Church on the Sound

Reset

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:56:24 +0000

Our theme this year is RESET. What is a reset? It’s putting something back into its original position. When a standing object tips over, it needs to be reset. When a bone is broken it is reset for healing. Every morning our bodies reset to greet the day.

People use New Year’s Day as a time to reset; setting new goals, getting back into healthy habits. Our goal this year is to reset by moving out of a maintenance mode, in order to embrace growth and change.

The Scriptures are full of resets. After Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship had to be reset.
After Peter’s denial, Jesus offered a reset moment with those famous words, “do you love me?”
Paul’s reset also came from a question. After he was knocked to the ground by a light from heaven, he heard these words: “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” Abraham’s reset came after a test – did he trust God enough offer his only son as a burnt offering? God spared Isaac’s life. But Abraham’s obedience marked that moment with a sacred promise from God: “I solemnly swear by my own name, decrees the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply your descendants.” (Gen 22:16-17) Resets offer us hope and promise and restoration.

But not everyone embraces their reset. Moses reminded the people of the reset moment that God offered the Israelites as they were poised to enter the Promised Land: You have stayed long enough at this mountain. It was a reset opportunity. But they were not willing to trust God and take possession of what God had promised. That pass caused them a 40-year trek in the wilderness.

As we begin 2026 ask God… ask yourself – where do I need a reset? Be willing to take action. Reset is not a passive word. As a congregation, our reset began this year by committing ourselves to read the Scriptures daily. During the course of 2026 we will continue the series on the Sermon on the Mount; which involves a major attitude adjustment, characterized by words like: “You have heard it said, but I say to you…” We will reset our vision to move to the property across the street which we own.

However, be warned: “set” is an enemy of reset. That’s why Paul said, if anyone is in Messiah – that person is a NEW CREATION. The old is gone, the new has come. To reset is to Re-present Jesus as ambassadors. At the end of the Bible is a major reset: “Behold I am making all things NEW!” As we anticipate the return of our king -- may we reset our hearts by giving our primary allegiance to his kingdom.

Facing the chaos of this world with shalom,
Nicholas

Do you have an AI faith?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:57:58 +0000

Intelligence has always been held in high esteem. IQ tests are used to measure it. Honors are given to those whose academic achievement, inventions, breakthroughs, outstanding performances, and creative genius have set them apart from the rest of humanity. If you happen to score in the top 2% of the population, you can join the prestigious Mensa society. More recent studies done by Harvard psychologist, Howard Gardner suggest that there are multiple types of intelligence. If you possess the right combination, you might win a boatload of money on Jeopardy. Oh, to be intelligent!

The emergence of AI has elevated intelligence to a new level, providing the 98% with a way to boost their baseline. Thanks to Chat GPT, Siri, Gemini and a host of other AI assistants, we can all experience the benefit of being intelligent. We can write papers, solve problems, even compose songs.

However, AI has opened the door to “fake” intelligence. It’s AI gone rogue, but it appears real. For example, a recent Instagram post featured some preachers spreading a gospel that affirms sin. Celebrities on YouTube are making claims about coming to faith in Christ. Pop stars are singing worship songs. They look and sound authentic, but they are AI generated. What you see or read may not be real; thus creating the need for fact-checking sites like Snopes (which just introduced a “bot” to sort out fact from fiction) There is even an AI Bible! Do you have an AI faith? How do you know your faith is real?

Search the Scriptures
In Acts 17, Paul meets up with a group of believers from Berea. Here’s how they are described: And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. (fyi: “the Scriptures” refer to what we know as the Old Testament) Read the chapter to find out the rest of the story. How does the response of Thessalonicans compare to the response of the Gospel by people today?

Many people have had their faith derailed by spending hours on YouTube, rather than searching the Scriptures by themselves or with a small group. AI faith allows others to define spiritual reality. It doesn’t take the time to learn, but leaves the discovery of the truth to someone else.

Go “Live”
How were the Bereans introduced to Paul’s teaching? They heard him “live”. They didn’t hear it from someone else or interpreted by someone else. They were present. They had context. We live in a livestream world. It is easy to watch – to attend virtually. But there is no substitute for being in the service, in the atmosphere of the room, hearing the words for yourself. Like the song says, “there’s nothing like the real thing, baby”

One definition of faith is informed trust. It is belief that is backed by evidence. Belief that has been proven trustworthy, that is lived out authentically and in community. How were the AI generated videos unmasked? By going to the source.

No one actually heard Ed Sheeran sing a worship song “live” (it has since been pulled by YouTube)
Elon Musk and Mel Gibson did not go public to share how they “risked it all to follow Jesus”.

Real faith is “Berean”. Go, “live” – attend a real congregation with real people. Go to the source: Study the Bible personally, and with a small group of committed believers. Not only will you be able to discern, you will have a kind of intelligence, not listed in Howard Garner’s study. You will have FI: Faith intelligence. And it’s real!

DDS

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:41:14 +0000

The opening verses of Psalm 64 describe David's lament over the herd mentality aimed at him.

“Protect my life from the enemy’s terrifying attacks.
2 Hide me from the plots of evil men, from the crowd of evildoers
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords; they aim their arrows, a slanderous charge, 4 in order to shoot down the innocent (noun is singular, as in “me”)…
They shoot at him suddenly and are unafraid of retaliation.
5 They encourage one another to carry out their evil deed.
They plan how to hide snares, and boast, “Who will see them?
6 They devise unjust schemes; they disguise a well-conceived plot.
(NET, emphasis – mine)

Those out to get the king have been overtaken by David Derangement Syndrome. (DDS) He must have thought, "Why are they doing this to me? " David concludes: v6 "Man’s inner thoughts cannot be discovered." - aka “no one is a mindreader.” (I wish media outlets would get the memo. Driven by people’s insatiable desire to know, they put on endless experts who offer their "why” whenever there is a disturbing situation.)

Instead of endless analysis, David offers the only antidote to DDS: v7 "But God will shoot at them" (“But God will shoot them down with an arrow, suddenly they will be wounded” - NIV)

The result is a total turnaround. "All people will see (fear) They will proclaim what God has done, and reflect on his deeds. The godly will rejoice in the Lord and take shelter in him. All the morally upright will boast"

If you have been baffled or stressed out by TDS, stop shooting back. It doesn’t work. It doesn’t change anyone’s mind. This is the only antidote: “God will shoot at them.” Only an arrow from the Almighty can change a group-think narrative, because it is aimed at the inner thoughts of the heart. And “teshuvah” (Hebrew term) is the response.

Of course, God’s arrows not only shoot at evildoers and those who stir up trouble. They are also aimed at the proud, the self-righteous, and those who have “missed the mark”. Nevertheless, there is only one solution to DDS and TDS: “God, get out your arrows and start shooting.”

Worship the KING

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:05:55 +0000

Four words that changed the course of Israel's history. "Long live the King!" They put a political figure ahead of their sole allegiance to God. Centuries later Jesus would be paraded before Pilate, who asked: "Shall I crucify your king?" Their response? We have no king but Caesar!

Reminded me of Psalm 47:7,8 "Sing to our king! Sing! 7 For God is king of the whole earth...8
God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne...God has authority over the rulers of the earth. He is highly exalted."

What are your four words? Be careful not to transfer (as Israel did) your primary allegiance from The King to a political figure. Pray for the president. Worship the KING!

Bash Not

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:06:24 +0000

As we greet the new year, I would like to propose a moratorium: Stop bashing one another. Last year’s presidential election stooped to new lows of negative reporting. Lies, and outright character assassination severed the bond between family members, including the family of God. While at the same time it highlighted the great political divide within our nation.
Christians are not immune. In fact they continue to foolishly mimic the culture’s penchant for the bad, the ugly, and the perverse. They use Tik-Tok, YouTube, and other social media platforms to hang out the dirty laundry of leaders who have committed sins of all types. They castigate those with whom they disagree theologically. Even worship songs are on the radar of being judged. All this bad behavior has been platformed for the world to see.
Haven’t you read the words of Jesus in Matthew 18: which details how we are to handle people who have sinned?

“If a brother sins against you” (aka a fellow follower of Jesus, whether it’s a leader, or
someone in your life group) Our response should not be to go to a “Christian”
influencer so they can put it up on Youtube or Facebook. “Go and tell him his fault,
between you and him alone.” Have you done that?

If there is no change, open the circle to a couple firsthand witnesses. If there is still no
repentance, share it with the congregation. And if after all this, there is no
acknowledgement of wrongdoing, then treat him/her as a tax collector and a Gentile.
While some take this to mean excommunication, bear in mind that it was Jesus who was
accused of being “a friend of sinners.” Even so, it is never to be brought into the court
of public opinion, where one is found guilty until proven innocent.

Yes, Paul instructed the church at Corinth to put the man who was having an illicit affair
out of the church. But he did not take a full page ad out in the Corinth Chronicle, or
post it in the Gospel Gossip Gazette. It was done within the confines of a local church.
Have we skipped over passages like Galatians 6 which tells us that if a fellow believer
has been overtaken by a fault, we who are spiritual should restore that person in a
spirit of gentleness? Blogs I have read and/or and the comment sections listed below
express anything but the spirit of restoration. Some almost gloat over the fact that they
have taken the perpetrator, their brother or sister in Christ to task. The exposure of their
sin is seen as spiritual gift to the body of Christ. I see it as pride and malice.

Do I condone the actions of fallen leaders? Absolutely not! Should victims seek justice,
whatever that may look like...Absolutely. But taking their sin public only serves to
humiliate, not to restore. Paul urges believers to settle matters not using the world
system. (I Cor 6) To ignore the hard work of in-house restoration by replacing it with
media-driven headlines, only satiates the cynic. It also provides fodder for those who
reject the Christian faith because of perceived hypocrisy. But the most damaging part of
this self-righteous, and often self-serving strategy is that it severs the accused and/or
condemned from their connection to the Body of Christ.

Let’s reinstitute the adage of old: “If you don’t have anything good to say about
someone, don’t say it at all.” And if public figure sins, those around him/her should take
the individual to task; alone at first, and then with witnesses...But let’s stop publicly
bashing fellow disciples.

That the world may know,
NIcholas

G.O.A.T

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:41:28 +0000

Over 30 years ago, Muhammad Ali referred to himself as “the Greatest”. His wife later added “Of All Time” – which became known by the acronym: “the G.O.A.T.” Since then, the abbreviation has been used to describe exceptional athletes, musicians, rappers, and other popular figures. There are even G.O.A.T. foods! However, the superlative is flawed.

For one, it is specific to a respective field; Serena Williams – tennis, Michael Jordan – basketball, Michael Phelps- swimming, Mariano Rivera -relief pitcher etc. There are no crossover G.O.A.T.s.

Additionally, the title itself is subjective. For example, is Tom Brady, or Joe Montana, or Peyton Manning the NFL’s G.O.A.T. quarterback? It may depend on which part of the country you hail from, which organization you work for, or which team you follow. While it may appear unbiased, G.O.A.T. ranking is not truly objective.

The title G.O.A.T is also not permanent. One may be considered the G.O.A.T. until they get out-goat-ted. In fact, the term itself is somewhat misleading – “of all time?” You may be the G.O.A.T in that moment, or in that season, until someone surpasses your greatness.

Of course the title expresses achievement and ability, not necessarily moral character. One can be a G.O.A.T on the field, but a “dog” off the court. (Explanation not needed) Should one’s personal life be left off the weight scale of greatness? Some would argue yes, while others consider G.O.A.T.-ness a package deal.

Lest I appear to be a G.O.A.T. disparager – I join the masses who are in awe of these super-stars; they were not handed the title, they earned it. I applaud their perseverance, personal sacrifice, combined with their extraordinary ability. Hats off to G.O.A.T.’s everywhere!

So why the G.O.A.T. blog? As humans, we have a G.O.A.T. propensity – they are our heroes; people we esteem. They are able to achieve what we always wanted to do, but couldn’t. That’s why we classify them as super-humans. Truth be told, this can lead to G.O.A.T. envy. Why couldn’t I be that person? Remember, as G.O.A.T as one appears to be, no one really measures up to the title.

What if there was a TRUE G.O.A.T? THE Greatest in ALL things, not subject to being outdone, timeless, faultless, truly worthy of all honor and praise. There is! This is how Moses described God:

“I will proclaim the name of the Lord.

Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,

and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong,

upright and just is he.”

– Deuteronomy 32:3-4

As I stated earlier, we tend to pedestal achievement, knowledge, success, fame and fortune. Save your adulation for God.

“Lord, there is no one like you!

For you are great, and your name is full of power.”

– Jeremiah 10:16

G.O.A.T.s may be worthy of acclaim, but God alone, in words of Oswald Chambers deserves “our utmost for his highest”

-Nicholas

The Turning

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:12:48 +0000

Have you noticed the head-spinning political activity of recent weeks leading up to the election in November? The failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump, a strategic dropping out of the election by President Biden, the swift support of Kamala Harris to run in his place…

Both candidates have hit the campaign trail. Name calling, attack ads, lots of fake news - it’s politics “normale.” It has left voters bewildered, emboldened, confused or disengaged. Both parties have made bold promises and have begun to lay out their grandiose policies. But will either candidate bring about the unity or healing that this nation so desperately needs? No…what will?

One word: teshuvah It is the Hebrew word for repentance, which means a 180 degree turn. In the New Testament the word is metanoia, which means “a change of mind.” Teshuvah is a major theme of the Hebrew Scriptures. It is the clarion call of Jesus. Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. But teshuvah is not a requisite for the unredeemed. It is squarely aimed at the people of God.

Immediately following the dedication of the Temple, and with it the promise of prosperity, God says to Solomon:

14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn (teshuvah) from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

There has been lots of prayer for our nation. But have we turned?

19 “…if you people ever turn away from me, fail to obey the regulations and rules I instructed you to keep, and decide to serve and worship other gods, 20 then I will remove you from my land I have given you…and I will make you an object of mockery and ridicule among all the nations.”

I have heard people say: This is not the America I grew up in. No, it isn’t. America has turned away from God. This is the consequence. Oh God, forgive us…a great place to start. But transformation is in the turning. We must acknowledge our sin and turn from our wicked ways. The solution to the fracking of our nation’s soul is not political. It is spiritual. When God’s people U-turn, God will heal and restore our land.

“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. (Micah 6:1)

Disciple: An Influenced Influencer

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:10:52 +0000

As more people get their information online, social media influencers are a highly sought after group of specialists. Operating on multiple platforms, they were given access to both political party conventions this year, because of their acumen in targeting young voters. These niche marketers affect everything from purchases to politics, from what’s trending to what’s become passe. Their posts attract millions of followers.

Like or not, everyone is under some kind of social influencer. Put in different terms, we are all disciples – every one of us. Even the most ardent individualist has been influenced. They may march to the beat of their own drum, but they got that drum or that beat from someone.

According to Merriam-Webster, a “disciple” is typically defined as

“One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another”

“A convinced adherent of a school or individual”

I would add this definition:

A disciple is an influenced influencer.

Instead of debating whether you are under an influence, the more pertinent question is under whose influence are you operating? And in what way are you being an influencer?

Influencers use access points such as one’s age, ethnicity, intelligence or popularity as a platform to sway opinions, and to stimulate actions. Taylor Swift ‘s Instagram post endorsing Kamala Harris and urging “Swiftees” to vote, resulted in 400k clicks on Vote.gov – a site that helps voters to register. Want to guess who they will vote for?

___________________________________________________________

to be a disciple of Jesus is to be under his influence in every area of your life, and in radical ways.

___________________________________________________________

Other influencers include sports figures, business leaders, TV or movie personalities, and generally anyone who has achieved a level of success or notoriety. However we all have access points; people & places where we can make an impact.

Social influencers are typically centered around a cause or a particular philosophy. However, to be a disciple of Jesus is to be under his influence in every area of your life, and in radical ways. Jesus said things like, “whoever wants to save his/her life must lose it for my sake.” or “whoever wants to be my follower, must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Yet for Jesus, being under his influence was not the goal. It was to be an influenced influencer. He used phrases like:

“You are the salt of the earth”, “You are the light of the world.”

“Love one another, as I have loved you.”

“Go and make disciples of all nations,”

In other words, if you have been influenced by Jesus, you are to spread his influence to others.

Take some time to think about whose influence you are under.

In what ways have you been influenced by them and why?
In what way have you been influenced by Jesus?
How have you been an influencer on his behalf to others?

Social influencers may seem like they don’t matter. But they make a difference.

Being an influencer for Jesus may seem inconsequential. But it can transform a person’s life which in turn can affect other lives. As that influence spreads, it can transform a community, a society, and change our world.

Influenced to be an influencer

Nicholas

Step Into God's Story

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:49:37 +0000

Our theme this year is Step into 2024. The big idea is movement. All change – all growth is the result of taking some kind of action. Whether it’s getting a job, going on a date, becoming a social media influencer, finding freedom from an addiction – all require stepping up, or stepping out.

We began 2024 by stepping in – into God’s story, through our virtual Bible reading groups. Why is reading the Scripture so essential? Sure, it is the primary way God speaks to us. But more than that, it is an invitation to step into God’s story.

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Jesus, Luke 9:23)

Of course, the poster child for stepping up and out is Peter. Hey, if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat. With an election year ahead, and the Lord’s return more imminent than ever, this is not time to be singing “row, row, row your boat”.

Step up – take a risk and serve. Step into community – find your people. Step out – reach beyond your comfort level. I’ll see you “on the Sound”

Throw Some Glow

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:43:02 +0000

Throwing Shade is a slang term that was introduced in the 80’s. By 2017 it found its way into our dictionary. Webster defines it as a “subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not”. Throwing shade disrespects. It criticizes. It undermines.

Talk shows, social media, memes, and tweets are the perfect platform for throwing shade. From politicians to comedians, this slang expression has been woven into the fabric of our society. Insulting others has become an artform. We throw shade at everything and everyone. The effects are devastating. The outcome is divisive and leaves a wake of collateral damage.

However, I have observed another form of scornful slang. It’s a pseudo expression: “sanctified shade.” (not a real term). It is the practice of believers calling each other out in ways that violate the priestly petition of Jesus for unity: “that they may be one, even as we are one”. (John 17:22). Like its counterpart, sanctified shade also uses words and actions. It verbally attacks, it severs ties. It seeks to discredit those with whom it disagrees. From the outside it looks holy. Whether it’s about eschatology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, or issues of faith and practice, those who employ it, see themselves as “defenders of the faith, standard bearers of the truth.”

How about throwing some glow? Throwing some honor instead of disrespect. Some kindness instead of criticism. How about posting a you tube video applauding someone’s ministry? Blessing instead of bashing. Affirm whenever possible. Disagree with respect and humility (btw, you could be wrong) Pray for them.

Throw some glow using Paul’s words as a point of reference:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph 4:29)

What about people who are being deceived? What about false doctrines that are being preached? There are plenty of warnings; from Jesus, Paul, John, and Jude. Paul even writes a couple letters to instruct Timothy on how to deal with the erroneous teachings in Ephesus. Shouldn’t these errant teachers be called out? Shouldn’t they be held accountable? They will.

Jesus was asked the same question in the parable of the wheat and tares in Mt 13: In the story, a farmer plants a field of wheat. At midnight, an enemy plants weeds among the wheat. They grow up together. When it becomes apparent, the question is asked, Now what? Should we yank out the weeds? Throw some sanctified shade at them? Not so fast, says Jesus.

‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Yes, there is a time to confront, esp as it concerns the essential Gospel. (See Galatians 6:1/ Matthew 18 for some pointers.) Some may even throw shade at this blog. However, as believers I strongly urge you to throw some glow toward each other. The end of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 tells us why: the world is watching – so that they will know that you have sent me. There’s no need for sanctified shade. The Lord of the Harvest will do the separating.

Nicholas

Self-LESS

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:38:00 +0000

I have the antidote to ALL things troubling – globally, nationally, socially, spiritually, relationally and personally. It’s ridiculously simple, extraordinarily complex. It’s the practice of being SELF-LESS. Think about it, what would happen if everyone (yes, everyone) looked out for the needs of others, not just their own?

Being self-less is not thinking LESS of yourself (I am a no-good, worthless person), it is thinking about yourself LESS. It is being others-oriented.

That is SO not our present reality. We live in a society that is largely concerned with all things me and mine; which promotes self-infatuation, not just self-awareness. It’s about my needs, my rights, my desires, my privilege, my politics, my race, my choices, my comforts, my relationships, my things. Selfishness rules the planet.

Think about a world without these expressions of selfishness:

Greed; the antithesis of generosity.
Pride: defined as “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority.” (Dictionary.net)
Sexual assault and exploitation; including pornography, which plays on lust and feeds the desire for self-gratification.
Relational conflicts; from so-called “one-way relationships” aka “I give…you take” to one’s need to be right, or the need to win.

Even pursuits like vocation and aspirations can be a breeding ground for selfish behavior.

Less obvious is how we process pain and hardship. When trouble comes, do I resort to self-pity? Do I see myself as a victim? Nowadays addiction is defined as a disease. However, is it not also a selfish way of managing pain - often blind to the collateral damage inflicted on others? Suicide can be a selfish act as well, leaving behind a wake of grief.

Change the world…think selfless

Think about what the world would be like if government officials put public service over power, prestige and privilege? What if they were focused on building bridges instead of walls; doing the hard work of collaboration, instead of leveling cheap-shot criticisms?

What if Big-Pharma and other companies put people over profits? What if ALL countries selflessly worked together? Poverty would be eliminated, slavery abolished, world hunger – a distant memory. Sickness and disease drastically reduced. Rogue forces of stealing and high-level corruption would cease, as they cannot co-exist with selflessness. The selfless learn to share power, not to dominate or exploit the powerless.

Cooperation would replace merely co-existing. Countries would work together to lower the carbon footprint of the planet and to address the ways we are polluting and depleting our natural resources.

True SELF-lessness would destroy terrorism, and root out the hatred that feeds it. Selflessness would remove violence, and fear. It would dismantle the forces of racism, antisemitism as well as the other “isms” in our world.

Widespread selflessness would produce a colossal shift from accruing to divesting…from consuming to investing…With an infusion of worldwide selflessness, human existence would be radically altered.

Selflessness is not sameness. It can have healthy boundaries, respecting the differences among people, institutions, and cultures. You say, “That is so naïve. It’s contrary to human nature. It’s anti-Darwinian. It’s impossible. It would take a miracle!”

….Or a Messiah. The footprint for building a self-less life is summarized by Paul: Imitate Christ

Php 2: 5-7 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross!

Spoiler Alert: Being selfless requires a certain kind of death; a change of heart and mind. Who wants to deny themselves, especially if you have been the victim of self-centered behavior? Self-defense seems like the only rational response. In a dog-eat-dog world, looking out for #1 is the key to survival. But that only keeps the ME-first merry go round in operation.

What if being selfless was connected to imitating Jesus. If anyone wants to save his life he will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will keep it. In the words of the songwriter Zach Williams “A little more like Jesus, a little less like me.” It’s not that the self doesn’t matter. It does. It just needs to matter less, while being others-oriented needs to matter more.