The Messenger - January 27, 2010

Pastor's Corner

"JDI--BDBS"

I once heard preaching described as "20 minutes to wake the dead." I don't think you're dead, by any means, or I wouldn't bother to preach a sermon. But I often have to cut a favorite story or qualifying point in order to keep my sermon "on task." The great thing about this forum is that I can add those details later, if they matter. This week, they do.

Last Sunday, I told the story of a man named "Sam," who worked as a middle manager at Ford Motor Company. When Henry Ford II conceived a new idea, Sam was told to "run the numbers" and make sure it was O.K. It wasn't. When Sam gave the bad news to his immediate supervisor, he was told to "redo the numbers," and he did. They still stunk. But neither Sam's supervisor nor his supervisor nor his supervisor were willing to give Henry Ford II this bad news. So, 5 levels of senior management cleared out of the way, setting up a personal interview between Sam and his CEO. Henry Ford II grilled Sam for about 1 hour, peppering him with all sort of questions, but Sam answered every one calmly and rationally. Then, he was excused, never knowing what Henry Ford II really thought. Two months later, this new idea was cancelled, indicating that Sam had "won" the day. But three months later, Sam was transferred to Brazil!

Here's the part of the story that I didn't have time to tell: After Henry Ford II retired, Sam returned from Brazil, and the story of his courage became a legend at Ford Motor Company. Soon, Sam became a trainer for several middle managers, who gradually adapted the Nike Slogan, "Just Do It." (or "JDI") When you see something's clearly right or wrong, just do it. Sam liked those three letters, but, with the maturity that comes from experience, he added four more: BDBS. When asked what the new slogan meant, Sam said, "Just do it--but don't be stupid!"

Most of last Sunday's sermon was an exhortation to courage, based upon the great story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1. Based upon their strong faith in God, I wanted to build your sense of courage, and I hope I did. But I also had a quesy feeling that someone might use that sermon rashly. So, I thought I ought to bring Sam's story to completion. "Every 3 or 4 years," Sam told his junior executives, "you need to bet your job," but you don't need to do it weekly! And you don't need to do it poorly. In the words of Jesus Christ, "count the cost" (Luke 14:28). Then, when you are certain you are right, go ahead.

"Sam" would put it this way: "JDI" friends. BUT "DBS."

Editor's Corner

Things To Ponder.....

* The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

* If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything.

* If you look at what you have in life, you have everything.

* If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

* Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.

* Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

* God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

* Happy moments, praise God.

* Difficult moments, seek God.

* Quiet moments, worship God.

* Painful moments, trust God.

* Every moment, thank God.

    Until next time!

             Yesi

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