Once in while something I say, or write in an informal communication, jumps out and begs to become the seed of a new post. That’s what happened this morning when I reviewed some correspondence in preparation for a men’s event I’m leading in Tampa June 14. Here’s the paragraph:

I believe that this is a huge opportunity to light a fire under some guys who may have been peripheral to this point. A dozen suitably torched men could start a revolution – imagine what a room with 50, 75, or 100 could precipitate?

I have been invited by a small group of around 10 guys. They’ve been reading my book, “10 Life-Charged Words: real faith for men,” and are planning a mini-retreat to cap off the study. Then someone had the bright idea of extending an open door to other men from their church, plus other people from the Tampa faith community who may be interested (that’s you, by the way, if you live in the Tampa Bay area!).

INCENDIARY: What’s grabbing me today is the phrase, “a dozen suitably torched men could start a revolution.” How do we light a fire, and suitably torch a room full of men?

Hence my reference to a room packed with faith and potential.

You see, I believe that faith needs to be allowed to become incendiary in order to unlock potential. And I am convinced that such potential is latent in every single man who is going to walk through the doors June 14 and participate in the mini-retreat.

It is my opinion that we consign ourselves to a future defined by mediocrity to the extent we smother the fire every time we suspect there’s a spark or an ember burning; and I further believe that a faith-life defined by mediocrity has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus.

a faith-life defined by mediocrity has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus.

In fact, it’s not Christianity so much as it is a kind of Christianized religiosity, and it’s pretty much worthless for much of anything other than yawning.

Because the word “Christian” first emerged when the Followers of the Way reminded everyone they encountered of Christ.

So, if we’re not animated by the kind of Christ-life that is incendiary/combustible to the extent that it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in our lives (and consequently the lives of those around us) then we’re not living up to the name, right?

At least that’s what I believe, and that’s why I’ll be flying to Tampa next month. So, anyway, that’s what’s up with me today – DEREK