A Great Quote

Stumbled onto this quote by Sir Winston Churchill and thought we could all use the advice. Blessings!

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill

Why are Christians not relevant?

I am away this evening and spent almost three hours in the truck thinking about Christians and culture. I am big on Christians engaging culture. I love to go to Starbucks and sit and talk with high school kids about life and Christ. Anyway, back to the topic... why are Christians not relevant? I have a theory. I am not saying it is a good theory... just a theory.

I believe that Christians over the last 30 or so years have been content to not engage culture. We, Christians, have built our churches, our family life centers, our schools and many other things with the idea of building a wall of separation. Inside those walls we have been content to socialize, worship and even work with other Christians... the whole time building a life that is somewhat void of substantial interaction with non- Christians.

In those years, we fell out of the great dialogue of ideas and the divine concepts found in the scriptures disappeared from the conversation. Other ideas got most of the play and received no challenge from the things of the divine.

Today, we have awaken and found that we are not relevant. Too many Believers are content to read only Christian books, and, from afar, that seems fine. But, up close, how do we engage the evolutionists if we know nothing of the theory? We won't engage, and they will not engage us because there is no place to begin. Of course the world does not read in our area to engage us either, but that never was promised to us in scripture.

Engaging culture is something I think we must be willing to do. You may disagree with my ideas above, they are the result of a tired mind so you may be right to disagree, but this whole idea of engaging culture is worth examining as it relates to scripture.

When I read the gospels and look at the life of my Savior I see Him doing two major things... making disciples and engaging culture. At Westminster Christian Academy, we are attempting to do these very things... discipling students and engaging culture. And, we do them, not perfectly, but we do them... with the goal being to educate every student in Christ and with excellence so that each will be ready to change the world for His glory. Blessings!

The Power of Words

I am an educator and part of my job is to formally evaluate our high school faculty. Today, I was able to observe a great lesson on the power of words.

Words have meaning, and if anyone attempts to tell you something different... do not believe them. As a matter of fact, run from them because they are dangerous.

The connotations of words are equally powerful. If you disagree then just listen to the news for a few moments. Words like riot, massacre, terror, insurgent and others are used masterfully by the press to influence us into feeling and, hopefully, thinking exactly what they want us to think.


Let's face reality... the press is not intent on reporting the facts any longer; no, they are intent on influencing us to think what they want us to think and use the power of words and the connotations associated with those words to achieve their desired results.

There are some who doubt the power of connotations. Take this simple test with one word. What do you think of first when you hear the word "discipline?"

Now, what if I use the word "discipline" in the context of athletics? Does it change your perception of discipline?

What about if I use "discipline" in the context of punishment? Does it change yet again?

The power of words and the connotations associated with those words can be used to influence us and sway us if we are not careful. As Christians, we ought to be aware of this power. We also ought to have a firm grasp of words and use them the way God intended them to be used... with excellence and for His glory! Blessings!

A Great Quote

Here is another quote to add to our growing collection.

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Winston Churchill

Disney

Our trip to Disney has come to a close. Our children had a wonderful time. Disney is a truly special place, but not for the reasons you might think.

As I walked around all four parks, I was amazed by several things.

First, there is no garbage any where. I tried to find a piece and was successful a few times only to see it quickly picked up by someone dressed to blend in with the rest of us.

Second, Disney people want to be part of Disney. I did not see one person who did not present that image of Disney. I suspect those who don't do not last very long.

Three, Disney is about an image that is carefully constructed and presented in everything they do. Everything looked clean, new, safe and ready to use.

And, finally, Disney understands how to make things relational, and that when they do it presents a greater chance that people will return. When parents bring their kids to a place like Disney, and their kids make some of the relational connections our kids did... whala! Disney is now part of your family and your kids' memories, and that, again, increases the chances that your kids will come back and bring their kids.

The logistics to run such an operation are mind blowing, yet it is done with excellence and precision. Even though Disney is not Christ-centered, I still believe we Christians can learn from such an organization. After all, we believe in a redemptive God who still sits on the throne, right? Blessings!