Past Your Lips

The expression "talk is cheap" is fairly simple to figure out and the meaning behind it has been a common message for centuries. Even Scripture shares the truth in Proverbs 14:23, "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”

There's a time for talking and a time to get to work. If we only talk about action we won't ever get anything accomplished. Figure out what you need and want to do. Develop a plan to make it happen and then go do something about it.

On the Journey

Our church staff took a drive through our community today to get an up close look at places around us. For many of us it was a first look at some places we had only heard about and never seen in person. It was an eye-opening experience and helped to make the conditions around us very tangible as we search for ways to be intentionally missional.

While we were riding around we passed one of our local food banks. A partner from Northridge was outside the bank with a truck and trailer full of food for families. We seized the opportunity to pull over and spent some time working together to help their volunteers unload it. It worked up a good sweat for all of us and also gave us the opportunity to serve in a very unexpected way. None of us had planned on stopping there, but God presented the opportunity and we felt led to take action.

I don't think it's a coincidence that we were focusing on ways to make a direct impact in our community and then immediately had the chance to do something about it. God will give us chances to work together and put our faith into practice if we're willing to take action when the moment presents itself. We've just got to have our eyes open and be willing to stop and work when we get the chance.

Off and Running

My wife and I will run in our first 1/2 marathon this Saturday. We've been looking forward to this race for months and have been training intently. There have been a few setbacks along the way and some unplanned, extended rest to cope with injuries and soreness. I've actually made a conscious effort recently to eat a little more (especially this week) to make sure I have enough energy reserves to push through. We can make some predictions on our expected pace, but I can't do a whole lot to change what's going to happen at this point. I can eat good meals tomorrow and try to get a good night's rest, but the bulk of the preparation is already done.

When we are looking forward to big events, we've got to do the best we can to prepare while understanding we won't always be ready for everything that will happen. We commit ourselves to being ready while staying focused on the big goal and then give it our best shot. I believe firmly in the process of preparation and stepping into action when the moment calls. At that point you can't change any past planning, but you can commit yourself to doing the best you can with what is in front of you.

Up Close

I read an old African proverb recently which simply said:

When I saw him from afar, I thought he was a monster.

When he got closer, I thought he was just an animal.

When he got closer, I recognized that he was a human.

When we were face to face, I realized that he was my brother.

We aren't actively compassionate when we're standing so far apart from people in need. Are we willing to be the first ones to step forward and form a bridge of peace? Will we close the gap with our minimalized, threatened, oppressed, and misunderstood brothers and sisters so we can be part of the solution moving forward in unity? The first step in the right direction is often the most difficult one to take. 

We've got to close the distance between people to realize we are in this together. 

Making a Difference

It's always encouraging to be around people who want to make a difference. They realize the potential of what is in front of them and are willing to step into the gap to help. It's an admirable and contagious attitude that is necessary if true change is going to take place in a community. We need to find what we want to support, determine how we can engage, and get to work. If we would each focus our energies we would discover a lasting purpose and be part of making the difference we long to see.

The Century Mark

I literally crossed a significant mile marker yesterday in my private life that I would never have thought possible. I have now cumulatively run 100 miles this year. I know it may not seem like much to some, but it's a big deal to me. For years I told myself that I couldn't run for several reasons and yet now I find myself having to refrain from running every day. It has become something that I greatly anticipate and find more joy in than I ever did when I was younger. It's funny how your perspective changes once you have a small taste of success.

If I hadn't taken the chance to see what my body is capable of doing I never would have discovered the satisfaction of running. If I had chosen to believe the things I told myself (your body won't allow you to run, you can't do this) my negative self-talk would have defeated growth before I ever attempted it. Sometimes the only way to shut up the inner negative voice is to jump into action and find out you're capable of more than you thought.

Step Up

When you have the opportunity to have a positive impact that unifies your community you need to step into action. Recognizing the unique moment, sharing the vision, mobilizing a team, and fulfilling the goals are keys to change. It's the call of the church to lead the way in restoration and genuine compassion.

Harrisburg Community Center from Northridge Christian Church on Vimeo.

Take the Wheel

I subscribe to Seth Godin's daily blog and appreciate his wisdom and creative thoughts. Seth always writes challenging blogs from a variety of perspectives and I appreciate how he makes me think. He has a way of writing that often makes me say, "Wow!" as he pushes me to consider things from a different perspective.

He wrote a blog yesterday which I thought was a brilliant nudge to anyone who needs to take action in their life. In a few sentences he pushed all of his readers to take the risk of experiencing life as an active participant and not as a passive observer. It's worth reading and hopefully will spur any readers here to be more engaged in the life they lead.

Click here to read Seth's blog, "Along for the ride." 

Get Dressed & Moving

I embarked on a new journey last September. I had reached my IHHE moment (I Have Had Enough!) with my physical health and decided to take on a new course of action. This brought about a serious change in diet (no fads-just healthy, non-processed eating) and in exercise level (consistent & incremental). In fact, in the last two weeks I have invested in some exercise clothes, good shoes, and wireless headphones. I feel I have the right equipment to continue to exercise now that I have shown some consistency.

The clothes, shoes, and accessories don't mean very much on their own however. I can put on the clothes & shoes, connect my headphones to my playlist, stretch, and then sit in my recliner while watching Netflix. Even with the right equipment I have to make sure I commit to the right actions. Transformation won't happen just because I prepare, but because I was willing to engage in the behaviors that lead to that change.

Standing the Right Way

In Jewish history, there is a man named Mordecai who served as a guard for the king when the Jews were in exile. Circumstances led to an edict being issued that called for the death of all of the Jews because of one man's personal grudge. Mordecai refused to go into hiding or to run from the situation, but instead humbled himself before God and sought the help of leadership to have the situation changed. Because of his determination, his willingness to do things the right way, and God's deliverance, the Jewish people were saved.  

As I look at his example, I wonder if we are willing to be a Mordecai today? Will we stand against injustice in a God-honoring way? Will we actively seek God on behalf of other people? Will we have the courage to stand for what is right as we stand united for God? 

Relief and deliverance from oppression are a gift from God and He is ready to bring that through faithful people even today. Let's stand together for what is right and stand the right way. 

Say Something

The fear of doing the wrong thing can be powerfully paralyzing. We can become afraid of saying something destructive to our kids so instead we don't speak a word. We are so worried about upsetting our spouse that we don't address issues that are necessary. We see wrongs in our community but become overwhelmed with maintaining political correctness instead of stepping up with solutions. In each of these areas we have falsely convinced ourselves that silence is better than making a mistake.

Things don't naturally get better without some investment and energy. It's time to cast aside our reservations and step forward (even if a bit anxiously & cautiously) into action. Becoming people of thoughtful action spurs us towards change.

Stepping Up

What do you do when you see a need? Are you willing to step into action even if it completely changes your life? What would happen if men stepped up to lead in sacrificial ways that changed the destiny of another person? You might be the radical solution to another person's problem and see your life and theirs changed forever.

Winning Ticket

My wife and I will sometimes talk about the things we could do if we won the lottery. We share extravagant dreams, missions we could support, places we could visit, and people we could help. The biggest problem with this conversation isn't our improbably odds on winning the lottery or even the potential ethical dilemma associated with "gambling." The biggest obstacle to us winning is that we don't play. We laugh about our conversations, but the truth is that we will never come close to winning a multi-million dollar Powerball lottery simply because we've never purchased a ticket.

You don't have a chance to win if you aren't in the game. If there is some area that you want to find success you will have to take a step of action or nothing will ever happen.