Take Two: How did we do???

So…yesterday I completed a journey with some of you of reading the entire Bible (and some of it multiple times) a chapter at a time (sort of) and writing a journal (blog) of the journey. I did so…because I wanted to demonstrate how important it is to have a disciplined quiet time daily and also to cultivate the spiritual discipline of reflection and journaling (yes, I think that journaling is a spiritual discipline). Now I am not a big “diary or journal” writing sort of guy…but I disciplined myself to “type/write” my reflections daily so I could develop that. I think it has been helpful to me. Also, I wanted this to be an experience where others could read along with me. I think it is good when others can see how God is stirring my soul. I think it accentuates the journey when others are on it with us. Further, I wanted the experience to be such that it provided some accountability for all of us as we journeyed together. Along the way…we gained a couple dozen subscribers, a number of friends on Facebook who pick it up there and read the feeds…as well as some folks that pick it up directly from the blog.

I am working on next year’s plan…which I will kick off in January. All I know about it so far…is I will continue reading the Proverb of the Day…and I want to spend an intense time of 40 days digging into the New Testament (not sure what that will fully look like either). I also hope to maybe add a chapter to the volume of reading I do as well.

Here is what I would LOVE to hear from you? If you could speak into the plan for the next year…what would you like me to consider? In the last approach which took almost 3 years…you may have encountered the OT for the first time…maybe read books you would otherwise have skimmed through…or found something you were more passionate about. Please share. I will consider your comments (IF ANY) and will put together something for us beginning Jan 1.

Also, if this has been a blessing to you along the way, I’d love to hear how. Your comments encourage me and they help me get a sense for your heartbeat as well.

So…share.

Beginning today, I want to wrap up the year with a walk through the NT Pastoral Epistles (Timothy and Titus) as well as James. I was going to do one fo the gospels, but changed my mind this AM.

I hope you will join me on the way…and if this is new, why not commit now to beginning (or beginning again) the journey with me.

Grace,

CA

A Point of Clarity: LDS and Rhetoric

With the leading Republican nominee being a professing and active member of the LDS (Latter Day Saints/ Mormon) church, we are hearing significant interest by onlookers as to how evangelical Christians view the faith system. While I have personal reservations about the “motives” of the questions, the topic is important enough to speak to it…because discerning Christians should always be able to “give a defense” for what we believe (1 Peter 3:15).

The underlying question is whether we, as believers, should support a candidate who is not an evanglical Christian. It is a strange questions since no one asks if a person is faithful as an evanglical. Is it more “dangerous” or “unsavory” to have a candidate who is non-evangelical…or a “baptist” who can’t define what “is” is? Truthfully…we need to move the conversation beyond the labels and see what a person believes (worldview), how that affects his/her decision making, and then exercise STEWARDSHIP over what God has entrusted to us as Christian believers with a fundamental right to vote.

HERE is a helpful comparison page on some of the major differences between Historic Christianity and Mormonism. (NOTE: Just because something is historic doesn’t make it right or wrong. Be willing to examine the doctrines themselves and compare them to the Scriptures. If they are correct, then embrace them.)

HERE is a great article written by Dr. Ed Stetzer who is a “mentor at a distance” to me. [By that I mean that his work has been helpful and we have met a couple of times. I read his books and require them for reading in the classes I teach on subjects like church planting and missions. Ed and I do not exchange Christmas cards...but I would if he would send me an address   ].

One of the most helpful parts of Stetzer’s article is the call for clarity on the language we use. To use the term “cult” (which we are hearing and will be hearing more if in the days ahead) is to invite empassioned responses. (Images of Waco or Jim Jones come to mind). Since this is not the goal of well-intentioned commentators or even pastors like me, it is more useful to grab a term that communicates our goal.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, I do not believe that the teachings of the LDS Faith are consistent with the Bible. I do not believe that people who hold to the orthodox teachings of the LDS church are “believers” as the Bible speaks of believers and therefore I do not believe that the LDS faith teaches or experiences Salvation as it is described or promised in the Bible. So…I do not believe that members of the LDS faith are “Christian” as we use and understand the word (since it communicates by definition that one is a “follower of Christ”). You cannot rightfully claim to be a follower of Christ and not follow Christ in His life and teachings. Jesus spoke differently of Himself than the teachings of the Mormon church portray.

At the same time, I would argue that the teachings of Mormonism are moral, in the same way that Islam and Buddhism or even some others are moral. What we know though is that religion is not a utilitarian tool to foster morality. It is a system that teaches people how to relate to God in truth. I can legislate morality but I cannot legislate a relationship with God.

My charge to you who read along here…don’t fall into the trap of using incendiary words that do not further the conversation. Don’t get drawn into a soundbite that ultimately hurts the cause of Christ. Here is what Christ wants from you and me as an ultimate goal…that we would faithfully proclaim the gospel in a way that exalts God, reconciles men, and doesn’t erect artificial barriers to salvation.

At the same time…let’s not be so “flippant” in our use of words that we lose the meaning of what it is to be a “Christian.” The United States is not a Christian nation. 80% of Americans are not Christians (though they would claim to be even though they have no biblical connection to Jesus). Someone is not a Christian simply because he says so. One is a Christian if he follows after Christ.

Lest I be misquoted or misunderstood: Do not read this and think that I “hate” mormons. I love them. I have friends who are in the LDS church. We disagree about Jesus but our children have common interests and we relate to one another. I always desire for them to be changed/converted/saved and to follow Jesus as Lord. I do not apologize for that. I desire that because I love them. Further, I do not feel superior toward people in the LDS church or any other faith system. Were it not for the grace of God and the love and care of people in my life who told me the truth about Jesus, I would be just as separated from God as every non-Christian on the planet…and that is the majority. I do not see myself in an elitest way; rather, I see myself as a servant of Christ and therefore, an agent of the Kingdom and a friend to those whom Jesus loved and died for. As such, I serve others…even (and especially) those who have yet to experience the love of Christ in the same way I have.

FAQs and Tips from a Pastor’s Perspective

I was recently asked a question that comes up regularly…so I thought I would answer it here…in case others were wondering the same thing. (By the way: It is a question we answer during the discussion on the Bible in my doctrinal teaching “What we believe…and why we believe it.”

Question: I have a difficult time understanding the King James Version of the Bible. What Bible do you recommend? (Other variations of the question include what’s the difference with all of the translations?)

Here is some background reading on translations from my teaching on the subject: Bible Translation Overview.

I personally preach from the NASB (New American Standard Bible, updated 1995) because I believe it to be the most accurate English translation available in the essentially literal category.

When I travel abroad, I usually carry the NIV (New International Version) or the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)…since I do not want to give the impression that my God is an American God…which is a purely missiological consideration.

As for personal reading, I usually recommend that teachers use an essentially literal translation (NASB, ESV, HCSB, NKJV). For those who think it is a bit “rigid”, I recommend the NIV…since it translates ideas or concepts, not just words. For those who prefer a more “narrative” form of the story, I give the New Living Translation a “thumbs up.”

How to select a bible? Go to a book store and read a passage in several translations. (You can also do this online if you google sources). I would choose a passage from John (say chapter 1 and 3). I would also look at key verses like 1 John 2:2…to see how they deal with the atonement/propitiation. Then…I would get what I liked the best.

Personally I avoid paraphrases like the Message. I won’t “fight you” over it, but I personally just don’t see the need for that.

For the new reader and the seasoned bible study person alike…I have always found a good “Study Bible” to be helpful. The “study notes” at the bottom of the page help explain concepts that are not very clear in the text. I even used a study bible when I first began to preach! John MacArthur has a good Study Bible, and so does Zondervan (as well as some others…maybe.)

The biggest key…get a Bible you understand and start reading it prayerfully…until you can grasp it. Underline, circle, and check references. Read the study notes and the background sections. Basically…just do it!

A perspective regarding Bin Laden

Late last night, I was having trouble sleeping so I got up to read. My son, Dillon, shared with me that I had just missed a Presidential news conference announcing that the United States had conducted an operation and “killed Bin Laden.”

Now as I put my cards on the table here…let me try to communicate clearly…especially since I haven’t had any coffee yet.

I watched some of the coverage last night and saw celebration and rallies over his death outside of the White House. Honestly…it was a bit “creepy” to me. It reminded me of images of “Black Hawk Down” or some other less civilized response from people toward the death of another.

Now I am not some Birkenstocks wearing hippie peace activist. (If you know me…you know that). I am a Christ-follower…which means I represent Jesus in my actions and I reflect Him in my thoughts and words (at least this is my goal).

I am thankful that this man was brought to justice (Prov 21:15). I have many friends who have been, are, or will be “down range” fighting the war on terror. Bin Laden was a religious fanatic who saw in his religious creeds a justification to kill people not like himself and then to hide in a hole while telecasting that there would be more killing (the textbook definition of a terrorist). I am thankful that one of the more evil figures of human history will no longer terrorize people by his actions or words.

This being said…Bin Laden’s problem was that he was unredeemed…a lost man…far from God. He died separated from God…meaning that God will not receive his worship and Bin Laden will never know the mercy and love of God. This doesn’t make me want to celebrate…it grieves me. Were it not for the grace of God…I would be far from God.

I am not saddened that justice was served. For this I am thankful. I am thankful for the men who stepped into harm’s way to hunt him and bring him to justice. They left their families and risked their lives to protect the freedom I enjoy. They continue to do so…since their mission is far from over. Other…evil men…will rise up. I am thankful for the sense of closure and comfort from it that some will receive in the furtherance of justice.

I am saddened that the images of the American response to the news might communicate that all are rejoicing and celebrating in the streets. I do not celebrate in the streets that a man will be eternally separated from God. He is no more and no less deserving of the GRACE of God than I am.

I close with a Proverb:

Proverbs 24:17–20 (NASB95)

¹⁷Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

¹⁸Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.

¹⁹Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked;

²⁰For there will be no future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

God is just and He is righteous and He holds all evil to account. Others…and our own.

What say you?

Reflections on Giving: What motivates Generosity?

I just came across an article by Judy Keen of USA Today on the psychology of giving or generosity.

The writer notes that Notre Dame is undertaking a new study to determine the cause of generosity. The ARTICLE is an interesting read. A quick note from the article:

There are some well-established theories about generosity. More than two decades ago, economist James Andreoni theorized that people who give experience internal satisfaction that he calls the “warm glow.” Other researchers call it “helper’s high” — a physical sensation that increases feelings of self-worth and makes people want to give again.

Smith says some facts about generosity are known:

• There are different kinds of giving. People give for strategic, altruistic, sentimental, impulsive, habitual or ideological reasons.
• People who are religious tend to give more.
• People who have more money don’t necessarily donate more. The opposite is often true.
• Generosity is good for you: Senior citizens who volunteer live longer.
• Holiday giving often is strategic and motivated more by year-end tax deductions than the sentiments of the season.
• People who plan donations give more than those who don’t.
• Guilt isn’t a great motivator.

Those conclusions, based on studies that ask people why they do or don’t give, are the easy part. Understanding what’s going on in people’s brains or their environment that prompts them to act the way they do is more complex.

I have some thoughts on this as well, but would love to hear from you: Why do you give? Is it the tax advantage? The good feeling? Habit or duty? A response of thankfulness for what you have received? A perception of acceptance in the eyes of others?

A pastor friend said several years back…that he thought that removing the tax deductibility of charitable giving to churches…would cause giving to be reduced dramatically. (Obviously he thinks that giving is motivated by guilt or tax advantage…or something similar). Another pastor stated that he thought removing tax advantages would “purify” the gift and make it more of an expression of worship. (Apparently he agreed somewhat with the first guy on motives).

Your thoughts are important to me. I hope you’ll comment on this post and then I will share some more thoughts in a couple of days.

Wisdom from Father to Son…Robert E. Lee

In the process of preparing for my message on Sunday, I located this letter from a father to his son.

These powerful words resonate in my spirit. Wisdom and legacy.

Robert E. Lee A Letter to His Son You must study to be frank with the world. Frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do, on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right. If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it, if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot; you would wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one; the man who requires you to do so is dearly purchased at the sacrifice. Deal kindly but firmly with all your classmates; you will find it the policy which wears best. Above all, do not appear to others what you are not. If you have any fault to find with any one, tell him, not others, of what you complain; there is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man’s face and another behind his back.

Robert E. Lee (seated) is pictured shortly after the War.  On the left of the picture is his son, General George Washington Custis Lee, and on the right is his chief of staff, Colonel Walter H. Taylor

We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of any one. It is not only for the best as a matter of principle, but it is the path of peace and honor. In regard to duty, let me, in conclusion of this hasty letter, inform you that nearly a hundred years ago there was a day of remarkable gloom and darkness — still known as “the dark day” — a day when the light of the sun was slowly extinguished, as if by an eclipse. The Legislature of Connecticut was in session, and as its members saw the unexpected and unaccountable darkness coming on, they shared in general awe and terror. It was supposed by many that the last day — the day of judgment — had come. Some one, in the consternation of the hour, moved an adjournment. Then there arose an old Puritan legislator, Davenport, of Stamford, and said that, if the last day had come, he desired to be found at his place doing his duty, and therefore moved that candles be brought in, so that the House could proceed with its duty. There was quietness in that man’s mind, the quietness of heavenly wisdom and inflexible willingness to obey present duty. Duty, then, is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things like the old Puritan. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less. Never let your mother or me wear one gray hair for any lack of duty on your part.

From the website: http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/to%20his%20son.htm.

So…How would Jesus Vote?

This may be better stated, “How will believers vote on behalf of Jesus” in the upcoming mid-term elections.

We live in an incredibly blessed country where we are allowed the privilege of speaking into the process of government. Some Christians think that “render unto Caesar…” precludes believers from having a very active role to play in government. Actually…the truth is far from this.

Believers are to represent Christ as His ambassador wherever they find themselves. We represent Him when we shop at the market, in the way we treat our employees, when we complete and sign our income tax returns, and when we interact with our neighbors. How we VOTE is no less a representation of Jesus.

Sometimes, I am asked…”who should I vote for on…?” Truthfully, my answer is nearly always the same. I can tell you who I am voting for and why…but only God can tell you who you should vote for. A pastor is not a Union Boss or a power broker seeking to influence elections. He is a man who issues a clarion call in every situation for the believers to embrace righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and for the unbeliever to repent in light of God’s rule and reign (Matthew 4:17).

As such, I often ask myself, “Who would Jesus vote for?” I believe there is a close connection between the candidate and the issues…and the vote Jesus would have us to cast. I know that Jesus would not have us vote our “checkbook” or “pocketbook.” He told us to not worry about our needs in life, since God is all-powerful and would certainly provide as we sought after Him and His will.

I imagine if Jesus were to cast a ballot, it would relate more to the morality of humankind, than the condition of the economy. It is not that having good morality “gets” us to God; rather…He would focus there because an absence of moral action ALWAYS results in suffering, struggle, strife…and ultimately…judgment. So, He would care more about abortion than social security. He would care more about integrity than immigration policy.

So, should a believer be active in the democracy where he lives? I certainly believe He should. I also think that the believer should cast a ballot for the interests that reflect the heart and teachings of God.

Someone might say…”My ballot is my own. I will cast it as I see fit.” While it is true that no one accompanies you into the voting booth…and it is also true that our laws prevent any coercion in your casting a ballot. At the same time…it is also true that no believer is an island unto Himself, nor is he self-directed. We all are seen in every action by our Lord and He has a specific will.

Success in life is to discern the will of God and then to do it. Remember…”righteousness exalts a nation.”

Doing the “Right” Thing: pastoral thoughts on ethics

When I was in college and seminary, one of the more challenging class subjects I ever faced related to ethics. Not because I struggle with being ethical…but because ethics (the application of values to our practical decision making) often puts us face to face with very difficult decisions. I have been working through some issues recently that, as you can imagine, are usually about me (to some degree) and God uses circumstances to spotlight these and lead me through them. So, since you asked, I thought I would share the ongoing byproducts of my journey with you.

The “big idea” is this: It is not good enough to do the right thing; rather, we must do the right thing in the right way to be righteous.

For instance: Having babies is a “right thing,” but having babies outside of marriage is not God’s design; giving gifts is a “right thing,” but giving a police officer a gift to get out of a ticket is really a bribe; and quoting Bible or “telling it like it is” is a “right thing,” but doing so without a redemptive purpose or to wound or to demonstrate your own knowledge is not God’s design. In these examples, the “right thing” becomes the “wrong thing” when we do them in the wrong way

In life, we often find ourselves in situations where we our ethics conflict with our desired actions. What do we do? Do we embrace situational ethics which asserts that there is an operational context to every right or wrong choice? (IOW: we may justify doing the wrong thing in certain situations based on the circumstances, and even declare that the wrong thing is now the “right thing.”) Another way of asking it is: “Is there anything that absolutely wrong or absolutely right regardless of the circumstances?”

Now while every person may choose to answer that question differently, there is a “correct/right” answer from God’s perspective. It is always wrong to place any other god before the Lord our God (Exodus 20). Adultery is always wrong (again, Exodus 20), etc. Settling on the right and wrong early helps us to act appropriately when decisions are difficult.

For example, I have a friend who once wrestled with having an abortion. Well, the taking of innocent life is always wrong (though we might sit around and argue about the definition of “innocent” in any given circumstance.) So, my counsel is “don’t have an abortion.” But, then comes the question, what about in the case of incest, or rape, or health of the mother? [Here it comes…if taking innocent life is wrong…and is always wrong…then it is still wrong in these situations. Further, it is still wrong if it is a family member or someone very close to us.] Wrong is wrong, and right is right.

I have had to apply this line of thought in different areas. What about divorce? How about divorce in the case of physical or mental cruelty? What if it is your daughter wanting a divorce to escape mental cruelty?

See, determining what is right (according to the ultimate standard of right and wrong…which is God’s revelation to us, His Word) is paramount to success. As I shared with someone recently…”the ‘what’ of the Christian life is pretty straight forward. Our difficulty comes in when we consider the ‘how” or are mustering the will to obediently do it.”

Many times people want to do things that are good, but go about them the wrong way. They want to pay for someone’s mission trip…but they charge it on AMEX or take it out of their “tithe” to God. Often times, folks want to go on vacation, but doing so means that they have to shirk another important responsibility. Regularly, folks want to support a friend and do so, even though their friend is not acting according to God’s plan. I have even known people to run off to do “the Lord’s Work” but do it because they were anxious about something, put out with someone, or running from a difficult situation. (In fact, many experts claim that a large percentage of pastors serve because they are trying to make up for some other inadequacy in their lives.  BTW: The apostle Paul agrees.)

This is why God gives us guidelines on what to do and on how to do it. We ought to grow our churches, but we must do it the right way. We ought to exercise church discipline, but we must do it with the motive of restoration. We ought to “confront a brother,” but we must do it in humility and with a desire to reconcile. We ought to avoid conflicts, but do so out of humility not convenience or expediency. We ought to have standards, but not as tests of fellowship; rather, as qualities/marks that identify spiritual maturity. We ought to plant churches, but not out of convenience or because it is trendy; rather, because we are desperately burdened for lost people and because there is no better way to reach them. We ought to value our individuality, but not at the expense of community. [You understand the point].

I suspect…in fact, I know…that I am being challenged by God to make choices in my life and the choices are not easy. I must choose to do right and endure the difficulties, or to avoid “right” so as to gain or maintain popularity/prestige/peace, etc.

In closing, I confessed to a group on Sunday night that I had been guilty of idolatry (of sorts) in recent days because I was working diligently to control a situation clearly outside of my control. I was working to mitigate outcomes, spin information and guard/protect people from hurtful things. Part of that is a job hazard of being a pastor. Most of it…was just an attempt to control a crisis situation. My actions resulted in many sleepless nights, tons of stress and the onset of migraines. One of my new friends from outside the church said to me, “you just care too much.” (He was a little more colorful in his choice of words…but God used his words to bring me back to a place of realizing that I was trying to “fix” a situation that was really God’s to fix.) The resolution was simple: I repented of my sinful actions in trying to control the situation. I then moved back to the place where I would look for what was the right thing to do, the right way to go about doing it, and then perform. The rest…up to a Holy God who loves me and all those involved…more than we could ever imagine. He is ultimately wise and absolutely sovereign. In Him I place my trust and from Him ALONE I choose to seek approval.

So, now that I shared some of this (as a means to clarify some of my thinking and hopefully encourage you if you have ever been in my situation)…perhaps you have thoughts on ethics or choices. Feel free to share. Love to hear your thoughts…

A Example of Discernment and Parental Responsibility

This post may seem a bit random, but I was perusing some of Mark Driscoll’s videos recently and came across this commentary on “the Twilight Series.” It brought to mind some of the strange looks Jodi and I used to get over some parenting choices we would make for our sons. (As a sidenote…we never have had a philosophy of “isolation” but one of “insulation.” I don’t want my kids to live in a vacuum or bubble. When we require this…they go to college without any context or experience…and anything goofy can happen. We wanted to insulate them…or give them context behind the culture they were experiencing so they would be equipped to discern it and not be overtaken by it. As a result…we didn’t play with certain trading cards, or read certain novels, etc. Not because we wanted our kids to be weird…but because they were just opposed to the insulation we were seeking to build. They weren’t for us.)

So, here is a video clip that Driscoll did on the Twilight Series and he brings a viewpoint that is helpful for those of us who need to stay sharp at discernment! That is our job as parents, leaders, and older believers.

Here is the clip. I hope you will watch it and then share your impressions. If you think he is overreacting…say it. If he is on the money…say it. Let’s discuss your thoughts.

Considerations on Stewardship (part 5, conclusion):

Today, as we wrap up this series of articles, I want us to address this final question: “What stumbling blocks/obstacles are real in my life when it comes to stewarding these things entrusted to me?”

[NOTE: You can catch up with previous articles here: PART 1; PART 2; PART 3; or, PART 4]

From my perspective, this is where the subject gets very REAL. Most people I know are pretty well convinced (at least intellectually) that we are people blessed by God and that there is some level of responsibility to do something with that blessing. That is stewardship. However, this responsibility runs into a “snag” when we start to evaluate how to actually apply our beliefs to real life. This is where we encounter obstacles. Perhaps, this is the part I have been wrestling with the most.

To be totally transparent…recently I haven’t been having a lot of “fun” in my daily duties. I found myself on “defense” from the time I drove on campus. Not because I hate what I do. On the contrary, I love the responsibility of ministry. I have just seemed to gain the attention of a few (only a few) folks who have seen fit to point out everything they dislike about my ministry, my philosophy, or my leadership. In an act of frustration, I even asked one person recently if he was pleased with anything that I do! (Simply because I can’t remember the last “positive” observation he has made in forever.) The truth is though…this post is not about this person or any one person in particular. It is about stewardship.

As I went to the Lord with my frustration, he reminded me that He had chosen me to “steward” His church. He chose me. He is my direct supervisor. He placed me in a position of responsibility over several hundred people…and I was on the defense over the comments of a dozen or so. This is just dead wrong! I can’t seek to please the dozen or I will surely displease the One. I can’t expect to please the hundreds all the time. Human nature prevents it. I also can’t desire to eliminate the dozen from my consideration. (Marginalizing them results in a failure in my role as steward over the WHOLE of the ministry.)

As I journeyed through this process with the Lord, He reminded me that I was accountable for how I dealt with ALL of the folks in His church. I did not have the luxury to ignore the few or coddle the many, or in any way seek (solely) the approval of even one person. My allegiance has to be to the One who called me to the ministry as His steward and entrusted all of the people to me.

Now to apply this elsewhere: Being obedient to God is not always easy. It is simple…but not easy. We don’t get to choose to steward the comfortable and ignore the uncomfortable…we steward all or nothing. When we give an account for our work, we will answer for all of it.

So, if God has given you the task of “steward” over your family, you can’t quit on the obnoxious ones. You can’t obey only the easy commands. You can’t love the ones who pat you on the back and not love the ones who “keep you humble.” You must manage ALL that is entrusted to you according to the desires of the One doing the entrusting. That is stewardship.

This tied into something that the Lord “gave” me a couple months ago in a similar “discussion” we were having. He said that I was making things harder on myself by seeking to please a constituency of many. He has called me to be accountable to a constituency of One. And…if I do that well…He will be about the work of conforming people to His will and ultimately…the “many” will benefit. There may be very little praise in the process, or there may be much…but at the end of the day…the affirmation of One is what I must discipline myself to seek. Whether that is scary or difficult…or as easy as pie…I must seek Him and His approval above all else. That is what I endeavor to do…in hope of hearing one day, “Well done good and faithful servant.”