Does one wrong thing ruin you?

Yesterday I was reading a book about the Bible. Almost everything in the book is stuff I have heard before in college. Some of the images were new schemas of old information. 

The book is brilliant. 

Its thought provoking, encouraging, challenging, and frustrating. So basically it is one of the best books out there. 

75% of what is in the book, most people would agree with. The other 25% may be hard to swallow, buts its worth chewing on in the very least. 

The issue is the author. He is a great author, but because of perception and one decision about another book he wrote, most people who would agree with 75% of the book won't read it. 

So does it mean that the content is bad and not worth the read because of who wrote it? 

For many people, sadly, the answer is yes. 

If Timothy Keller wrote it, everyone would be talking about it. 

Buts it's not Keller's book and the new schemas of the Bible the Church needs to chew on are going to be missed. 

So, does one thing ruin you? Maybe it does. 

z

TIME 100 - My 100-ish

Every year, Time Magazine publishes their list of the 100 most influential people. This year's list was full of fascinating people who have done some pretty incredible things. It got me thinking about influence, my future kids, and who has helped me. 

When my wife and I have kids, we want them to be surrounded by a plethora of people who will influence them. People who show them what it looks like to be a great husband or wife. Someone to show them how to work hard. Someone to show them how to dream. Someone to show them how to be a great friend. Someone to show them how to love unconditionally. 

But more than anything we want people to influence them and show them how to live like Jesus! 

Yes, it is our job as the parents to do this, but kids are raised by the community too. Betsy and I have incredible parents. We also had an incredible community who influenced us to become life long followers of Jesus. These people still influence us to this day. 

Thanks for influencing me and modeling what it looks like to live like Jesus.

(non comprehensive list in no particular order)

Moms, Dads, Tracy, Ed, Bethany, Fos, Johnny, Janelle, Don, J.K., Rich, Lori, Sheri, Tim, Clinton, Ethan, Jordan, David, Jason, Chad, Chelsea, David, Don, Ron, Tom, Brian, Marcia, Melanie, Kent, Tim, Rob, Dave, Todd, Jeff, Paula, Tim, Jan, Elaine, Vera, Barb, Michelle, Becky, Debbie, Joe, Cody, Chives, John, Brady, Miriam, Jonathan, Andrew, John, Dallas, Rob, Ann, Jim, Devin, Mike, Rob, Michael, Small Group Leaders, Trip Leaders, GNPC Leaders, College Teachers, Parents, Students, 

I hope I can be an influencer in someone else's 100. I hope you can too.

z