Month: August 2011

Christians should resemble a fruit-tree, not a Christmas tree!

I thought this quote on the fruit of the Spirit from the late John Stott was incredibly insightful. He writes, “The Christian should resemble a fruit-tree, not a Christmas tree! For the gaudy decorations of a Christmas tree are only *tied* one, whereas fruit *grows* on a fruit-tree. In other words, Christian holiness is not an artificial human accretion (growth process – I had to look that one up!), but a natural process of fruit-bearing by the power of the Holy Spirit.” No wonder my attempts at trying to become more patient or kind or gentle seem to often fail. It’s because I’m trying to tie them on to my life, like Christmas tree decorations. One “shake of the tree” and my decoration (patience, kindness, etc.) falls off. So, let us follow Paul’s encouragement that “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Only the Spirit can truly give us a fruit-bearing life.

Fruit_and_xmas_tree

 

Christian should resemble a fruit-tree, not a Christmas tree!

I thought this quote on the fruit of the Spirit from the late John Stott was incredibly insightful. He writes, “The Christian should resemble a fruit-tree, not a Christmas tree! For the gaudy decorations of a Christmas tree are only *tied* one, whereas fruit *grows* on a fruit-tree. In other words, Christian holiness is not an artificial human accretion (growth process – I had to look that one up!), but a natural process of fruit-bearing by the power of the Holy Spirit.” No wonder my attempts at trying to become more patient or kind or gentle seem to often fail. It’s because I’m trying to tie them on to my life, like Christmas tree decorations. One “shake of the tree” and my decoration (patience, kindness, etc.) falls off. So, let us follow Paul’s encouragement that “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Only the Spirit can truly give us a fruit-bearing life.

What To Do With A Compliment?

How do you handle a compliment?  Moreover, how do you pay someone a compliment?  John Stott reflects on how the Apostle Paul handled that:

What should our attitude be to Christians who are doing well in some aspect of their discipleship?  Some people resort to congratulations:  ‘Well done!  I think you’re marvellous.  I’m proud of you.’  Others are uncomfortable with this and see its incongruity.  It borders on flattery, promotes pride and robs God of his glory.  So, although they may thank God privately in their prayers, they say nothing to the person concerned.  They replace flattery with silence, which leaves him or her discouraged.  Is there a third way, which affirms people without spoiling them?  There is.  Paul exemplifies it in 2 Thessalonians 1.  He not only thanks God for the Thessalonians; he also tells them that he is doing so:  ‘we ought always to thank God for you … we boast about you’.  If we follow his example, we will avoid both congratulations (which corrupts) and silence (which discourages).  Instead, we can affirm and encourage people in the most Christian of all ways:  ‘I thank God for you, brother or sister.  I thank him for the gifts he has given you, for his grace in your life, for what I see in you of the love and gentleness of Christ’.  This way affirms without flattering, and encourages without puffing up. (From “The Message of Thessalonians” (The Bible Speaks Today series: Leicester: IVP, 1991), p. 145.)

Why not thank God for someone today.  Let me start.  I thank God for you – for who you are in the gospel and how you enrich my life by your presence and ministry.

What To Do With A Compliment?

How do you handle a compliment?  Moreover, how do you pay someone a compliment?  John Stott reflects on how the Apostle Paul handled that:

What should our attitude be to Christians who are doing well in some aspect of their discipleship?  Some people resort to congratulations:  ‘Well done!  I think you’re marvellous.  I’m proud of you.’  Others are uncomfortable with this and see its incongruity.  It borders on flattery, promotes pride and robs God of his glory.  So, although they may thank God privately in their prayers, they say nothing to the person concerned.  They replace flattery with silence, which leaves him or her discouraged.  Is there a third way, which affirms people without spoiling them?  There is.  Paul exemplifies it in 2 Thessalonians 1.  He not only thanks God for the Thessalonians; he also tells them that he is doing so:  ‘we ought always to thank God for you … we boast about you’.  If we follow his example, we will avoid both congratulations (which corrupts) and silence (which discourages).  Instead, we can affirm and encourage people in the most Christian of all ways:  ‘I thank God for you, brother or sister.  I thank him for the gifts he has given you, for his grace in your life, for what I see in you of the love and gentleness of Christ’.  This way affirms without flattering, and encourages without puffing up. (From “The Message of Thessalonians” (The Bible Speaks Today series: Leicester: IVP, 1991), p. 145.)

Why not thank God for someone today.  Let me start.  I thank God for you – for who you are in the gospel and how you enrich my life by your presence and ministry.

30 Practical Ways For Living Missionally At Work

Many times it’s difficult to find practical ways to be a blessing in your workplace. Rapid pace, mounting deadlines, or co-worker conflict can often derail even the best of intentions to say and show the love of Jesus at work.

Recently, Josh Reeves posted some very practical ideas for blessing others in the workplace.  

1. Instead of eating lunch alone, intentionally eat with other co-workers and learn their story.

2. Get to work early so you can spend some time praying for your co-workers and the day ahead.

3. Make it a daily priority to speak or write encouragement when someone does good work.
4. Bring extra snacks when you make your lunch to give away to others.

5. Bring breakfast (donuts, burritos, cereal, etc.) once a month for everyone in your department.

6. Organize a running/walking group in the before or after work.

7. Have your missional community/small group bring lunch to your workplace once a month.

8. Create a regular time to invite coworkers over or out for drinks.

9. Make a list of your co-workers birthdays and find a way to bless everyone on their birthday.

10. Organize and throw office parties as appropriate to your job.

11. Make every effort to avoid gossip in the office. Be a voice of thanksgiving not complaining.

12. Find others that live near you and create a car pool.

13. Offer to throw a shower for a co-worker who is having a baby.

14. Offer to cover for a co-worker who needs off for something.

15. Start a regular lunch out with co-workers (don’t be selective on the invites).

16. Organize a weekly/monthly pot luck to make lunch a bit more exciting.

17. Ask someone who others typically ignore if you can grab them a soda/coffee while you’re out.

18. Be the first person to greet and welcome new people.

19. Make every effort to know the names of co-workers and clients along with their families.

20. Visit coworkers when they are in the hospital.

21. Bring sodas or work appropriate drinks to keep in your break room for coworkers to enjoy. Know what your co-workers like.

22. Go out of your way to talk to your janitors and cleaning people who most people overlook.

23. Find out your co-workers favorite music and make a playlist that includes as much as you can (if suitable for work).

24. Invite your co-workers in to the service projects you are already involved in.

25. Start/join a city league team with your co-workers.

26. Organize a weekly co-working group for local entrepreneurs at a local coffee shop.

27. Start a small business that will bless your community and create space for mission.

28. Work hard to reconcile co-workers who are fighting with one another.

29. Keep small candy, gum, or little snacks around to offer to others during a long day.

30. Lead the charge in organizing others to help co-workers in need.