SERIES: Wisdom (4 of 6)
Intentional Teachability

I watched a video about some of the differences between Finnish  and American teaching styles. One contrast was the way that Finnish teachers are allowed to customize their curriculum vs the way US teachers often have to tailor their curriculum towards standardized testing. The belief was the Finnish style makes for happier teachers and students more eager to learn.

The author of the book, “The Key To Everything” suggests that the default attitude toward learning and being teachable for most people is indifference...not going out of their way to seek out learning opportunities. He says people “believe that being neutral toward learning is acceptable.” He goes on to question whether our US education system fosters this way of thinking when, “for 13 years, children are taught that when something is really important for them to know, an authority figure will make sure they know it.”

What is YOUR default attitude toward being teachable?  Matt Keller has said, “Intentional teachability makes life a party with a thousand gifts to be opened every day. Each new insight, once opened, gives you a greater perspective on who you are, who you were created to be and how you can be the best you possible.”

On the job,  you have to remain teachable to update your training, to learn new systems and to deal with the vast array of personalities that cross your path every day. But this week, I am praying that your personal strides toward wisdom and teachability would be rewarding. I have met officers with a love for languages, several who are pursuing advanced degrees and even one who has mastered the process of hydrographics (water transfer printing).  This week, I pray as you pursue these kinds of opportunities personally that life would offer you a thousand gifts to be opened every day, each revealing a greater perspective of who you are and who you were created to be.  I believe it is when you discover who you were created to be that life is truly fulfilling and rewarding. 

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

BOOK GIVE-AWAY: I am giving away a free copy of The Key to Everything: Unlocking the Secret to Why Some People Succeed and Others Don't, Matt Keller's book I have been referring to in this series. You can click on the book above for details. To enter the give away, click on the the Subscribe/Contact Me tab above and sign up to have this blog's post delivered to your Inbox each Monday. If you are already a subscriber, simply let me know you want to be added to the drawing (reply the email or use the Contact Me option on the blog). I will contact the winner this week and post the winner (first name only) next Monday.

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (3 of 6)
Blind Spots

As a teenager, my daughter caught the bug to drive, so she got a job to pay for her insurance and we did parent-taught driver’s ed. One of the first things she really caught onto was checking her blind spots before changing lanes. As a matter of fact, I had to teach her how to glance over her shoulder because she was turning her whole body to make sure she didn’t miss anything. 

In life, we have blind spots, too...places where danger is hidden if we don’t know where to look. My daughter learned to check her blind spot before changing lanes because she chose to listen when I pointed out a blind spot to her. Who do you have in your life that you allow to point out your blind spots?  Who could tell you, “That house IS a lot nicer than what you have, but do really need to go increase your debt for that right now?” or “You would be a GREAT fit for that position, but what about the extra time away from your family?” or “Dude, you’re married. Hanging out like that is not a good idea”? Along these same lines, who would stick with you and help you if you messed up big time?

Last week we read a quote that said a wise person chooses teachability, and that means choosing NOT to be ignorant.  Few of us would say, “I choose ignorance”, so here is a question to consider: “Who have you chosen as a close friend and what do you allow them to ask/point out in your life?” Looking back on his younger life, King Solomon said this, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” 

On the job, you rely on your fellow officers to have your back and cover your blind spots. I continue to pray for your protection and theirs as you serve. This week I am praying that your friends would do the same for the blind spots in your life and that they would stick by your side even if a blind spot catches you off guard.  Solomon said it well when he said, “PITY anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” 

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (2 of 6)
Are You Teachable?

Several years ago, A&E Network introduced us to Antonio and Steve in a reality show called Barter Kings. The premise of the show was following these two guys as they made a number bartering trades to get from a common item like a cordless drill to something big like a pontoon boat.  An interesting side note, Antonio had Tourette Syndrome which could make bartering interesting.

What was true of Antonio and Steve on Barter Kings is true of our lives as well. Each and every day we trade our lives for something. Some people choose to trade their life for stuff (cars, houses, clothes), for financial security, for fame, for power or prestige.  Other trade their lives for a cause or to serve others. Trading always involves choices.

In his book, The Key to Everything, Matt Keller suggests trading our life for wisdom, what he also calls teachability, is the best choice. Why? Because when you trade your life for wisdom, all that other stuff takes care of itself. 

This is what King Solomon found to be true when God asked him what one thing he wanted in life. Rather than ask for riches, long life or victory in battle, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead his nation. His request was granted and not only did he become the wisest man ever to live, but he also gained riches, long life and victory in battle. He said it this way:, “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”

Matt Keller said “I believe the pursuit of wisdom is one of the most underrated quests in the world today.” He suggests to become wise me must 1) choose not to be ignorant, 2) choose not to be indifferent but 3) choose intentional teachability. (More on these choices the next three weeks).

As I pray for wisdom for you this week, I would ask these two questions (one to ponder, one to practice): If God told you, like Solomon, that He would grant any one request, what would you ask for? Secondly, the next 168 hours equals one week of your life. What will you be trading your life for this week?

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (1 of 6)
What Is The Wise Thing To Do?

Joyful is the person who finds her,  the one who gains understanding. For she is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;  happy are those who hold her tightly.

Who is “she”? According King Solomon, She is Wisdom.  Author Matt Keller has called wisdom “the secret weapon to success” and goes on to point out, “There is no decision you will ever make that you won’t benefit from having it. And the opposite is also true. Every decision suffers when it is made without wisdom.”

Think about it. According to Solomon (whom ancient rulers traveled great distances just to hear his wisdom), if you could ask for just one thing in life, the wise choice would be...wisdom! In fact, he said as much in the book of Proverbs, “The beginning of wisdom is this - get wisdom" Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Over the next few weeks, I’d like to look at choices we can all make to help ourselves be teachable and more capable not only of making wise decisions, but also of becoming wise. For today, I’d like to leave you with a thought from pastor and author, Andy Stanley who came up with what he called “The Best Question Ever”. According to him, the best question anyone can ever ask when making a decision is, “What is the wise thing to do?” Not what is the right, smart, legal or even moral thing...what is the WISE thing. What a great question...but how can we know what is the wise thing to do? Andy suggests asking the question in three different ways: 1) In light of past experience, 2) In light of present circumstances, 3) In light of future hopes and dreams...what is the wise thing to do? After hearing that, I had to agree, it is the best question ever! 

So WISDOM is what I am praying for you this week . There is no decision you will ever make that won’t benefit from having it.  

Your service is appreciated, 
Pastor Rob 

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6

As a volunteer pastor for my local police department, I sometimes have the honor of officiating  a brief wreath presentation ceremony on the anniversary of the EOW for officers who gave their life in the line of duty in our city.  I would like to share  with you my brief tribute to Officer Craig Michael Hanking on this 26th anniversary of his End Of Watch. I hope this is also an encouragement for ALL officers that service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
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​REMEMBERING CRAIG
Thank you for being here today. I am Pastor Rob and it is my privilege to be here with you as we remember the life and service of Officer Craig Hanking whose End of Watch was August 3, 1994, 26 years ago today.

I don’t know about you, but these ceremonies are particularly meaningful to me this year in light of the false narrative being promoted about law enforcement right now. It is GOOD and APPROPRIATE that we remember, respect and honor these fallen heroes. 

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul wrote these words:
GIVE to everyone what you OWE them; 
Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, 
and give RESPECT and HONOR to those who are in authority. 
~ Romans 13:7

And this is why we are here today...to give Craig the respect and honor he is owed.

Giving What’s Owed
Craig’s family...every officer’s family...every officer should KNOW that sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

As we are here today we remember a tragedy that is not pleasant to recall, but we do it out of respect and honor  as we remember Craig's life and service.

In preparation for today, I was reading the reflections on Craig’s Officer Down Memorial page. I love the way he is remembered by family, high school friends, “you were friends with my dad”, family of other fallen officers. And these that show the impact of Craig's life on a wide cross section of people:

“The Academy staff canceled the remainder of our training at Six Flags. They told us to go home, think about what happened, and decide if we still wanted to put our lives on the line, each and every shift. To your credit, all of us returned, the next night, more focused and purposeful, in our training.”
Former APD/Class 5, dated 2010

“I was a 15 year old driver’s ed student at AHS that summer the first class of the day (and saw the scene). The police car was still there, but we were told Officer Hanking was transported to the hospital, but had passed away. It was such a tragedy. I’m 33 now (in 2012), and have never forgotten. I’ve driven by the site a few times since noticing the memorial—I’m glad it’s there.”
a girl, 2012

“As we learn & prepare to serve this great city, may we always remember the trails you blazed and the sacrifice you made. Thank you, Sir.”
Recruit Class 35 APD, 2007

Respect 
In Craig’s day, we as a society respected the police better. There was respect for and a healthy fear of the uniform. Today, our society talks about a different kind of “fear of the police” that is twisted. The Apostle Paul addressed this, too, when he wrote:

For authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what’s right and they will honor you.
~Romans 13:3

Craig was honoring those who do right in our city as he was headed to that burglary call 26 years ago. Craig, we are here to respect you and the uniform that you wore as you served those who do right in our city.

Honor
Honor is what YOU give Craig because, unlike those of us who don’t wear the uniform, you know the choices he made, what he gave and what his family gave so that Craig could serve.

You honor Craig with your presence here every August 3rd, with the memorial sign there on Cooper St, at Hero’s Park and with an annual memorial service for all fallen officers there as well as with the Fallen Officer’s Challenge. Craig, you are honored here by those who serve after you.

PRESENTATION OF THE WREATH

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the opportunity to pay Craig what he is owed today: respect as a city and honor as a family. We are thankful for his service to our city and that he was a part of this family. Bring Your peace to his family today, to those who served with him and to those who serve today.

BLESSING
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you today.