One of the greatest lies of our current culture is that being successful, “making it”, reaching the top, or whatever phrase  you want to use, is that it comes easily. The climb to the top is never easy. If it were, then the top would be crowded. Now, this principle has other effects as well, specifically on our journey as disciples.

The lie says that becoming like Christ is simple. All you have to do is say a prayer and you’re well on  your way. The problem is, that’s not the picture we see in Scripture. The process of discipleship is hard work, taking dedication, commitment and sacrifice. Paul tells Timothy he needs to train himself to be godly (1 Tim 4:7). The word train is the same word to describe how Olympic athletes train. No one thinks Olympians show up the week before the event to compete. We know they train for years. They give up their social lives, workout more hours than they sleep and follow strict diets. Their schedules are discipline and rigid. Why? Because they want to win the prize.

In this same spirit, we are to approach our growing in Christ with the same commitment, dedication, and effort as an Olympian in order to win the prize of godliness. (This is not saying that salvation is works based. It’s by grace and faith in the work of Christ at Calvary.) It didn’t come easy for anyone in Scripture. The disciples left their jobs to learn and grow. Paul would have logged more frequent flier miles than anyone of his day. Jesus got up early and often to spend time in prayer.

If we are to train like Olympians, then we should have a plan like they do.

Come up with a plan.

Tell someone for accountability.

Go to work.

That’s how  you train.

I hope all the hard work stuff hasn’t scared you away. Because the truth is, everyone who has made the sacrifice and commitment looks back with joy and gratitude for their decision. You won’t regret it. Peter didn’t. Paul didn’t. Stephen didn’t. And neither will you. Great relationships take work and effort. But the effort is always worth it. Go for it!

It is becoming incredibly difficult in our culture to avoid noticing the “theys”. They are everywhere and constantly in front of us.

- They got a raise.

- They got a new book deal.

-They had 4,237 baptisms yesterday.

- They sold their house.

- They got engaged.

- They got their dream job.

- They were invited to a speak at ____ conference.

- The list is endless.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to keep going with your calling because “they” seem to be having so much more success. They get all the breaks. They get the opportunities. They land the deals, book the event, have the success. And when you compare that with where you are, it can really slow you down. I know from experience.

Here are few reflections:

1. For every great thing happening to “they”,  you rarely hear anything about the journey. If someone just got a book deal or a raise, it’s because they’re working hard and have been rewarded. You are comparing yourself to someone who is not at the same point of the journey.

2. Tune them out to focus. It’s difficult to focus on your calling if all you do is watch what everyone else is doing. Sign off of Twitter and Facebook for a few days and get back to work on your calling.

3. If you get jealous or frustrated when others succeed, you have pride and jealousy that needs to be dealt with.  I had to come to grips with this in my own heart. The more jealous you become, the harder it will be to pursue your calling. If the jealousy is left unchecked, it will infect your motives and destroy your potential. The best thing you can do is to start helping others promote their projects, congratulate them on their success, and pray for them.

4. It’s very difficult to trust God when you focus on them. God has mapped out your path specifically for you. You have to trust him, and the best way to do that is to focus your attention on him. Figure out what he is saying and trust his calling.

I have been praying and reflecting a lot on the thought to knock and the door will be opened. James told us we don’t have because we don’t ask. There are some doors I have been fervently praying will open, but alas, they remain shut. It’s almost like there are no doors at all. The battle in my heart for faith and unbelief has been incredible lately.

One of the doors I’ve been praying for is an opportunity to preach on a more consistent basis, with the ultimate goal of being full-time. I love preaching and have been doing it part-time for years now. I have had success and blessing with the opportunities I have been given. I take every opportunity with the utmost honor and opportunity of presenting the gospel. But I’m not full-time…yet.

My hope in sharing some of the frustration at where I’m at with my calling and ministry right now is for you to realize you’re not alone. You’re pursing what God has called you to but the doors don’t seem to be opening. Maybe:

• You’ve written the book, but few are reading.
• You planted the church, but few are coming.
• You started the business, but few are buying.
• You recorded the album, but no one’s booking.
• You want to become parents, but it’s just not happening.
• The list could go on and on.

Looking over my speaking calendar for the summer and I have a couple open weeks still open for camps, retreats, and events. Would love to serve your church.

Open Weeks:

June: 10-16

June: 17-23

July: 15-21

Let me know if there’s anyway I can help.

Thanks!

For most people, the point of Christmas is what we give and get our friends and family. Its a time to get a few days off of work. Its a time to not feel guilty about eating cookies for breakfast and cake for lunch. That’s what the story of Christmas is about. It’s amazing when left alone, everything eventually becomes about me (us, I).

While everyone is hustling to finish shopping, getting ready for the climax of Christmas morning, I hope we can take a serious moment to reflect on the full story. The real climax of the Christmas story is not the presents, it’s not the egg nog, it’s not even the manger scene. The real climax is found in John 20.

John 20 records the entire point of the gospels and the reason we celebrate Christmas.

The tomb is empty!

This Christmas, may we not forget that the point of the entire story which began on a cold December morning is that the tomb is empty.

Merry Christmas everyone.

For a few years I’ve been a supporter of an organization called Charity:Water. Their vision is to give clean water to the billion people on the planet that don’t have it. And for the first time today, I realize how important their work is.

Because of construction on the main road near my neighborhood, we’ve had our water shut off all day. I actually remembered late last night they were shutting it off, so I filled up a gallon jug and put it in the fridge. When I woke up this morning, I completely forgot and realized as soon as I finished my shower that I’d used all the water in the tank and it wouldn’t fill up until tomorrow. Not having unlimited access to water changes your entire day. I’m having to be strategic about going to the bathroom, washing dishes, and what to cook to eat. I was going to cook the kids mac and cheese for lunch, but I don’t have the water to cook the noodles. The laundry basket is overflowing, but I can’t wash them.

Today I realized the simplicity and complexity that the clean water issue poses. Water really changes everything. Thanks Charity Water for your work. I am more bought in than ever. Go here to see the great work they are doing.

Stay in the race long enough.

Others will quit, drop out, find excuses, give up to early.

Persistence is the key. Keep going when you feel like quitting. Most people can’t win because they don’t stay in the game long enough.