Edumacated Versus Desire to Learn

Mark Twain said, “Never let public schooling deny your child of an education.”

One of the most feared words in our world is change. In Christian terms, it’s equivalence is repent. However, we often refuse to repent, usually at our own expense.

I’ve always been mystified by the alluring power of the familiar. It’s not that I don’t experience it’s power over me. I don’t like being overweight but does that mean I will change my lifestyle issues that got me there? Hmmm.

In the church world, it’s not uncommon to find someone coming from abusive backgrounds to find themselves quite content with abusive models of leadership.

It takes a lot of energy to explore new worlds and go to places we’ve never gone before. Even once you’ve been there, done that, the next adventure still takes energy and a willingness to change.

One of the great ironies is with very educated people having a difficult time accepting new paradigms. Their circular reasoning goes this way. "I’m educated and therefore this new idea that I’m being presented with can’t be good because if it was good I would already know about it because I’m educated."

This is how some pastors rationalize what they do.
“I’m a pastor. What I’ve been doing must be right because I’ve being doing it for 20 years. It’s only my people who are stuck in the model of loving the familiar. I hate it when they say, “we’ve never done it that way before.” I’m glad I don’t think like that.”

I was a professional pastor. Because I’ve repented of the “professional” part of pastoring does that mean I’m not a pastor anymore? Because I don’t go to Sunday services does that mean I’m not a part of the body of Christ? I’ve often been asked, “What church do you go to?” My answer is, “how do I go to what I already am?” This often leads people to scratch their heads and change the conversation.

Yes, I understand that being new doesn’t mean it’s better. But just because something is new doesn’t mean I shouldn’t consider it either.

The reality is that it probably takes anywhere from 3-7 hearings before a person can even begin to comprehend a new idea. But we’re usually smart enough to not listen to new ideas more than twice.

Let's agree to disagree is the default phrase that is used to shut down discussions about something that is new. This usually occurs before people even know what they are disagreeing with.

When is the last time that you’ve read something that doesn’t already agree with you? We may be edumacated but do we desire to learn?

Top Ten Reasons for Network Marketing

1. Full business in a box.

My company provides all of the items listed below:

• Warehouse & shipping
• Customer Service Department & Training Programs
• Research & Development
• Accounting, Accounts Payable & Receivable.
• On-line Computer technology for orders, information, and business support
• Affordable start-up costs.

2. No hiring or firing

• In business this is a really big deal. Some companies literally spend over $100,000 to hire one new employee not knowing whether this employee will be around next year.
• Firing someone is very stressful and creates nothing but negative energy.
• Layoffs, downsizing and being passed over for a promotion don't exist.
  

3. Get paid for the work you do.

• No one steals your effort and takes the credit for what you do.
• The down side is that you can’t blame someone else for holding you back.

4. Not a traditional pyramid.

All companies have a pyramid model.

• Corporations are stuck with the pyramid of a CEO at the top, all the way down to the guy cutting the grass.
• There is a lot of competition while climbing the ladder sometimes at the expense of friendships.
• Gossip and backbiting can be the main meals for those who want to advance.
• The ones at the bottom of the corporate pyramid can never make more than the ones above them.

Network marketing really differs from the traditional corporate pyramid.

• Success is encouraged.
• There are no secret ideas to protect.
• Creativity and initiative receive immediate reward. Sharing ideas is “smart business” & helps everyone.
• Jealousy and tearing down another member is ridiculous – we want each other to succeed.
• You can make more money than the one who is ahead of you.
• Someone else’s success is your success … and your success is shared with others.
• Win/Win is how you keep score.
• People will believe in you and you will believe for the best in others.
• You go at your speed and define success by your own desires.
• You can prosper beyond your wildest dreams. There is no glass ceiling.

5. Flexibility

• Choose WHEN, WHERE and WHO you work with.
• Continue going to school or advancing in another career while building your company.
• Want a week off? Look in the mirror and give yourself permission.

6. Tax write offs

If you are an employee (have a job) the tax system gives you little to write off. Those making $50,000+/year are likely paying 25 - 35% in government taxes.

In Network Marketing your basic monthly product purchase is a tax write off … as is the full cost of your business start up pack. This lowers your annual taxable income and translates into an immediate 30% discount on these product costs. (Try writing off purchases from Wal-Mart!) But that’s not all …

• Part of your housing, internet, computer, car, insurances, etc. all become potential write offs against your entire income.
• Do you have an office in your house or hold meetings in your living room? A portion of all housing costs (mortgage, heat, hydro, taxes, insurance, etc.) can be considered a business expense.
• Restaurant meals for business meetings, vehicle expenses to get there … write them off!
• Travel – include some legitimate business and it’s a sizeable write off.

7. Discrimination – NONE

• 70 years old? Why not! (It’s better than slinging fries.)
• 2 years old? No problem (with a parent’s consent). Children are able to save towards their own college fund and pay for their own designer clothes.
• Poor? … Not for long!
• Just out of prison? … A new beginning!
• Education? ... Start immediately and learn as you build your business.
  
• Disabilities? … We all have disabilities.
• You are a valuable member of the team and fully independent at the same time.

8. Mobility

• New career opportunities everywhere you go … even in another country.
• If you need or want to move, your business goes with you.
• Work from any location that you desire.
  
• As long as you have the internet, you’re in business.

9. Residual income

• Even when you’re not working, your pay cheque can continue to grow based on the investment that you made in the people that are in business with you.
• Making money while on vacation is just way too cool.
  
• If you get sick or in an accident your income continues.
• If a loved one needs you, you can be there without sacrificing income.

10. Retire on your own terms.

• You may never retire because you are having too much fun!
• It is nice to know that you can gain financial freedom based not just on your own effort but by joining hands with those you have invested your time in.
• Your business can be passed on to your children as an inheritance.
  

11. Bonus Reason -- Fun

• It is just plain fun to be around people that are cheering you on.
  
• It’s even more fun helping others succeed.
• Not only will you get lots of encouragement for your business but you will make some lifetime friends.

The Walmart Way

Who shops at Walmart? Virtually everyone I know. It’s possible that those making more than 6 figures might shop elsewhere but for the rest of us, Walmart has some of the best prices around. Everyone loves Walmart except of course for those thousands of small “mom and pop” stores that went out of business when Sam Walton moved in.

Everyone knows that the best way to buy is from Walmart. It’s efficient, good value and you’ll get a friendly greeting when you walk into the store.

I was always impressed that Walmart was one of the few stores that actually had restrooms readily available when you first walked in. How innovative was that? I’m sure you’ve never had to rush through your shopping cuz when you gotta go, you gotta go. That was just one of the many perks of shopping the Walmart way.

Sam Walton was known for always smiling and telling stories. People are naturally thankful for his innovative approach to shopping and the good deals that are readily had at this store that was built for “average” Joes.

I’m sure that the poor are especially grateful that they have been able to invest in Sam’s kids ensuring that they would have enough for a decent education. Sam had three kids and below is the little nest egg that Sam managed to save through people shopping for cheap stuff at his little empire.

Samuel Robson (Rob) Walton (born Oct 28 1944), eldest son of Sam and Helen Walton; as of 2004, net worth is close to $20 billion;

Jim Carr Walton (born Jun 7 1948), youngest son of Sam and Helen Walton. Net worth $18.7 billion

Alice L. Walton (born Oct 7 1949), only daughter of Sam and Helen Walton. She and her mother each have an estimated net worth of about $18.5 billion and are the richest women in the world. Alice raises horses on Texas ranch, not active in company. Helen not active in company

Ann Kroenke and Nancy Laurie [Sam’s younger brother James “Bud” Lawrence’s two daughters], hold shares in Walmart and are also billionaires in their own right. Ann has net worth of $2.6 billion and Nancy $3 billion.

I’m glad I played my part in ensuring Sam’s children have enough money to pay for the little bobbles that they are so entitled to.

I’m also thrilled that I have had the privilege of aiding in the building of a huge real-estate empire. Not only that, but I even had a role in paying Sam’s heat, electricity, and shop-lifting costs.

I write all this and shake my head to think that the retail business, as defined by Sam Walton is what people consider to be the best way for the average person to purchase the stuff we need.

Right Answer, Wrong Lesson

I’m back to teaching ESL these days and I must say I have missed it. It’s a fantastic subject because it’s actually useful for the learner and I get to meet people from around the world.

I gave my students a simple assignment based on something we were learning in class. I was teaching them how to use Directory assistance in order to get someone’s phone number. Their assignment was to get my phone number.

When you’re just starting out learning a second language, calling an operator to get a phone number is quite intimidating. The easy way to get the right answer is to get it from another student that had the courage to make the phone call. The answer would be right but the lesson would obviously be lost.

I think many people are rushing off to church as the correct answer without ever really contemplating the true lesson of getting together.

Here’s a story a friend of mine sent me to help illustrate this.

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, suddenly stopped coming to church. After a few weeks, the Pastor decided to visit. The Pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for his Pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the Pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and lifeless.

The Pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave, he slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the Pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

A fascinating “right” answer. We need to be with others. Sadly this story doesn’t ask enough questions.

Why did the man stop going to church?

Why did nobody but the pastor visit him?

Why was he not investing his life in others?

But by gum, he did get the right answer about going to church next Sunday.

This is the link to Robin's comment about the "monster" that we have created.

Family of God

In the good old days, we used to sing a song by Bill Gaither.

Family of God
Words and Music by William J. Gaither © 1970

Chorus
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

Chorus
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but PRAISE GOD! I belong!

Chorus
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

A 95 year old friend of mine went to be with the Lord at the end of 2007. His wife of 65 years passed away a little over a week later. Their funeral was well attended except for his church family.

I guess he was just an old guy that will be deeply “missed”.

Oddly enough if the pastor of his church had died, many from the church would have been there. The church family wouldn't consider this for a moment to be a sign of favoritism.

Jame 2:1 (NIV) My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

What is so remarkably ironic is that these same people would say it’s really important to be part of a church “family”.

WHY???????