BTDTGTTS Syndrome

I was driving the kids home from school the other day and I overheard Zachary and Trevor talking about Trevor's math homework. Trevor was saying some of his times tables out loud so that Zachary could hear what he was learning. In true big brother fashion (I should know, I was one!) and with a smug look on his face, Zachary said, "I know those. They're so easy!" And then he went on to speak out the answers to the equations before Trevor could say them.

I know! All big brothers do this, right? Nevertheless, I felt ever so compelled to remind Zachary that he was much older than Trevor and that he should use the opportunity to encourage Trevor instead of leveraging it to make himself appear superior. Yeah right!

The whole incident got me thinking about the BTDTGTTS syndrome. You know: Been There, Done That, Got The T-Shirt! We all have suffered from this syndrome at one point or another. It has a way of creeping in to our lives without any warning....yes, even math homework will bring it on!

Like any syndrome, the source of the problem must be diagnosed before it can be treated. When it comes to BTDTGTTS syndrome, the root is easily identified: Pride! And sometimes it slithers its way into our spiritual life. Unfortunately, those of us who are more mature in the faith are more susceptible to this syndrome. Why? Because we've read all the Bible stories. We've listened to 1000's of sermons. We've sung a legion of worship tunes throughout our lives.

So, how do you know that this syndrome is present? Here are a few symptoms:

1. We read the Bible for information, not for transformation.
2. We look to "get something out of" corporate worship instead of giving our worship to God.
3. We constantly make excuses for our lack of service.
4. We lack patience with those who are immature in the faith.
5. We have lost our drive to tell others about Jesus.

When it comes to our spiritual lives, BTDTGTTS syndrome is extremely dangerous. It causes us to elevate ourselves above others. Unfortunately, the mountain we think we are standing on is nothing more than a figment of our imagination. BTDTGTTS syndrome has a way of skewing our vision and killing our hunger to know more of who God is. It literally stunts our growth!

I implore you! Don't let this syndrome infiltrate your life. It only hurts you and others. Humble yourself and celebrate the victories of those around you. You will be amazed at what God will do through you!

It's Hard To Lead When...

Some wisdom on leadership from Perry Noble. Enjoy...

It’s Hard To Lead When…

#1 – You think you are better than the people you are leading. (No one loves an environment where they are constantly looked down upon and spoken down to!)

#2 – You think you are smarter than the people you are leading. (Reality is…you’re probably not. AND…if you are then your insecurity limited you to only bringing stupid people to serve around you…not wise!)

#3 – You think the people you are leading should take care of you…but you refuse to take care of them.

#4 – You don’t respect the people you are leading. (If there is someone in the room who causes you to roll your eyes everytime they speak…either they should not be there OR you need to do a serious gut check and make sure you aren’t intimidated.)

#5 – When you are threatened by the people you are leading. (There is NOTHING more dangerous than an insecure leader. Saul freaked out when they gave him credit for slaying thousands and David credit for slaying tens of thousands…and, well, it didn’t end well for Saul.)

#6 – When you run over those you are supposed to be lifting up.

#7 – When you believe the people around you should do what you say because of the POSITION you hold rather than the PERSON you are!

#8 – When you allow unresolved conflict to dominate everyone’s thoughts but you refuse to bring it out in the open for fear of the discomfort it may cause. (If you team can’t enter into uncomfortable conversations then your team will NEVER accomplish anything significant!)

#9 – You don’t love the people you are leading. (Jesus was an effective leader because He genuinely LOVED the men He led! AND…also because HE WAS JESUS! :-) )

#10 – You don’t listen to the people you are leading. (If you view your leadership team meeting as an opportunity for you to only teach rather than share your heart and learn from others…it’s probably a really boring meeting!)

25 Things I Hate About Facebook

This video made me laugh. Hopefully, it will do the same for you. Happy Friday!

Hurt By The Church

Have you ever been hurt by the Church? If so, you are not alone. Throughout my life, I've met many people who have been hurt in a church setting. I've been hurt before. Many times. Yes, even as a Pastor! The truth is that there's a pretty good chance that you will be offended or hurt in some way at some point at your church. Why? Churches are filled with imperfect people (BTW, you are one of them, too!).  

While there are some who are able to work through the hurt, others leave altogether. In fact, a recent study by George Barna revealed that nearly 4 out of 10 unchurched Americans currently avoid going to church because of negative experiences they once had. You can read the full article by clicking here.

My heart was grieved when I read this statistic. It's amazing to think that so many have distanced themselves and are missing out on the benefits of being a part of a spiritual community because of their bad experiences. Let's face it. It's not just the people who have left! There are plenty of people within the church who have been hurt as well.

What is the solution to this problem plaguing the Church? How does a person who has been hurt find the healing they need? I believe that it begins with forgiveness. Forgiveness sets us free and helps us to continue to love those who may not love us. This may be something you have to do again and again. I've had to. Someone once told me that you know that you've forgiven someone when you can sincerely pray blessings on that person's life. Wow!

So, the next time you get poked by one of the porcupines sitting or serving with you at your church, remember this...God's love for you is greater than any hurt you have. Forgive. Don't let bitterness ruin your life!

Easter Reflections

 Yesterday, my family attended Southbrook Church for Easter. I began the day a bit sad as it was the first Easter that I haven't led worship in 16 years! I'll admit it, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. I knew it was wrong and that Easter had NOTHING to do with what was happening in my life.  Nevertheless, I was not up to par.

As I sat through the service, God began to melt my heart. As we worshiped and the pastor spoke, my eyes began to lift toward God and away from myself. The pastor spoke about Romans chapter 1. He reminded us that mankind was created to worship God and that the essence of sin was elevating the creation above the Creator. At the end of the service, he asked if anyone wanted to become a follower of Christ. Over 35 people came to the front. Another 50 rededicated their lives to God.

I stood there weeping. It's been SO long since I've seen so many people publicly confess Christ. It never gets old. This is what God has called the Body of Christ to do...to seek and save the lost and then to make disciples! I sat there thinking about each of these people and how Jesus would transform their lives. Needless to say, I left that service worshiping God for all he did and I completely forgot about why I was so sad when I got there. What a day!