"To earn trust, leaders must demonstrate to others that they will do the right thing for them even if it puts themselves at risk." -- Robert Hurley, writing at The Wall Street Journal

Back in the early 1990's, the church I was pastoring in San Diego sponsored a conference and brought in a friend of mine from Seattle.  I had first met Milton Jones when one of my older brothers had interned with him at the Northwest Church in Seattle. I don't remember sermon titles or stories, but I do remember one particularly passionate moment.  Milt looked at the crowd and said, "What would you put up with in order to see someone come to Jesus?"  Then he preceded to rattle off several things that our particular fellowship liked to hold dear.  Would we give those up if it meant more people would find their way back to God? It was an unsettling question for some in the crowd.  The unspoken answer was likely "no." As I've reflected on that moment over the years, I would phrase it this way: Are you seeking…

Years ago I read "Renewing Your Spiritual Passion" by Gordon MacDonald.  One of the points he emphasizes is the need for rest and reflection if we are to stay spiritually healthy. God understood this when he created the Sabbath.  Jesus modeled it to his disciples by getting up early to pray. The rest of us struggle to find a balance.  Or, if we do find time to rest we forget to reflect.  We don't ask questions like ... "Why am I here?" "Am I being a good steward of my life?"  "What one thing do I need to do different?" Reflection may not come naturally to us.  We live busy lives and fill our time doing busy things.  Busyness does not lead to godliness, however. I've been reflecting lately, mostly in the early morning hours before everyone else gets up.  I fix coffee, listen to music, and pray.  And listen. …