Tag Archives: service

Spirituality

Wasted Talent

All of us have talents. You might even call them gifts. God loves variety so no one has every talent. But a talent is only worthwhile if we use it to benefit others. Using our gifts for ourselves alone is selfish.

Some people are good public speakers while others are terrified to stand in front of an audience to deliver a message. Some are called to care for the sick while others steer clear of the sick.

What are your talents? Have you taken inventory? When you become outward focused you will ignite something inside yourself. You will want to serve others because this is why we have the talents we were given. This leads to a fulfilling life.

Take the inventory I cited above. Prayerfully consider how you can use them to make a difference in the lives of your fellow man. Then you will be really alive…

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Spirituality

Hiring Practices

Since 1997 I have driven a Lexus. It occurred to me this morning as I brought my car in for service, that the level of customer service I receive has never wavered. It has consistently been a pleasant experience. It all comes down to hiring the right people.

Customer service has become an oxymoron. Slow, sloppy service is a serious turnoff. While I understand the person waiting on me might be having a difficult day, they need to leave that at the door.

The one thing that makes a person stands out from the crowd is their attitude. It’s something you can’t teach. You can develop a great attitude. Or you may allow the circumstances of life turn yours sour. The choice is yours.

I’ll continue to drive a Lexus. Nothing ever goes wrong with them. And the service relationship makes it worth the premium I pay for the car. They are exceptional…

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Spirituality

Oh Our Sinful Ways

Most people are good. You will never convince me otherwise. They show up when shit happens. They give of themselves through monetary donations along with their service to others.

At the same time, we are all sinners. We don’t like to think of ourselves this way. I mean, most of us aren’t out stealing cars or robbing 7-11’s. We do what’s right and true. Yet, in the presence of God we wouldn’t last.

Jesus reconciled man’s relationship with God. His death and resurrection made it possible for us, the sinful ones, to enter Heaven. He sacrificed himself for us in the greatest act of love ever. And what gets me is, Jesus would have done it if I was the only person on earth. Think about that.

Take a moment to thank our Creator for all the good in your life. He is the source of everything. And thank Him for His son while you are at it.

Stay in gratitude…

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Spirituality

Set Yourself Up

Have you ever been set up to have a joke played on you, or been set up for something nefarious, perhaps? Professional comedians use set ups in joke telling. Go to YouTube and watch Abbott and Costello do their “Who’s on First” routine.

But there’s a different, better kind of set up: setting yourself up for success. You must do things other people aren’t willing to. This sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. Going through the motions doesn’t get you noticed. Giving more than you are paid to do will come back to you in ways you could never predict.

The mediocre refuse to work one minute more than what they are paid for. They consider extra effort without pay to be cheating themselves. With that attitude they will remain part of the herd, not a leader.

Always look for opportunities to give more of yourself. This isn’t restricted to your career. Give more time and effort to your family and your volunteer work.

By giving more you might miss out on the latest television show. But you will be setting yourself up for a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Set yourself up…

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Spirituality

Pretension

Have you ever noticed that if someone is flying in First Class from here to LAX they will announce their seat on social media platforms? You never see someone post “Hey everyone! I scored row 29, center seat for my flight to Los Angeles.”

Pretension is, simply put, showing importance that isn’t genuine. It’s rooted in insecurity and that leads to an inflated ego. Arrogant people are difficult to spend time with. They lack substance yet portray themselves as an expert on just about everything. I hope they find themselves, their true self, someday.

God doesn’t care if we fly First Class or take a slow boat to China. He does care about developing our hearts and minds. He reminds us to care for the poor, the marginalized and the hurting children, the non-pretentious people. And we are reminded through Scripture to do it quietly. Our audience is just one.

This world will always have people who love to show the world all their greatness. But inside they might have the mindset of a scared child. Be kind to them. They need kindness, too…

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Spirituality

Success Through Service

I’ll spend a moment talking about success. Many people define success as acquiring fame and fortune. Those things may happen, but they cannot be your goal. Otherwise you will be chasing all your life because you will never have enough.

Achieving success is about living a fulfilling life. We must be willing to give more than we are paid for. Do more than is required or expected. Replace the word success with service. Leaders have a servants heart.

The mediocre never go the extra mile. They believe they are cheating themselves if they work longer than they are paid for. They are cheating themselves out of missed opportunities because of their shortsightedness.

Arrive early. Stay late. Write “thank you” notes. These qualities set you apart from the rest of the world. Go about your work quietly without feeling the need to be in the spotlight. The right people will notice…

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Spirituality

Time, Energy and Heart

Every day I wake up I consider myself to be the most fortunate man alive. Not only have I been given another day to live, but I have an opportunity to make a difference in this crazy world we live in.

Did you know that 25% of the world lives on less than $2.00 per day? That’s 2 billion people! Over 36 million people live in poverty in the United States. The line on poverty is drawn at around $14,000 per year. People are struggling to make ends meet.

We can make a difference, both individually and collectively. Volunteering is a regular part of my life. I’m fortunate to have a career that gives me tremendous flexibility with my time. And the Creator gifted me with an enormous energy level. Put those two together, time and energy, and I pour my heart into causes that touch me emotionally.

The faith and philanthropic communities serve the least among us very well. They waste little and move heaven and earth with what they have. Those people are true role models, not our feckless politicians.

Find your cause(s). Get involved. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Commit…

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