day 481: How Bad Is Lazy?

It's hard to call those who we work with as lazy, since everyone is doing something and few are just sitting around doing nothing. But, comparatively, we do know that sometimes there are those who just don't pull their own weight or don't give it their all. If grading on the curve it can feel like there are those who are being lazy. It is not ours to judge, but it is ours to ensure that we are not being lazy ourselves. I have worked with many people who just because they did not push themselves or work as hard as they could have, ended up squandering their potential and many opportunities. I remember someone who I once worked with who we all saw had the potential to lead the company someday but he never wanted it badly enough to break a sweat. It seemed he always tested the limits of just how hard he had to work. Before long, the rap on him was that he was at his core, "lazy". It was a shame to see. For those who he worked directly, it got to a point that they just didn't want him working on their team. In Proverbs Chapter 10:26 we read; "Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge". As we think of how we each work individually and how we make the decisions on how we are to follow up or follow through, then we should test ourselves to be ensure that we never send the lazy vibes to anyone else with who we work. How bad is lazy? Lazy is bad enough that it ruins reputations and destroys the image that we are working hard to develop.

Reference: Proverbs 10:26 (New Living Testament)

day 480: The Reason For Accounting

Accounting departments are important and have become even more so in the last 10 years since the passing of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act where greater transparency was regulated. But, have you ever thought about why we need accounting and accounting firms? As I was reading in the book of Kings, I saw a reason. We need accounting as it stems from the same reasons we need referees, umpires, officials and policemen; to keep us from breaking the rules and the laws. When we were kids on the sandlot playing basketball or football we didn't have referees. We called our own fouls and when there was a dispute it got worked out. When higher levels of competition or money gets involved then all of a sudden, we need other people to account for how we play the game. The same could be said for work. There are no accountants on hand at the lemonade stand or on the paper route, but somewhere along the way, we need them to be sure that the books balance and the cash is routed in the right direction. We need the accounting to keep us safe from ourselves. In 2 Kings 12:15 we read; "No accounting was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and faithful workers." So, it may be that we are our own worst trouble makers when we decide to cut a corner, not tell the truth, or break a rule. The accountants are watching and beyond that we are being "accounted" for in a much bigger way. Let us be the examples of why the accountants don't ever need to be called onto our jobs.

Reference: 2 Kings 12:15 (New Living Testament)

day 479: Balancing Game

Much of how we think about our work,what we do, and why we do it has to do with a balancing game. There is the continual question of what is the balance between work and personal life or what we call "Work-life balance". There is the balance choice daily that we each make against the time and energy we put into a project or an assignment. There is the balance of what are we willing to give up to make more money and then how much is enough versus the other priorities in our lives. It is a large balancing game and it is really hard to know what the right balance should be. What we do know is when things are out of balance that is painfully obvious and usually it starts with being obvious to someone else first and ourselves last, but regardless if we are out of balance long enough, it catches up and it becomes obvious to everyone. Much of our imbalance may come from not having a good understanding or realization about the difference between our needs and our wants. If we could only learn to work and live to our needs then balance would come more easily. But, if we are always working and living beyond our needs and trying to satisfy all of our wants, then the balancing scales can easily tip in the wrong direction. Paul and Timothy shed light on this subject in their letter to the church at Philippi; "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little". Paul and Timothy were talking about learning how to win the balancing game. The secret lies in knowing how to get along happily, regardless. As you think about how you are doing in the balancing game, factor in not your wants, but instead your needs and then find a place where happiness can occur first and foremost. After that, you may find that it becomes much clearer on how to find the balance that is right for you.

Reference: Philippians 4:11 (New Living Testament)

day 478: Your Work Load...A Different Perspective

Today you may find yourself looking at a long list of things to do. Some won't get done today, some won't get done for days, weeks, or months. It is Thursday and you are already beginning to think that this weekend is shot with having to work. If this is you, you are not alone. There is a reason that you have too much to do. There is an adage I have learned over the years, "If you want to get something done, give it to the busy person." The reason that you have more to do than anyone else, is because you have "earned" it. Yes, it is a good thing to be busy. It is a good thing to have others believe you can get anything done. And in the moments when you think you just can't get it all done and you should bag it, throw in the towel, give it all back, remember what Jesus said to his disciples in the parable of the King and his servants, "...but to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away." You have lots to do, no doubt. But, what if all that you are given is because it is all about the fact that you can take this, and even more if you continue to do well with what has been assigned to you? God doesn't give us formulas that always play out the same way each time, but could it be that we do need to stop looking at all that we have on our plate as a burden, but instead think of it as a blessing that we can multiply many, many times over?

Reference: Luke 19:26 (New Living Testament)

day 477: You Gotta Be Present To Win

"You gotta be present to win" is one of my friend's favorite lines in business. What he means by this is that if you want to get the most of anything, then you have to be involved and present (figuratively) to get the most of the activity or the work. Sometimes he uses it literally with those who are not spending enough time on the job or in the office, but then it becomes punitive. Being present means to me, giving of ourselves enough that we set aside our distractions, subordinate our egos and wants, and we focus on the work at hand. That makes good sense to me. Years ago I went through Senn Delaney's leadership seminars and there was one axiom that stuck with me throughout all the years. It is, "Be Here Now". Being here now means being present. Set aside the emails, ignore the text messages and phone calls, the distractions outside of work, and focus in on the person or the work in front of you. It was a very valuable lesson for me, and one that I continue to relearn. Being present with others is a very valuable skill and one that is more appreciated and recognized than we imagine. We all should think about being more present and being more here now. Paul gives Timothy a similar word in 2 Timothy 2:6; "Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor". Think about this and imagine being the farmer who is picking the corn, the tomatoes, the beans or the fruits. Who will get the freshest and ripest of the harvest? The farmer who is present, on the front line, focused and doing his work. The one who's hands are dirty and in the dirt. I love that verse for it says so much about what God wants us to be in our jobs. He wants us to be present, to be there with and for others if that is what we do, to be focused and to be there in all that we have on the work we have been given. It is then that we can enjoy the fruit of our labor and along the way, bring glory to God through our hard and present work. If today you are questioning why and what it is that you are doing with your working hours, try asking God to give you the presence of mind to be totally present in the job that you have and see if there isn't fruit in front of you that have previously missed.

Reference: 2 Timothy 2:6 (New Living Testament)

day 476: Distress Calls

"Distress calls". When I hear this term I think of either something that happens at sea or something that a policeman or fireman would do when they are in trouble. But, the truth of the matter is that every workplace has their own version of distress calls. It just may not be as obvious as those that we hear and see from TV or other sources. Our distress calls come in the form of people who burn out or become overwhelmed to the point that they feel like they need to walk off the job in order to regain balance or sanity in their lives. Today, there are more and more people who feel this way. This past week, a strange hero was created from the antics of the guy, Steven Slayter, who decided to quit his JetBlue flight attendant job in a very colorful way. I have been troubled since this story by the number of people and media outlets who have lifted him up as a new folk hero of the working person. What this did tell me is that many people are feeling frustrated, trapped and unfulfilled in their current jobs and with the economy the way it is, they would rather stay in their current situation than risk a move or worse yet, join the unemployed. These are distress calls in a distressed time. As believers we are not immune to these feelings in our jobs. But, we have a better place to send our distress calls. In Psalm 55:17, David models this for us; "Morning, noon and night I plead aloud my distress, and the Lord hears my voice". If today, you are feeling distressed and you are placing the call, but you feel like no one is listening or responding, then it may be that you are sending the call in the wrong direction. Try allowing God to be on the receiving end of your problems and challenges at work and see if the answers don't come back in a better and different way.

Reference: Psalm 55:17 (New Living Testament)

day 475: Golden Parachutes

There has been a lot of talk again about the golden parachutes that senior executives continue to receive. The term golden parachute describes the generous severance benefits that are created for executives when they lose their jobs. It is supposed to give them a gentle landing into their next job, etc. Unfortunately, the size of these parachutes have gone from a gentle landing to allowing them to stay in the air for as long as they want with no touchdown in sight. As we see these doled out, it is no wonder that people within a company begin to mistrust or question whether or not the senior people and a Board are taking care of themselves over others. We also are seeing more and more people wanting to negotiate, upon their hiring, some type of severance package. This comes from the fears over the last few years of losing a job not because of personal performance but because of circumstances outside of our control. There is nothing wrong with having a separation package already worked out, but it is the underlying needs and motivation that most matter. If we are counting on the things of the world to be there for us throughout our entire life, then we are counting on the wrong things. Whether it be our home, our finances, our relationships or our health, all the things of this world are the wrong places to be putting our faith. Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 7:31; "Those in in frequent contact with things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for the world and all its contents will pass away." The question is not if they will pass away, the question is when. If we are working and living counting on our golden parachute to be there when we decide to pull the rip cord, then we may find ourselves sorely disappointed. God doesn't want to give us a parachute for a soft landing, He wants to give us wings to soar through our life. If we look to Him for our future then we will never have to worry about being let down. Let's think about this today as we start this work week and ensure that we have put our future in the right hands.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:31 (New Living Testament)

day 474: Mood Swings

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that everyone of us at some point or another has had a mood swing. A mood swing is when we are in a great mood at one minute and then a terrible mood at another, or the other way around. These mood swings can be caused by any number of triggers and I would also venture to say that work and our jobs can be a major contributor to these. Many times companies and organizations also go through "corporate" mood swings. A great piece of news or success and the entire organization can be walking six inches off the floor. A bad report, a failure, competitive news, etc. can also swing the mood of a company to the opposite extreme and spiral down lots and lots of people. These past few years have seemed like one bad piece of news after another and the general mood of the country has been dampened. The significant financial hit that almost all of have taken has contributed to a sour mood overall. But, did you know that we are to not let our mood swings get in the way of the work we are called to do? Of course we know that, but it never hurts to be reminded. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 7:30; "Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God's work." Paul tells us this because mood swings are not just felt by us, they are evident, felt and seen by others. We all learn how to read other people and we know when to approach them, or not, based on the mood they are in on any given day. Paul is telling us that we can't let our mood swings get to us so that it lessens our effectiveness with other people who are watching and trying to understand what it is inside of us that gives us the peace and calm. Today, give yourself a good check-up and consider whether or not you are letting your mood swings control you or you are controlling them. Since God wants to come to work with you, bring Him along today and ask Him to temper the mood swings and bring you the even-keel that you need.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 7:30 (New Living Testament)

day 473: Organization Charts

Organization charts are funny things. We all need them, but we usually only need them when we are trying to figure out something that we should already know, like who works where and for whom. I personally wish we didn't need to have them as organization charts always signify that someone else is higher in the organization than another person and unless you are the lone box at the top, then it can be a negative reminder versus a positive one. That said, nearly every company has one and whether it is shared broadly or not, it is being used to make decisions, assignments and also to evaluate the scope and range of people's ability to manage and lead. So, it is a useful tool, even with its flaws. In the book of Numbers, Chapter 2, we can see that the Israelites had their own organization chart, even way back then. They not only organized themselves but they also counted and tracked specifically the number of people in each of the Tribes. In many ways it is fascinating to see that organizational elements of how we work with others has not changed and have been here for a long time. Among all the counting and the organization charts that are put in front of us, what is important that we remember that we are more than just a number or a name in a box on a piece of paper. We are each individuals who have something specific and unique to offer to our work, our company and to those around us who share the work we do. Because we sit somewhere on an organization chart that doesn't get called out or sit at the top, does not take away from the importance of the work we can do daily and for the Kingdom. Let today be a day where you see where you sit on the organization chart as a place of leverage, influence, and prominence for the glory that you can bring to God in the work that you do!

Reference: Numbers, Chapter 2 (New Living Testament)

day 472: Where We Give Our Attention

I was reminded recently of the term "social climbing". This is the term that refers to being someone who maneuvers to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people to be able to gain the attention of those who are in higher social ranking, with the hope that we will be pulled up and into that group strata. When put this way it seems pretty superficial and our minds immediately go to socialites or celebrity circles as the people who do this. The fact is that we all do it at one time or another and the place where it happens the most is in the office. Whether consciously, or subconsciously, we try and find our way to the group or people who are most like us but at the same time can assist or help us in our work and to help us move up the ladder. It's hard to see but every organization has this informal ladder that people are constantly moving up and down upon. What is ironic is that all of the people who are only paying attention to those who are above and ahead of them usually do not end up being the people who become the most successful. That is using the word successful with a capital "S". The people in our jobs who we remember and who we respect most are the people who may have still have ambitions but are people who pay attention to everyone on the ladder, no matter how far below. Jesus was our greatest role model on this front. Where did he spend His time and attention? It was not with the rulers, it was with the working people. Who were His Disciples? Not, rulers and important people, they were the working-class far down on the ladder. Today, there is someone in the office who needs your attention and who needs to be seen, known and recognized. Can you find that one person and say hello and strike a conversation and pay your attention to them today? The rewards are many if we direct our attention down the ladder as much, if not more, than up the ladder.

day 471: Help Wanted

It's a monthly data point that the nation's economy now hinges upon. When the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases their monthly employment figures the news cycle goes into motion, Wall Street reacts and our government comes forward with spins on both side of the figures. What we do know is that there are many millions of people who are without work and who are not seeing prospects of returning any time soon. If we are one of the fortunate ones to have a stable and relatively secure job, then we should count that blessing right now and offer thanks for the job we have. As bad as it may seem or as unfulfilled or dead-end-like, I can tell you that there are many deep who would give up much to have your job right now. So, this brings me to an area where we are still vastly underemployed and needy of new workers at all time. It is the area that Purposed worKING is all about, the area of being a worker who brings glory to God in all that we do as our purpose. If at any time in our working lives when those around us in in the office, at home, or on the unemployment line, need to see bright, shining, positive, and hopeful role models of the values, behaviors, actions and caring that was Jesus, it is now! Jesus said it when he walked the earth and it stands true today; "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest, ask him to send out more workers for his fields." We are few and we must bring on more. Today, the "Help Wanted" sign is out there for you to work even more for the glory of God in what you do. Let this be a day of full and flowing over employment for you!

Reference: Matthew 9:37-38 (New Living Testament)

day 470: CrowdSourcing

Every since the book, "Wisdom of the Crowds" was written, there has been a steady push to try and "crowd source" everything. Technology allows for us to put a problem, a product, a service, an idea, or a concept, in front of large samples of people who have a common interest and then see what they come up with, as a crowd. Sounds a little like democracy that actually works. There are many good things that come from the wisdom of crowds, but the crowd does not make the decision on a product or a service, it still comes down to people who have a point of view and take a stand. The crowds can provide a direction, but a person must make the decision. I see it all the time in the workplace where consensus falls short and someone has to step forward, but for one reason or another, no one wants to do so. It takes a person with conviction and belief to take a stand. It takes even more than that to run counter to the crowd and refute the "wisdom". When we were growing up, I am sure each of us heard from our parents, "well, would you jump off a bridge just because everyone else was doing it?" The sad part is that too many people do proverbially follow others off the bridge, just because it is harder to take the stand against the crowd. I am reminded of this when I read the account of what the crowd did once after Jesus had cast out demons in a place called Gadarenes. After he had performed His miracle, we read in Matthew 8:24; "The entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone." Think about this. The "entire" town means everyone. Was there not at least one person who wanted to run counter to the crowd and spend more time and hear what Jesus had to say? I suspect there was and there was probably more than one, but instead of fighting the crowd, they succumbed and fell into the lack of wisdom of this crowd. Today, are you in or out of the crowd on some issue, problem, challenge? Are you going to stand firm with your own point of view or run the risk of missing out on something extraordinary because the crowd has a different perspective? Each of us have our own crowd to deal with and it is up to us to go with them or go against them; to be "crowded" or not.

Reference: Matthew 8:34 (New Living Testament)

day 469: Measuring Sticks

Much of what we do within our jobs and work is see if we measure up or not. Every company has their own way of measurementto evaluate how their employees are growing, developing and performing. Much time and effort goes into perfecting and coming up with a measurement system that accurately captures and rewards the best performers. Beyond the formal systems that are in place, there are many informal and unspoken measures that are occurring each and every day, in every function and every department. We each have our own measuring stick that we bring to work and we measure others to see if they are living up to our standards. When they don't we either help others measure up, or we write them off and move on to work with someone else who would be better to get the job done. This happens all day long, every day. Inherently there is nothing wrong with this as long as the measuring stick is the same for ourselves as it for everyone else. If we don't hold ourselves to the same standard, but we judge others, then we are not doing what is right. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 7:2; "For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged." Today, pull out your measuring stick and be sure that the side that is facing you has a mirror on it so that you are never measuring others in way that you would not want to also be measured.

Reference: Matthew 7:2 (New Living Testament)

day 468: Where Confidence Lies

Where our confidence lies is too many times with other people. In our jobs we look up to our boss, our bosses' boss and ultimately to the CEO for the direction of our livelihood. The problem with this is that, regardless of how good of a person or how good they are in their job, people will always let us down. This is just the way it is, because we are all people and we fail physically and all have our faults. This past week we had the example of Mark Hurd, a very good CEO being removed from his position for failing to reports his expenses correctly. We also saw that the CEO of Sara Lee, Brenda Barnes, was having to step down because of an untimely illness. Both, very good CEOs and doing good things for their companies. But for different reasons, one day they were in their job, the next day they weren't. And throughout both organizations there were undoubtedly people wondering what will happen next with the company and to their own jobs. Their confidence is shaken with the change and the unrest now at the top of the organization. Changing where we allow our confidence to lie is hard to do, but if we find ourselves putting too much confidence in our earthly leaders, we will also find ourselves at some point feeling lost and confused. David wrote of this in Psalm 146: 3-4: "Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When the breathing stops, they return to the earth, and in a moment all of their plans come to an end." Think about this today and evaluate where you are putting your confidence. If your first thoughts are those about people, then it is time to begin the shift to realigning your confidence to the only One who won't let you down, who won't disappear, who won't change jobs on you, or make a mistake that has Him removed from His position.

Reference: Psalm 146: 3-4 (New Living Testament)

day 467: Bowling Shirts

A company I am the Board of just celebrated an important milestone. The CEO decided to commemorate the event by taking the entire team out for a night of bowling and give everyone a personalized bowling shirt. Another company where I am on the board gave everyone a personalized etched rock with the company logo and date to capture the launch of the company. These items become reminders and symbols of events, achievements and significant dates or happenings. They are great ways to keep top of mind and front and center those things that we want remembered and memorialized within an organization. I think we tend to forget these things as the larger a company gets and before long we talk ourselves into thinking that no one really cares about these symbols, and they are expensive to do for a lots of people anyway. I would challenge this thinking and as a leader, a manager or a supervisor, try and come up with ways to memorialize and commemorate whenever and wherever you can. The Old Testament is full of accounts where wells and altars were built after a battle won or something significant that happened. No one account is better known than what God did in Genesis 9:16; "When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." God memorialized his promise for us by giving us each a rainbow that when we see it we can remember what He has said and done. God gave us a bowling shirt, if you will. Today if you have the opportunity to recognize, reward, commemorate or memorialize, don't miss the opportunity. People will remember.

Reference: Genesis 9:16 (New Living Testament)

day 466: Pre-employment Testing

In today's day and age most people go through some type of pre-employment tests before being offered a job. These can be from the very informal quizzing around certain job duties to very sophisticated and in-depth analysis of values, principles, decision-making, people treatment, etc. Tens of thousands of dollars can be spent on one individual to ensure that what the company is seeing on the surface of the individual is actually what is down deep inside of the them. It has always been debatable as to the predictability and accuracy of these tests, but in today's corporate world where risk is managed carefully, the fact that the testing is done, versus not, brings some validity to the process. What is most important in the outcome of the testing is that there is a valid accounting of what you see is what you get in a person. Sometimes more is learned but if that simple validation provides that there is a consistency between what the candidate has expressed in the interviews and what references have confirmed, then the tests have achieved something. Not that we aren't all tested each and every day once we are on the job too. We are. If you read in Matthew Chapter 4, we see how the devil tested Jesus just before the ministry of Jesus was to begin. Satan gave Jesus the opportunity to be someone else when under fire and make decisions that would run counter to who Jesus claimed to be. At the end of the "pre-employment testing" Jesus was consistently Jesus and was on His way to begin what He was called to do. You may not be undergoing any pre-employment testing today, but you are going to be tested. We all are under fire and being tested for our consistency and values and principles, each and every day. How we come through the other side of the tests and how we either reflect accurately who we are or not, will determine in the minds of others how reputable and accurate are the words and positions we espouse for our lives. Be ready for the testing. It is always there and today could be another opportunity to prove out exactly who you really are.

Reference: Matthew Chapter 4 (New Living Testament)

day 465: In The End, It All Adds Up

This past weekend the news was released that the CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Mark Hurd, was stepping down over violations of HP's policies. The stories that were released had his termination basically coming down to the falsification of expense reports totaling up to $20,000. Whether it is $1 or $20,0000 it is still bad and wrong, but the fact that one of the most recently successful technology CEO's who earns in the tens of millions of dollars per year, would allow himself to risk his job and reputation over, in comparison with his salary, that relatively small amount of money, reminded me of how important it is that we each not overlook the impact that the small things can have on so much. In Luke Chapter 16, Jesus says; "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." In the end, Jesus is saying, it all adds up. The small things matter and can become the difference in someone trusting, or not trusting us with the bigger responsibilities. And, we all have small areas in our work where we can either decide to cut the corner or not. It is something to weigh heavily. As believers who are trying to bring glory to God as the purpose of our work, it goes beyond just the faithfulness of the small matters. Jesus goes on to say in verse 11; "And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" What we do at work and how we conduct ourselves can have tremendous impact on others and how they either respect and believe in us and what we stand for. Think about this today as the small things come your way and remember that that one small infraction ca end up becoming a huge deal.

Reference: Luke 16: 9-11 (New Living Testament)

day 464: Tibits and Soundbites

We live and work in an age where we aren't really interested in hearing the whole story. All we want are the headlines, the tidbits and the soundbites that we can weave together to reinforce our position or reflect the point of view that we support. Few people, and fewer with each passing day it seems, have the patience and discipline to listen to the whole story and sift through to the truth or at least the two sides that every story contains. Recent current events of hasty government employment decisions that were not based on the full set of facts but on the soundbites only reinforce the culture we now live. This carries into the workplace where we are each day. People send short emails, text messages and blog posts that pick out words and statements that are not on the surface untrue but which are not the whole story. The burden of proving the truth falls more on the reader or the listener today than where it should on the creator or the speaker of the purported facts. Whenever we experience the shortcuts taken we certainly can expect more work and a heightened risk to the feelings of others to be hurt or relationships damaged. We are given very clear direction on not being ones who don't have our facts all together or not listening for the whole and true story before speaking and expressing our point of view. We read in Proverbs 18:13; "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish." There is a difference in the respect level and the approachability of the person who is willing to listen and gather all the facts before responding or speaking. As you reflect on this, where do you find yourself; one who gets to the bottom before rising, or one who reacts to just the surface? I would suggest that there is more to what we need to be who we should be than just tidbits and soundbites.

Reference: Proverbs 18:13 (New Living Testament)

day 463: Promises, Promises

Promises get made all the time. Sometimes they are explicit and we say, "I promise". Other times they are made in the form of commitments that we will do something or follow-through on what we have said we would do. Often promises are made in haste without the full set of data or information, but nonetheless, we don't think through our words and before we know it the words have spilled out of our mouths and we become committed, even when we later wish it was not so. If we are managers of other people, we need to recognize that people who work for us are hanging on every word and when we say we are going to do something they expect with their full attention and devotion that it will happen. It is our responsibility to follow through, even though sometime it hurts to do so. People change jobs and uproot themselves and their families on the basis of these promises. If we don't follow through then we are not only letting someone else down, we are breaking our word and damaging the reputation that we have worked so hard to develop and maintain. David talked about this in Psalm 15 when he said that only a few who could enter the holy presence of God. One of the prerequisites and descriptors is in verse 4; "...and keep their promises even when it hurts." David knew that it is hard to keep promises and even more so when it becomes painful. He challenges us here to be different than the rest; to stand firm in our promises, regardless. Are you challenged today with a promise that needs to be kept? If you are, remember David's words as you decide what to do next.

Reference: Psalm 15:4 (New Living Testament)

day 462: Knowing

There are some people who we work with who just seem to be in the know. Not that they are given special treatment or knowledge that others don't have, but they just seem to have an extra sense about them and they know what is going on. Better tuned antennae maybe. What we all know are the people who we like or don't like and who we can work with well and those that we can't. What is important is that we are all known for who we are, by what we do and how we act. A few weeks ago I was at a small community church in Rhode Island and we sang a song that I remember singing as a child. As I reflected on the words, it made me think that we should all take them to work with us today. The words are based on John 13:35 and both the words and music were written by Peter Scholtes:

"They'll Know We Are Christians by our Love"

We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord,
We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored:

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land:

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride:

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one:

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Reference: John 13:35

day 461: No Weary!

In many places around the world, the month of August is the month of vacations and in some countries long ones, like the whole month. Not so in the U.S. but still August is the month for many of last vacations before the kids go back to school, etc. So, we try and make the most of it and if like me, by the time I hit vacation time I am exhausted by all of the work that has to get done to get ready to be gone for an extended period of time. It's almost like we are crazed by the time vacation time rolls around. There also seems to be some lingering thing that sneaks in and keeps us from fully being away. It's the conference call, it's the report that needs to be written, it's the calls that have to be made, yada yada. It's like the anti-vacation forces are trying to keep us sucked back into the job. All of that wears us down and can make us more tired than we should be. We get weary and when we get weary we get cranky and when we get cranky our judgment gets lessened and our decision making falters. It is a slippery slope. The same happens in our spiritual life and before long we have lost our disciplines of reading the Bible, praying and fellowshiping. Regardless of the weariness of work or the weariness of life, we need to fall back onto God for the rest we so need. We fall back onto Matthew 11:28; "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest." As you head into the last vacation time of the summer, have no worries that God, if you let Him, will give you the rest that you need. All we have to do is call upon Him in our weariness and hand it over to Him.

Reference: Matthew 11:28 (New Living Testament)

day 460: Self Control

Self control is one of the fruits of the spirit that we read about in Galatians 5:22. It is in some ways the one that is quite different than the others, but the one that can allow for the others to either be manifested or not. Why I think it is there is that it is the one that is really about being human and if we don't have self-control we can end up messing up lots of good things. A few months ago the New York Times called out the CEO of Yahoo! for her continued use of expletives and then used their failing stock price and underlying business fundamentals as a way of saying, keep the four letter words in your mouth, because even if we did want to tolerate them, you don't have the business results to get us to turn a deaf ear. Our language is a central area for our self-control to either show itself or be hidden. It's a sure fire way yes, to let everyone know where you stand. One F-bomb in a meeting and if there was any doubt as to what we believe our actions have just settled the score. There are plenty of other ways to outburst that can cause the same reaction, but what comes from our mouth is clear and to the point. Good and bad. If today you are struggling with the language that you use, then fall back onto Galatians and go big with your prayers by asking God to give you the fruit of His spirit and especially self-control. From there, it will be up to you for that fruit to ripen to its fullest or for you to let it go spoiled. A little self control can go a long way.

Reference: Galatians 5:22 (New Living Testament)