todd nelson

Before you head off into your weekend, here are three things that I have read and been thinking about recently. Hope they are as helpful and challenging for you as they have been for me.

Have a great weekend!

#1

Inordinate affection – loving ourselves or others or things more than God – always bends us out of shape.

Richard Lovelace

When the kingdom of God is front and center our lives become well rounded. A harmony grows in our lives between God, neighbors and ourselves. We are given tenacity to persist. Compassion for others is a natural outflow not a forced responsibility. How we view ourselves is also impacted when God is the center of our existence. We grow content without becoming complacent which is a difficult balance that only God can strike in our lives.

As someone who finds their life bent out of shape at times…this is a wonderful reminder that it doesn’t have to be that way. “Where are my affections becoming off-center from God?” is the question to begin a return to a well rounded existence.

#2

What counts is the leader’s presence and being, not technique and know-how.

Edwin Friedman from A Failure of Nerve

It is time for my annual reading of Friedman’s book which has formed my leadership identity more than any other book outside of Scripture.

What message does my presence communicate? When I walk into a room do I bring courage or anxiety; calm or fear; persistence or ready to give up? For the Christian leader we need to make sure our presence is presenting Christ and not distracting people by our personality. As someone who can be kind of tongue-in-cheek, I need to be especially aware of how much and when it is enough. But I also need to be confident that how God created me will be how God intends to use me. Sarcasm as a spiritual gift? Sign me up!!

#3

Because wellness is simple, this book is simple. It focuses on the six fundamental wellness behaviors that yield the maximum benefits with the least work: 1.​Don’t be a schmuck—avoid self-destructive risks 2.​Talk to people—cultivate family, friends, and other social relations 3.​Expand your mind—stay mentally sharp 4.​Eat your ice cream—consume healthy food and drink 5.​Move it!—exercise well and regularly 6.​Sleep like a baby—get the rest you need.

Ezekiel Emanuel from Eat Your Ice Cream

As a health conscious person, I am often looking for the latest fad or trend to gain an edge. I can overcomplicate things way too much. Dr. Emanuel’s advice was a helpful corrective and a relief quite frankly. 

About three years ago, I sensed that I was doing the same thing with my faith journey. I was overcomplicating “how” to be a disciple to the point of distraction. Time for a reset and a simplification (please don’t confuse simple with watering down.) Here are the five faith behaviors that come straight from Jesus’ life: 

1) Have a personal time of devotion…every day. 

2) Be accountable and transparent with 2 or 3 persons who are allowed to really know you.

3) Study the Bible and pray with others. 

4) Go to a weekly worship service. 

5) Serve others.

That’s it. Worked for Jesus…I am convinced it will work for us too. If you find yourself needing a reset, these five things would be a great place to start.