Greatest When Least

“You know that the rulers in his world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42b-45 

In a few weeks, we are concluding a series at Ground Zero called Say What?! We’ve been teaching through the various things Jesus said, Jesus did, or God commands that are opposite of what the world, those who don’t follow Jesus, tells us is normal; things that make us go, say what?!

And I can’t stop thinking about this last one: Greatest when least. This might be Jesus’ most radical, most opposite teaching of what the world glorifies.

In a world where athletes are trying to “get what they deserve” – more money, more fame, more celebrity; in a world where business men and women are constantly striving to become greater – moving up the organizational chain, making more money; in a world where pastors attempt to gain more fame – placing their pearly-white teethed pictures on the front page of their church’s website, promoting themselves more than Jesus.

It’s a world that fully embraces the equation that greatness = more (money, success, fame, popularity).

But Jesus says he came to serve, to give his life as a ransom, and everyone must be a slave. Say What?!

We’re all born with a desire for more. We’re born with a gap between what life is and what life could be. There is a dissatisfaction inherent in each one of us, and we are driven by something to fill that gap.

The problem is, as Christians, we’ve begun to sell Jesus as the missing link to the gap – and not the “greatest when least” Jesus.

We sell the “Jesus will fulfill your dreams” or the “Jesus will make you happy” one. But we forget to mention that Jesus himself didn’t even promise to be that missing link between dissatisfaction and satisfaction, at least not in the way a Happy Meal or a winning Lottery ticket can fulfill our desires.

“Everywhere we turn we are being promised that our life can be wonderful if we follow a certain formula. It is as if the world is a huge vending machine full of products, each one promising to satisfy our souls.” Peter Rollins, Idolatry of God.

And he church has joined in this fun. In some ways, the youth ministry world worse than other parts of the church.

But what if Jesus came not to just be another product and instead, came to rid us of that desire for X perfection, X satisfaction, or X complete happiness? What if instead Jesus is saying: Stop searching for perfect harmony. Stop searching for what’s missing in the GAP, and instead, let me show you a different way. I came to give my life as a ransom for many. I didn’t find complete satisfaction in this. Instead, I gave my life away. I learned truly how to be greatest when least.

This may be true and I love the thought, but I am not sure how to completely follow Jesus on this one. If greatest is really least, how do we become least?

There lies the answer for our insatiable hunger for satisfaction. And there lies the answer we need to give our young people.

Manti Teo, Lance Armstrong, and Power

We love sports heroes.
We love them larger than life, defying the odds, conquering mountains, and achieving a seemingly impossible destiny.
And if possible, we love their stories to be sappy, sweet, and perfect.
Please, please, please, do not show us any imperfections. And if you do, make it sort of the juicy imperfections of say a Mike Tyson or a Michael Jordan.

We loved the story of Manti Teo. I’m not going to get into the details. Those can be found all over the internet or by reading this one here. But the story of overcoming the death of his grandma, but most importantly, the love of his life, his girlfriend, and despite playing with a heavy heart, leading Notre Dame to a near-championship and an improbable run at the Heisman Trophy.

We also loved the story of Lance Armstrong. Defeating and overcoming cancer to win 7 Tour de France races. Building a legendary cancer-eliminating foundation, LiveStrong. Inspiring people worldwide, all the while turning away people’s testimonies that he was a cheater and a doper.

We love these stories so much that we refuse to believe they could ever possibly not be real.

But see, one of my theories is that professional sports won’t maintain/sustain/continue it’s total domination of the minds and hearts of the world in my lifetime. I believe at some point we will see a major fall in interest/spectatorship/value of professional sports in my lifetime.

Why?

The same reason Manti Teo and Lance Armstrong’s stories were just too good to be true.

No one can handle that amount of power. No one.

This all goes back to the original stories of creation, whether you believe them or not. But Adam and Even, the first humans, were given literally everything. EXCEPT. They were not allowed to be gods. They could have dominion, reign, enjoyment, satisfaction over everything EXCEPT the one tree God told them to stay away from.

But they couldn’t handle it. It was too much power. And because they had such power, they only wanted more. They wanted to be more than gods. They wanted to be God.

I don’t know Teo’s involvement in this girlfriend hoax. I don’t want to cast Armstrong on the pile of used and now abused sports heroes. But what I do want to say is that power – that kind of power – is difficult, if not impossible, to handle.

The question is: Is it only their fault? Are they the only ones to blame? Or do we need to look in the mirror and ask whether we as a culture place too much value on these mythical stories of our sports heroes? Or, as this article suggests, do athletes simply get caught up in their own narratives and they spin out of control?

Just questions to ponder.

To conclude, instead of those questions, the question that matters most in all of this is: What do I do with the “power” God has given me? Do I fabricate it? Crave more of it? Lust for more and want to be a god or God? Or, do I show up every day and seek to be everything God created me to be for His sake, not my own, with the power He has given me?

Those are the real questions to ponder.

Benjamin Zander and Passion

This is one of the best talks I’ve ever seen. It’s worth your 20 minutes.

Vulnerability

Read it. Say it. Think it. Try it on.

And try not to shudder or get the willies when you do.

Echk.

Vulnerability is scary and generally equated with weakness.

Vulnerability is showing up and letting ourselves be seen.
Vulnerability is letting your guard down, with people outwardly and with people inwardly.
It is letting yourself feel – really feel – emotion.
It is showing someone – heck, even yourself – the good, the bad, and the very ugly.

But here’s what I’ve learned over the last two weeks: Vulnerability is the key to all connections and relationships, and we are all made and hardwired for relationships and connections. Furthermore, vulnerability is at the core of all emotions and feelings.

Now, when I say learn, I mean I’ve read some things, like Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Watched a Tedx talk by Brown. Discussed this topic with our small group and in class with fellow seminarians. But I’m learning how to really learn vulnerability, and for that to unfold, I’ll need a lifetime.

For now, here’s what I know: If I’m going to experience the fullness of life, I’m going to need to learn how to be truly vulnerable. I’m going to have to learn that: “Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement” (Brown).

“When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may not be recoverable, we squander our precious time, and we turn our backs on our gifts, those unique contributions only we can make” (Brown).

Will I learn that vulnerability is not weakness? Will I continue to learn that vulnerability does not equal unworthiness, fear, or shame? Will I determine to walk into the arena, dare to be all that I am, and allow myself to really feel, connect, and relate with the people around me?

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Vampires, Psy, and the NFL

 

I love the turn of the year.

No, I don’t love New Year’s Eve. There is always too much pressure to make it something special.

But I do love fresh starts, new beginnings, a chance to reflect on what was and what will be.

If this year is marked by anything, it’s the influence Psy (seen above) has had on my life. With over 1.1 BILLION youtube views, Psy and his Gangnam Style has revolutionized my world.

Kidding.

But have you ever watched the video? Or listened to the song? It’s complete nonsense. And yet it’s been watched 1.1 BILLION times.

I was at the Seattle Seahawks game on December 30th watching them handle the St. Louis Rams. And I was struck by how absurd we are as a culture. Now, hold on a second. I know you’ve probably heard this version of “what would aliens think if they came to earth and saw our culture” type of thing before. So just hang with me.

But seriously, have you ever been to an NFL game? People like this…

People go this crazy. For NFL games.

To be clear, I’m not saying this is wrong, bad, or something we should stop doing. But aren’t we just a bit crazy?

At the end of my life, I want to be able to reflect on life well lived. And the definition on what it means to live a well-lived life varies from person to person. But I do know at the turn of a new year while reflecting on a year past and dreaming of a year ahead, I don’t want my life to be defined by Psy, rabid NFL fanaticism, or vampires (or was this the year of vampires? or was that last year?).

In 2013, I want my year to be defined by:

1. Being present in every moment.
2. Allowing myself to experience and feel.
3. Being the best husband in the world.
4. Becoming the best father in the world.
5. Letting my life be resourced, renewed, and directed by Jesus at every turn.
6. Making relationships with friends and family central.
7. Generosity of life with others.

With these 7 things as my foundation, then I can go enjoy me some Psy, NFL, and vampires (maybe minus the vampires – although I’ve never given them a shot).

What are your “turn of the year” reflections?

 

Raving Fan

Recently, I became a raving fan of a coffee shop in Roseville called J Arthur’s coffee.

I was watching the Social Network the other day and was struck by how obsessed Zuckerberg was with never crashing.

Mark Zuckerberg: “Without money the site can’t function. Okay, let me tell you the difference between Facebook and everybody else; we don’t crash, ever! If the servers are down for even a day our entire reputation is irreversibly destroyed.”

In order to create raving fans, great leaders know they can’t slip. Or at least, they have to earn your allegiance before slipping (mistakes always inevitably happen).

Since I’ve come to J Arthur’s, here’s what has happened:

1. They’ve never made a bad cup of coffee (unlike the inconsistency of chain stores). Each cup is hand crafted (manual brew), although you can get drip as well.
2. They value quality over quantity and speed.
3. The environment is incredible, clean, and comfortable.
4. They have great wi-fi, a ton of outlets, and lots of varied seating (which if you’re in school, work on a computer a lot, or write a lot, you know how important this is).
5. They have free refills.
6. They frequently provide free samples of different drinks.

I drive 10 miles south of where I live and usually need to head – past tons of other coffee shops – because I am a raving fan. This artisan coffee shop is that much better.

Leadership thought of the day: How are we creating raving fans? What is the one thing we can never let slip or else our reputation will be irreversibly destroyed?

New Series: One (Jesus)

Ground Zero kicked off a new series this week called One. Here is the overview of the series:

It starts with one. Knowing One. Going one direction. Reaching one. Doing one thing. Sometimes we get so caught up with the many that we forget it’s just about the one.

There is ONE Jesus.
There is ONE direction we are going to take you at Ground Zero.
There is ONE name of a person who is far from God.
There is ONE thing you can do right now to change yours or someone else’s life.

Don’t get lost in the many.
It’s time to focus on the one.

Week 1: One Jesus
Week 2: One Direction
Week 3: One Name
Week 4: One Action

In week one, we addressed how there is a big difference between knowing about Jesus and really knowing Jesus. But we did talk about how Jesus actually is, because we recognize a lot of students don’t know anything about him. And that’s okay!

We then taught through John 7:28-29: “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You don’t know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

Jesus is saying: Look! I’m a man. You see me. You know where I live. You know where I come from. BUT, you don’t REALLY know me. Because if you did, you’d know that I am God.

And then he gets to the difference between just knowing about him and really knowing him: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38

We challenged students to really get to know Jesus this week by spending time with him and handed out Weekly One Guides to direct them to do so.

After the night was over, we had one young woman who wanted to really know more of Jesus, and chose to say Yes to knowing him more.

The Truth Is…You Could Get Along!

At Ground Zero, we had our GZ Parent Invite Night! We had almost 275 parents attend across all the campuses so they could experience GZ, get to know their student’s small group leader, and hear a message about how they can get along with their junior high child.

The message centered on Ephesians 6:1-4:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

As junior high students transition in adolescence, we are no longer parent using the power and position advantage. The title and size we all hold over our children won’t work like it used to work now that they are moving into adulthood.

Each of our lives are made up of experiences and choices. The more we focus parenting using the power and position advantage over the experiences and choices of our adolescents, the more we will exasperate them. Instead, we need to begin to shift our parenting focus from the experiences and choices department into investing in a real relationship with them.

Frankly, this is how God parents us – in a relationship! And as parents, we must begin to parent our adolescents like God parents us, and that’s by developing a real relationship with them. As Andy Stanley, Pastor at North Point Church says, “When it matters most, the quality of your relationship with your children will determine the weight of your influence.” 

To practically conclude, we gave away little cards that had conversation starters on one side and ideas for adventure on the other side. The two ways to invest in their relationship is to talk to each other and break up the daily routine.

We are praying for this relationship between parents and children to grow stronger and for influence to be maintained through the relationship they develop through these challenging adolescent years!

For more parenting resources, please click here (the parents’ page for Ground Zero)

Love Does by Bob Goff

 

 

Much has been said and written of Love Does by Bob Goff recently. Why? Because it is fun, well-written, inspiring, and in his words, “full of whimsy.”

This is the story of Bob Goff and his life of being an adventurous, radical disciple of Jesus Christ. It is inspiring because this is the life we want to have and the life we believed Jesus meant when he said: “I have come so that they may have life, and have life to the full.” As followers of Christ, there comes a time when we lose interest in the rote routine pursuit of more bland church attendance, bible study, and prayer. There is not anything wrong with those at all; in fact, they are essentials of discipleship. But there comes a point when we just want more life. And Goff shows us the way through his relationship with Christ.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Read and be inspired by the stories of adventure, whimsy, life, and love. Jesus didn’t come to bring us dull; he came to bring us life, and Goff shows us practically how to live this out, because as he writes, “love does.”

The Truth Is…There is more to life

At Ground Zero this last week, we officially launched small groups! We were so excited to see so many students CHOOSE – WILLINGLY – OPTIONALLY – to join small groups on their own. There is no better place to experience true relationship and transformation than in small groups. By the way, it’s NEVER too late to join small groups at Ground Zero.

During large group, we were in week three of Truth Is. And this week, we talked about how the truth is…there is more to life.

Worship, by definition, is anything we idolize, ascribe worth to, or value the most. We can worship anything in life – our boyfriends/girlfriends, video games, sports. And when we worship things other than God, we start to live as if life is about us.

But true worship of God reminds us life is not about us; it’s about God.

We worship God with our whole lives. The way we live in obedience to him is worship of God.

However, this week, we talked specifically how God wants us to worship him through singing.

Why?
1. So we can experience God.
2. So we can express our love for God.

Psalm 66:1-5 says, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.’ Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf!”

We recorded a message for Ground Zero this week. Here it is:

Ground Zero EBC on Vimeo.