Individual responsibility: Building your part of the wall. We’ve become a nation of bailouts. And it bothers me. Because the willingness to work, accept individual responsibility and take personal initiative is what makes us distinct.
Take that away…expect the government to solve problems…and we become a docile herd of cattle awaiting care. On the up side, the herd offers a care free life. On the down side, it may lead to slaughter. Which means you’re putting your life at steak.
Okay. I admit. The world is full of complex social issues and there is no single answer. But there are answers and perhaps, some of them are straightforward. Here are some thoughts on the story in Nehemiah 3:15-5:13.
Individual responsibility: Building your part of the wall. The story background.
As a nation, the Jews were in exile. The wall around their great city, Jerusalem, had been torn down. A symbol of security and their once, proud heritage…gone.
The Prophet, Nehemiah sought to rally the nation. And he decided to accomplish this by repairing the wall around Jerusalem. A monumental task that would require massive resources, skill, and organization.
But how?
Individual responsibility: Building your part of the wall. When communities work together.
So who is in charge? That’s the first question we ask today. And the answer is usually someone else. Like the government. But that’s not what Nehemiah did. Instead, he encouraged homeowners and people in the neighborhood to take charge of rebuilding the wall section near their home!
But wait, you say. Where’s the government oversight? The professional engineers? Who’s checking the specifications? Handling inspections? And what about the unions?
It was a ridiculous idea even in that day and their enemies living in the surrounding areas laughed at and mocked them. But the Jews ignored it. They formed work groups based on common interests and geography that took responsibility for rebuilding different parts of the wall. And little by little, section by section, neighborhood by neighborhood, the wall went up.
It probably required extensive cooperation between neighbors and within the communities. Materials and supplies were sourced. Measurements between sections matched. Knowledge and tools shared. But each group took responsibility for rebuilding a particular section of the wall.
Individual responsibility: Building your part of the wall. When you do the work you reap the benefits.
And as progress continued the taunting enemies grew worried. They even considered a military attack to stop the construction. So the Jews buckled on their swords, posted sentries, and kept on working.
Nehemiah 6:15 records: “And the wall was completed in 52 days and the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
Okay, so couldn’t take all the credit. Because they were aided by God. And scripture if full of miracles when people exercise faith in God. But when God’s people take individual responsibility and collective action, amazing things can happen.
I think it illustrates an important principle: Great communities, organizations, and nations are not the result of a massive effort from the top down. But a groundswell of personal effort, community support, and enterprise from the bottom up.
Each of us taking individual responsibility for a section of the wall. United as one nation under God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A client of mine was recently asked to write a guest article as an expert in her field for an industry blog. The blog has a faithful audience within its niche and since they are potential customers she felt the visibility she would gain from it made it a worthwhile effort in marketing her business. So she asked me to ghost write it for her.
I interviewed her and wrote a 500 word article in an area of her expertise. By interviewing her, I was able to use her language and mimic her voice. This is important because sounding different in person from your written voice can hurt credibility.
On the surface, the ghost written article addressed a topic of interest to the audience. It provided valuable content that would help them in business. But at the same time it was crafted to subtly position my client as a professional service provider. In essence…a soft, persuasive spin. And the About summarized her qualifications and provided her contact information.
I believe the article effectively accomplished both of those goals. And later it made me think.
Why don’t more people consider this? Whether you have a blog or don’t, it’s another way to extend your marketing efforts. Through that blog post my client…
Established herself as an authority
Reached an audience of potential customers
Promoted her business at the end
Gained free advertising
Not bad from just one article. And if she multiplied them…who knows? What do you think about guest blogging?
Funny people at the health club. They are enjoyable to watch. Sure, I go to the health club primarily to work-out. Exercise. Stay in shape. But that’s boring.
People watching makes it interesting. And funny people make it entertaining.
Because there’s no better place to people watch than a health club. You see every known Freudian behavior along with many still uncategorized. And it’s hilarious.
Health clubs are laboratories of human behavior. Observation posts if you’re a psychologist, comedian, or copywriter needing a blog post. Had I skipped my work out the other day you’d be looking at white space. I know…you’re thinking…and this is better?
Funny people at the health club include those going nowhere fast
So I’m on the elliptical, listening to my I-pod, chugging along at a consistent pace. At least, I thought so. Then this funny guy with a Type A personality climbs on the machine next to me and kicks immediately into high gear. Call him Get Ahead Harry.
In 10 seconds he’s huffing and puffing and moving at the speed of…okay, it was hard to estimate the speed because the obnoxious huffing and puffing was distracting. But I suddenly worried hilarious Harry might pass me—if that’s possible on a stationary elliptical…with a 15-minute head start.
Now I’m an old jock. Still competitive. Still ego driven. Didn’t appreciate that my work out had turned into a race—especially when I had a comfortable, steady rhythm going to Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head.
It called for an intervention. I looked at Harry and said, “Hey, where are you going in such a hurry?”
He looked at me like I’m the crazy one. Guess I violated the unwritten health club rule that prohibits initiating conversations with a stranger who is exhibiting strange behavior. Or maybe he just thought it was a crazy question.
Hard to know. I was, after all, in a health club. Where the pursuit of physical wellness is a given, but mental stability questionable. Either way I didn’t care.
“Well, pick up the pace so you can you can hurry up and go nowhere,” I suggested.
I guess Harry didn’t hear me, didn’t get the funny, play on words, or just considered me socially reprehensible. He immediately switched to a stationary bike. Watch out Lance Armstrong.
Funny people at the health club include a walking conversationalist
Of course, Harry’s fast and furious pace contrasted the Angelina Jolie look alike on the other side of him. Angie’s graceful strides were slow, measured, and carefully choreographed to maximize her form.
Sweating was absolutely out of the question and even a slight glow was kept at bay with the constant, delicate pat of a towel across her forehead.
Hardly qualified as an actual health club work-out. But funny Angie gets extra credit for the increased oxygen consumption used to chatter on her cell phone most of the time to someone named “Sweetie.”
Pretty sure it wasn’t Brad Pitt.
Funny people at the health club include heavy heaving
In the back area of the health club, hovering around the free weights was funny Brutus. Serious muscle that flexed frequently in the reflection of the big mirror on the wall. He communicates in guttural language, the primitive nature of brute strength by an accompanying level of noise. Every increase to the stack of weight is announced by level of grunt. The more the weight, the louder the grunt.
However, his breaths with each lift are a finely tuned demonstration of balance and beauty—they’ll knock you sideways and curl your hair. And if that doesn’t gain your attention, after the final, monumental strain, there’s the victorious slam of weights to the rubber matted floor with a ground shattering force that registers on the Richter scale.
Funny people at the health club include not so funny odorific exercising
But the most solitary person in the health club is the guy who ate four burritos for lunch. I’ll call him…Fargo. Probably a wonderful guy…who should improve his diet. I just don’t have the nostrils to get that close and find out.
I’m sure he usually conforms to most social norms. But when you work out and push hard at both ends, something has to give. We all gave him lots of space.
I could go on about other funny characters at the health club. Maybe another time. I cut my work out short this week. Between Brutus and Fargo I only finished three machines.
My friend Ken called me a few days ago to share bad news. The doctor told him he has incurable cancer. No particular time frame was mentioned and of course, there are counter measures to take. But it’s clear that from now on, Ken will fight a battle.
As we talked, I struggled for positive, encouraging words. None came. Ironic isn’t it?
I’ve been a follower of Christ for decades, I’ve graduated from seminary, served in church ministry, and after the conversation my gut reaction was…
WHY GOD? IT JUST ISN’T FAIR!
I expected to have something more spiritually significant and theologically profound to say. I didn’t. Even the timing seems cruel. Here it is, a few days before Christmas, the day we celebrate the Hope of the world and Ken’s news inspires hopelessness. But is it?
Along with managing a copywriting/marketing/communications business, I serve part-time as a pastor to Adults 55+. It includes visiting many people in the hospital dealing with various health conditions. I’ve witnessed healing. I’ve witnessed death. And here are some things I’ve observed about hope.
If you Intellectually Reject Hope…You’re Probably Healthy
Several weeks ago I attended a panel discussion between an Evangelical Christian and an Atheist. It was a healthy, civil dialogue between two attractive, intelligent young people. Both presented reasonable arguments supporting their position and the debate, though passionate, was respectful. There was humor, good natured teasing, and great interaction. It was an engaging encounter that was intellectually stimulating. But that’s all it was—intellectual.
It’s not that way when I visit people in the hospital dealing with life and death. Civility is gone. Intellectualism is stripped away. Raw emotions are out in the open. It comes down to one of two things: Either you have a sense of hope and certainty about where your life is headed, or you don’t. Yes, there are varying levels of intensity in these feelings, differences in attitudes, and degrees in level of assurance. But there is a clear separation between the two.
I’ve seen people so confident and assured in their faith that they joke on their death bed. And I’ve seen uncertainty and fear in the eyes of those with none. You may shrug your shoulders with a cavalier attitude now and say it doesn’t matter because you don’t believe any of it. Or you may fill your life with other things so you don’t have to think about it. But when the time comes, to everyone I’ve visited—it matters. You deal with it whether you want to or not. And either you have hope or you don’t.
Every Hope Has Its Reason
Hope is a matter of faith. And faith is a spiritual/religious concept. There’s no getting around it. And there’s no getting away from it either. Unless you have died and seen the other side, are confident it was not a hallucinogenic or UFO experience, then you can’t know for sure what happens. You have to approach it on faith.
What I can say is that hope is always grounded in a source. I stake mine in the Bible and most of the people I hang with do the same. I realize there are other choices—this one just makes the most sense to me.
The people I encounter with little, or uncertain hope, usually stake it on personal merit. They say things like, “I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ve tried to do the right things.” And in reality, they are often decent people that live good lives and do the right things. But they have this nagging doubt because they envision this cosmic scale of justice where God weighs all their good deeds against the bad ones to determine eternal outcomes.
It’s hope placed in a hope. Does my good outweigh my bad? I’m not sure and since it’s my human nature to remember all the good and forget the bad, I’m suddenly a bit nervous about the prospect. And I have to wait until God does the weighing to find out? That’s not very hopeful. So now they’re facing life and death and they’re wondering if they explored all the options. Was there an opportunity for more assurance?
I’ve seen this worry in their eyes. It’s pure panic.
Hope Is More Than Wishful Thinking
I try to explain to people that hope is more than Pinocchio’s “When you wish Upon a Star.” It’s not this vague sense of well-being based on warm, fuzzy feelings that have no base in logic. And it’s not just for those of limited intelligence either, although I certainly don’t claim to be the sharpest crayon in the box.
Some of the greatest minds in the world profess the same hope that I do. I find this reassuring. In case the cruelest cosmic act of fate is true—Christianity is all a big hoax and my hope is dashed—I take comfort knowing a lot of sharp crayons were also fooled.
The point is, I’ve conducted a thoughtful evaluation of evidence. To me it makes logical sense. But I can only take it to a point. I have to take a step of faith. When you take that step…that’s where you find hope. My friend, Ken agrees. He’s an engineer with an exceptionally keen, logical mind. And I like the fact that he agrees. It makes me feel smart.
Ken and I share the same faith so we’re able to face life and death with a sense of confidence. We still don’t like the news. But we face the future with hope. How about you? Let’s hear your story of hope.
Decision making: The power of one. Every day presents a roster of decisions to make. Decisions related to business, family, and personal lifestyle choices. An underused, but highly effective strategy to make the most of your decisions is by engaging the power of one. Here’s how.
Decision making: The power of one. Decisions impact every part of our life
Choices appear from all directions and in no particular order. And you can’t how or when they come. You might be right in the middle of conducting business and suddenly…Wham! A personal decision presents itself. Now what?
Well, you may try to isolate it as a personal decision. Tell yourself that personal decisions and business decisions are separate and don’t impact one another. But do you really believe that? I don’t. I think the decisions you make in all areas of life reflect the kind of person you are, And the kind of person you are is reflected in all your decisions.
Hmm…did I just form a circle?
Okay, so I don’t know your reality, but here’s mine. My decisions intersect and collide in relation to my beliefs, values, and convictions. Some are simple and routine. Others are complicated and go to my core being. None of them exist in isolation. Instead, they are woven into a fabric that touches every area of my life.
Decision making: The power of one. Making decisions in advance removes emotions and engages your will.
However, years ago, a decision-making principle was passed on to me that I have found extremely valuable. It’s the power of ONE decision.
You see, many of the choices on my daily roster are repeat decisions. I remove them from the roster by making one decision in advance and sticking to it. For example: I don’t get up in the morning, think about whether or not I’m going to work that day, and then make a decision to go. Why?
BECAUSE I’VE ALREADY MADE THAT DECISION.
Work is necessary for income and unless there is a specific exception, it will be part of my regular routine. I don’t think about shaving and showering either. They’re both part of the deal. In fact, I usually have my mind on other things while getting ready for work. How about you?
Okay, so that one is easy. Going to work, going to school are no brainers…pun intended. So let’s try something a little harder.
How about exercise?
When exercise is on the daily roster of decisions it loses out like a guy with B.O. and a bad case of acne. Other things get in the way or I just don’t feel like exercising. Sound familiar? This is where making one decision is particularly effective. I take it off the daily roster by deciding in advance the type of exercise I’m going to do, the days and times I’m going to exercise, and then I follow through on the decision. Of course there are exceptions. But this keeps them that way.
Do you know why this approach is so powerful? It removes my EMOTIONS and engages my WILL. Because it’s my emotions that trip me up most of the time. Emotions and the surprise factor. That’s when I’m cruising along and suddenly a choice presents itself that is totally unexpected. Maybe even catches me completely off guard. It appeals to my desires, engages my emotions, and calls for an impulsive decision. This is where most of us get into all kinds of trouble.
Decision making. The power of one. You can apply the making of one decision to every aspect of your life. From simple routines to profound, life changing convictions.
The principle of one decision applies to every area of life. From simple habits and routines to profound, moral/ethical decisions.
The process I use is the same:
Choose a particular decision and consider the outcome I’m pursuing.
Think through my beliefs, convictions, and the values I want to demonstrate (for me this process may include scripture & prayer, but that’s another discussion)
Make a decision and the action I will take when the choice is presented
My one word of caution is to avoid becoming legalistic in how you apply this in your life. Always leave room for grace—for yourself and others. In other words, use it as a principle and not a rule. As a principle, it will guide you. As a rule, it will enslave you.
Perhaps you may consider this approach too structured and confining. But I have found it to be very freeing. It has also added consistency and simplicity to my life. I hope it does the same for you.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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I read about influence because it’s important in my work as a freelance copywriter. And I understand how it applies to advertising, marketing communications, and public relations. But I was recently reminded it has a much broader application. It’s a lesson I will never forget.
My family and I attended the opening ceremony of a new conference building at the Indiana State Baptist Assembly. The event included dedicating a children’s resource/conference room in the name of my late mother-in-law, Diane Phillips. She died of cancer a few years ago after devoting her life to Children’s Ministry.
The room was breathtakingly beautiful. Its paneled walls a glossy, cherry stained wood that demonstrated expert craftsmanship. We learned that volunteers worked hundreds of hours to cut down, mill, and finish the wood from trees on the camps’ property.
After the award presentation, a woman from the state Baptist office approached us. She explained that she had never met Diane, but had observed the volunteers who worked on the room. The time they invested, the loyalty they demonstrated, and the loving way they labored in Diane’s honor convinced her that Diane was a remarkable woman who exerted a significant influence on others. And it would continue through the resource room that would assist ministry.
As I’ve reflected on what she said, I’ve wondered.
Does my influence mostly direct attention to myself as an authority in order to promote my business? Or does it extend significantly further towards something of greater, intrinsic worth?
Here’s what I’ve learned from the experience.
The path to significant influence is anchored in a significant source.
Diane was a recognized expert in Children’s ministry. She was a featured speaker at both the state and national level. The knowledge and insight she shared at conferences and seminars helped other pastors improve in Children’s Ministry. But the source of her influence was not from her own expertise or authority. But her commitment and passion to a greater cause—her faith in Jesus Christ.
Rather than draw attention to herself, she directed it towards her Savior and Lord. And her influence inspired in others a shared vision that went beyond her. So those volunteers who labored so loyally on that room were not just working to honor Diane. They were partners in ministry working to honor the God she served. Diane’s life on earth is over, but those she influenced carry on the vision she inspired in them. To me that’s pretty significant.
The path to significant influence is marked by lasting values.
Diane was unpretentious. But I’m certain she would have appreciated the practical nature of the conference/resource room that was dedicated in her honor. It represents a practical tool in a ministry that she valued. Because her commitment and passion was contagious, it influenced others by shaping in them similar values.
This is significant because…
The real impact of Diane’s life, of anyone’s life for that matter, is measured by the influence their values have another’s character. Very few physical achievements will make a positive impact beyond one generation. But positive values can influence and impact one generation after another. Consider the power of this value that has been handed down for 2,000 years:
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Regardless of your religious convictions and beliefs about life after death, we share a universal reality. There’s only one thing of real significance that remains when you’re gone—people. That’s where your influence will have its most lasting effect.
The path to significant influence is most powerfully affected by personal presence.
Social media is big. And it’s a powerful tool for driving influence. But it pales in size next to your personal presence. Diane never wrote a book or a blog. Instead, she wove her influence into many lives through inter-personal communication and one on one interaction. The take away? Your most profound and lasting influence will be on those who are closest to you.
Why?
Because they know the real you. How you react when someone cuts you off in traffic…what you say when you smash your finger…the things you watch and read. You know…the person you are when you think nobody’s watching…BUT THEY ARE. The people closest to you validate your authenticity and even more…reflect it in their lives.
So write blogs, publish books, and impart wisdom and advice in snippets on social media. But keep in mind that none of it compares to the power of your presence. It’s caught more than taught by your real authenticity. And as your influence rubs off on others, it is demonstrated in their lives. And so on…and so on.
So anchor you influence in a significant source, mark it with lasting value, and engage not just with your words, but with your personal presence. It will add significance to your life now and for generations to come. That’s what Diane did with her life. It’s what I’d like to do with mine. How about you?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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