The ME Monster

Challenged yesterday by Gus our Executive Pastor in our staff meeting about having a genuine concern for others.  To show them enough  courtesy to actually look them in the eye and listen to what they have to say and be able to respond with questions.  So many times we get caught up in the busyness of the church and we get running and have a list of people that we are trying to connect with that we don’t stop and listen to the stories of the people who matter…you.

On the other side is listening with only the intention of answering.  Not really listening.  Listening so we can have an answer and sound smart.  We covered this in our life group last week.  Sometimes listening does not require an answer.  Sometimes listening is giving the other person a chance to talk through their thoughts.  Sometimes our only intent is to answer to sound smart.  To one up them.  To turn the answer around so that it becomes about us.  I have found myself several times doing this.  Answering to sound smart, to hear myself, to impress others.  It really is pathetic if you think about it.  I have been working on the spiritual discipline of silence.  I am currently trying to learn from everybody and anybody no matter who they are or what their age.

For me if I ever get to the point that I convey I know more or even feel like I can’t learn from somebody else then I have a pride issue and I have lost my right to lead.  If I ever get to the point where it is all about me and hearing myself answer to sound smart, or to impress or to appear to have it all together, I have lost my right to lead.  If I ever get to the point that your story does not matter to me, I have lost my right to lead.

Be careful with trying to sound or appear wise because in the end you will sound and look like a fool.  Make sure that people matter to you and make sure that what they say matters to you because I guarantee what they have to say matters to God.  Who they are matters to God.

Do you ever find yourself doing any of this? I would love for you to share.

Below is a Brian Regan clip and a SNL clip about the ME Monster.  What does it sound or look like when it’s all about you?

Justin Timberlake -SNL

His Friends Call Him J.T.

Got this over on Jon Acuff’s blog called Stuff Christians Like.

Here is what he says: “This has very little to do with anything else except that it’s funny and this site is about funny things. Justin Timberlake had to cancel a hosting of Saturday Night Live. So, to make up for it, he showed up and did the entire show in 2 minutes. Brilliant stuff. There’s a quick NBC commercial at the beginning but what follows is one of the most creative things I’ve seen in a long time. Check out the video after the jump.”

Pointless SNL Video

Andy Samberg may be the next Will Ferrell.  This guy is hilarious and obviously doesn’t care what people think of him.  Here is just a short funny clip that he did on a recent SNL.