Accuracy of the New Testament

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“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

– John [21:25]

I am frequently asked about the historical accuracy of the four Gospels. Over the years, skeptics have said they are not history but a legendary account to appease a group desiring it to be real. My research finds this assessment remarkably wrong.

From a 21st-century perspective, where writing is far more prolific than in the 1st century and many times with a specific agenda, it is not surprising some would be suspicious of the accuracy of the Gospels and other writings in the New Testament.

But we must be careful when we evaluate writings from the 1st century using our 21st-century state of mind. Doing this is called Presentism. And when we use Presentism, we can distort the truth.

Instead, we need to insert historical context into our evaluation. The 1st century was a different time, and writing history was less about agenda and more about getting the facts right. While all books, even from the 1st century, include agenda, but to a lesser degree than today in the 1st century.

Additionally, less than 5% of the population could read or write because of the low literacy rate. Thus significantly fewer writings occurred, and those that did were a serious undertaking. 1st-century authors like Ovid and the Apostle Paul, who did write books, had higher standards. Additionally, their efforts were hampered compared to the modern authors; no programs like Word or computers existed. There were no typewriters; writing each sentence required patient thought.

In our century, over one million books are written every year! In the first century, less than one hundred books exist for the entire hundred-year period. Most were written in Latin or Greek. The books in the New Testament, twenty-seven in total, represent a large portion of what was written in the first century. Half of these were written by the Apostle Paul or his students. Most of the New Testament was written by the start of the second century. Making Christian literature or history the most significant genre of the 1st century.

While certainly specific agendas existed, there is a high level of consistency in the New Testament books. All are centered on Jesus and his teachings. The consistency of thought and facts across all these books supports a high level of accuracy.

While some will point out the inconsistencies, most are explained by understanding the perspective of the individual writers, not that they disagree with another person’s account. Instead, they saw the events from a different lens. So, while we would all like one book to explain Jesus and his life fully, he was a rich and dynamic presence that affected everyone differently. As such, each writer, inspired by God, wrote from their viewpoint.

In the Gospel of John, we find an exciting verse that explains why so much has been written about Jesus. John [21:25] says, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Thus when we read about Jesus, we can enjoy the many different perspectives of his life.

Another support for the accuracy of this story is there were over five hundred eyewitnesses to the risen Jesus. The Apostle Paul wrote about these witnesses in 1st Corinthians, published in 50 AD. (1st Corinthians 15:4-8) In his account, he also declared many were still alive seventeen years after the first Easter week.

Why is this important in proving accuracy? First is knowing Paul would not idly mention this fact unless it was real. Paul himself was a man who was well educated and zealously riveted on getting the facts right. Secondly, others widely read this letter, and the document could easily be checked.[1]

Paul’s letters were written around twenty years after the resurrection. When many who observed and knew about the events of Jesus were still alive, if Paul were incorrect or embellishing his facts, there would undoubtedly be disagreement. However, none exists from this period.

Additionally, the characters of the New Testament actually existed. Take Pontius Pilate; archeologists in 1961 discovered a small statue in the town of Caesarea.

The inscription on the statue written in Latin says, “Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea, has presented the Tiberium to the Caesareans.[1]

Another main character and Jesus’ primary foil during the Easter week is the high priest, Caiaphas, who also was a real person. Caiaphas presided over the religious trial of Jesus and was directly responsible for Jesus’ death. In 1990 his burial box with his bones was discovered in the old city section of Jerusalem.[2]

Paul, who either himself or his students wrote half of the books in the New Testament, was widely quoted by non-Biblical writers – authors such as Clement (95AD), Polycarp, Papias,  Irenaeus, and many others. From a non-Biblical basis, Paul and his writings were perhaps the most quoted by 1st and 2nd-century scholars/writers.[3]

Additionally, several writers from the late first and early second century have written accounts that validate the Gospels, scholars such as – Irenaeus, Eusebius, and Polycarp.

Polycarp, in particular, is important. He was a student of the Apostle John, and much of his writing emanates from his time with John. In many of his writings, he frequently refers to several books in the New Testament.[4]

The Polycarp writings are most important because we have a scholarly writer who had a close relationship with a first-hand eyewitness to Jesus and his life, the Apostle John. For me, this was an important and exciting revelation. In Polycarp, we have a person who spent a good deal of time with a direct eyewitness to Jesus and his ministry – a fantastic gift for us in the 21st century.

While little known amongst the general populace, Polycarp is well-known by Biblical scholars and frequently cited in articles.

Another clue in the authenticity of the Jesus story comes from a Roman historian and Senator, Tacitus. In 116 AD, in his final book called Annuals,  he confirms that Jesus was crucified and writes about early Christians in Rome.[5]

Tacitus is important because a non-Christian confirms the event. Many scholars have confirmed this writing to be authentic, and it is one of the earliest non-Christian accounts of the crucifixion and persecution of Christians.

Further proof is the cities mentioned in the Gospels existed precisely as mentioned, as did the buildings mentioned. Furthermore, the customs written about in the Gospels are also accurate. Particularly the traditions surrounding the Passover dinner that was Jesus’ last supper, including the details of the supper’s preparation.

While we have proof of the existence of many of the characters and well-respected authors, the New Testament is also a remarkably “stable” document in its consistency. Despite centuries of revisions and translations, a literary critique of the New Testament has a ninety percent score on consistency. A very high score for a document that has been so frequently revised and translated.

Some will say, “How can a document that has been revised still be accurate?” Yet well over five thousand scraps of ancient documents have been discovered, which all support the words of the modern New Testament.

While there is much evidence of the accuracy of the New Testament and the four Gospels, they are not enough to fully convince an individual of the New Testament’s accuracy. An easier path exists. Spending time reading the Bible will create a stronger belief in the words of the Bible and the New Testament.

One way to do this is to read a chapter starting with the first chapter in Matthew each morning. Pray after the reading. But when you pray, wait for quiet to come into your mind. Repeat this daily. After a while, doubt will start to be replaced with assurance.

[1] Webb, Demer, Explore the Story, https://explorethestory.wordpress.com/2016/04/14/whats-up-with-those-500-witnesses/ , April 2016.

[2] Stewart, Don, The Amazing Historical Accuracy of the Bible-Question 12. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/historical-accuracy-of-the-bible/question12-gospels-historically-accurate.cfm

[3] Ibid

[4] Oakes, John, Is There Any Clear Evidence Paul Existed. https://evidenceforchristianity.org/is-there-any-historical-evidence-that-paul-was-a-real-person/, February 2nd,  2015.

[5] Policarpo (santo, vescovo di (2013-07-25). Polycarp’s Epistle to the Philippians and the Martyrdom of Polycarp: Introduction, Text, and Commentary. University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-922839-3.

 

[6] Tacitus, The Annals, book 15, chapter 44

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Prayer Is Asking, Observing, and Acting!

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Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

In writing my new book, Gideon: God’s Mighty Man of Valor, I became intrigued with how continuously Gideon prayed and how connected he was with God. It wasn’t just how often Gideon prayed, also how he reacted after prayer. He had two behaviors that stood out after prayer. The first was Gideon stayed very alert in seeking how God answered him. The second was his immediate action after he received God’s answer.

In other words, Gideon didn’t just constantly pray. He watched and acted as well. As a result, Gideon built a robust partnership with God. The more he prayed, observed, and acted, the easier it became for him to understand God’s directions. Because of my observation of Gideon’s prayer life, I started to ask others about their prayer life.

The more I asked other people, the more varied the answers became. It was as if each person had their own process. For example, my friend Pastor Lou says his prayer life is staying in continuous conversation with God. Lou’s method is supported with the verse in Colossians 4:2, where it says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Later, I asked another pastor, who told me she had a close friend who helped her observe what God told her. Others told me they had a very disciplined process in observation. They looked for three things; was the answer Biblical, was the answer consistent with sound Christian thinking, and was the answer logical.

I also researched what Billy Graham had to say about prayer. He said, “Prayer is more than a wish; it is the voice of faith directed to God.” Faith is a critical message in Billy Graham’s quote. The assuredness God will answer is essential, as it gives us confidence there will be an answer for us to act upon.

Another interesting aspect of prayer was the answers or responses people received from God. All told me the answers with unique. So unique they could only be an answer from God. Sometimes the answers were so startlingly on point; they wondered if it was just a coincidence.

Another critical point was that all the people I talked to told me their prayer life was persistent. And each person’s prayer life had the components of asking, observing, and acting.

In Matthew 7:7, I found a simple explanation from Jesus; “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In Jesus’ statement, I found the three components. First, Jesus tells us to “Ask.” And not just ask, but ask with faith that the prayer will be answered.

Secondly, Jesus says, “Seek, and you will find.” This statement supports the importance of observing.

Finally, Jesus says, “Knock, and it will be opened to you.” A very active expression of our involvement in our relationship with God. A simple message of not being passive but acting when we hear our answers.

It is easy for most to ask, a little harder to observe, and a matter of faith when we act upon the answer we receive.

The people I know who have a great prayer life always have faith the answer to act upon will come. However, they also individually approach the process differently, uniquely individual by individual.

Even in the Bible, there are 63 verses about prayer. Each one is a little different, but all contain some form of asking, seeking, and acting. For each person, at least one of the 63 verses is used concerning their prayer life—another example of how our individual relationships and journeys with Jesus are very different.

And another example of how Jesus meets us where we are.

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Living a Life Worthy of God

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…encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 

1 Thessalonians [2:12] 

Around 50 AD, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to a church in Thessalonica that he had founded just three months earlier. The letter today is called 1st Thessalonians in the New Testament. The letter’s purpose was to instruct those in the church to not give up their Christian values, despite outside temptations and persecution.  

The church was under siege by external influences (and even some from within), attempting to get them to compromise their values. As a new church, there were growing pains. Paul’s letter encouraged the church members to stay their course and not let temptation affect their actions. While the tone of this letter was one of encouragement, it also included reminders to live lives worthy of God.  

Over the last few years, I have become friends with a man who has had some remarkable challenges in his life. After struggling for the first few years of his career, he recently found success. He is now earning significantly more than he had in the past and has been promoted twice in the last three years. He bought a home, and life was good.  

But when he first arrived at his new company, many encouraged him to take a few shortcuts. He was challenged to bend a few rules and was told not to worry about getting caught. He listened quietly, knowing it was the wrong approach, and silently refused to comply.  

This caused some ripples with his co-workers, but he held on to his beliefs. Sure, he missed a few sales because he didn’t mislead potential customers. But the customers he did land became loyal because of his honesty. Slowly, his sales numbers grew, and he was soon bringing in more business than those taking shortcuts. He was asked to help train new salespeople. Those he trained also started to do well. 

One of the senior vice-presidents noticed not only that his sales were great, but that those who had attended his training classes were exceeding their goals as well. He was called into his boss’s office and told he would be promoted—they were putting him in charge of training all the new salespeople.  

After his early years of struggling and trying to find the right job, it seemed my friend had found a perfect fit. The struggle to make ends meet became a distant memory. Simply being honorable and not giving in to temptation has paid off.  

I enjoy talking with my friend. I love hearing his low-key and humble approach to his work. He doesn’t brag about his accomplishments. Instead, he humbly gives credit to God for all he has accomplished. He doesn’t think he is remarkable. Yet he is: despite outside influences, he stays the course of honesty. His lesson to me is that being great at work is achieved simply by adhering to Christian values. This might seem boring, but living this way every day takes personal inner strength.   

This was Paul’s point to the Thessalonians: simply live lives worthy of God. However, some days it takes encouragement and endurance to continue living that kind of life. And Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is designed to remind us even today to stay the course in following Jesus.  

Today, I encourage you to read 1st Thessalonians and become uplifted. It will only take fifteen minutes to read, and the letter serves as a reminder that trials will always exist, but when we live lives worthy of God, we will endure.   

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Giving Brings Joy

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You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

2nd Corinthians [9:11] 

Through the amazing blessing of Zoom, I was able to talk with a close friend, Tracey, while she was serving the homeless in Atlantic City. Using her phone, she tied into my Zoom meeting to show me the help she and forty others provided to the homeless.  

Connie and I have become deeply attached to the church Tracey attends. It is a tiny church, and on a good Sunday, ten to fifteen people attend. But their story isn’t about attendance; it is about serving and giving.

Each year, Tracey and friends create 20,000 meals for those in need in their community. In addition, at least twice a month, they are asked to provide clothing and toys to the homeless or destitute in the area. Oftentimes they bring a thirty-foot truck filled to the brim with donations.

We might wonder how they find out who needs help. Here’s how. They might get a call from a local town or another church and are asked to help out. Sometimes the towns are close; other times they’re a longer drive. They have also gotten calls from Army base commanders to help temporarily-housed refugees. Even the head of the State Police has sometimes called to ask if they will go to a town struck by the economic impact of COVID.

Tracey and her congregation never know when they will get a call or what they will be asked to do. It just happens. As such, they are constantly given clothing from donors and sorting out the best garments from the rags. They even receive toys and pet food. When their next call for help comes, Tracey and crew take the bounty given to them and help make others’ lives better.

On this particular Saturday morning, Tracey was in Atlantic City. The purpose of my Zoom call was to serve as a digital journalist and to create a video to help her church receive more clothing and money for their work. I asked Tracey the typical five questions: what, where, how, when, and why.

As I asked each question, Tracey got more exuberant and animated. She answered so fast, I sometimes couldn’t ask follow-up questions. Passion was bursting forth from this wonderful, everyday person. I sat, enthralled, not just at what she was saying, but by her energy and enthusiasm.

When I asked Tracey, “Why?” she slowed and became emotional. She said, “I give because I am blessed.” She tried hard to hide them, but I could see that tears of joy were close to the surface. Tracey’s lower lip quivered, and she composed herself, fighting back the tears of joy.

Then she explained with a far more profound statement. She said, “The people who I help always say thank you and are respectful. And they always say, ‘Bless you.’ But I feel more blessed to be able to help.”

The joy Tracey was feeling isn’t uncommon. Tom Locke, the head of a very large mission organization, told me something about this joy years earlier. Tom is a good friend who has spent his whole life giving. When he asked others why they gave, he often witnessed tears of joy. I have thought about this phenomenon many times since Tom mentioned these experiences, and I’ve quizzed many other servant leaders about why these tears of joy happen.

Recently, I read 2nd Corinthians [9:11] and finally connected the dots. The verse says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

The statement, “Your generosity results in thanksgiving to God,” can’t be explained through human logic; rather, it is demonstrated through our faith. God is always compelling us to give—essentially assigning us a responsibility to serve. When we answer this profound request from God, we feel blessed. Then we give thanks to God, whether consciously or subconsciously. We know we have been touched by God and, in turn, experience joy. This joy is unique because it is from God.

In the past, I tried to understand this phenomenon through human logic and had always been unsuccessful though I’d seen it many times and knew it exists. In my counseling business, I always tell people that they will feel better when they give. Some don’t understand this statement at first, but when they take my advice, they, too, are filled with joy. God blesses us when we give. Or, as Tracey put it, “I feel more blessed when I give.”

This concept might sound illogical, but that is the point. It isn’t logical until our faith makes it so. Trust that when we demonstrate generosity, God is involved, and know that when we serve and give to others, it is far better than receiving.

In our moments of service to others, we are blessed with joy.

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A Benevolent God

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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah [29:11] 

Over the years in my counseling practice, I have had a number of clients who’ve become stuck at a crossroads where they have to decide the best path to take. Most of the time, they have multiple choices in front of them that appear to be equally beneficial. For instance, it might be two or three job offers, all of which seem very promising. However, as they think about these various opportunities, they get stuck and labor over what is right for them—sometimes to the point of anguish. What should be a time of joy and hope turns into a period of despair. Worry sets in and often causes them to overthink things, which freezes them in their tracks.  

My task then becomes to loosen up the decision-making process and move them away from an either/or analysis to finding joy in their circumstances. Joy because they have two or more good choices, which they didn’t have in the past. Maybe one choice appears to be slightly better one moment; then the other choice seems to be better. Regardless, any path they choose is a good path, especially if, as in the example above, they are out of work and need a job. So, instead of looking at the decision-making process as a burden, I try to reframe their viewpoint to see it as a period of joy.  

To help unlock their minds, prayer is always helpful but does not always provide an answer to which is the best option. Perhaps God has given them two or three options to choose from—all being a perfect path to take. Pointing this out helps relieve the burden of which is the best choice. Many times, God will give us multiple options, and it doesn’t mean one is necessarily better. If the choices are honorable and fit in with Christian life, they are all good choices.  

God does have plans for all of us. In Jeremiah [29:11], God’s voice says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Reading this verse reveals what God wants to do for us all—to give us a future filled with hope.  

These plans for a future with hope may not begin with just a single path, but many. The only requirement is to have faith that God is listening. When we are given these plans, they are not meant to confuse or create despair. Rather, we should be thankful and think about which choice gives us the most joy.  

When we go to restaurants, we are given a menu. When we go to clothing stores, we are given a choice of styles and colors. If we go to college, we must choose our classes. I fully believe God gives us the freedom to choose in the same way.  

I often see these many options appear for these people after they pray. Maybe not the same day, but they do begin to appear. After being without opportunities and choices, they will receive many choices over the next few weeks.  

As they enter a period of prayer to petition God for a job or a new life circumstance—I silently know that prayers said with faith will be answered, and not necessarily with just one answer.  

God is benevolent. God cares for his people. So why wouldn’t God give us choices? It is human nature to fret and worry and wonder if we are making the right choice. Perhaps some options are better than others, but are all God-given. In that, we should rejoice.  

When God says he plans for all of us to have a future with hope, God makes a sacred promise to help us and not harm us. In turn, we should have faith in God and be joyful in the knowledge that God is very present in our lives!  

So today, say a prayer of petition, and rest assured that you will be saying a prayer of gratitude in the near future.  

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Who is the Purah in Your Life?

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If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp. 

Judges [7:10]-11 

In the book of Judges, we find the remarkable story about Gideon defeating one hundred and thirty-five thousand barbarians with only three hundred men. Before the battle, Gideon prayed for wisdom to accomplish this mighty task.  In response to Gideon’s prayer, God says,  If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah (11) and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp. 

In response, Gideon awakens Purah and asks him to go with him to the edge of the barbarians’ camp. Laying down on the wet early evening ground, both Purah and Gideon hear a barbarian sentry express fear to his fellow sentry. The barbarian had a dream the previous night that Gideon would lead a great army and destroy their army.  Through hearing these words of fear,  Purah determined they would be successful.  

Purah advised Gideon they would be successful based on what he had heard. Purah sensed a heightened level of fear by the barbarians, which would cause them to flee even at the hint of Gideon attacking their camp. Purah also knew God would not lead Gideon into a trap. 

Even though Gideon only had three hundred men, his plan, given to him by God, was to essentially encircle the camp in the dark of night with each of the three hundred blaring trumpets and vigorously waving torches. Then, from down in the valley, the barbarians would look up and see what appeared to be a great army. The barbarians would then flee out of fear from hearing the noise and seeing the spectacle of lighted torches.  

This was the plan, but would it work? Purah told Gideon from what he heard the plan would work. Sure enough, when Gideon did do as God advised and encircled the camp, the Barbarians became confused and sought safety in a heightened state of fear. Not only that, many of them turned on each other during their attempted escape.  

Gideon won the battle with only three hundred men based on a marvelously audacious plan given to him by God. Now imagine we were Gideon and had heard God’s plan would we have continued. I must admit I would have been very doubtful and in need of encouragement.  

God knew there would be doubt and asked Gideon to seek Purah for advice and give him confidence. By the way, the name Purah means, in Hebrew, one who bears fruit. I love these names in the Bible; it is always amazing to find out how the meaning of the name ties into the story, and here is another excellent example.  

From a historical background, Purah was Gideon’s helper on his father’s farm. The two were very close, and both loved God. When Gideon had a challenging task on the farm, it was Purah he relied upon to help. Likely they spent many long hours together working and discussing life. So when God told Gideon to have Purah help him gain confidence, it really wasn’t all that surprising. A wise and trusted friend is what God knew would move Gideon forward.  

For me, I see this as an essential part of the Gideon story. We all need Purah’s in our lives to help us move forward. In my own life, during the difficult times of my business career, I didn’t have just one Purah; I had many. When Footlocker was chronically close to filing bankruptcy, I had Marc, Z-man, Lauren, Peter, Anne Marie, and Joe B. to help me think through all the complicated steps. Without their advice and counsel, Footlocker would have failed.  

Even today, in my non-business life, I have many marvelous Purah’s; my brother and sister-in-laws, my brother, my sisters, my wife, my mother and father-in-law, my mother, and the memory of my father. All gifts who give sage advice.  

Over the years, I have learned that if I am to accomplish anything, it requires God and the Purah’s in my life. I have also learned God wants me to seek the counsel of these Purah’s during the complex times.  

We all have Purah’s. And to help us, God asks us to talk with them. Not just when we are faced with difficult times, but in all the times of our lives. Many times life can be complicated, and the answer to our prayers can be hard to understand. This is when the Purah’s in our lives help us sort things out. 

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Surrendering Ourselves to Jesus

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Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Matthew [11:29] 

In my latest book, Jesus Is Everything, is a chapter called Surrendering to Jesus. Recently I was asked by an owner of a successful real estate company who read the book, how can I surrender to Jesus and stay loyal to my business? Essentially, he was fearful that surrendering himself to Jesus would ruin his business. I actually hear this remark a lot.  

But to me, it is not a case of giving up; rather, it is an addition to running a successful business or having a bright career. Surrendering to Jesus doesn’t mean we should stop running our businesses or give up our jobs. Instead, it means we add the lessons of Jesus to all of our business behaviors and actions. Simple things like not being deceptive to customers. Or when we have a complex problem to not just rely on our human abilities to solve. Instead, pray to Jesus to help with the solution. Surrendering to Jesus helps us become both moral and successful.  

Jesus, right after he appointed all of the twelve apostles, gave a sermon to the masses. At the time of this sermon, the people were being told by the Pharisees Jesus wasn’t in compliance with the ten commandments, and they should not follow him. Ironically, the Pharisees followed their own passions and not those of God. In turn, to keep the local population subdued, they created excessive legalistic rules to follow. In effect, they were made the everyday person burdened by unnecessary rituals.  

In this sermon, Jesus contradicted the Pharisees on many fronts. In a direct reply to the burden of a false lifestyle and overly legalistic rules, Jesus said, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. His statement cut directly against the ways of the Pharisees. What Jesus was offering was a new life, free from the burden of the Pharisees and free from the rat race of serving man.  

This is the surrendering Jesus wants from and for us. Not to bind us, but help us. Jesus wants us to stop pursuing the unquenchable goals of materiality and legalism. Instead, he wants us to chase a far more noble goal, that of living for God. He is also assuring us, we will have a far easier life. Jesus isn’t saying quit our jobs or sell our businesses. Jesus is saying to use his methods and teachings in running our businesses or in pursuing a career.  

I had a friend many years ago who was caught up in an awful business cover-up, which would end up making the national news. When he asked me what he should do, I encouraged him to pray and come clean by saying Today’s dollar is cheaper than tomorrow’s. At first, he resisted my advice by saying he would get fired if he told anyone. Seeing his reluctance, I agreed he would likely get fired, but that was likely anyway because it was only a matter of time before what his company was doing would be revealed. I also knew his action of revelation would start the process of a freed life.  

He revealed everything to his company’s CEO and was fired, as were his superiors, who encouraged him to participate in the illicit scheme. Lawsuits followed, and for a couple of years, life was tough for my friend. He lost his ability to work in a public company and was banned from being an accountant.  

However, later he started his own company in an unrelated field and enjoyed success. In his new position, he stuck to a clean and moral course. But he also expanded his prayer life, and when he needed answers to complex problems, he called on Jesus.  

While he achieved success in his new career, more importantly, he gained peace of mind. No longer did he worry about his actions. He was able to go home with a freed spirit. It also seemed that the day-to-day problems got more straightforward because he became riveted on following Jesus. Finding Jesus’ ways were aligned with a less complicated life. 

His story is the point about surrendering to Jesus. In his surrendering, he gained freedom. He also gained clarity in dealing with complex problems.  

Jesus wants us to live in peace and knows following his ways leads to a better life. No longer will we chase selfish and material gains. Instead, we gain a reputation of honesty and fair play, making us more valuable employees. If we own a business, we will earn a sterling reputation for providing  great customer service.  

Jesus is asking us, when we take his yoke, to focus on morality, kindness, and service. He knows the greater reward lies in how we accomplish and not what we gain. Jesus does not want us to get trapped by obtaining material gains at any cost. Instead, he wants us to obtain a life lived with a noble purpose.  

Jesus’ yoke is far easier, and our surrendering is not an act of giving up. On the contrary, it is an act that leads to freedom.  

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The New American Hustle

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The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good seed in his field.  But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 

Matthew [13:24]-25 

One of the new phenomena in our society is the rise of non-profits that collect millions of dollars yet give very little back to fulfill their intended mission. Essentially these organizations identify a popular social cause and then raise money. But at the same time provide little help for the worthy cause.   

For example, the Children’s Wish Foundation solicits funds to help seriously ill children receive a gift to answer a wish, not to be confused with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Perhaps the desire is a trip to Disney World, a visit to a national park, or to watch their favorite sports team play. The charity plays on the outstanding reputation of the Make-A-Wish foundation to collect money. Yet distributes very little to the children. Instead, most of the money goes to the founder and hired consultants. The foundation preys on the knowledge that Americans are very willing givers.  

Last year, Americans donated close to half a trillion dollars to what is thought to be worthy causes. Even today, Congress is debating handing out another trillion to what is called Human Infrastructure. Next year a substantial amount of money could be handed out to Not For Profit organizations with little oversight to ensure the money is appropriately used.  

Unfortunately, hucksters know this as well. And over the last decade or so, many organizations have figured out how to take advantage of our generosity. It seems that hustling money from Americans is a growth industry. Unfortunately, these hustlers are the weeds amongst the many who actually try to do good.  

In my daily activities, I see both hustlers and well-intentioned leaders of Non-profits. Examples of good organizations, like A Season for Giving, survive through volunteers doing the work. Or Ida’s closet, which an eighty-year-old woman runs, handed out over thirty tons of clothing last year. One of my favorites is Street Squash, an organization that helps inner-city youth attend college. As a result, 85% of their attendees graduate from a four-year college. Well above the national average.  

But I also see organizations like the national BLM, which raised tens of millions of dollars and provided little funds to their local chapters. The founder recently quit after making millions and getting a movie contract. While the well-intended local chapters of BLM bitterly complained they needed money to help their communities. At the same time, violent deaths for this group rose in some states by thirty percent.  

I, too often, see Non-Profits who prey on the sympathies of Americans and set up their organizations for the sole purpose of collecting a paycheck and send little of the money back into their communities. This is the new American Hustle.  

What would Jesus say about all this? In the famous Parable of the Weeds, Jesus gives us his opinion. He said, First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn—both an ominous warning to those who bilk and a hopeful message to those who do good. Even in Jesus’ time, there were bilker’s and harvesters.  

Herein lies the problem. How do we sort out the weeds from a productive harvest?  Do we stop giving and helping those who valiantly try to make a difference, so we don’t get caught up with the weeds? It seems Jesus is telling us to continue to give to those who do good and leave the rest to Him. But knowing who the weeds are is also essential.  

I have found actually visiting the various Non-Profit helps a lot. Look at what they do and talk with those who do the actual work. For instance, with Ida’s Closet, I met Ida. An older woman with a no-nonsense communication style. Frankly, she would be embarrassed if she knew I was writing about her. In the back room of a small church, she sorts through the clothes that arrive in large plastic bags. Unneeded garments that were donated by someone she likely doesn’t know but heard about her work.  

She sorts the garments by type, size, and gender. Then places them on a rolling rack for volunteers to hand out during their street missions in Atlantic city. She carefully sorts that which is in good shape from those not so good. She is defiant about not having poor-quality products hit the street. She is the harvester Jesus is talking about. She is street smart and knows her mission.  

There are many great Non-Profits out there, run by well-intentioned people. Unfortunately, there are also the weeds of life. We can sort them out by digging a little deeper, and if you can’t, visit them. A quick google search helps. Look for statements about how much of their funds go directly to aid. Generally, above 90% is an excellent measuring criteria. Look at what they accomplish and does it make sense when compared to what they receive.  

The current American Hustle isn’t new. It was there two thousand years ago as well. So let’s all help the good harvesters and leave the weeds to Jesus.  

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Can You Bring Jesus To Work?

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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Matthew [6:33] 

Recently I was on a podcast called Real Faith Stories, the host Brian Robinson asked me how do we bring Jesus to work?  This is a question I hear quite often. My answer was, the most significant and positive force Christians have in their life is Jesus. And bringing Jesus to work will help any business or business person. The how and why we bring Jesus is the critical piece of this answer. Not for personal gain, instead to be morally and ethically directed. 

I have heard from many mixing Jesus with business is sinful. And it is sinful if we try to use Jesus to get ahead or gain a selfish advantage. However, it is not sinful if we intend to share our business lives with and through Jesus. In effect, letting Jesus becomes our guiding light in all our business conduct.  

In the second part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Simply, Jesus is saying in whatever we do, our first effort should be to know and do what God/Jesus would want us to do. In other words, know and align ourselves to the ways of God/Jesus.  

Once this is done, then everything else will fall into place. For instance, Jesus says,  love your neighbor as yourself. This is an important message about working with our customers, who are our business neighbors. Imagine the quality of our customer service if we treated everyone as we would want to be treated. Using this mindset, instead of trying veiled sales attempts, we will try to find out what the customer really needs and honestly provide for those customers’ needs. Who wouldn’t like a business or person which operates in this manner? And this attitude is certainly not sinful. 

Or consider the verses in Colossians [3:23]-24, where it says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Imagine if everyone worked as if they were working for Jesus. Honest and hard work would abound. Quality would exist in all product production and in all services rendered. Our every action would be designed to do and be good.  

When I ask business owners, would you hire someone who works as if for the Lord? I always get a resounding yes!  

Part of the answer to how we bring Jesus to work resides very much in our intent and behavior. Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)  Our goal in bringing Jesus to work isn’t to show others how pious we are. Instead, our goal is to be the best Christian employee or Christian business owner. 

It also means our efforts should be geared to the principle of serving the Lord and not just saying or preaching about serving the Lord. There is an old saying which says, live the Gospel, don’t just say the Gospel! People are savvy and will immediately see through our motives. If we only talk about the ways of Jesus but do not follow these words in our actions. Our words will soon become very hollow.  

So the answer to Brian’s question, it is wonderful to bring Jesus to work. However, those who do must also check their motives. If it is only to use Jesus to get ahead- likely we are off track. But if bringing Jesus to work is to help us sincerely be better and ethical business people- we are on track.  

Those who say mixing Jesus and business is sinful miss the point. Jesus should be in our lives all the time, regardless of what we are doing. Just because we work doesn’t mean we abandon Jesus. The critical message is how we bring Jesus to work. Not to gain an advantage or preach a hollow message. But to act in a manner, Jesus would approve.  

So the next time we are at work. Let’s all try working as if we are working for Jesus.  

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Stay Humble In All You Do At Work

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For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke [14:11]

I remember getting a call from John, a person I have been helping navigate a transition into a much higher position with his company. He told me the president of his company had invited him to dinner, along with other senior members of the company. Not only that but he was told he was in line for a promotion very soon—pretty heady stuff for a young executive who had only been with the company for a year.

His question to me was, how do I approach the dinner? I immediately replied, stay humble and focused on doing a good job. However, he was immediately put off guard. It seemed to him, my comment didn’t match the question. He was right. My statement didn’t directly address the question of how exactly to behave at the dinner. Instead, my reply was more directed at how he was to act in all aspects of his interactions, both at the dinner and in the office. 

It wasn’t that I was trying to be evasive. Rather, I know from the experience in my career and from watching others, in this moment, he had hit a critical crossroad in his career. Getting invited to a dinner with the president of your company and being told you are getting promoted is a huge step. This is one of those milestone moments in any person’s career. 

I had come to know John well. And it didn’t surprise me he was being recognized as a solid employee. He is an enthusiastic and very positive person. Always willing to help others and committed to doing the best he can on any project. I am also sure his company had learned they could trust him on any assignment. The president had heard this opinion from the other senior members of the company. So the president wanted to get to know him a lot better. Hence the invite to dinner. 

In the past, I have seen people take one of two courses when they hit this milestone. The first and most dangerous is to become pride-filled. They tend to overstate their accomplishments and boast about their successes. Often time adding in a few exaggerated achievements. As a result, they become proud of themselves and not as proud of the people they work alongside. The reality is most accomplished senior executives, like presidents, will see right through this behavior. But, unfortunately, this behavior becomes a career-ender for these people. 

The second and most desirable course is to stay humble. Not overstate what you have accomplished and to be sure you recognize those who have had just as much success. People who remain humble see their peers as teammates and not as competition. Humble people listen to learn, and when they do talk, they stay positive. These are the people presidents want to promote. 

It is not that I felt John would become prideful. Instead, I was simply throwing up a caution flag. A reminder to stay true to who he was and not overreach. 

In Luke [14:11], Jesus says, For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. What is ironic about this statement, Jesus is giving this advice to people who have also been invited to a dinner-a wedding. Jesus had also been invited and noticed the people who thought of themselves first tried to get the best seats, and those who thought of others first took the lesser seats. A critical insight into each person’s true motives. As we know, Jesus prefers people to think of their neighbor first. 

Presidents of organizations generally think the same way. They will always index to liking people who are team players. They know to build an organization around me first people is a dead-end street. 

Now John is a team player, both in the office and outside. But these moments of recognition can also be moments of getting trapped. We can either exalt ourselves or stay humble and authentic. The lure of making sure the boss knows how good we are will almost always backfire. Genuinely thinking of others first is far more admirable and likable. 

So, I wasn’t avoiding the question John asked. Instead, I was repeating advice from Jesus about how to act at dinner and in the office. Jesus knew about the trap of being too proud and gave us sage words of business and life advice. Another example of why Jesus is good for business and business people. 

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