This Starbucks Red Cup thing is frustrating. If you haven’t read anything about it, read this here.

I’m frustrated because Christians haven’t seemed to learn their lesson. In a world looking for reasons to be angry at or indifferent towards the church and other Christians, we tend to give them plenty of reasons.

As long as we continue to allow a tiny minority of irrational, self-serving Christians (those who draw attention to themselves by raising issue over inconsequential matters), we will continue to be known as people who are always against the wrong things, and never for the right things. It’s also shocking to me, despite being a tiny minority of Christians who may hold the view that Starbucks “hates Jesus,” they get the massive platform the media provides.

But it’s already too late. Even though this voice is represented by the extreme minority of opinion, to the world, it appears all Christians must be against Starbucks and their new red cups.

Bummer.

Even if you have issue with Starbucks, please remember that the world will not be attracted to Jesus because you are against a design on a cup. In fact, they will be as opposite as attracted to Jesus can be – you will give them further reason to be repulsed by the religion you follow and the person you claim to emulate.

Remember, the world will be attracted to Jesus because of what you and I are for, not against. Let’s be FOR love, hope, joy, peace, sacrifice, and generosity. Let’s be FOR a God that can and will bring about the kingdom in and through our lives. Let’s be for, not against.

Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon.” Mark 6:1-3

When people encountered Jesus, they were generally amazed. It’s a word that comes up a lot in scripture. Amazed.

And when amazed, they were left with a decision – they would either follow and believe in this man who amazed them, or they would call it evil, or offensive, or magic.

But I noticed something extraordinary in this passage. Rather than any of those usual responses, the people responded by discounting the potential of Jesus.

He’s JUST a carpenter.
He’s JUST the son of ordinary parents.
He’s JUST from an ordinary family.

How often do we discount the potential in other people?
Maybe a better question is: How often do we discount the potential in ourselves?

I get it. He’s Jesus. We’re not. However, as followers of Christ, we’ve been forgiven of sins (one half of the incredible equation) AND we’ve also been given the righteousness of Christ (the second half).

I am not JUST a man from Longview, Washington.
I am not JUST a man of ordinary intelligence.
I am not JUST…

With Christ, I am so much more than JUST my circumstances, my past, and my ordinary-ness.

The same is true with you: Don’t discount your potential. In Christ, you are more than JUST _____.
You are a conqueror, capable of more than you think possible, all because of the righteousness given to you by Christ, the one people originally tried to write off as JUST.

Don’t discount your potential. Eliminate the JUST.

I want to change the world – today.
I want to be financially secure – yesterday.
I want to be in charge – RIGHT NOW.
I want to be the leader I imagine being in my mind NOW.

The microwave was invented in the early 20th century, patented for household use in 1945, and became a popular household item between 1970 and 1990. The point of a microwave? Cook things quicker, faster, sooner.

In many ways, the microwave is a reflection of how culture and generations have changed.

Ambition, innovation, and growth have long been desires of the human soul. Over time, we started to expect things quicker, faster, sooner.

The problem? Many of us aren’t ready for the kind of growth we expect microwaved for us.
Furthermore, we don’t always grasp the work required to achieve the results desired.

There are some things that can’t be microwaved.

Instead of microwaving growth, ambition, creativity, and leadership, we need to focus on a few principles that I have tried to apply to my own life:

1. Take small steps every single day.

In a microwaveable world, we want everything now. When we don’t get it? We give up.

Instead of wanting the whole thing now, focus on taking small steps every single day.

If you want to grow as a leader? Don’t set a goal to read a book this week or 20 books in a year. Focus on reading 5 minutes every single day.
Want to become financially secure? Don’t focus on the massive debt load, focus on paying 10 extra dollars a day to pay it down.
Want to change the world? Focus on the person or problem right in front of you right now.

Take small steps every single day. It’s amazing how those small steps add up.

2. Be faithful and engaged in the present.

This is one of the biblically true but underutilized principles out there.

So often, we question whether God TRULY has us in the right place, the right job, or the right situation. And sure, there are times where we might not be in the ideal place or situation and a change is required, but does that mean it isn’t “right?”

Furthermore, if we can’t be engaged and faithful in our present, why would God want to give us a better future?

It’s common to hear Christians say, “The best is yet to come.” Eternally, that’s certainly true. Circumstantially, that may or may not be true.

What I do believe to be true? If you are faithful and engaged in the present, honoring those who lead, the resources you’ve been given, the people God has called you to love, God will give you more.

The challenge for myself and every young(er) leader I know: Sometimes, a microwave is not possible. Let things cook. Slowly. Take small steps. Be faithful and engaged in the present.

Over time, you’ll become the kind of leader and person you dream of becoming.

It just make take some time.

I seem to have an insatiable desire to look for more.

Once I get that job…
If I only could make that much $$…
If I didn’t have so many…
Once I get my hands on…

John baptized Jesus, probably spent significant time with him, and even still, was wondering: Should I be looking for someone else, something more?

What’s the deal with that?

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’ Matthew 11:4-6

In other words, Jesus has done and is doing what he is going to do. We tend to want more. Remember, this inner desire is insatiable.

But here’s the interesting thing: The disciples, including John, stopped looking for more. They found all they could ever want and need to satisfy something that appeared insatiable.

Jesus.

This weekend, millions of people will be returning to church, attempting to ask the question: Is this the Messiah, the Savior, the One who will truly satisfy, or is there something more I should be looking for?

Our role as ministry leaders, church leaders, and Christ followers is to show them Jesus and say, this is enough.

It’s rare to come across a book that is filled with equal parts inspiration, knowledge and story.

Live Love Lead by Brian Houston (senior pastor of Hillsong Church) is one of those books.

Houston pulls back the curtain and let’s readers see behind the heart, vision, and past of his life as well as the life of Hillsong Church, which are inextricably linked. With vulnerability, compassion, and love, Houston combines story with teaching and inspiration to bring to life a book that is faith inspiring.

As he says in the introduction, “It is my firm belief that following Jesus is the only journey in life worth taking. After seeing the way God changes hearts, meets impossible needs, heals incurable diseases, and restores people, I am convinced beyond a doubt that God didn’t create us to live mediocre, settle-for-less lives.”

Perhaps what I loved most about this book was his willingness to show readers his scars. Ministry,even leading a church like Hillsong, comes with deep pains, wounds, and scars. And he didn’t hold back showing them to us, admitting his own mistakes, and writing with vulnerability. I can trust a guy who shows us his wounds and admits his mistakes.

If you are a pastor, leader, or a follow of Christ, I would strongly suggest reading this book. I’m looking forward to seeing Hillsong and Brian Houston in Minneapolis on Sept. 22 and can’t wait to hear more from a man I now deeply admire.

You don’t have what it takes.
You don’t possess enough talent, education, expertise, and skill to make it happen and get it done.

I’m guessing I’m not the only one who speaks this way to themselves at times.

Moses did too.

Then the Lord told Moses, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. Exodus 3:7

Hey Moses, I see a need of eternal importance. I’m gonna need someone to help.

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10

I need your help. It’s going to be bigger than you, a holy ambition, and BHAG (big hairy audacious goal).

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11

Uh oh. Here comes that voice. You don’t have what it takes, do you? You don’t possess enough to get it done.

God answered, “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12

Isn’t that enough, Moses?

But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” Exodus 4:1-2

Apparently not. The self-doubt is TOO great to overcome.

Then the Lord asked him, “What’s that in your hand?” Exodus 4:3

That’s the KEY question. What do you already possess? I’ve equipped you with something, given you more than you realize. What is that in your hand?

“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.

“We have a perspective limited by what we see on earth, which keeps us from recognizing the invisible, unlimited resources of our Father in Heaven. What I think I need to get the job done and what God thinks I need are not always the same thing.” Brian Houston, Live Love Lead

Combine what God has already given you with God’s unlimited power and potential, you have what it takes to see God work. Powerfully. When the self-doubt rises, let God ask you: What’s that in your hand?

I’ve always heard it said that leadership is moving people from here to there.

I agree. Leadership is about seeing a vision of what’s possible, making a case for why an organization, church, business, or group of people canNOT stay here, and leading people to the vision of THERE.

However, there is a dark side I’ve seen play out too many times: It’s possible to achieve a vision while leaving people in your wake. 

In the name of a vision and moving people here to there, it’s quite possible to plow the very people you are called to lead along the way. Leave them in your wake. Crush their spirits. Use them, abuse them, and move on without them.

Sure, there are always a certain percentage of people who simply will not come along for the ride from here to there. Usually, they’ll self-select. They aren’t interested. They don’t have what it takes. They don’t have the skills or talents to keep up. Maybe, they just don’t believe in the vision.

But, there are a number of organizations, businesses and even churches who will do whatever it takes – even if that means leaving people in their wake – to achieve a vision.

That’s why, my personal mission statement is this: Lead people to achieve a God-inspired, compelling vision together.

Personally, I don’t want to be a leader who moves (X) from here to there without people. God has called me to love people, and I want to lead those people with a self-sacrificing love.

Trust me, this is not easy. It’s not easy to place love above the vision. I’m an achiever. I want to accomplish. I will, if not careful, leave people in my wake in the name of a vision.

But that’s not who I want to be. I don’t want to plow over people. I want to till the soil, prepare it, plow away the obstacles so that the very people who I am called to love and lead have the ability to follow closely behind. I want to lead people to achieve a God-inspired, compelling vision TOGETHER.

Leaders: Don’t leave people in your wake. Sacrifice for them, clear the way, and make it easier for them to follow. But always make sure you do it together.

I relate to Peter when the guards came to take away Jesus. Peter’s passion DNA started firing on all cylinders: “Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave.” ‭‭John‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s safe to say passion overrode his system and he acted in anger, maybe even sin. A verse later, Jesus rebukes Peter, tells him to put his sword away, and heals the man’s ear.

Even though this feels like a righteous passion, a holy discontent, his response was still corrected by Jesus. His passion became unhinged.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been Peter in this situation.

Sports: I plowed a few catchers in baseball, got in more than my share of scuffles in sports, punched a wall when I was 15 during a basketball game, and threw my helmet more times than I can remember. The passion was there because I wanted to win. Still righteous, but unhinged.

Family: As a husband and parent, I’ve reacted in anger more than a few times. Passionately wanting the best for my marriage and my kids, but this passion can come unhinged and I may slice off a few ears in the process.

Ministry: Now my calling is ministry, to reach people for Christ, and to build the local church. My heart beats passionately, and like Peter, this passion can become unhinged.

When it does, I try to remind myself of two things:

1. God created the heavens and the earth and spoke the world into motion. He chooses me – humanity – to carry out his mission on earth, but he doesn’t need me any more than he needs himself.

Reminding myself that God is God causes me to breathe and reflect. Before slicing off an ear, I need to remind myself that God is still working. I may not understand or like it, but that does not necessarily mean it’s not what God wants to happen.

2. Do not sin in anger or passion. Passion is not a sin. Even an angry passion is not a sin in and of itself. However, our response is key. What we do with that passion. How we respond. Where we place it.

When the passion does overload and becomes unhinged, be quick to apologize. To others. To yourself. To God. 

Is there a time to potentially slice off an ear (figuratively speaking, of course)? I think there is. Defending the widow, the orphan, the outcast, the helpless, and defenseless. Carrying out the greatest commandment: To love God and love others. When the mission goes haywire. Sure, there are times when passion needs to boil to the point of becoming unhinged. But only to the point.

Today, I’m reminded that God is in control, that he breathes and the world moves, and to not sin when the passion boils. But I’m also reminded, like Peter, Jesus is looking for those who are willing to fight for what’s true, good, and right, even if we want to occasionally slice off an ear.

The diagnosis?

The church had lost its’ bleeding edge.

Since our conversation, I can’t stop thinking about this phrase. I know (like know the feeling) what this means, but I’ve been wrestling with how to articulate what I think it means.

Then I realized. It’s when Jesus quoted Isaiah:

These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship is a farce.
Matthew 15:8-9a

The bleeding edge is lost when worship becomes routine, when those who lead worship become robotic and perfect, when ministry becomes a task or a job, and when our once burning white hot passion has become a tired, dreary, mail-it-in type of approach. It’s lost when we forget we are the mission carriers, when we become primarily focused internally rather than externally, and when we lose our primary love for Jesus.

Unfortunately, I know many people and churches who haven’t ever recovered their bleeding edge, if they ever had it to begin with. Thankfully, in my own life, seasons have come and go, so I know it’s possible to find it again.

When you lose your bleeding edge, you can find it again:

1. Ask: “What are you willing to die for? Then live for that.” Common

If you never had a “willing to die for” passion and mission in life, start there. Jesus gave us the ultimate: Go and make disciples of all the nations. People’s lives hang in the balance. Your closest friends, family members, and neighbors could be one prayer, one conversation, one invitation, one experience away from becoming followers of the One who brings life and life to the full. Start with that.

There are people dying of a lack of basic resources, families who are broken apart by addiction and abuse, parts of the world where peace hasn’t been experienced in decades – I don’t know what it is for you, but there’s something. Ask God. He’ll show you. Then live for that passion and show others how your heart bleeds.

2. Be a human, not a robot

Robots are programmed to deliver perfection. Everyone knows humans are not robots. Therefore, don’t pretend you are one. Sure you should practice. Rehearse. Prepare. I prepare as much as anyone.

But there can be a point where it’s too excellent and perfect. Millennials see right through perfection, because they know perfection is not authentic and real.

To be a human means to bleed openly, to show your rawness and authenticity, and your passion to see others experience the same. Miss a chord, stumble over a word, sweat – let people see your heart. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing others your bleeding, raw edge.

3. Never, ever, ever miss your time to connect with Jesus

The longer I go on in ministry, the more I realize one of the few irreplaceable aspects of making it the long haul is to never, ever miss my daily opportunity to connect with Jesus. Literally, there is no quicker way to lose your bleeding edge than to slowly replace your time with Jesus with meetings, planning, strategy, email, and work. You’ll bleed, but you’ll bleed something other than Jesus.

To be clear, I’m as guilty as anyone. I lived plenty of days where I fail to find this bleeding edge, but when I do, I want someone to verbally slap me around (like Jesus did with the Pharisees in Matthew 15) and say, “Wake up! What are you doing?! You’ve lost your bleeding edge!” When you lose it, you can find it again. Find a “die for” passion, be an authentic human, and never miss your time to connect with Jesus.

Then show ’em your blood!

In my time as a pastor, my heart burns (hurts?) for this generation. There’s much to be said, but for me, it’s simply a matter of without them, there is no future. Specifically, no future church. Let me offer your three ways I wish everyone in their 20s would be the church.

1. Be less cynical

If I have to read another article about why this next generation despises the church, I might vomit. Not that any of it isn’t valid. It is. Many things I have felt about the church over the years. However, one of the things I learned quickly in my 20s was that it’s really easy to be cynical. It’s so easy to lob cheap (and oftentimes valid) complaints against the church.

But who wants easy? Instead…

2. Be a contributor

Instead of being cynical, the best way to make a difference and change things is to contribute. If you aren’t in the game and actively involved, then your cynicism is just going to blacken and harden a heart able to make a difference.

Recently, I read a book called Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans. It is a book that has become a rallying cry for the Millennials who are disenchanted with the church. As was the author, Evans. What I loved was that she tried to contribute. She even has written further posts asking others to be less cynical.

The problem: People in their 20s can find it easy to nod their heads in agreement with cynical complaints and yet fail to take it a step further and try to do something about it. Get in the game. Get involved. Be a contributor.

3. Honor and learn from those who’ve come before you

It’s easy to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Gosh, if our parents did that, it must be terrible. But more often than not, the decisions the previous generation made to build the church were the right, God-honoring decisions. Honor the past. Honor those who’ve gone before you. Learn from them. Even though what they might be wanting to do now will no longer work, that doesn’t mean we can’t honor and learn from the legacy of others.

Millennials, you are NOW. Don’t wait. Be the Church that God wants to build through YOU.