Dr. Kelly McGonigal wrote a book I am currently reading (The willpower of instinct).  It contains some compelling insights to self-control and self-discipline which anyone would find helpful in the pursuit of goals and self-improvement.  Just the other day I found a presentation where she was sharing how to turn stress into an advantage.  It wasn't something I found new, but the angle she took made it interesting and refreshed my desire not to waste stressful or difficult situations.

http://99u.com/videos/50938/kelly-mcgonigal-how-to-turn-stress-into-an-advantage

http://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Instinct-Self-Control-Works-Matters/dp/1583335080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437230472&sr=8-1&keywords=the+willpower+of+instinct

Bullet points on integrity

(By Rick Lambert)

I’ll find a way or make one!

Integrity has been described as enjoying the desire to want to quit, because you know you cannot quit.  It’s an inner resource you draw upon that aids you in keeping your focus on the objective.

Integrity is consistency in action.

Integrity is the perspective, insight, and experience you bring into day to day activities that make you predictably consistent

If you have integrity, you are positioned to impart it as well. 

Good leadership is based upon one’s ability to confidently say to others, “follow me!” Demonstrate it daily.  Adhere to the guidelines of your job, and balance the demands of the job with the needs of your greatest asset – the people who follow you.

The opposite of integrity is hypocrisy, which is pretending to be something you are not.

Integrity and Credibility

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity is a leader/manager’s greatest asset; its gives people a place to put their trust, and an example to respect and follow.  Credibility communicates to those around you that you can be taken seriously, and that you can be counted on to keep your word.  Compromising your integrity damages, and in some cases may even destroy your credibility.  Incompetent leaders are simply those with little integrity.  They are more concerned about themselves then the welfare and success of others.  They may be motivated by greed, promotion, or a multitude of other vices that destroy good leadership opportunities.

“Credibility, like reputation, is something that is earned over time.  It does not come automatically with the job or the title.  People tend to assume initially that someone who has risen to a certain status in life, acquired degrees, or achieved significant goals is deserving of the confidence of others.  But complete trust is granted (or not granted) only after people have had the chance to get to know more about the leader.  The credibility foundation is built brick by brick.  And as each new fragment is secured, the basis on which we can erect the hopes of the future is gradually built” (James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner).

True integrity gives the best, brings out the best, expects the best, and always produces the best.  It’s your attitude toward obstructions. Weak integrity complains and then crumbles under pressures, while strong integrity produces stronger resolve in the face of adversity.  As good illustration to this would be the sport of surfing.  To the novice bystander, the large waves are intimidating and to be avoided if you cherish your life, but to the experienced surfer, the thrill is found in the immensity of the wave.  

Integrity and Values

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity is the ground out of which character is grown, and plays a major role in one’s ability to adhere to good work ethics.  In addition to these, integrity is the core of an individual’s values.  Whatever is important to the individual (what they value) will be at the receiving end of that person’s integrity.  Shaping a person’s values is imperative for leaders and managers to be effective.

The more people that share the same values, the stronger the unity they will experience.  Though everyone has a varying degree of values, integrity develops common values that everyone agrees are right to do.  In other words, the stronger the value-based integrity your team shares, the greater the teamwork and unity you’ll experience within the department, and eventually the entire company.

What a person values will drive or empower their purpose, and there is no greater value in the workplace than the people – not just the customer, but the employee as well.  When you value people, your integrity will treat all people with respect and dignity especially when disagreements come up.  

Integrity and Ethics

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity also plays a major role in defining work ethics.  Corporate ethics determine what acceptable behavior is, and what is considered “professional”; it defines what a person’s behavior ought to be.  Ethics are codes of conduct that when everyone follows, permits business to function with as little “people-friction” as possible.  Integrity is an internal motivation that drives a leader in determining what behavior is appropriate, for in many situations, there may be no written code of ethics. 

One of the reasons integrity in ethics is so vital, is that decisions are made by leadership that are derived from their ethics or lack of ethics.  Should they cover-up corruption? Should they lie?  Should the expose wrong-doing?  Should they admit mistakes?  These are just a few of the simple questions that every leader must ask at some point in their career.  The tragedy behind these questions is that while the average leader/manager may say they will do the right thing, because they lack a commitment to integrity, they will compromise their ethics and then cover-up their scandal.  A lack of integrity is most often revealed when someone seeks to hide things done wrong.  It’s self-centered self-preservation.

The Effectiveness of Integrity

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity is consistently doing the best you can regardless of the obstacles in your way, while taking every opportunity for advancing in the direction of your desired objective.  Integrity grows when you are faced with a challenge, difficulty, or some other form of pressure.  Rarely is the maturity and growth natural; it tends to be more intentional.  Integrity causes you to take inventory of your abilities, identifying your strengths…your personal assets, as well as identifying your weaknesses…your personal liabilities.

The greater integrity a leader possesses, the greater others will give their trust and respect.  The reverse is also true that the greater integrity a subordinate possesses, the greater trust and respect are given to them from leadership.  When you take this into consideration, it’s amazing to discover that integrity is not taught, it’s demonstrated.  The more committed a leader is to doing what is right, the greater teacher they become to those who are watching. 

Reputation is the measurement of integrity, with history serving as the judge

(By Rick Lambert)

When integrity is the motivation of anyone in leadership, whether it’s positional or merely leadership by influence, it will always leave an indelible mark as proof to its effectiveness.  Integrity always stirs up the best attitudes out others.  In other words, one way to shape up the attitudes of your subordinates is to shore up your own integrity.  Work on your consistency, evaluate your ethics, and make sure the people who serve under you see that they are more important to you in your list of priorities than you are. 

• Integrity in a leader finds ways to communicate to others their importance by noticing the individual’s strengths, abilities, and talents.
• Integrity in a leader promotes a spirit of cooperation first by example (showing what behavior is acceptable), and second through instructions (telling people what behavior is acceptable).  It’s not the other way around.
• A leader of integrity has the common sense to recognize that success is not gained by any one’s single effort.  Every success must factor in people involved on indirect or direct levels of participation. 
• Integrity sharpens your vision to see the investment of others.  An absence of integrity in a leader/manager causes them to see only themselves and their own “great and noble contributions”.  Self-centeredness is the extreme opposite of integrity, and it has the opposite effects.
• Integrity is is doing what it right without compromise.  It’s using your power and influence for the benefit of others, even if they don’t recognize the strength of this quality.  In keeping with its focus, it will promote loyalty, determination, and honesty by example, and then insist upon the same being exercised by subordinates.

Since a leader with integrity is constantly looking out for the welfare others, integrity will guide the leader into defining what success looks like.  Integrity provides direction for it always concerned that things be done right.  Little or no direction is an indicator that no one has taken the time to accurately articulate the objective.  With this then, integrity pulls the reigns on a leader’s impatience.

Since a leader is entrusted with power and influence, integrity must exercise itself with humility.  “Leaders need to have considerable self-confidence, but they also must have a dose of self-doubt.  Leaders must learn how to communicate the need for advice and help, how to become a creative listener, how to empathize and understand” (Thomas Cronin).

Integrity

(By Rick Lambert)

Integrity is one of the most misunderstood human traits, and yet it stands as one of the most important qualities a person can possess.  In a literal sense, integrity is expressed by one’s ability to adhere to a strict code of behavior that reflects itself in the consistent exercise of good ethics and credible values.  But in reality, it’s much simpler than that; integrity is pouring your life into discovering and doing what is right without compromise.  It’s a driving force behind a leader/manager doing what is right, and ultimately receives its power out of the needs of others. A leader of integrity will identify what is right and best for others, and then focus their efforts on meeting the need.  It is for the sake of others, even before the bottom line is considered.  Out of this manner of life come all the virtues that make someone admirable, respectable, trustworthy, and above all, someone who can be followed.

“People who maintain their integrity throughout their careers decide early that they will never break their personal code of conduct.  They will remain true to what they believe is right, despite the allure of money, power, or popularity” (Rudy Guillani).  It’s like drawing a line in the sand, but instead of using it to dare someone else to cross; you determine that you will not cross it.  Integrity is not what you force on others, it’s what your force upon yourself!

Cincinnatus and the Rewards of Integrity

(By Rick Lambert)

In 400 BC, Rome was a small republic in the middle of Italy, and was striving to maintain her freedom and independence.  Being little more than a city on the Tigris River, it would be another 200 years before Rome would achieve her historical greatness.  It was in those vulnerable years however, that one of the greatest men of integrity stepped up onto the stage of life, and provided a glimpse into what makes integrity an invaluable quality to possess.

Cincinnatus came from a prominent aristocratic family, but due to some misfortunes beyond his control, he lost most of his wealth with the exception of a small farm just outside the city of Rome.  Even though he was once one of the Republic’s wealthiest and most powerful citizens, he never lost the esteem of the people.  They saw in him a quality that whether rich or poor, he was always the same in his desire to help others, and serve his country.

Not yet a power to be reckoned with, Rome was situated in a nice place, and consequently attracted jealous rivals who wished to invade and control the land.  When these times occurred, the men of Rome would drop their work, and fight for the defense of the city.  There was no standing army, just a citizen’s army that had to be prepared to fight at a moment’s notice.

On one particular occasion, when Cincinnatus was an old man, the Republic was threatened by a barbarian tribe from the North.  It was a marauding army, plundering the small villages and kingdoms North of Rome.  In preparation for the imminent attack, Rome rallied her troops and sent then northward to engage the enemy away from the city. While advancing toward what they thought was the enemy’s position, the Roman soldiers came under fierce attack, and were trapped in a valley.

Being surrounded, the Roman soldiers found themselves locked in by a force of much larger numbers.  They were now forced to await the sure slaughter to follow.  During this wait, a few brave soldiers rallied and charged the lines of the enemy.  Though many were killed in the valiant attempt, and few escaped, and made there way back to Rome to warn the unsuspecting citizens of the certain doom to follow.

The uneasiness and fear of the people compelled them to produce a plan of defense.  The city was virtually defenseless, and even though it had another army, they were off fighting another invading horde, and could not come in time to relieve the desperate situation. The only people left in the city where women, children, and old men.

The situation was grave, and virtually hopeless.  The leaders had no options, and didn’t now what to do.  They then called upon Cincinnatus to see if he could produce some plan to save the people.  A group of the cities’ leaders immediately where dispatched to his farm, and seek his assistance.  It is said that upon receiving the disheartened news, that he turned to his wife Racilla and said, “I fear, Racilla, our little field must remain this year unsown.”  And then, saying goodbye to his wife and family, he left with the delegation to go and take charge of this situation, and do what was required to save their beloved city.

His first order of business was to rally any man or boy who could fight.  No man was qualified except for the fact that they were fighting for the defense of their homes and families, and had a leader that inspired confidence in their ability to save the city.  Beyond this, they didn’t have much hope.  Armed only with the desire to win, they marched off to engage the enemy that had surrounded the first Roman army.

For days, there was no word of Cincinnatus and his rag-tag army.  But when word came, it delivered upon the wildest hopes and dreams of everyone.  Somehow, the newly formed army was able to surprise the enemy, and essentially do to them, what they had done in surrounding the first army.  The enemy was so stunned and confused by the assault, and the captured Roman army so stirred by the sight, that it was just enough to conquer their enemy.  In fact, tradition has it that the barbarian army begged Cincinnatus for mercy when they realized that they were outnumbered and was certain to be defeated.  In an amazing gesture of gracious integrity, Cincinnatus permitted the defeated army to leave, and return to their homes.

Upon his return to Rome however, Cincinnatus returned a conquering hero.  He was paraded through the streets, and the city celebrated for days.  All the glory, power, and wealth the people could offer were his for the taking.  He had taken an unprepared and ill-equipped army, and in less then sixteen days, had defeated a superior force.  All of the citizens of Rome new that they owed their freedom and life to the old, wise general. 

His courage, integrity, humility, and dependability became a legend.  However, his greatest feat and example of integrity came when they offered him the crown.  Cincinnatus could be the King of Rome if he desired it.  But true to his nature, he declined the offer, as well as any other riches or reward offered to him.  He was simply fulfilling his responsibility.  The only thing he asked for was to return to his farm and wife, and live his life in an honest and modest fashion.  He did what was right, and history has judged Cincinnatus a man of integrity.

Actions that build respect

(By Rick Lambert)

Respect hinges on the type of relationship a leader has with the followers.  Even a very distant leader like the President can bring a sense of relationship to the people.  The stronger the people feel the bond; the stronger respect is given to that leader.  Establishing a relationship with people doesn’t necessarily involve time spent with them.

Professional relationships are established and made strong through actions that communicate that you are interested in them – not necessarily personally (though under certain circumstances it may be appropriate), but professionally.  Their work is important to you.  What they bring in skills, attitudes and experience may be important to you.  The fact they performed the work safely or correctly should be important to you.  Other actions consist of:

• Honesty – Tell the truth, and don’t underestimate the power of a lie 
• Reliability – Developing a reputation of competence based on knowledgeable
• Teachability – always a learner in spirit and attitude
• Listen
• Determined – not a quitter!
• Be quick to learn from your mistakes
• Admit when you are wrong, and what you are doing to clear things up
• Be just.  Know when to take a stand
• Be part of the projects.  Be a part of what is happening
• Above all, treat others the way you like to be treated

The erosion of respect

(By Rick Lambert)

Respect is vital, if for nothing else, it protects you and your subordinates from bad attitudes, especially cynicism.  Cynicism is a direct sign that respect has been lost at some point.  In many cases, it may be a loss of respect for the company in general, but more often than not, it simply is the leader’s loss of respect. 

Cynicism cascades into negativity which eventually brings progress to a halt.  As enthusiasm is contagious in a positive sense, cynicism and negativity spread in a negative sense. 

Why cynicism (the evidence that respect has been lost) is a dangerous loss:

• You are no longer taken seriously. 
• You are no longer considered capable of handling the problems or challenges
• Cynicism implies that you can’t be completely trusted, and consequently must not be honest.
• Cynical attitudes stifle initiative.  It raises the simple question, “why should I put out?”
• New initiatives, even incentives are rarely strong enough to reverse the damaging effects of cynicism.  In fact, incentives are viewed as entitlements, not rewards for good effort.
• Cynicism takes a percentage of creativity, strength, commitment, and character away from the job, organization, the customer, and ultimately the future of the company. \

Learning and improving are the only ways to truly change cynicism into respect.  It’s a leadership tool underestimated in its strength and ability.  The question many are asking (though never verbalized); “Is there any leader out there who has the capacity and strength of character to truly sustain our belief in them?”

It’s more than a novel

 (By Rick Lambert)

Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods, is an illustrated guide to how we are discipled to be devoted followers of Christ.  Instead of taking the principles of discipleship and writing a non-fiction work, I chose to frame those principles in settings of adventure, sorrow, intrigue, victories and defeat.  You know – real life experiences.

I didn’t want to write another “how to” style of book, but rather sought to illustrate the tremendous joy of being grown by God through the power of his Spirit. I desired to show how true discipleship is not a method or prescribed steps of action, but is actually God using the anvil and hammer of life to form us into a people that live in the light of his glory in a dark, godless world.

Remember in Romans 4:18, how that Abraham grew in faith as he gave glory to God?  Well, that’s an inspired portrait of how God disciples us.  We look to him; we see his work; we discover the gloriousness of his promises, and he grows us.  Another picture is John 15 were we discover we are the branches on the vine of Christ, and as branches we bring forth fruit to the glory of God.  The branch was grown to do what is was supposed to do – bear the spiritual fruit of the Spirit.

My novel uses the life of Polycarp to show how God is accomplishing this cultivation and growth in our lives, customizing it to the trials and blessings we experience every day.  God wastes no trials and spares no blessing when it comes to making us holy like Jesus is holy.  This is the aim and end of true discipleship.

When Jesus called his disciples, he told them “follow me, and I will MAKE you to be fishers of men…”  The work is the Lord, and we are the workmanship.  We are the ones being worked on.  We are a lovely vase being filled and emptied, and filled and emptied again.  We are vessels of honor bring light to the world and being the salt of the earth.  We are to be examples others can and should follow.  Our godly reputation should be stellar in the eyes of a judgmental work that hates Jesus Christ.  But we can’t accomplish this on our own, or by going through a ten-week discipleship course.  Discipleship is a lifetime of training where God is our mentor.

I urge you to take a look at Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods and see for yourself the adventure of being not only a disciple of Jesus Christ, but living as on in the sanctification of being constantly discipled by him.

Earning and maintaining respect

(By Rick Lambert)

Leadership is the ability to build trust, respect and integrity into an organization or a cause. 

On a simple level, respect is holding a place in someone else’s opinion

On a work level, respect is your “approval rating” that contributes to or diminishes support and cooperation from others

On a leadership level, respect is what makes or breaks your reputation

Respect is simply to be impressed with someone.  To make note of their strengths, consistency, or assistance, and as a result, hold them in high regard.  It recognizing what stands out in someone’s life that you admire.

Overall, respect is directly connected to something you value in that person.  If you value character, you’ll respect the demonstration of character in others.  If athletic ability is what you value, then you’ll respect successful sports figures.

Respect is easy to loose, but in most cases, it can be won back. 

However, when it is lost, it doesn’t need to be something big; little things can cause you to lose respect:

• Poor listening skills (Not listening when someone is talking to you)
• Acting dictatorially
• Playing favorites
• Failure to give or share credit
• Consistently completing jobs late

“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of -- for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear” (Socrates). 

The Respect of Leadership

(By Rick Lambert) 

Respect v. 1. to feel or show esteem for; to honor.  2. To show consideration for; avoid violation of; treat with deference.

Respect is like an adhesive that binds people together.  Without it, trust, integrity and progress are stifled, even ruined.  Though the concept of respect often goes unnoticed, it’s absence is felt most profoundly.  Companies have gone bankrupt when consumers lose confidence in their product.  Politicians have been soundly defeated when they compromised their respect.  Families have disintegrated when respect was neglected.

Greatness is never measured in achievements.  Greatness receives the magnanimous opinions of others because of the respect it generated; respect is the measurement of greatness.  Even your reputation is supported by respect.  Take away respect, and your reputation is what suffers. 

For a word that appears so genteel, it packs quite a punch.  It’s not a quality to be trifled with, or treated lightly.  On the contrary, it should be guarded and protected like a rare treasure.  Develop this quality in the workplace, and you’ll love your job, not to mention that people will love working for you. 

Disregard respect, and the consequences will be severe.  To demand respect without winning it is a risky proposition, and if you fail to earn it after it’s been entrusted to you, your fame will be great in the most negative sense.  Arrogance and selfishness are at the root of someone’s thinking who devalues the power of respect.

Respect is not something you can insist be given.  It is given and grown simply because it is earned.  You can respect a position someone holds, and not respect the person who holds the position.  Everyone, for the president to the pauper must earn respect where they are at in position and opportunity.  Look at it this way, the first rung on the ladder of success is respect.

Discipleship is ultimately saying, “Do as I do.”

 (By Rick Lambert)

When I began my studies in the life of the second-century church father, Polycarp, pastor of the church of Smyrna, I was drawn to the powerful effect of true discipleship.  I observed a progression that began in Matthew 4:19-21 "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

The concept of training faithful men, as Paul commissioned his protege, Timothy, in II Timothy 2:2 is beautifully exemplified in Polycarp’s life.  Jesus called John and John discipled Polycarp in the same fashion that Paul trained Timothy.  Polycarp took what he had learned and invested it into Irenaeus, who in turned entrusted what he had learned to another champion in the Church, Hippolytus. 

I see over three hundred years of influence out of true discipleship, beginning with that seaside call of Jesus.  The truest expression of discipleship is the act of passing on what you have learned regarding the greatness of God, the accomplishments of Christ, and the power of the Spirit in our lives.

Discipleship should never be limited to a booklet or outline.  It’s the privilege of passing on what you have learned to another.  Over the years, I have noticed that growth took place in those I was discipling not because I could effectively convey what was in a book or commentary, but more what God was doing in my life.  Truly, effective discipleship is growing together.

Discipleship is ultimately being sanctified by the Holy Spirit of God. It's God training you, and imparting to you the power to walk in the reality of his glorious presence; it’s feeding our spiritual desires. Do you desire to know God?   Does your heart cry out to love Him with all of your being?  Then you must be discipled by him.  He will use others, but it will be his Word and his Spirit that will make you a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and bring you into the joy of resting in him and his promises.

Look at it this, who desires for you to live in the reality of victory over sin more than you?  Our gracious God, of course.  But he desires to be the one to do it so that you would experience the deeper levels of joy in him. However, if you are not being discipled by him, you'll spend your lifetime in the disillusionment of self-effort.

The privilege for the disciple-maker is not simply passing on knowledge, but having the joy of describing what is true about God; how to experience the closeness of fellowship and the blessings of God's promises.  It’s not an academic exercise, but is transferring the lessons in the faithfulness of God from one life to another.  It’s ultimately saying, “Do as I do.”

Questions every leader should ask themselves

Since leadership is essentially about developing good followers, what questions should a follower ask a leader?  I though this resource from Max DePree’s book, Leadership Jazz was very helpful.

• What may I expect from you?
• Can I achieve my own goals by following you?
• Will I reach my potential by working with you?
• Can I entrust my future to you?
• Have you bothered to prepare yourself for leadership?
• Are you ready to be ruthlessly honest?
• Do you have the self-confidence and trust to let me do my job?
• What do you believe?

Most subordinates will never have the opportunity to ask such questions, so ask yourself these questions on their behalf.  What would you think about your answers if you had to follow someone like yourself?

How to approach your study of the Bible

(By Rick Lambert)

Faithfully!

II Timothy 3:14-17 – But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

1. “…continue in what you have learned…”  The picture here is to remain focused on what has been given to you as declared in the Word, and to grow deeper in that position.  We don’t learn by gaining information and moving on; we learn by gaining information and adding to understanding.  What we learn becomes more valuable, useful and stronger for us.
2.  “…knowing from whom you learned it…”  It is true that we should remember the tools (people) God has brought into our lives to teach us the truth.  (Which is in and of itself a radical miracle when you consider the gross imperfections and inconsistencies of the messengers, be it our parents, teachers, spiritual friends and pastors).  We must remember that it is from God we have learned the Word.  Man will be the tool, but His Spirit is the One who imparts it in applicable ways.

How to approach your study of the Bible

(By Rick Lambert)

Guardedly!

II Timothy 1:13-14 – Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

1. “Follow the pattern of the sound words…”  Possess and claim as your own the Word of God as given to you for your delight, protection and spiritual nourishment.
2. “…guard the good deposit…” (phulassō – to watch; to keep something safe).  The Word is a trust given to us; a treasure of God’s grace that informs of God’s doing, and the expressed details of His will.  It reveals His glory, and infuses us with His strength.  It is a constant comfort even when used to rebuke and correct us.

How to approach your study of the Bible

(By Rick Lambert)

                                    Aggressively!

I Timothy 4:6-9 – If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed…Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy
and deserving of full acceptance.

1. “Put these things before…” (hupotithēmi – To place underneath, or place before as a hazard…).  The truths of Scripture are to be ignored no more than a road block in the middle of the road.  As we approach the road block, we must adjust are speed and direction accordingly.  Preaching, teaching and Bible study are to be road blocks that adjust our speed and direction.
2. “…trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine…”  (entrephō - to educate or form the mind). We are to be educated in the Word; which obviously implies attentiveness to the lessons from the Word and their application in our lives.
3. “…train yourself for godliness…” (gumnazō – to have a rigorous exercise). Develop regular, spiritual study regimens. 

Nine life lessons you will learn from my novel - Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods

NINE LIFE LESSONS

Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods is no ordinary novel, for while it will carry you off into an adventure, you will discover it becomes an adventure you are living.  Here are nine life-lessons you’ll learn from reading my book.

1.     How God grows you through your fears

2.     How God brings the right people into your life at just the right time to reveal how he is growing you

3.     How the tug of grace is far more powerful than the seeming gravitational pull of sin

4.     The book addresses the issue of why the world hates you and the only reason it should

5.     It clarifies how to find power to control your lusts, and why other methods don’t work

6.     How spiritual strength is grown out of suffering, and why you shouldn’t resent it

7.     How Christians are designed to thrive and make an impact for Christ is a godless world.   The darker the culture becomes, the more radiant Christians are designed to shine.

8.     The meaning of true discipleship from the pattern established by Jesus

9.     The awesome power of grace in the face of death to self and death in life

As one of my reviewers said; “As you continue reading, you find yourself drawn into the reality of Polycarp’s life, and before you know it you are living it with him.”

Nine life-lessons you’ll learn from my novel; Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods

(By Rick Lambert)

Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods is no ordinary novel, for while it will carry you off into an adventure, you will discover it becomes an adventure you are living.  Here are nine life-lessons you’ll learn from reading my book.

1.      How God grows you through your fears

2.      How God brings the right people into your life at just the right time to reveal how he is growing you

3.      How the tug of grace is far more powerful than the seeming gravitational pull of sin

4.      The book addresses the issue of why the world hates you and the only reason it should

5.      It clarifies how to find power to control your lusts, and why other methods don’t work

6.      How spiritual strength is grown out of suffering, and why you shouldn’t resent it

7.      How Christians are designed to thrive and make an impact for Christ is a godless world.   The darker the culture becomes, the more radiant Christians are designed to shine.

8.      The meaning of true discipleship from the pattern established by Jesus

9.      The awesome power of grace in the face of death to self and death in life

As one of my reviewers said; “As you continue reading, you find yourself drawn into the reality of Polycarp’s life, and before you know it you are living it with him.”  

How to approach your study of the Bible

(By Rick Lambert)

Persistently!

I Timothy 4:13, 15-16 – Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching…Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1. “…devote yourself…” (prosechō – to turn the mind toward something; to give one’s attention to something.  It can even refer to an addiction.)  Our lazy, easy blend of reading for relaxation will never suffice when it comes to the living Word of God.  It may be so if you simply attempt to classify it as “good literature”.  For the follower of Christ, the Word of God is a major, faith-building tool.  To neglect it or treat it slightly is to dash your faith into ruin.  The study of the Word demands and persistent approach that overcomes our laziness and self-centeredness, while revealing the glorious inner working of our God.
2. “…practice these things…” (meletaō – practice, or review repetisously).  This is the missing ingredient to most studies, and the tragic neglect to any sermon preached – the Word is heard and read but not practiced as the most important work in life.  We are diligent to a fault in putting all effort at practicing temporal things and passing earthly tests, but fail with sophomoric neglect the practice of that which has eternal rewards.  We study, but rarely do we study to actually understand and live what’s been studied.
3. “…devote yourself to them…”  There can be no half-hearted approach to study.   
4. “Keep close watch on yourself…”  We study based upon daily inspection, spiritual desires or spiritual needs.  We should give as much, if not more attention to what we study than we what we wear, or what we eat, or how we use our time.  Pay attention to what you are spiritually longing for; for that which your spiritual heart truly desires.
5. “Persists in this…” (epimenō – derived from two words; epi – on, and meno – to stay. To stay at a particular direction, and not to lose sight of the course).  Our practice, focus and direction must be persistently upon the discovery and practice of the Word.  It must be a spiritual, formidable strength to withstand the weak dictates of our flesh.  The flesh is what we practice on – it should never determine the practice!

Leadership is called to earn, build 

and maintain trust

(By Rick Lambert)

Trust is not a simple quality born out of nothing.  Trust is complex, and though it may be given easily, once lost, it can be extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible to restore.  Trust the product of positive actions.  As you respond to people with strength-building actions, you are rewarded with their trust.  It also works the same way when you are seeking to trust someone else.  These actions communicate to you that that person can be trusted.  Here are few often overlooked ways to begin the restoration process of trust.

Sincerity – This is nothing more than simply meaning what you say.  Sincerity is the realization that the recipient of your words will likely make some decision, or form some opinion that will affect future decisions.  It’s making sure they have the best, and most accurate information possible to make the best personal decision.  A sincere person doesn’t want to be part of damaging anyone.  Self-centeredness cripples trust.  It breeds insincerity.  This is why people tend not to trust salespeople.  This is not a slam against any salesperson; it’s simply that they must produce more sincerity in order to win the trust of others.

Selflessness (others focus) – Treat others the way you would want them to treat you and others, like a customer. Your trust is cultivated by your willingness to focus on the desires, goals, ambition, etc… of others, and making them part of your plan toward helping them fulfill it.  As you discover their motives, you can build effective trust.  Put yourself in the shoes of someone else.  It’s the ability to communicate to others how they are important to you. (That is, if they are.  You must be sincere.)

Self-control – Trust is evidenced in your ability to master events that surround you.  Allowing events to get the best of you diminishes your trust in the eyes of others.  Actions such as anger, harsh or unjust criticism, even laziness are indicators of weak self-control, and communicate loudly that you may not be able to be trusted.

Truthfulness – One of the greatest trust builders is simply being truthful.  Lying, exaggerations, even incomplete information can blemish your honesty, and make it difficult for others to trust you.

“Truthfulness is at the foundation of all personal excellence.  It exhibits itself in conduct. It is rectitude – truth in action, and shines through every word and deed.  It means reliableness, and convinces others that you can be trusted.  And a man is truly prepared when it is known that he can be relied on – that when he says he knows a thing, he does know it, and when he says he will do a thing, he can do it, and does it.  This reliableness (the ability to be trusted) becomes a passport to the general esteem and confidence of mankind” (Samuel Smiles).

Consistency – No quality should be more emphasized than this one.  Perfection is not expected in anyone, but consistency is a quintessential quality.  Without it, trust becomes weak, and is met with reluctance and cynicism.  Develop the traits that people admire, and that are considered strengths.  Practice them, and be an example of them.  This will add consistency to your position, and make you a more effective leader and manager.

Principles of Trust

(By Rick Lambert)

Trust inspires confidence

Trust, and the confidence it inspires is the one of the main problem-solving attributes available to the leader.  Trust is the fuel that empowers leadership.  The weaker the trust, the slower leadership can move and implement growth. 

Trust purifies motives

On the other hand, the lack of trust in leadership only serves to burn up confidence and render trust inoperative.  Trust is the purifying factor of effective leadership and strong organizations.

Trust is earned

Individuals will tend to guard themselves against others they don’t trust.  You trust someone when you feel that they are supportive of you – they keep their word, they care about you, understand you, and want to help you.  It takes time to build trust.  People do not trust each other until they have had time to get to know each other’s motives, values, character, knowledge, and skills.

Never forget that battles are first won in the hearts of men, and then they are won on the battlefield and in the workplace.  “If the worker thinks that the leadership from the top is not all it should be, the discipline of the workers on the shop floor is often far from good – indeed, it is sometimes thoroughly bad”  (General Montgomery).

Trust builds teamwork

Trust pulls coalitions together and unites all the participants into a common cause or course of action.  Trust is a combination of others knowing who you are, what you know, and what you plan to do.

“Trust is the highest form of human motivation.  It brings out the very best in people.  But it takes time and patience, and it doesn’t preclude the necessity to train and develop people so that their competency can rise to the level of that trust.”  (Steven Covey - The seven habits of highly effective people).

WHAT IS TRUST?

(By Rick Lambert)

Trust is the confidence that channels cooperation toward common goals.

Trust is an expression of confidence

Trust is an action of cooperation

Trust is an expectation of what is desired

Trust is like invested money.  As you place trust in people, you are banking on the hope that your trust will grow in that person. Trust is a gauge of expectation a team member puts on a leader; the greater the trust, the more acceptable the risks.

Trust is like a building.  It’s either being built on something or torn down.  Trust is built on common ground (having things in common with someone else).  The more you have in common (values, goals, purposes, ethics, beliefs, causes – the greater the trust.  If trust is violated, you have to rebuild what you once had in common.  It’s going in the same direction.  (The most similar directions you are heading with someone, the greater the ability to trust and be trusted.)  Having things in common inspires confidence. 

Cultivating Trust 

(by Rick Lambert)

Trust is like good soil.  It is conducive to growing the best qualities in others, and for others.  Out of the seeds of trust grow the ability to visualize, persuasively motivate followers, build loyalty, and move a team of people to bring out their best in experiencing the reality of that vision.

Trust is the #1 ingredient necessary in solving problems.  President Theodore Roosevelt said: “Problems differ from generation to generation, but the qualities needed to solve them remain unchanged from the world’s end to world’s end.”

Trust is what brings the “relationship” into business and its process.  People trust business as far as they can trust it’s the people in leadership.  Without trust, unity will dissolve.  Trust in the leadership builds trust in the organization or cause, and in the processes it chooses to conduct and track its business.

If you want others committed to something, increase their trust in you and the plan.  Commitment and trust go hand in hand.  Be committed, and others will trust.  Get others to trust you, and they in turn will be committed to the plan.

Every day requires some thought on how you will build or maintain the trust others have in you, or the trust you have in others.  Trust is most powerfully communicated by your consistency of life, and your ability to keep your word.  Be a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or simply forget to follow-through on something you said you would do, and the trust others associate with you will take a hit.

You must fight if you are to win

(By Rick Lambert)

(Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm).

When it comes to resisting temptation, most of us don’t desire to yield to sin, but often find ourselves unprepared to truly resist, fight against the tempter and hold our ground.   The reality of spiritual warfare according to Ephesians 6:13 is that we are actually to prepare ourselves to engage the enemy in battle over our souls. 

The evil one, the tempter, the accuser, comes in full battle array and will through everything, and use anyone to bring about an all-out defeat, or a breakthrough that leads to a defeat.  He is vilely persistent.

Part of a Christian’s strategy is to flee, but that won’t do all the time.  Eventually, we will have to face the enemy, and in that day, armed with the spiritual armor, you will not only be ready, but you will win.  Trust the promises of our Lord, trust your protection and go forth to engage and conquer.   This is why we are ordered to “fight the good fight of faith.”  We are ordered to “resist the devil,” and is doing this, he will flee from battle.  He cannot defeat obedient Christians, though he fires countless false propaganda into our thinking that this is not the case.

The Word commands us to be sober (not disoriented), and watchful as ones who are planning to be engaged at any moment.  We are to be circumspect regarding how he may attack our emotions, seek hijack our will or capture our thoughts.  He is the one that lays the ambush of temptation that entices our lusts.  He longs to see his ally of sin triumphing in our actions, and the discouragement and evidence of death contaminate our miserable lives.

The word “withstand” means to set one’s self against the foe.  There is no easy way, though the way has been made easier.  We are free from the dominion of sin, which means the enemy has no more right or claim over us.  Not only are we free to fight, but we are commanded to so by the protector of our souls, and we are told we cannot lose.  An enemy who is in retreat is hardly the winner. 

It all comes down to our preparation.  The battle and our weapons are spiritual in nature, and that implies our preparation must be spiritual as well.  According to Ephesians 6:10, our strength is “in the Lord.”  We are to be strong in him!  He should be our consuming thought, the delight of our emotions and the standard to which we submit our will. 

Every day we guides us through the discipline of training in order to prepare us for the real battle.  And be assured, that if you find yourself facing the enemy, it’s because your commander in chief knows you are ready.  That almost appears to us as a trite thought, but it is designed to provoke our faith.  When you encounter that evil day, hold your ground!

Colossians 2:15 – He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.  This is what Jesus did to empower us to do the same. 

Cultivating efficiency

(By Rick Lambert)

One of the greatest hindrances to our work is our inattention to what makes us efficient.  The dictionary defines efficient as “performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.”  We function, but is it the best possible manner?  Efficiency in daily work, whether you work in a cubicle, shop, store or home office is vital not only to our success but even more to our happiness and fulfillment.

There are six fundamental principles to being efficient.  They are not complex at all, but they do require a degree of self-discipline. However, once begun, they are easy to maintain.

1.       Eliminate nagging items first.  There is nothing worse than trying to get through a work day with a ball and chain around your ankle.  Deal with the aggravations first.  It’s like running with weights on your ankles, but when you take them off you feel like you could jump up and touch the sky.  You want to be energized for your day?  Knock out the weighty issues first.

2.      Plan a time for creativity and the development of ideas.  Coffee breaks, coffee shops and a cup of coffee are good ways to step out of the encumbrances of the day.  Ideas give us hope and energy; they charge our ambition. To neglect this is to train your emotional batteries and to become a working zombie.

3.      Find energy in the form of another person.  This may be a person or reading something inspirational like the Bible, a biography or your favorite book on leadership.  Fellowship with a friend or an author can bring healing to your perspective and eliminate the excuses that trip you up.

4.      Keep you work area clear.  It sounds simple, but for most folks clutter clings to us.  Everything that piles up on our desks or work area screams that it is important, and that being out of our sight jeopardizes it being out of our minds.  The problem is that clutter does drive us out of our minds.  I once worked for a large non-profit organization that required desks to be cleared each night.  If you had left over work, you had to make a nice, neat pile and place in your office chair out of sight.  Each morning you could walk in to a clean work center and daily organize the pile and work required for the day.

5.      Re calibrate between projects.  Clean your mental palate for the next round of work.  A quick walk, reading a few pages in a current novel or just getting up from the desk and looking out the window for a few moments will help you prepare for the next project with refreshed focus.

6.      Prepare a doable checklist of things to do THE NIGHT BEFORE you come back to work.  Many of us prepare checklists the morning of work.  But it’s at those times we are fresh, and we often end up packing the list and making it anything but doable.  Try preparing it the night before when you are tired, but realistic.  You can leave your work area, uncluttered and already prepared in mind for what you need to accomplish tomorrow.

I need book reviews…good ones, preferably

(By Rick Lambert)

I love to read!  I enjoy conversing with authors through their books whether it is John Piper, Elizabeth Elliot, John Owen or Polycarp.  Of course, enjoying the fellowship of the Bible with its Divine Author is a reader’s greatest privilege.  But when it comes to buying books, and deciding on which to read, it can often be difficult when considering an unfamiliar author.  Even in Solomon’s day, there seemed to be an over-abundance of books as he stated in Ecclesiastes 12:12 – Of making many books there is no end…  

What makes the difference?  The reviews!   I’m not necessarily looking for the big name reviews, though that couldn't hurt.  I’m looking for the average reader.  I've lost count of the number of purchases I have made (beyond books) based on the thoughts and opinions of others regarding a product.

I have a large personal library, and I can tell you that most of my books were bought and read based upon the recommendation of a friend or some type of review.  That is why I need your help.  New books like mine may as well be named Discoveries In Obscurity, by I.M. Nobody.

Your reviews will help draw the attention of others who don’t know me, but are curious as to what others thought of the book.

If you leave a review on my website or my Amazon site, for example, people will be inclined to consider it.  I suppose that no review is better than a bad review, but a bad review reveals that someone actually read the book; that is the hope of every author.  Even if you read it and don’t like it, you can review it as a great, moisture-absorbent coaster, a door stop, or even a fire starter log.  

The book market is competitive, and I need an edge, and reviews help provide it.  If you need some prompting to aid you in writing a review, let me give you a few suggestions.  You don’t have to address them all, for short recommendations tend to be read over long ones.

How to give a review (good or not so good)

·         Provide adjectives that describe the reading experience (energizing, sad, boring…)

·         What were some aspects about the story that you really liked

·         What event or character impacted you?  How did it affect you?  Did you cry, laugh; did it make you think?

·         In very small letters, if the story had a problem, what was it?  How can your opinions help me with my next book (which I have already begun).

·         Be honest!  And, don’t mention in the review that you know me (if you do).  No one wants to hear what a great person you think I am (well, except my mom, of course).

·         Don’t give up the book’s secrets.  No spoiler alerts, even though the hero does die in the end of my book.

·         Rate it.  If on Amazon, one star is very poor and not recommended.  Five stars is an excellent rating, and highly recommended.  On other websites, simply state whether you think others will like it or not.

·         What if you hated the book?  Don’t hate me in your review; tell us why you disliked the story, or how I told it.  And then don’t let my mom see it.