Manners Matter

Most of the calls to our house phone are from tele-marketers and other sales persons. People who know us have access to our private numbers, through our mobile devices. With few exceptions, those who call the house phone begin by asking for a family member by first name only, or last name only. I recently received a call for my daughter, from someone who gave only my adult daughter's first name. No name given by the caller.

When I responded with "_____who?" the person failed to identify himself or leave a message. He said he'd try again later, then hung up.While understanding that he's trying to control the conversation, whatever happened to manners? Why didn't the caller first identify himself, before asking for my daughter?

Why am I saying all of this? We're living in a time where manners matter; good manners are an endangered species. A course in (good) manners would do people of all ages much good-besides what it would help. You get the point.

As a Christian I represent the Living God and His Kingdom, here on Earth. Although certainly not perfect I strive to be polite towards people of all ages, whether on the phone or in person. It's good for both them and myself: them because I'm showing respect; myself because showing good manners is another opportunity to walk in love-even when my feeling don't, well, feel like it. People like being on the receiving end of good manners.

Showing good manners is a subtle way to demonstrate the life of God through me. It's subtle, because I'm using right words and actions without being preachy. How many times have Christians been rude, unmannerly-even vulgar, only to be (rightfully) embarrassed when the other person(s) found out that Mr Rude or Ms. Potty Mouth is a Christian? Ouch!

I don't believe that this type of behavior leaves a good impression, or pleases God, do you?

As a child I was taught to identify myself when calling someone. I work at doing this today. Why? Because manners matter, starting with me.

In what ways could good manners open opportunities for sharing the Gospel?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

To Purge or Prune, That is the Question

Most Christians, at some point in their Christian walk, have heard someone say something about purging and/or pruning. For some it was part of a sermon; for others it was the whole message. For those who have never heard anyone ever say anything about either p word, keep living; your time is coming. Over the years I've heard more than one message about pruning; many involving purging. Both words can be seen as being negative words, but with different purposes, with vastly different outcomes. Let's take a brief look at both words, their purposes, and when to incorporate each or both in our lives. Let's start with purging.

The word purge means to remove, get rid of; to eliminate. Applied to our walk with God it means to examine our lives and remove, get rid of, and eliminate those thoughts, words, actions, and areas contrary to God's Word. These would include areas such as hatred, anger, lust, unforgiveness, and fear. Definite areas of purging here.

To prune means to cut back, cut off, to reduce (such as branches on a tree or plant) to improve shape or growth. One exception to this definition is the use of prune juice in the encouragement of,  shall we say,  elimination. I'll move on.

Purging is for total elimination, while pruning is cutting back to bring new growth. Example: television time. There's nothing wrong with watching some television, including an occasional sports program. But if you're watching hour upon hour of television-even Christian programs-it's time to prune. It's time to cut back/reduce-time spent in front of those square inches of (mostly) entertainment and invest it in doing something of more value, like spending time in improving your own life. Spend more time working to achieving your dreams than watching others live out theirs. 

How about consistently praying for others, including your pastor, or learning what those Sunday School lessons were really about? What about calling someone to give encouragement?  Cleaning your office-especially if it's in your home-could prove helpful in more ways than one. Improving life, starting with a clean room.

There are lots of ways to spend an additional hour or so a day that's been freed up by pruning back time with that one-eyed monster some call a television. Look around. Ask God to show you areas needing to be pruned. Him showing you is the easy part; doing what God says takes more effort-but it's worth it.

I can think of a few areas in my life needing purging; more needing pruning. What about you? What are some areas in your life needing some pruning? Maybe, just maybe, there's something that requires actual purging. Ask God to show areas needing adjustment, then trust Him to guide you in the process of either pruning or purging.

 © Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Things God Can't Do

"God can do anything-after all, He's God."  I've heard that before, as many of you have, as well. It's sounds right, but is it true? Can God really do anything, simply because He's, well, God? Or are there some things even God can't do? Here are some things God can't do:

1. God can't make people confess Jesus as their Lord, thus becoming His children. If God did He'd be forcing some to do what they have no heart to do. God is Love; God's love never forces or makes someone do or say anything against their will.

2. God can't make people serve Him, even Christians. He won't make them pray, go to church, or walk in love towards others, for the same reason He doesn't make people believe on the Name of Jesus.

3. God won't make people tithe. This one touches a nerve, since most Christians don't tithe (the word tithe means 10%) their income. Tithing wasn't something done under just the Old Testament. Last time I checked, Hebrews 7:7,8 was in the New Testament. Tithing is a means of worship for getting the Gospel out while getting blessed-not for helping God out financially. Heaven doesn't need our money; the Gospel does.

These are but three quick examples of things God can't do. With these in mind what are some things you can think of which God can't do? Some things God wants to do but can't. Ask God to show you other things He can't do. You might be surprised at some of the things He'll show you. Then pass them along. What God shows you might help someone else to see God in a new way.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Why People Won't Change

My previous post dealt with the subject of change, including the consequences of companies/organizations not changing. Regardless of their own reason(s), they're becoming further and further behind in maintaining their customer base-mainly because they're not reaching out to the next generation. No matter the purpose, structure, size, or product, every company/organization's commonality-Christian or secular-can be summed up in one word: People. Whether manufacturing, ministry, or media, people are the common denominator in every case. Whether with two or two million, no organization I know of can exist without having at least one person. With just one person, that one individual is the decision maker. Simply add on to or multiply that for larger organizations.

You can change without growing, but growing cannot come without change. And change requires decisions.

Change comes easier for some than others. For every one who's quick to change, there are multiplied others who are just plain slow, resistant-even opposed-to change. Why is this? Why won't some people change, especially when refusing to change puts the future of their organization at risk?

I believe the number one reason why people won't change is fear. Whether in the form of pride, fear of failure, or fear of losing one's influence or position fear is, in my opinion, the primary reason people won't change. They can; they just won't.

Change is all about having the right people making the decision to change, then leveraging available resources-including technology-to achieve the desired result. Since having the right people is crucial to change, removing the wrong people is often the first-and most painful-part of change. Owners, pastors, and company presidents who recognize this are doing everyone a favor and will be blessed. Those who fail in this area must prepare to reap the (potentially) disastrous consequences of their actions. I believe God has a better way.

Real love-God's love-wants what's best for all, not just one person. Walking in God's love means there's no place for fear to gain a foothold (1 John 4:18). And when decision makers walk in God's love everyone benefits.

While ignorance may hinder some from changing, that "condition" is easily cured by correct information. The willingness to change, without fear, makes for the possibility of positive change(s) to be made where you work, worship, and walk your dog.

What do you see as the reason(s) your place of employment isn't changing, at least like you think it should? If you were the chief decision maker what would be the first change you'd make? What other changes would you make?If you're not the chief decision maker what can you do to influence the ones who do make the decisions?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

It's Time to Change

I was almost a teenager when the so-called British invasion of music groups came and changed the face of music in America, forever. Beginning with the Beatles, British bands made their way across the pond to America's shores, into the hearts and minds of millions. In doing so a whole new genre of music was introduced to music fans, from sea to shining sea. John, Paul, George, and Ringo were viewed as messiahs in music and, more importantly to some, message. The times, they were a changing.

Fast forward to today, and a different kind of change is happening, moving faster in this century. This change is bigger than music, transcends radio and television waves, and is changing our lives, whether we like it or not. It's called technology. The climate of change being produced through it is here to stay.

God gives people of all ages the ability to create, invent-to improve the world around us. Some choose to use what God gave them for evil, but the original ability-the gifting if you will-comes from God. Why am I saying all of this? Because, like it or not, we live in a world where change is almost constant. I know, some of it isn't what we'd like but why, as some do, resist change just because it's change? And Christians are the worst at this.

Why is it that, generally speaking, churches, ministries, and so-called Christian companies are painfully slow-even resistant-to embracing what is now viewed as ancient technology? I'm not talking about being on board with the 21st century; being current with the 20th would be progress. Example: a particular insurance provider spent years talking about promising but, then, delaying the option of online payments. When online payments were finally accepted a few years ago this company touted how great this "new feature" was. Really? When others were doing this in the last century, what were their decision makers doing while change passed them by?

Churches wasting money on non-LED signs, Christian-owned companies ordering merchandise by hand, and ministries's idea of social media is phone calls and emails, are just three examples of Christians stuck in the past. While this happens the world not only embraces change, but is in the driver's seat when it comes to identifying, creating, and launching new products. I believe Christians can and should do better-much better.

In my book, The Five-A Team: Character Traits For Success In Life (you can get it through our website's link) I talk about adaptation, or change, as being a key to individual success in the workplace, and life. It would behoove organizations to so the same: change (adapt) or face a future where they are the ones being left behind,  technologically speaking. Where failure to change breaks companies-even Christian ones.

Maybe you're a part of a church, company, or other ministry where frustration, team morale, and success are being stifled by short-sighted decision makers, stuck in the previous century of antiquated processes. If so, my condolences, as well as my prayer that God will, somehow, intervene in those situations to bring fruit to visions stagnated by weeds of fear, uncertainty, and/or ignorance. Yes, the times they are a changing, but we're running out of time, as we know it, to change the world and those around us.

What do you think? Is your church/business/organization up with the times, technologically? What are you doing-what can you do-to effect change for the better? I'd like to know, then share your thoughts with others.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

When Change Can Be Good For You

Change has been around for thousands of years, including the Garden of Eden. As long as Adam and Eve obeyed God things went well. Then something  happened: Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered into a perfect world, and Adam and Eve encountered change in their lives. Man and woman were evicted, if you will, from having it all to living off of the land, by the sweat of Adam's brow. Not a good change. Becoming a Christian is certainly a change. Going from spiritual death to eternal life, from darkness to light, is change, the best change of all. A change associated with becoming a Christian-being born again-is renewing ones mind to think in line with God's Word. This produces change in the way one thinks, which eventually affects ones words and actions. Renewing ones mind is definitely a good change. A very good change.

Recognizing change around you and being willing to use what's changing (i.e. technology) to impart the unchanging Word of God to the world around you, including your next-door neighbors, is part of good change. Those under the age of 25 are better at this kind of change than those of us over 50.

Why are people against change, especially when it comes to technology? Why do so many who are 60 and over dig in their heels to resist change when they were those who saw (some demanded) so much change in the '60s and '70s? To use a restaurant analogy, spiritual appetites were changing in the '60s but most menus (churches) weren't.

One church that did change was Calvary Chapel, in Costa Mesa, California. Pastored then by Chuck Smith, this church became a leader in what came to be known as the Jesus Movement. Pastor Chuck allowed change to come into the sanctuary. New music, new people, new attitudes. And it was for good. The Movement spread across the country to the East Coast. Catering to young people drew thousands to churches willing to change or risk being left behind, culturally speaking.

Fast forward to today. As Christians we have the greatest message of all time, the message of the Gospel. Let's not change that; let's keep the pureness and simplicity of the Bible. After all, how much simpler can John 3:16 get? At the same time, each generation learns differently than those before it. Take potatoes, for instance. You can boil, fry, bake, boil, stew, and mash potatoes.  I've had potatoes each of these ways over the years. It's called variety.

A lot of churches-thus Christians-are like potatoes. They "preach" potatoes but serve them up only boiled, for instance. As much as I like potatoes, I'd get tired of them being just boiled. After a while. I'd be looking for change. The same is true in reaching younger generations: they're hungry for the potato (message), but want it some other way than boiled. Those refusing to change may lose a whole generation of "eaters." Isn’t that worth changing?

Using technology to present the timeless truths of Jesus Christ is one great example of when change can be good for you. Let's not lose another moment in being willing to change methods in how the message is "served." It's change the Church cannot afford to not make.

What are some changes you would like to see happen in the church you attend? What are you doing to try to bring about good change where you live?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2016-2024

Guard Your Roots

Trees, plants, fruits, and vegetables have roots. Weeds do too, but I'll focus on the positive. Whatever seed is planted will produce roots. Those roots provide the grounding and stability needed for that tree, for instance, to survive, grow, flourish, and fulfill its destiny. The same is true with Christians. Every Christian has been planted, if you will, into Christ by the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 12:13. We've been placed into what the Bible calls the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head; we are the Body. As with any new life in the natural, we must begin to grow roots. Those roots lengthen and strengthen as we hear God's Word, believe it, and act like it's so in us.

Without a strong root system trees stop growing. Sometimes they die. Why? In part because the roots weren't protected; they weren't watered, kept weed-free, and allowed, in the case of an apple tree, to bear fruit. The same is true in our lives. Without a strong root system of God's Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and service, spiritual growth is stunted, even ended.

Neither God nor I want that to happen. Our root system depends on us to guard it, to see that it has every opportunity to reach its potential, in Christ. Our root system-our foundation if you will-needs our constant vigilance. It's up to us to, as Proverbs 4:23 points out, to keep (guard, protect) our hearts with all diligence. Why? Because the devil is a meanie; he'll try everything to keep your roots from even getting started, much less growing. If he can't do that, he'll try to isolate you, to keep you from influencing others to grow in Christ.

Guard your roots. Make the time and effort to check your roots, your foundation, to ensure that they are being fed what they need, to grow as they ought. Make sure your roots are both lengthening and strengthening. Someone out there needs to see your life as a living example of what the Christian life looks like in everyday life. Without your roots in place, branches and fruit won't be much to look at.

How well are you guarding your roots? What are you doing to ensure your roots are growing on a consistent basis?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2015-2024

It's Better Than Religion

My last post dealt with the evils of religion. You can check it out here. In criticizing religion in general there is no mention of any one particular religion. My purpose was-and is-to point out the evils of religion, without forcing anyone to change. God is a gentleman-He won't force anyone to believe what he/she doesn't want to believe. In contrast to religion Christianity is about a relationship-a relationship experienced with the Living God, Who hears and answers prayers. Christianity is about accepting the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's Son, Who lived and walked on this earth, 2,000 years ago. It's coming to God on the basis of what Jesus did for you, not what you can do for yourself. It's coming to Him as you are, not what you can offer God. It's for anyone regardless of age, gender, pedigree, or ethnic background. All because God loves you as you are, right now. Yes, you, the person reading this post. God loves you.

Through studying God's written Word, the Bible, we learn more about who God is, why Jesus came to this earth (historical fact), and what God has provided for us to freely enjoy, on the basis of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection. It's an offer you're free to accept or reject, as an act of your own will. It's Life for those who accept this free gift; no burnings or beheadings for those who don't.

At the same time, Hell is real. Originally made for the devil, it now, sadly, also includes those who have willfully chosen to reject Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. Not for breaking any or all of the Ten Commandments. For the singular sin of saying "No" to the Life God offers, through His Son, Jesus Christ. I surely don't want anyone to wind up in Hell, with the devil.

Eternity's a long time.

Yes, Hell is real. The most religious place in the universe is Hell. It's full of religious folks, with no relationship with the Living God. They're separated from God for eternity. That's Hell. Fortunately no one is forced to go there. If you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, pray this simple prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus, Your Son. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord; I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead for me. Therefore, according to your Word (Romans 10:9,10) I'm saved. I'm now Your child."

If you prayed this prayer from your heart you're now a Christian, a child of God. That's worth telling other Christians.

Please write and let us know of your decision. Simply go to the Contact page of our website, and let us know.