My oldest son, Isaiah, is in a stage of life that has him asking question after question. The word used most in his vocabulary is "why?" Of course, I encourage him to ask questions because they help him learn and us what is important to him.
I ask a lot of questions, too. I often ask others why others do what they do. I'm interested in their "story" and what motivates them. Leaders are learners and learners need to ask questions to understand how others view the world.
Our questions help us learn. They also communicate our values.
I distinctly recall my parents asking how events and school activities went. They communicated to me that they were interested in me being my best and doing my best. Their questions always revealed their values. They didn't ask what grade I had earned or if I won or lost. Often times, parents (and coaches) say they simply want their kids to give their best effort, but the questions they ask reveal otherwise. Did you win? Did you pass? What was the score? What grade did you get? These are questions that are focused on the outcome, not the process. They really have very little to do with giving the best effort. Kids can tell what their parents value based on the questions they ask.
Imagine for a moment that you receive a phone call from authorities explaining that there has been accident involving someone you love. Isn't the first thing that comes out of your mouth extremely important? Is everyone alright? How's the car? Both of these questions communicate your values and you had better get that right.
Listen to the questions you're asking and be sure they're the ones you want to ask. Think what is most important and ask questions that reflect your values, and ask a lot of questions.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Memorial Day Extended
I opened my inbox this morning to extended holiday sales. Banana Republic offered me 40% off a single item over the weekend and much to my surprise, they are recognizing the sale for one more day. Isn't it amazing how we extend the consumer opportunities of Memorial Day weekend, yet quickly move beyond the honor due to our fallen soldiers?
For as long as our society revels in sales and extended offers, I'm going to do my best to extend the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Almost 225,000 individuals lost their life during the American Civil War. 116,516 were killed in World War I from the US. 405,399 Americans were lost in World War II. Korea: over 36,000. In Vietnam, 58,209 died. 6,280 have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. According to Wikipedia, 1,343,812 American soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
These numbers are difficult to comprehend. Attached to every single number is a family and a story. On Sunday, the keynote speaker presented the audience with the numbers above. Simultaneously, in the distance, a car alarm sounded for nearly five minutes. It was eerily ironic. Car alarms were significant decades ago. Now, as an alarm blares, we go about our daily business as if we weren't aware. In fact, we have conditioned our brains to shut out the sound of car alarms. These numbers have become like that car alarm. We tune out the sound and don't even look to see if anything harmful is taking place. Instead, on this day of honor and recognition, we take advantage of seasonal bargains at large retail chains.
Businesses have hi-jacked Memorial Day with deals and sales. Today, they attempted to extend their own glory into the work week. I'm taking it back for Memorial Day to honor those who deserve it.
The amount of honor you give is in relation to the amount of value you perceive. I value our servicemen. And you should, too. Everything is better when honor is there.
Thank you, Veterans.
For as long as our society revels in sales and extended offers, I'm going to do my best to extend the real meaning of Memorial Day.
Almost 225,000 individuals lost their life during the American Civil War. 116,516 were killed in World War I from the US. 405,399 Americans were lost in World War II. Korea: over 36,000. In Vietnam, 58,209 died. 6,280 have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. According to Wikipedia, 1,343,812 American soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
These numbers are difficult to comprehend. Attached to every single number is a family and a story. On Sunday, the keynote speaker presented the audience with the numbers above. Simultaneously, in the distance, a car alarm sounded for nearly five minutes. It was eerily ironic. Car alarms were significant decades ago. Now, as an alarm blares, we go about our daily business as if we weren't aware. In fact, we have conditioned our brains to shut out the sound of car alarms. These numbers have become like that car alarm. We tune out the sound and don't even look to see if anything harmful is taking place. Instead, on this day of honor and recognition, we take advantage of seasonal bargains at large retail chains.
Businesses have hi-jacked Memorial Day with deals and sales. Today, they attempted to extend their own glory into the work week. I'm taking it back for Memorial Day to honor those who deserve it.
The amount of honor you give is in relation to the amount of value you perceive. I value our servicemen. And you should, too. Everything is better when honor is there.
Thank you, Veterans.
Monday, May 28, 2012
The soldier who salutes the flag
An important tradition in my family is attending the Memorial Day service at the Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. For as long as I can remember, I've sat in the same place under the same tall oak tree with my parents, grand parents and siblings. I might be mistaken, but I think this might actually be the 32nd consecutive year of my attendance. It was Isaiah's 4th.
Memorial Day is important to us because many of our relatives have served in the military. Both of my grandfathers were World War II veterans. Both have passed away and left a legacy of love for our country. Aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. have also faithfully served our country.
This American holiday has become many things. It marks the beginning of summer with a long weekend, picnics, great sales and other Memorial Day specials. Unfortunately, many of these annual celebrations have very little to do with what the holiday was intended to be.
After the American Civil War, Decoration Day was created to officially recognize the Union soldiers that fell during the Civil War. The term decoration day comes from the act of decorating graves with flowers, something my Grandma Audrey Black continues to do on this special day (and others). By the 20th century, this day had been used to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It became a common celebration after World War II and the name was officially changed to "Memorial Day" in 1967. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from it's traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.
Aside from a powerful keynote speaker, the moment that caught my eye during today's ceremony was during the Croix Chordsmen choir compilation of hymns representing each branch of the military. Servicemen from each branch appropriately stood at attention when their song was played. About ten chairs occupied by veterans sat alone beneath the American flag in front of the stage. When "The Army Goes Rolling Along" was sung, all of them quickly rose to their feet, stood proudly with their chest puffed out, head held high and saluted the flag. All, except for one gentleman. This old man labored hard to rise to his feet and suddenly fell back into his chair. He did the best he could to scoot his 90+ year old body to the front of the chair and grab a hold of the one next to him. He put all of his effort into raising to his feet, as if his life depended on it. I could sense him rushing to do so while his song played. He made it to his feet for a moment before all of the men became seated in unison.
It was subtle, and I might be one of the only people who noticed, however, I saw a man who had put his life on the line for my freedom when he was young and able bodied maintain the same commitment to the United States of America despite being only a remnant of the man that he once was. I was humbled and moved because in that moment, it was clear to me that he would do it all again. That's what Memorial Day is about.
We've lost our way as a nation many times, however, those who protect our freedoms have not.
Memorial Day is important to us because many of our relatives have served in the military. Both of my grandfathers were World War II veterans. Both have passed away and left a legacy of love for our country. Aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. have also faithfully served our country.
This American holiday has become many things. It marks the beginning of summer with a long weekend, picnics, great sales and other Memorial Day specials. Unfortunately, many of these annual celebrations have very little to do with what the holiday was intended to be.
After the American Civil War, Decoration Day was created to officially recognize the Union soldiers that fell during the Civil War. The term decoration day comes from the act of decorating graves with flowers, something my Grandma Audrey Black continues to do on this special day (and others). By the 20th century, this day had been used to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It became a common celebration after World War II and the name was officially changed to "Memorial Day" in 1967. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from it's traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.
Aside from a powerful keynote speaker, the moment that caught my eye during today's ceremony was during the Croix Chordsmen choir compilation of hymns representing each branch of the military. Servicemen from each branch appropriately stood at attention when their song was played. About ten chairs occupied by veterans sat alone beneath the American flag in front of the stage. When "The Army Goes Rolling Along" was sung, all of them quickly rose to their feet, stood proudly with their chest puffed out, head held high and saluted the flag. All, except for one gentleman. This old man labored hard to rise to his feet and suddenly fell back into his chair. He did the best he could to scoot his 90+ year old body to the front of the chair and grab a hold of the one next to him. He put all of his effort into raising to his feet, as if his life depended on it. I could sense him rushing to do so while his song played. He made it to his feet for a moment before all of the men became seated in unison.
It was subtle, and I might be one of the only people who noticed, however, I saw a man who had put his life on the line for my freedom when he was young and able bodied maintain the same commitment to the United States of America despite being only a remnant of the man that he once was. I was humbled and moved because in that moment, it was clear to me that he would do it all again. That's what Memorial Day is about.
We've lost our way as a nation many times, however, those who protect our freedoms have not.
It is the Soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is The Soldier, not the reporter,who has given us freedom of the press.
It is The Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is The Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is The Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is The Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the protester to burn the flag.
The Soldier by Charles M. Province
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Reflecting
It's been far too long since I've logged onto this blog page and threw down my ideas. I've missed it. Writing has always been an outlet for me. I have a lot of things going on inside of my head and getting them out helps me keep my thoughts organized and reflect.
Yesterday I gave a presentation at River Falls Meyer Middle School. It was a part of the Everest Project, a character development program and lesson on setting goals. My presentation was called "The Preamble to Greatness." Humility turned into honor, unleashing our potential and staying on the right "path" is the summary of the 70 minute conversation. From my perspective, it was quite successful.
I went through my Power Point three times, once with each grade (6th, 7th and 8th) and allowed for questions at the end. A 7th grade Language Arts teacher asked me to talk about "reflecting." I told her that I'm constantly reflecting, analyzing and evaluating everything I do. Actually, as I reflect, I often notice that I over-analyze things or evaluate myself and what I'm doing too much and miss the opportunity to live in the moment or appreciate what has unfolded.
She brought up reflecting in front of her students because she was having difficulty getting some of the boys to take part in the activity when she allowed time in class and encouraged them to do so. As a male, I can identify. What we hear when someone asks us to sit down and reflect is that we have to share our feelings. Boys, especially teenagers, get a little squirmy when they have to tell others what is going on inside. Naturally, they can express themselves with various physical outlets, but frankly, they're scared to talk (or write) about their feelings. That's not a valid reason for them to excuse themselves from the reflective process.
The blogosphere has provided an outlet for many people and it's a fantastic option for boys who might be afraid to share their feelings. It's great because it leaves a mark and impacts others. What this 7th grade teacher inspired me to do is help the athletes at Victory begin to blog. I've been actively encouraging them journal for years (journaling is the masculine way to keep a diary). I've provided numerous materials that facilitate the reflective process. Sometimes, it's like pulling teeth, though.
Tomorrow I will begin a new project with our most committed athletes. I have no idea what to expect, but like most of my ideas, of course I'm optimistic about the potential. I know what being transparent, reflecting and sharing my thoughts has done for me as a man and I'm confident it will do the same for a handful of our athletes.
I'll keep you updated!
Yesterday I gave a presentation at River Falls Meyer Middle School. It was a part of the Everest Project, a character development program and lesson on setting goals. My presentation was called "The Preamble to Greatness." Humility turned into honor, unleashing our potential and staying on the right "path" is the summary of the 70 minute conversation. From my perspective, it was quite successful.
I went through my Power Point three times, once with each grade (6th, 7th and 8th) and allowed for questions at the end. A 7th grade Language Arts teacher asked me to talk about "reflecting." I told her that I'm constantly reflecting, analyzing and evaluating everything I do. Actually, as I reflect, I often notice that I over-analyze things or evaluate myself and what I'm doing too much and miss the opportunity to live in the moment or appreciate what has unfolded.
She brought up reflecting in front of her students because she was having difficulty getting some of the boys to take part in the activity when she allowed time in class and encouraged them to do so. As a male, I can identify. What we hear when someone asks us to sit down and reflect is that we have to share our feelings. Boys, especially teenagers, get a little squirmy when they have to tell others what is going on inside. Naturally, they can express themselves with various physical outlets, but frankly, they're scared to talk (or write) about their feelings. That's not a valid reason for them to excuse themselves from the reflective process.
The blogosphere has provided an outlet for many people and it's a fantastic option for boys who might be afraid to share their feelings. It's great because it leaves a mark and impacts others. What this 7th grade teacher inspired me to do is help the athletes at Victory begin to blog. I've been actively encouraging them journal for years (journaling is the masculine way to keep a diary). I've provided numerous materials that facilitate the reflective process. Sometimes, it's like pulling teeth, though.
Tomorrow I will begin a new project with our most committed athletes. I have no idea what to expect, but like most of my ideas, of course I'm optimistic about the potential. I know what being transparent, reflecting and sharing my thoughts has done for me as a man and I'm confident it will do the same for a handful of our athletes.
I'll keep you updated!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The clean-up phase
I'm in Colorado Springs at the US Olympic Training Center with a couple of my female athletes. We're in the final preparation stages leading into the US Olympic Team Trials. The Trials will take place in Iowa City, IA on April 21-22. All of the hard work is done and it's now time to get organized and take what we have into the most important event in the US since 2008.
This week is very light from a physical standpoint. The girls are tapering and honing their skills. It's too late to add anything and it's too close to push hard. This week is more of a "clean-up" phase. Essentially, the past 6-7 months of training have been a whirlwind and somewhat overwhelming, emotionally draining, mentally taxing and physically demanding. This week is about putting everything back together and in order.
I had a long conversation with one of my athletes two weeks ago and she expressed her frustrations with teammates, training, technique and almost everything associated with the sport. She felt like she was over-training and needed a break. I reassured her that all of this training is working out perfectly. I told her that the nature of her training and continued growth makes everything seem very "messy" right now. The analogy I used was that it's like her room is a mess, clothes are everywhere, she hasn't made her bed in months and now I'm coming with my vacuum cleaner and we're cleaning house: doing laundry, folding her clothes and putting them in the correct drawers (figuratively). We're going from disorder to order.
It's really not much different than a construction site. Before construction begins, the area is clean, orderly and functional. Once you "break ground," it gets a little messy. There is daily maintenance during a big job like sweeping and picking up tools, however, it's not until it's complete that you pull away the plastic and throw away the masking tape that was around the windows. The same is true now for those competing in the Trials. We have to get rid of the plastic, throw some things out and take inventory of all of our tools. We're taking a finished product to Iowa.
This is a big moment for these women. The next two weeks are extremely delicate and crucial. It's two weeks for the rest of their lives. They're feeling the weight of the pressure. If it's all done correctly, the pressure will help them rather than hinder them. Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton said, "Under pressure you can perform fifteen percent better or worse." To perform best, we need to maintain a healthy perspective and enjoy the process.
The probability of achieving the outcome you want increases when you let go of the need for it.
This week is very light from a physical standpoint. The girls are tapering and honing their skills. It's too late to add anything and it's too close to push hard. This week is more of a "clean-up" phase. Essentially, the past 6-7 months of training have been a whirlwind and somewhat overwhelming, emotionally draining, mentally taxing and physically demanding. This week is about putting everything back together and in order.
I had a long conversation with one of my athletes two weeks ago and she expressed her frustrations with teammates, training, technique and almost everything associated with the sport. She felt like she was over-training and needed a break. I reassured her that all of this training is working out perfectly. I told her that the nature of her training and continued growth makes everything seem very "messy" right now. The analogy I used was that it's like her room is a mess, clothes are everywhere, she hasn't made her bed in months and now I'm coming with my vacuum cleaner and we're cleaning house: doing laundry, folding her clothes and putting them in the correct drawers (figuratively). We're going from disorder to order.
It's really not much different than a construction site. Before construction begins, the area is clean, orderly and functional. Once you "break ground," it gets a little messy. There is daily maintenance during a big job like sweeping and picking up tools, however, it's not until it's complete that you pull away the plastic and throw away the masking tape that was around the windows. The same is true now for those competing in the Trials. We have to get rid of the plastic, throw some things out and take inventory of all of our tools. We're taking a finished product to Iowa.
This is a big moment for these women. The next two weeks are extremely delicate and crucial. It's two weeks for the rest of their lives. They're feeling the weight of the pressure. If it's all done correctly, the pressure will help them rather than hinder them. Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton said, "Under pressure you can perform fifteen percent better or worse." To perform best, we need to maintain a healthy perspective and enjoy the process.
The probability of achieving the outcome you want increases when you let go of the need for it.
Monday, April 9, 2012
To be the best, you have to...
To be the best, you have to believe you're the best and do your best when it matters the most taking advantage of the opportunities before you. The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity. Mental fortitude and timing are essential.
"To be the best, you have to beat the best" is one of the most overused cliches in sports. I doubt those who become the best for any duration of time actually use this mantra. To be the best, you might never have to face the "best." The best focus on controlling what they can control. You cannot control who you compete against and you cannot control being labeled the obscure label of the best. You can control your attitude and effort, though. Externally focusing on the process and remaining positive rather than fixating on the outcome is the first step to unleashing your potential. Strive first to be your best and do your best.
It all sounds a little New Age, doesn't it? Like the person who says winning isn't important is probably the guy who is losing regularly, right? Make no mistake, winning is important and focusing on it helps fuel the desire to be the best. However, if the outcome supersedes the process, disappointment is almost sure to follow against the stiffest competition.
Every year I watch the final day of The Masters on television. Actually, I watch as much of the tournament as I can starting with the par-3 challenge on Wednesday. In recent years, the "best" golfer didn't win the tournament if world ranking and earnings are our measuring stick. Previous success is not much of an indicator, either. The winner is the individual who plays the best golf on Sunday when all the chips are on the table. The past 14 major championships have been won by 14 different golfers. 11 of the last 12 are first time major tournament winners. This year's Masters winner, Bubba Watson, played great on his way back to the clubhouse and stole a green jacket. When it came down to it, he had to beat Louie Oosthuizen - hardly the "best" golfer in the world - in a sudden death shoot out. Both are great talents, but not in the conversation of the best golfers on the planet, yet. Watson didn't have to beat the best, he had to play his best when it mattered most and believe he was capable of winning. It was a battle within himself - maintaining composure, focusing on the next shot and not allowing outside distractions to get the best of him. Sure, he finished ahead of the top golfers in the world, however, it wasn't about beating the best. It was all about him being his best.
Being the best and winning are not synonymous, so it's not about beating a specific opponent. You can be the best and not win or win and not be the best. Additionally, you can win without being your best and you can be your best and still not win. It's the nature of sports and one of the most important elements of it. It's why they play the games. if it was about beating the best, we wouldn't be captivated by people like Bubba Watson.
In the wrestling world, this cliche gets hammered because it's an individual sport. Henry Cejudo won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and was not the best wrestler in his weight class. They don't give gold medals for the best, they award the individual who beats all of the opponents he faces. Cejudo won four matches and didn't have to beat Besik Kudokhov. Kudokhov is arguably the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world today. He has been king of his weight class every single day since 2006 except for that one day Cejudo put everything together at the most optimal time. Cejudo has never defeated Kudokhov, yet he has a gold medal and Kudokhov doesn't. Kudokhov has five world gold medals, though. Truth be told, Cejudo was never close to beating Kudokhov. In Beijing in 2008, that wasn't the objective, though, was it? Cejudo controlled what was within his control. If he had to beat the best to be the best, there would have been another match following the championship finals. Beat the opponent in front of you and seize the opportunity when it's there.
On the flip side, I went to Russia in 2005 to seek out one competitor - Alan Dudaev. He was the reigning world champion at my weight class. I remembered the cliche to be the best you have to beat the best. In a friendly dual meet in Vladikavkaz, I beat Dudaev 0-3, 1-0, 1-1 in a match that was meaningless to him. I have a healthy perspective on that match today. Dudaev was fresh off a world gold medal and was in the middle of technical phase in his training schedule. He focused on one skill during our match (and scored 3 points on it in the first period). I caught on to his tactics and stayed away from it and he was unsuccessful the final two minutes. I scored in the clinch and on a push-out. That situation did not make me the best even though I "beat" the best (don't try to take that away from me...).
To be the best, you don't have to beat the best. You have to believe you're the best and take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you while controlling only what you can control.
"To be the best, you have to beat the best" is one of the most overused cliches in sports. I doubt those who become the best for any duration of time actually use this mantra. To be the best, you might never have to face the "best." The best focus on controlling what they can control. You cannot control who you compete against and you cannot control being labeled the obscure label of the best. You can control your attitude and effort, though. Externally focusing on the process and remaining positive rather than fixating on the outcome is the first step to unleashing your potential. Strive first to be your best and do your best.
It all sounds a little New Age, doesn't it? Like the person who says winning isn't important is probably the guy who is losing regularly, right? Make no mistake, winning is important and focusing on it helps fuel the desire to be the best. However, if the outcome supersedes the process, disappointment is almost sure to follow against the stiffest competition.
Every year I watch the final day of The Masters on television. Actually, I watch as much of the tournament as I can starting with the par-3 challenge on Wednesday. In recent years, the "best" golfer didn't win the tournament if world ranking and earnings are our measuring stick. Previous success is not much of an indicator, either. The winner is the individual who plays the best golf on Sunday when all the chips are on the table. The past 14 major championships have been won by 14 different golfers. 11 of the last 12 are first time major tournament winners. This year's Masters winner, Bubba Watson, played great on his way back to the clubhouse and stole a green jacket. When it came down to it, he had to beat Louie Oosthuizen - hardly the "best" golfer in the world - in a sudden death shoot out. Both are great talents, but not in the conversation of the best golfers on the planet, yet. Watson didn't have to beat the best, he had to play his best when it mattered most and believe he was capable of winning. It was a battle within himself - maintaining composure, focusing on the next shot and not allowing outside distractions to get the best of him. Sure, he finished ahead of the top golfers in the world, however, it wasn't about beating the best. It was all about him being his best.
Being the best and winning are not synonymous, so it's not about beating a specific opponent. You can be the best and not win or win and not be the best. Additionally, you can win without being your best and you can be your best and still not win. It's the nature of sports and one of the most important elements of it. It's why they play the games. if it was about beating the best, we wouldn't be captivated by people like Bubba Watson.
In the wrestling world, this cliche gets hammered because it's an individual sport. Henry Cejudo won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and was not the best wrestler in his weight class. They don't give gold medals for the best, they award the individual who beats all of the opponents he faces. Cejudo won four matches and didn't have to beat Besik Kudokhov. Kudokhov is arguably the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world today. He has been king of his weight class every single day since 2006 except for that one day Cejudo put everything together at the most optimal time. Cejudo has never defeated Kudokhov, yet he has a gold medal and Kudokhov doesn't. Kudokhov has five world gold medals, though. Truth be told, Cejudo was never close to beating Kudokhov. In Beijing in 2008, that wasn't the objective, though, was it? Cejudo controlled what was within his control. If he had to beat the best to be the best, there would have been another match following the championship finals. Beat the opponent in front of you and seize the opportunity when it's there.
On the flip side, I went to Russia in 2005 to seek out one competitor - Alan Dudaev. He was the reigning world champion at my weight class. I remembered the cliche to be the best you have to beat the best. In a friendly dual meet in Vladikavkaz, I beat Dudaev 0-3, 1-0, 1-1 in a match that was meaningless to him. I have a healthy perspective on that match today. Dudaev was fresh off a world gold medal and was in the middle of technical phase in his training schedule. He focused on one skill during our match (and scored 3 points on it in the first period). I caught on to his tactics and stayed away from it and he was unsuccessful the final two minutes. I scored in the clinch and on a push-out. That situation did not make me the best even though I "beat" the best (don't try to take that away from me...).
To be the best, you don't have to beat the best. You have to believe you're the best and take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you while controlling only what you can control.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Who do you say Jesus is?
I had a quick thought in church today. People develop opinions of individuals based on what they hear from others or what someone looks like. It's common place to draw conclusions on the character of an individual based on how they dress. At our core, we know it's wrong and still find ourselves and others doing it. Our culture and society have basically discredited this kind of behavior, right? People are encouraged and taught to look inside each person and know them for who they are. Except when it comes to Jesus.
I know many people who have drawn their conclusions and opinions of Jesus based on what others say and think. In fact, it goes a step further with Jesus, and people somehow are given a pass to make-up whatever they'd like to about him. Their opinions of who Jesus is are all over the map and much of them created to fit one's way of life, thought process or desires. They're not based on who he actually is.
I naturally formulate opinions about every single person I meet - usually before I even hear them speak. I dislike this about myself. If you're anything like me, it happens regardless if we want it to or not. However, I actively strive to remain open minded and let the individual tell me who they are. You know, don't judge a book by its cover... Our culture might stereotype people, but it also puts pressure on us to get to know the individual. Except when it comes to Jesus.
I've met many people who are content and satisfied with the presumptions of Jesus. They develop an opinion and stubbornly stick to it and refuse to get to know him. In everyday life, is it alright for me assume I know everything about another person because someone else told me about him/her? Absolutely not! Then, why does our society permit - and even encourage - us to think whatever we'd like to about Jesus? It seems like a double standard.
Who YOU say Jesus is is the most important answer you'll ever have to give in this lifetime. In Mark 8:29: "'But what about you?' He asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Christ.'" Jesus asked Peter who he thought he was. He didn't ask Peter who his parents thought he was. Or what his friends thought. Or what his teacher, professor and even pastor thought. Some of us are basing our faith on the faith (or no faith) of others. "Who you say I am?" He asked.
He asks everyone this most important question. Getting the answer correct on this one is too important to ignore or to take someones word for. Each of us must get to know Jesus for who he is if we're going to accurately formulate opinions about him. As humans, don't we owe that everyone? I think so. And even more when it comes to Jesus.
I know many people who have drawn their conclusions and opinions of Jesus based on what others say and think. In fact, it goes a step further with Jesus, and people somehow are given a pass to make-up whatever they'd like to about him. Their opinions of who Jesus is are all over the map and much of them created to fit one's way of life, thought process or desires. They're not based on who he actually is.
I naturally formulate opinions about every single person I meet - usually before I even hear them speak. I dislike this about myself. If you're anything like me, it happens regardless if we want it to or not. However, I actively strive to remain open minded and let the individual tell me who they are. You know, don't judge a book by its cover... Our culture might stereotype people, but it also puts pressure on us to get to know the individual. Except when it comes to Jesus.
I've met many people who are content and satisfied with the presumptions of Jesus. They develop an opinion and stubbornly stick to it and refuse to get to know him. In everyday life, is it alright for me assume I know everything about another person because someone else told me about him/her? Absolutely not! Then, why does our society permit - and even encourage - us to think whatever we'd like to about Jesus? It seems like a double standard.
Who YOU say Jesus is is the most important answer you'll ever have to give in this lifetime. In Mark 8:29: "'But what about you?' He asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Christ.'" Jesus asked Peter who he thought he was. He didn't ask Peter who his parents thought he was. Or what his friends thought. Or what his teacher, professor and even pastor thought. Some of us are basing our faith on the faith (or no faith) of others. "Who you say I am?" He asked.
He asks everyone this most important question. Getting the answer correct on this one is too important to ignore or to take someones word for. Each of us must get to know Jesus for who he is if we're going to accurately formulate opinions about him. As humans, don't we owe that everyone? I think so. And even more when it comes to Jesus.
I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a good moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. - C.S. Lewis 'Mere Christianity'
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