What Are You Living For?

This summer I turned 55 years old and I am keenly aware of the fact that I'm in the midst of "middle age." However, I am very grateful to be alive since the last year brought me 2 separate incidents that could have been fatal. I'm also aware that many dreams I had in my 20's and 30's are now fulfilled. But there are many things that characterize my life now that I never imagined.

Life takes some strange twists at times and we never really know where we'll end up! All of this reflection has caused me to think about the question, "What am I really living for?"

As human beings we seem to live for 3 major pursuits. (In fact, 1 John 2:16 sums up my observation - but I'll share that in a minute!) The 3 things I see people (and at times myself) pursuing are:

1. Physical Pleasures (comfort, food, sex, recreation, etc.)
2. Material Pleasures (toys, possessions, wealth, etc.)
3. Emotional Gratification (recognition, power, acceptance, control, etc.)

Now I do not believe that any of these things are wrong in and of themselves. I think we should all enjoy these pleasures in the proper time and place. The problem comes when these things become idols or "gods" in our lives. Because, the truth is, all of these pursuits will eventually (or repeatedly) leave you disappointed!

When we do not get what we want in these 3 major it's easy to find ourselves slipping into pity-parties and poor-me sessions. It's easy to slip into anger and irritability. It's easy to slip into fear and anxiety, or even depression. All of this eventually has a destructive effect on our most important relationships!

After reflecting on this my mind went to 1 John 2:15-16 which sums it nicely,

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world.

There you have it: physical cravings, material lust, and emotional promotion. At middle age I realize more than ever that these things are passing away - they do not last! So what are we left with? What do we live for?

Three different themes are coming into focus for me now:  eternity, legacy, and impact. I'll share more about these reflections in my next post! What do you think about what I've shared so far?

Are You Fighting? You Need To!

Twice in 1 Timothy Paul tells Timothy to "fight the good fight."  Then at the end of his life in 2 Timothy Paul acknowledges to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  God expects us to be "fighters."

In 2 Corinthians Paul says, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

It's important that we understand that, "our struggle is not against flesh and blood , but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)

Are you a fighter?  I believe that our fight centers around 5 areas:

1. Anything that rivals my supreme love & devotion to Jesus
2. Anything that rivals my personal holiness & moral purity
3. Anything that rivals my commitment to love, protest, & provide for my family
4. Anything that rivals my attention & commitment to Christ's mission for my life
5. Anything that rivals my practice of living in community with other Christ-followers

This fight takes place in the mind, emotions, body, and ultimately the will.  The outcomes effect my passion/ambitions, attitudes, affections, and behavior (particularly related to time, money, and relationships.)  These outcomes lead to habits, character, and a lifestyle.

Join with me in fighting the good fight of faith!

Building Leaders in the Marketplace

If you are a business owner or a manager my question is "Are you building leaders?"  The great companies build leaders.  If you are a Christian in the marketplace my question is "Are you building Christian leaders around you?"  I have seen companies and markeplace environments transformed by strong Christian leaders who view their workplace as their primary field of ministry.

Leadership consultant Les Woller defines leaders as those who "create meaning so that others can think and act."  Who better can create meaning than a devoted Christ-follower?  We have the responsibility to serve those around us.  This includes our colleagues, managers, followers, customers, and vendors.  Our calling in the marketplace is to love people and serve them well.  By doing this we reflect the heart and character of our Lord.

Several years ago Billy Graham stated, "I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace."  This is beginning to happen as Christian professionals more and more see their workplace as their mission field and the people they work with as their "flock."  I hope you will join with me in discipling Christian leaders in the marketplace!

10 Kingdom Things Business Can Do

I just finished reading an excellent book by Robert Fraser entitled "Marketplace Christianity."  In this book Fraser identifies 10 Kingdom Things Business Can Do.  Think about these:

1. Life Skills:  Business teaches people the critical skills of life that are needed to succeed.
2. Leadership Development: The marketplace is full of exceptional leaders!  This is the place to learn.
3. Management Skill Development:  While leaders create energy and activity, managers create productivity.  We learn this in the marketplace.
4. Mentoring and Discipleship:  The best place for this to happen is in the field!
5. Friendship and Community:  Of course, this is where you spend most of your waking hours!

These are just 5 of the 10 Kingdom things that happen best in the marketplace.  I hope you will view your work as your primary field of ministry!

The Purpose of This Blog

I have taken a break since the Christmas holidays to think more carefully about where I am going with this blog. I've been praying for direction and clarity, and I believe I'm starting to see where God is leading me - at least a little.

The purpose of this blog is to provide Christian business professionals encouragement and insight that will help them live worthy of their calling as followers of Jesus Christ in the marketplace.

I believe that Christian business professionals are "called" to the marketplace just as much as any pastor or missionary is "called" into full-time Christian service. I hope to help Christ-followers in the marketplace to fully live out that calling.

This blog is as much for me as it is anyone else. I need this. I need the encouragement and insight. So I will share my journey with you through this blog. I hope you will comment and share your journey with me. My next few posts will be my reflections on an outstanding book I'm reading now entitled Marketplace Christianity by Robert Fraser.

Andrew Klavan on Culture

The Most Powerful Video I Watched This Year

I don't know when this video actually came out, but you must see it! It truly is the most powerful video I watched this year.