Tag: jesus

The Secret of Job Contentment

This week’s chapter of The Man in the Mirror is titled “The Secret of Job Contentment.” This week the author invites us to explore the topic of contentment in our professional lives. This chapter addresses the keys to job satisfaction but also the deeper, spiritual alignment of our work with God’s purposes.

The distinction between wants and needs is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and a key theme in this chapter. Often, our career ambitions drive us — whether to gain significance, authority, wealth, prestige, or respect.  While these pursuits are not inherently sinful, they can distract us from what God wants for us. He wants us to find dignity and purpose in our work.

The author also suggests that a major secret to job contentment lies in redefining what we truly need vs. what we want.

Our circumstances do not determine our contentment; rather, our faith and trust in God do. This requires us to redefine our boss, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord. While we have earthly employers or clients, the ultimate authority and ownership rest with God. He has the final interest in all things, and by serving our earthly bosses as representatives of God’s authority, we can align our work with His kingdom.

To embrace contentment in our jobs, we must also learn not to try to control the future with our own plans but to trust in God’s plan for us—one day at a time. As Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Through this chapter, we learn that job contentment is not about achieving all our desires but about aligning our needs with God’s purpose, trusting in His plan, and serving Him faithfully in every aspect of our work.

In seeking job contentment, it might help us to think of our work not just as a means to an end but as a significant part of God’s plan for our lives (which it is). When we redefine our ambitions and view our daily tasks through the lens of serving God, every action gains a deeper meaning and purpose. This shift encourages us not only to pursue excellence in our roles but also to find joy in even the mundane tasks, knowing they contribute to a greater mission.

Questions:

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? — Like the other chapters in TMITM book, this chapter sounds very logical and, in many ways, obvious. But, also like other chapters, some of the ideas seem a little impractical or even daunting?

2. One of the ideas in today’s lesson is that we should avoid trying to control the future with our plans? Does that mean we are supposed to avoid making plans?

3. In what ways can we see our role at work as serving God, not just our earthly employer?

4. Do you believe that trusting in God’s plan, one day at a time, can help alleviate pressures related to our career ambitions? If so, how?

5. Based on today’s lesson, what would you say is the key to job contentment?

Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose

Our next chapter from “Man in the Mirror,” is titled “Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose.” It challenges us to consider what it really means to lead a significant life. For many, significance might be measured by achievements, influence, or the legacy they leave behind. However, this chapter invites us to consider a deeper concept of significance—one that aligns with God’s purpose and design for our lives.

Today’s Scripture is from Psalm 8:3-4 and says “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

These words remind us that no matter how much worldly significance we achieve, it all pales in comparison to the “work of God’s fingers”. And, as a result, we can gain more real significance by pursuing God vs. pursuing things.

Instead of defining our worth by worldly standards, which are fleeting and often leave us feeling unfulfilled, this chapter reminds us to find our significance in our relationship with God and our faithfulness to His call. This shift in perspective realigns our priorities and enriches our lives immeasurably more than any worldly accomplishment could.

Here’s a real head-scratcher – if we took a test about where our focus should be, we would all choose Godly significance as the “right” answer. But as soon as we stand up and leave today the first thing many of us (including me) will be tempted to do is check our messages and get right back into the rat race. That’s not to say that we should ignore our messages, but it highlights how quickly our focus can shift from Godly to worldly pursuits

I don’t believe the author is advocating for a life of poverty over one of wealth and material riches, nor is he anti-wealth or anti-accomplishment. Rather, he seeks the best for his readers, understanding that a laser focus on worldly things is less fulfilling than embracing God’s eternal perspective. Let’s explore this and other topics in our discussion questions below.

  1. Do you agree with the statement above that the author really just wants the best for each of his readers or do you get the sense that he’s anti-wealth/anti-accomplishment (worldly accomplishment that is)? Or is the answer “both and”?
  2. Why is it so tempting to choose the worldly significance path when we know the Godly significance path is better in every way? And are those two paths necessarily distinct & separate?
  3. Two-part question – what daily habits do you currently follow to align more closely with God’s purposes for you? And what habits would you like to add?
  4. How do you want to be remembered in terms of your faith and impact on others?

Cultural vs. Biblical Christianity

Today’s topic, from the third chapter of Man in the Mirror is a comparison between Cultural Christianity and Biblical Christianity. “Cultural Christianity” involves going through the motions—attending church, participating in Bible studies, and identifying with Christian values mostly in public or traditional settings. However, this approach may lack the depth of personal faith, daily reliance on Scripture, and a living relationship with Christ that defines a Biblical Christian.

Today’s lesson is about bringing awareness to the difference because I believe that many of us might find ourselves acting in the role of a cultural Christian without even realizing it. That brings us to the verse for today which is from James 1:22-23:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

So, what’s the big deal, right? If we live life as a cultural Christian, nobody gets hurt, and we are at least acting like a “good guy”. Is this really that bad? To me, this is like neglecting our health by skipping exercise and overindulging in desserts—eventually, our doctor might deliver news we can’t reverse.

In the same way, imagine pausing to reflect on December 31st of even one single year and genuinely contemplating the quality of our faith life over the previous 12 months. In many years, we might realize that, while we’ve been present at church, we haven’t been fully present in our walk with God. And while that single year of regret is genuinely sad, consider adding all the rest of your years of regret together and thinking about that weighty idea as you near the end of your life on earth – wow, now that’s powerful.

But the good news is that it’s a lot simpler than we try to make it. It’s not about doing more in most cases; it’s about doing less. Typically, we don’t need more Bible studies or volunteering at the soup kitchen; we need more quiet time with God and more time to reflect on scripture. Those are the real moments when God speaks to us and moves our hearts.

The path of a Biblical Christian involves a daily (yes, daily) commitment to transform our hearts and minds to reflect the image of Jesus. But it is completely worth it! Imagine waking each day with a sense of purpose and a life of peace. This is not just a distant dream; it is very much available to each of us as we deepen our faith.

As we dig into these questions, let’s really challenge ourselves. By sharing authentically, everyone will hopefully leave today with a renewed passion for living as a Biblical Christian.

Questions:

1. Do you agree with the statement above that it’s possible to live much of our life as a cultural Christian without even being aware of it?

2. Based on your personal observations, do it seem to you that most people spend more time in the realm of cultural or Biblical Christianity?

3. What are practical steps we can take to transition from a cultural to a Biblical Christian?

4. Looking forward, what changes do you hope to see in your life as you shift towards a more engaged and Biblical Christianity? How do you envision this impacting your sense of fulfillment and purpose?

Leading an Unexamined Life

Building on our conversation last week about breaking free from the rat race, this week we’ll focus on the topic of “Leading an Unexamined Life”, which is the second chapter of “The Man in the Mirror.”

Today’s verse is from Lamentations 3:40 which says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

Understanding the Unexamined Life

The unexamined life, as discussed in our passage, reflects a journey without introspection, where actions and decisions are made without the deliberate consideration of one’s values, purpose, or the alignment of these with God’s will. It reminds me of the saying “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. This can lead us away from the path God intends for us, resulting in a life filled with missed opportunities for growth, fulfillment, service, and building strong friendships!

The Tombstone Testimony

This chapter discusses the topic of legacy and the signs/indications of a life well-lived. Our desire to be remembered as “a good and faithful servant” underscores the essence of leading an examined life. This is a life that consistently reflects on how our actions, relationships, and faith align with God’s expectations and our true calling.

The Journey of Faith

As we mature in our faith journey, our trust and commitment to Jesus should deepen, moving from a conceptual belief to a guiding force in our life. This shift is an essential part of transitioning from an unexamined to an examined life, where our daily choices and our overarching life direction are intentionally aligned with our faith.

The Call to Discipleship

This chapter also discussed the importance of discipleship in preventing the pitfalls of an unexamined life. Discipleship, characterized by mentorship, guidance, and accountability, helps us navigate our faith journey, ensuring we remain true to our Christian values and God’s plan for us.

Embracing the Examined Life

In our goal to move toward living examined life, we commit to a journey of frequent reflection, which reminds us to align our values and our daily actions. It’s a path marked by a willingness to ask tough questions, to face our imperfections, and to grow in faith and character under God’s guidance. This chapter challenges us to look beyond the superficial, to dig deeper into our faith, and to live in a way that, when our time comes, we too might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Questions:

  1. Based on today’s lesson, would you say you are living a life that is closer to the examined or unexamined end of the spectrum?
  2. Reflecting on the “tombstone testimony,” what words or phrases do you hope might define your life?
  3. As a follow up to question #2, does your vision of how you want to be remembered influence your daily choices and long-term goals? If so, in what ways?
  4. How can this group help those who want more discipleship and accountability in their lives? What are some simple but powerful things group members can start doing that will move us in this direction?
  5. Facing the Mirror: If you are comfortable sharing, what discrepancies do you find between the “visible you” and the “real you”? How can you bring these into closer alignment?

Easter Mountain Climbing

As we observe Good Friday this week, we have time to reflect on a theme that we also explored last week—mountains. Specifically, we draw inspiration from Isaiah 2:1-4, where the mountain symbolizes a place of encountering God, learning, and mutual growth. This Easter, I invite you to view our collective spiritual journey through the lens of ascending a sacred mountain—a journey that ties in with our exploration last week of “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks.

The Mountain of the Lord: Easter’s Call to Ascent

Easter is a season of renewal, resurrection, and reawakening. It invites us to contemplate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate journey from the valley of death to the pinnacle of new life. This ascent to the “mountain of the Lord,” as Isaiah envisions, symbolizes our call to move closer to God, seeking His ways and walking in His paths.

Connecting the Mountains

Last week, we reflected on the metaphor of climbing two mountains. The first mountain is about personal ambitions and success, while the second mountain focuses on selflessness, commitment, and service to others. This Easter, we’re reminded that there is yet another mountain to climb—the one where we meet God in His majesty, learning His ways and committing to walk in His paths.

From the Valley to the Mountain Top

Easter is a good time to reflect on the valleys of our lives—moments of suffering, doubt, and death. Yet, it offers a profound hope that, with God’s help, we can conquer these valleys! (can I get an Amen!?) The resurrection of Jesus signifies that the darkest valley can (and did) lead to the highest mountain, where eternal life and peace reign.

The Communal Journey Upward

Isaiah’s vision of the mountain of the Lord is not just an individual ascent; it’s a group invitation. “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.'” This echoes the importance of community and service we discussed last week. As we climb towards Easter’s promise, we do so together, supporting and uplifting each other in faith.

Embracing Easter’s Journey

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, let’s embrace the journey from the valley to the mountaintop. Let’s renew our commitment to learn from God, to walk in His paths, and to do so together as men who support each other in every way possible and always want the best for each other.

Reflection Questions for Easter Ascent

1. How does the Easter story of resurrection inspire you to get through valleys? And, if you are comfortable sharing, what valleys are you emerging from, and what mountain are you climbing now?

2. The journey to the mountain of the Lord is a communal one. How does your faith community come together to support each other in this ascent? How can you contribute to this journey?

3. Similar to the last question, as we collectively ascend the mountain of the Lord, what do the words “leave no man behind” mean to you? What are some ways we can live out that idea?

4. Imagine reaching the mountain of the Lord, as described by Isaiah. What emotions and thoughts does this evoke in you?

5. Isaiah speaks of learning the ways of the Lord. How can you, in this Easter season, commit to learning more about God’s ways and applying them in your life?

Uplifting Our Church Leaders

While we usually discuss topics that affect us directly, today we are focusing on how we can support our clergy and how, in doing so, each of us and the entire community is strengthened.

Supporting our clergy and church leaders is foundational to the health and growth of any church. They guide us, inspire us, and dedicate themselves to serving not just the church, but each of us individually. Recognizing their commitment, it’s important that we, as a congregation, actively support and uplift them in their spiritual and practical endeavors. This is especially important during times of significant changes and uncertainty, as many churches are experiencing now.

Supporting our leaders goes beyond verbal affirmations; it involves practical steps to ensure their well-being and effectiveness in ministry. This includes providing them with resources for their spiritual nourishment, respecting their need for rest and family time, and offering constructive feedback with grace. Encouraging our leaders allows them to serve from a place of renewal and strength, fostering a healthier and more vibrant church community.

Leveraging Church Community Skills and Talents: Emphasizing the congregation’s role in the church’s mission can alleviate some of the burden on our leaders. By identifying and utilizing the diverse skills and talents within our community, we can support our leaders more effectively. This approach not only distributes responsibilities more evenly but also fosters a stronger sense of ownership and involvement among members.

Practical Support and Appreciation: Simple acts of appreciation and practical support can go a long way. Whether it’s volunteering to lighten their administrative loads, offering gifts of gratitude, or simply sending a note of thanks, these gestures affirm the value of their work and ministry.

Prayerful Support: Possibly the most powerful support we can offer is our prayers. Praying for our leaders’ strength, wisdom, and guidance is crucial. It’s a spiritual lifeline that sustains them through challenges and bolsters their ministry.

Fostering Open Dialogue: Creating an environment where leaders feel heard and supported in their challenges and ideas fosters a stronger, more resilient church community. Open dialogue allows for shared burdens and collaborative solutions, reinforcing the bond between clergy and congregation.

In supporting our clergy and church leaders, we embody the biblical principle of mutual care and encouragement, which is described in this verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” Let’s commit to being pillars of support for those who lead us in faith, ensuring they have the strength, love, and resources needed to carry out their God-given missions.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. What do you believe are the most effective ways we can support our church leaders both spiritually and practically?

2. What are some specific ways we can show appreciation for our clergy and leaders’ hard work and dedication?

3. How does prayer for our leaders impact not just them but also the wider church community?

4. What are some of the positive impacts of supporting our church leaders?

5. Reflect on times when you’ve felt supported or unsupported in your own endeavors. How can this perspective help form our approach to supporting our church leaders in both their personal and ministerial challenges?

Embracing the Eternal over the Momentary

Today’s topic was inspired by Scott Edwards who bravely fought brain cancer for many years but ultimately passed away last week. Many of you in this group likely attended his funeral yesterday. His life was a great example of how we should dedicate ourselves to eternal purposes and not to short-lived or materialistic pursuits. So, we dedicate this lesson to Scott and the legacy of love and faith he left behind as he entered the gates of heaven.

We talked recently about how easy it is to get caught up in the worries and distractions of our daily existence. Yet, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 offers a meaningful perspective, urging us to look beyond the immediate: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Today we’ll focus on three key elements from this verse – minimizing worry, being present, and focusing on the eternal.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

1. Embracing a Worry-Free Life: Our earthly troubles, though they may seem overwhelming, are described as “light and momentary” in the grand scheme of God’s plan. This perspective invites us to surrender our worries to God, trusting in His eternal wisdom and plan.

2. Being Present in Every Moment: In a world that’s constantly rushing towards the next big thing, this verse reminds us of the value of being present. Every day is an opportunity to experience God’s love and to showcase that love to others.

3. Focusing on the Eternal: Our culture often emphasizes material success and visible achievements. However, what truly matters is often unseen – the growth of our spirit, the love we share, and the faith that guides us.

Applying Eternal Perspectives in Daily Life

Not Worrying: How can we practically shift our focus from worry to trust in God’s plan? It involves a daily commitment to prayer, reflection, and consciously choosing to trust in God’s promises.

Being Present: It’s not just about physically being there, but also about being emotionally and spiritually engaged with those around us. It can be as simple as truly listening to someone or as profound as being fully aware of God’s presence in every moment possible.

Focusing on the Eternal: This means prioritizing our spiritual growth and the well-being of others over worldly gains. It’s about making choices that align with our faith and eternal destiny, not just with immediate desires or societal expectations.

Questions:

1. How effectively do you let go of worries and focus on God’s eternal plan in your daily life? If you are skilled in this area, please share some of your tips with the group.

2. “On paper” being present is so simple. So why is it so hard for us to master?

3. Can you share an experience where being fully present in the moment led to a deeper spiritual insight or personal connection?

4. In what ways can we encourage each other to prioritize eternal values over temporary successes? How can we best support each other in this worth pursuit?

5. How does the distinction between what is seen and unseen affect your decision-making and life priorities?