Why I do what I do

I just finished reading Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller, who also wrote Blue Like Jazz. One of Miller’s main points is that we, being separated from the security of God’s love, look to everybody else to tell us that we’re OK. He included this magnificently honest quote from Tom Arnold, the former Mr. Rosanne Barr and former host of The Best *** Sports Show, Period. It comes from Arnold’s book How I Lost Five Pounds in Six Years (sounds like my diet plan):

“The interviewer asked him why he had written the book, and I was somewhat amazed at the honesty of Arnold’s answer. The comedian stated that most entertainers are in show business because they are broken people, looking for affirmation. ‘The reason I wrote this book…is because I wanted something out there so people would tell me they liked me. It’s the reason behind almost everything I do.’”

It’s the reason behind more of my actions, sermons, and blog posts than I care to admit. Oh to reconnect with the Father in such a way that we can live with and love others and not worry about their opinions!

Blogged with Flock

July 26, 2006 · Filed Under Books, Life

Comments

2 Responses to “Why I do what I do”

  1. bartlmay on July 28th, 2006 1:09 am

    Thank you for saying that. I have been justifying most of what I do as just an act “for the kingdom”. Last night I found myself in a position that is hard for me to admit, and wouldn’t have except for this blog entry. It was the last night of the last week of the GWF program that was held at our facility this summer. They were in the weekly segment of the thank you’s before everyone went home the next day. I found myself wanting to be thanked for giving up my evenings to be there so that they could have audio for the program. I did receve the thanks that I was looking for, and then some. Jessica and Malory did so by more than just mentioning my name as the person who helped with audio. Cody was there some nights too for which I am very grateful. But, there were alot of nights that I could have asked Cody or Dennis to run the audio instead of doing it myself. Instead I was looking to create a way for people to express that they liked and appreciated me.

    Bottom line is that I think this is one area that Satan wants us as Christians to feel defeated. Are we liked? Are we appreciated? Although I am finding it hard, I want to work toward the relationship with God where what others think just doesn’t matter. I guess it is time to dig in my library for Search for Significance.

    By the way, Dennis, I do like you and appreciate your preaching.

  2. pisces on July 28th, 2006 9:37 am

    Dennis preached a sermon a few months ago which convicted me in a number of areas, and this was one of them. Since then I have tried to be more focused about doing good works in secret, steering clear of the path which leads to credit; keeping the left hand ignorant of the doings of the right, to paraphrase our Lord. I am not always successful, but Dennis really focused me on this area. Here were the examples he gave in the sermon:

    ===========

    Jane poured her heart into decorating her Sunday School room. Along the way, she enlisted Sally to help. One day after class, Jane overheard one of the members say to Sally: “I hear you’re the one who painted our class. You really did a fine job.” Sally replied: “Oh, I had a little help.” A LITTLE help? Jane couldn’t believe it! The design was her idea and so was 90% of the work! She hasn’t spoken to Sally since, and she is thinking about finding another Sunday School class too.

    Randy is a committed Christian, but there was a time when he wandered into sin, and two of the church elders met with him and lovingly confronted him about it. That confrontation turned his life around and at the time he was grateful for this life-affirming rebuke from his brothers in Christ. But several years later, he became aware of another man in the church who was sliding into sin. As far as Randy knows, the elders have done nothing about it. In his heart, he is growing bitter about the “double-standard” that seems to exist. He has a hard time speaking kindly to or about anyone in authority, and he is thinking of leaving the church.

    Ruth came to the church a year ago, and has made some good friends. Recently she heard that three of her best friends got together for lunch and went Christmas shopping together, and never mentioned it to her. She is hurt and angry, and this confirms the feelings of her heart that she never belongs, never fits in.

    Robert works for a small company. He works hard every day and he tries to be a good Christian witness in all he does. Recently another employee had a family crisis and the owner gave him a month off – with pay! Robert has never had a month off with pay. He has dealt with his family crises on his own time. He resents the whole situation and his attitude and witness are really beginning to suffer.

    What do all these people have in common? The word for it is OFFENSE. They’ve all taken offense at how they have been treated. They all believe that their offense is justified. They can all find friends who will sympathize with them and confirm their perspective.

    ====

    Jeff

Leave a Reply