The Plan

What are my objectives for this blog?

First, I want to create a dialogue for people to see the reality of the Christian life and walk. I’m not perfect. I do not claim to be. I struggle with the charge of Paul in Romans 6 where he states that Christians are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness who are to present their bodies to righteousness leading to holiness. I too frequently see my life as a battleground in which sin seems to win the battle more often than righteousness. Does that mean that I am not a Christian? I know that is not true. Does this offer hope to those who are searching for the truth found in Jesus but worried that they will never be worthy of His mercy? I hope so. The Bible states that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He did not wait for perfect specimens before He extended mercy to those who were yet sinners, or those who are still sinners.

Second, I want to be authentic about the failings and successes in my life. Am I the perfect husband and father? Absolutely not. Am I the model Christian? Unfortunately, no. I struggle with balancing faith and family. In fact, I considered naming this blog “When faith and family collide.” Sometimes I am a better pastor than father. Sometimes I am a better husband than professional. The balance seems always just out of reach. As someone who trends toward perfectionism (which in itself is a sin of pride and self reliance) I want everything to be ideal … right now. Not next week. Not next year. I want to be the ideal husband, pastor, friend, father, etc. today. This is a growing process. Where do I struggle? Where have I failed?  This will give me an opportunity to share those times. Hopefully I learn lessons and grow through the experiences. Hopefully, as I broadcast my failings with an unseen Internet world, I’ll be able to change. I do value accountability and want to be held accountable for my failings. I do not always like to be held accountable in the moment, but over time (and with personal reflection), I value accountability.

Third, speaking of accountability, I need to chart success and progress. I write a lot of
“to-do” lists. I also have a lot of “to-do” lists in my head. Honestly, I would love to have a written statement or philosophy of parenting, of financial goals, of pastoral objectives, etc. If I write these down or tell a numbr of people this is my design, I’ll be more likely to follow through on these objectives. This may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me. I am more reactive than proactive in many areas. My objective is to allow this blog, and my pastor’s blog, to give me the opportunity to fine tune and craft those philosophies and obejctives.