The Tension is Good

It's been about a week since Catalyst and I think I am still processing some things that were said. With so much great content, it's extremely difficult to pick a favorite. Even the theme is provocative-The Tension is Good. When I heard the theme, the cynical side of me came out. "Have you experienced my tension? Exactly what kind of tension are talking about? Too much tension usually means things break-that's never fun." But as always, in perfect Catalyst fashion, they delivered. Generational tension, job and family tension, ministry tension, leadership tension, spiritual tension...you name it, they probably talked about it. I think the most valuable lesson I learned while there was this. Lean into the tension. Figure out why it's there (sometimes obvious, other times not), figure out what you can learn from it and know that tension always stretches you. Thanks Catalyst 2010. Through some difficult lessons, you made me a better Christian, leader, husband and person. Can't wait to drink from the fire hose again next year.

Comment

So, I realized something profound today (not really...just kinda fun to say). I love getting comments on my blog. I'm sure those of you who read mind and have a blog feel the same. There is something exciting about putting your thoughts out there and getting feedback (negative or positive). There are a few of you who comment pretty regularly, and it is much appreciated. Anyway, back to that profound thought. I realized that I don't comment on others blogs nearly enough. I know how much I enjoy it so I'm going to make it my goal to comment regularly on others blogs. So, if you read my blog, and have a blog as well (that I don't already read), let me know (i.e. leave a comment-ha!).

Life of the Mind

C.S. Lewis calls pride "The supreme vice". He goes on to explain that pride is there when we think we have whipped some other vice. And when we think we have "whipped" all of them, we begin to think better of ourselves which easily turns into pride. What's frustrating, is all of this takes place inside. Sure, some people are outwardly prideful (I know I am at times), but that just shows an insecurity which, ironically, says about them that they have the exact opposite view of themselves. Too often in the church do we neglect the life and sins of the mind. The reality is, if you have grown up in the church, or for that matter, live in the bible belt you probably don't struggle with the "major" sins. Which of course are drinking, watching "R" rated movies and sex outside of marriage (which I heard can lead to dancing). The point is, the majority of Christians struggle with pride, envy, jealousy, lust, anger, resentment, thinking we are better than others and so on. All of which can have no outward signs. Paul says, in Romans 12, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Paul knew this was extremely vital to our lives as Christians. We must guard and renew our minds daily through the word, prayer, the spirit and each other, as to not let that "supreme vice" take hold.

Real men engage

This is a post i was priveleged to write a couple weeks back for the Finding Manhood blog.

The best advice I have received in while, “Be more interested and less interesting”.

What a novel concept! Quick to listen, slow to speak…seems like I’ve heard this somewhere before.

For some reason, that little phrase stuck with me, and I immediately took it to heart. I think most men pride themselves in being interesting. Whether it’s my job, my hobbies, what my family does on the weekends or my knowledge about a particular subject, I find myself wanting to be the one who people say, “that’s interesting” to.

When I catch myself being reminded of this it often reveals in me a deeper truth about who I am as a person. Although, I know the world doesn’t actually revolved around me, I find myself having conversation like it does. However, when I converse and live by this rule, conversation and friendship becomes so much more freeing.

This small act of selflessness requires me to not bring up that “little known fact” just because the conversation is in a lull. It requires me to think of questions that probe and challenge and motivate. It requires me to view people as actually made in the image of God. It’s as if we all have this little piece of God inside of us — Christians or not. It becomes a much more interesting conversation when you ask yourself, “Which piece of God do they have and how can I get them to tell me about it?”

Maybe you don’t have a problem listening. That’s kind of what we do as husbands/men — listen. Sure being more interested is about listening, but it’s just as much about engaging.

Listening is easy. Engaging…now that sounds interesting.