieve it. The statements can be one sentence or multiple paragraphs. Microsoft’s vision is “Create experiences that combine the magic of software with the power of Internet services across a world of devices.” Nike’s vision is “To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” Disney’s vision is “To be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information, using its portfolio of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products.” Arby’s vision is “To provide an exceptional dining experience that satisfies our guests' grown-up tastes by being ‘Cut-Above’ in everything we do.” 3M’s vision is “3M is committed to actively contributing to sustainable development through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic progress.”
Again, by applying this technique, my personal vision is what I want to become. The vision tells me how I should behave and how I will accomplish my mission. Together, mission and vision statements remind me of why I even exist, my purpose, and how I intend to accomplish that purpose. With that said, in conclusion, please find below my mission and vision answering "Why am I here?."
Mission - Be a man of God
Vision - Lead like Christ, Walk with Christ, Love my wife and children in a way that they understand
Monday, October 12, 2009
be a man of God
A few years back, I took a management class that asked us what we would want chiseled on our tombstone. The instructor was trying to inspire us to consider how we would be remembered. In a round about way, the instructor wanted us to craft our own personal mission statement. I had difficulty determining my desired epitaph until I read 1 Timothy 6:11, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” My life’s pursuit is to “be a man of God.”
In the Bible, a “man of God” was used to describe Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy. While I would never put myself in their company, as a Christian, I must lead a life without compromise based on the six virtues listed in the verse. My life should be in accordance with God’s values, should visibly demonstrate the values by my works, should show my belief in Jesus, should demonstrate unconditional love, should show my endurance to never quit against opposition to the Gospel, and should always encourage the unbeliever.
The World always looks for Christians to fail. We are held to a higher standard. We are always on an interview. Show them Jesus and “fight the good fight of faith.”
In the Bible, a “man of God” was used to describe Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy. While I would never put myself in their company, as a Christian, I must lead a life without compromise based on the six virtues listed in the verse. My life should be in accordance with God’s values, should visibly demonstrate the values by my works, should show my belief in Jesus, should demonstrate unconditional love, should show my endurance to never quit against opposition to the Gospel, and should always encourage the unbeliever.
The World always looks for Christians to fail. We are held to a higher standard. We are always on an interview. Show them Jesus and “fight the good fight of faith.”
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