Laying Down the Law...

"The membership requirements at Saddleback are so 

high most American church members could not join us." 

                                                                                                                  `Rick Warren, Modern Reformation Magazine Interview, 2004


"As Christian leaders, we need to be above reproach... That’s why I established these Saddleback staff standards for maintaining moral integrity:

- Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with the opposite sex.
- Thou shalt not have the opposite sex pick you up 
                            or drive you places when it is just the two of you.
- Thou shalt not kiss any attender of the opposite sex 
                             or show affection that could be questioned.
- Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone at home.
- Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone at the office, 
                          and thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once 
                          without that person’s mate. Refer them.
- Thou shalt not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in    
                           counseling.  Refer them.
- Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite             
                           sex.
- Thou shalt be careful in answering emails, instant messages, chatrooms, cards, or 
                           letters from the opposite sex.
- Thou shalt make your secretary your protective ally.
- Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members." - Rick Warren

 The Saddleback Staff Standards of Moral Integrity by Rick Warren, 2003, pastors.com

Rick prefaced these commandments "standards" that he established for staff with, 

" I have told my staff that if any of them even flirt with temptation, I will come after them with a baseball bat, and I've told them to do the same with me. - Rick Warren

 The Saddleback Staff Standards of Moral Integrity by Rick Warren, 2003, pastors.com

Galatians 2:16- Galatians 3:3 KJV

" Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, 

but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, 

that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, 

we ourselves also are found sinners, 

is therefore Christ the minister of sin? 

God forbid. 

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, 

but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh 

I live by the faith of the Son of God, 

who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 I do not frustrate the grace of God:

for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, t

hat ye should not obey the truth, 

before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth,

crucified among you? 

 This only would I learn of you, 

Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Rick Warren Poem Click Here

The requirements to Join Saddleback Church (according to Rick Warren

Rick Warren tells Modern Reformation  magazine in a 2004  interview, that  his 40 Days of Purpose is "a sovereign move of God."

"People who think Saddleback is a shallow, compromising megachurch just don't know the facts. The membership requirements at Saddleback are so high most American church members could not join us, and we actively practice church discipline.  "40 Days of Purpose" brought such revival and renewal to our congregation we offered it to a few other churches. Those churches exploded with spiritual growth too. The word got out, and the rest is history. This is a sovereign move of God that caught us all by surprise. We certainly didn't manufacture or plan this. In fact, our staff has been playing "catch-up" with the demand from other churches all year long."

If the requirements for being a member 

of Saddleback are so high... then what

are the requirements for membership 

in Jesus' church?  

Are they the same? 

 

Different?" 
and
"if different, then why?

And "What exactly?" does Warren have against
he "American church"
that he wants to bad-mouth it so...
Why does make it look or appear
as something quite inferior
to "Saddleback Church?"

But wait.. there's more:

He says, this Purpose Driven Church thing...

the 40 Days of Purpose in particular, is 

"A SOVEREIGN move of God...." 

Is it? 

How would one judge it to be so....

and 

Is this wording, ""A SOVEREIGN move of God...." "

kinda like saying, "

Thus sayeth the Lord?"  

Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox- Treasures

“This weekend, I will begin teaching the most important series of messages we've ever taught in 23 years…We believe it is part of the beginning of a Spiritual Awakening, a Global Movement, a New Reformation.”

Rick Warren, Nov. 2003  Peace Plan Letter to Saddleback Church

Rick wants you to "believe" it too.

“You may have already heard about the PEACE Plan we're developing...It is a local church-based paradigm for missions in the 21st century, and we believe God will use it to bring worldwide revival.”

The task before us is enormous, but God is equipping us by Rick Warren

 What about Jeremiah 23:17-18l 1 Thess 5:2 and Matthew 10:34?

“Healthy churches are built on purpose!”

A healthy church balances the Five Purposes by Rick Warren

Ephesians tells us that the church is "built 

on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 

with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."

“Successful ministry is: building the church on the purposes of God”

Secrets to serving your generation in your time by Rick Warren

 Why isn't a healthy church built on the Rock, Jesus Christ?

Every church is driven by something: tradition, programs, finances, events, seekers, and even buildings. But to be healthy, it must become purpose driven.”

Becoming a Purpose Driven Church, Part One  Rick Warren

It must what? 

It must become what?  

Apparently, it must become under Rick Warren's control..

must.be a purpose driven church... 

must be balancing the FIVE purposes... 

if it is to be a "healthy" church.

“Clearly, God’s five purposes for his church are non-negotiable.  If a church fails to balance the five purposes… then it’s no longer a healthy church”

Evangelizing the 21st Century Culture  by Rick Warren

Non negotiable?

“I think a healthy pastor nurtures a healthy church by creating an intentional, well planned system.”

”Drawing More Members Into Ministry by Rick Warren”

More on: Worship that pleases God by Rick Warren

"God-pleasing worship is thoughtful
Four times Jesus commanded, "Love God with all your mind." God is not pleased with unconscious worship -- thoughtless singing of hymns, perfunctory praying of clichés, or careless exclamations of "Praise the Lord" because we can’t think of anything else to say at that moment. Unless your mind is engaged, worship becomes meaningless motion or empty emotion. This is the problem Jesus called "vain repetitions."

Rick brings up the topic of “vain repetitions,” then he goes into talking about “breath prayers.”  How interesting is that?  Is this to somehow to validate them as not being the “vain repetitions" that they obviously are?” Tricky tricky, for these BREATH prayers are repetitious.   Obviously however, Rick doesn’t think so, or maybe he just doesn't want the reader to think so.

"Even biblical terms can become tired clichés from overuse; we stop thinking about the meaning. It’s so much easier to offer clichés in worship instead of making the effort to honor God with fresh words and ways.... "

"Fresh" words and "fresh" ways?  This should wake you up Christian.  Does this mean he  recommends Christians use new words and new ways that are not in the Bible? 

 "...Two classic books can teach you how. The first, from the 17th century, is The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a humble cook in a French monastery. Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial tasks, like preparing meals and washing dishes into acts of praise and communion with God. The key to friendship with God, he said, was not changing what you do, but in changing your attitude toward what you do. What you normally do for yourself, you begin doing for God, whether it is eating, bathing, working, relaxing, or taking out the trash!

Today we often feel we must "get away" from our daily routine in order to worship God, but that is only because we haven’t learned to practice his presence all the time. Brother Lawrence found it so easy to worship God through the common tasks of life, he didn’t have to go away for special spiritual retreats. This is God’s ideal. In Eden, worship was not an event to attend, but a perpetual attitude; Adam and Eve were in constant communion with God. Since God is with you all the time, no place is any closer to God than the place where you are right now. The Bible says, "He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything." 

Another of Brother Lawrence’s helpful ideas was to pray shorter conversational prayers continually throughout the day, rather than trying to pray long sessions of complex prayers. To maintain focus, and counteract wandering thoughts, he said "I do not advise you to use a great multiplicity of words in prayer, since long discourses are often the occasions for wandering." In an age of attention deficit, this 450-year-old suggestion to keep it simple seems to be particularly relevant.  Many Christians use "Breath Prayers" throughout their day. You choose a brief sentence, or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath: "You are with me." "I receive your grace." "I’m depending on you." "I want to know you." "I belong to you." "Help me trust you." You can also use a short phrase of Scripture: "For me to live is Christ." "You will never leave me." "You are my God." Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deeply into your heart. Just be sure that your motive is to honor God, not control him.

"O God, we give glory to you all day long and
constantly praise your name." 

"Pray all the time." 

The fastest way to reconnect with God throughout your day is to pause and be silent for a few second. Stop what you are doing, look around you with new awareness, and listen in silence for the voice of God. Silence honors God and allows us to hear him speak to our hearts. If you love God, you’ll listen to him.

Practicing the presence of God is a skill, a habit you can develop. Just as musicians practice scales everyday in order to play beautiful music with ease, you must force yourself to think about God at different times in your day. You must train your mind to remember God."

Jesus never taught his disciples to pray without words, in silence...or to pray using repetitive mantras like Rick teaches his listeners/readers to do.  Jesus said, (Matthew 6:9,) " 

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
    “This, then, is how you should pray:

   “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,  

your kingdom come,
your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.  

 Give us today our daily bread.  

 And forgive us our debts,
   as we also have forgiven our debtors.  

 And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from the evil one.’

    For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, 

                                       your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  

But if you do not forgive others their sins, 

                                                                   your Father will not forgive your sins."

The Purpose Driven Life: Worship that pleases God by Rick Warren

Rick writes:

"My friend Gary Thomas noticed that many Christians seem stuck in a worship rut, an unsatisfying routine, instead of having a vibrant friendship with God. Part of the problem, he discovered, was that many people force themselves to use devotional methods or worship styles that don’t fit the way God uniquely shaped them...."
Purpose Driven Life: Worship That Pleases God, by Rick Warren, Issue 71 10-9-2002

Besides the sticky sweet salesmanship going on here, Rick is “name dropping;” something he does a lot, and something he has spoken out against other people doing.  It is kinda like he is even advertising for his friend, Gary Thomas.

He continues:

"...This leaves them frustrated and confused: Why, when I really love God, am I bored with worship?"

"Bored" with worshiping God?  Seriously?  Bored of a song maybe... familiar with the same song, perhaps; but worship is more than singing a few songs.

 "Gary wondered, "If God intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love God in the same way?” That began a search to identify different ways people develop a friendship with God. As he read Christian classics and interviewed others, he discovered many different paths that Christians have used for 2,000 years to enjoy intimacy with God: being outdoors, studying, singing, reading, dancing, creating art, serving others, solitude, fellowship, and dozens of other activities. "

Okay, wait just a minute. "why should everyone be expected to love God in the same way?” "  Did he really just say that?   And this too, hoe he began a search to discover the  "different ways people develop a friendship with God." WHAT is the point is of using expressions like this?  Have you any thoughts on that?

I see him trying to sell the church people the idea that there is not just one way to God... without really saying those words.  First, we hear about "people" and how they "develop friendship with God"  much as if everyone does this all on their own, and then we replace that notion comparatively to "Christians" and the many "paths" they use to enjoy "intimacy with God," as if the two would be the same.  We lso have Gary Thomas to thank, not Rick, for defining it.  Christians should ask, does God have any say in the matter about how we approach him, or worship him?  What does the Bible say? 

Lest we digress too much... Rick continues:  

"In his book, Sacred Pathways, Gary identified nine of the ways people draw near to God: Naturalists are most inspired to love God out-of-doors, in natural settings; Sensates love God with their senses, and appreciate beautiful worship services that involve their sight, taste, smell, and touch, not just their ears. Traditionalists draw closer to God through rituals, liturgies, symbols, and unchanging structure; Ascetics prefers to love God in solitude and simplicity; Activists love God through confronting evil, battling injustice and working to make the world a better place; Caregivers love God by loving others and meeting needs; Enthusiasts love God through celebration; Contemplatives love God through adoration; Intellectuals love God by studying with their minds.   There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship and friendship with God."

Really Rick?   Really Gary? No one size fit's all approach to "worship and friendship" with God?
Do you guys read John 14:6?

This is embarrassing to have to ask, but do you guys just make things up that you think sound good  to say, or what?

And not only that,  you didn't even mention Jesus.. or "worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth," as the Bible would lead us all to believe.  No, you just make things up and tell us things like, "working to make the world a better place," "celebration" and "solitude."

Nice, but not Nicean.  (as in the Nicean Creed)

Watch your life and doctrine  and remember,

true worshipers worship in Spirit and in truth...

...and that is the truth.

 

World Class or Worldly

Becoming a World Class Christian by Rick Warren  was posted May 2003, (at

 http://www.pastors.com/RWMT/?ID=103.)  It is posted in blue ink below...
but first let's look at this short article by Rick title Your Comission which says the same thing.
He writes.

Your Comission by Rick Warren (http://sbcfamily.multiply.com/notes/item/6)

The Great Commission is your commission, and that means you have a critical choice to make: You will be either a world-class Christian or a worldly Christian.

Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. They attend concerts and enrichment seminars, but you’ll rarely find them at a missions conference because they aren’t interested. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It’s a “me-first” faith: How can God make my life more comfortable? They want to use God for their purposes -- instead of being used for his purposes.

World-class Christians, in contrast, know they’re saved to serve and made for a mission. They’re eager to receive a personal assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God. World-class Christians are the only fully alive people on the planet. Their joy, confidence, and enthusiasm are contagious because they know they’re making a difference. They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways.

Which type of Christian do you want to be?"

 Rick tells us that there are two choices for the Christians, “ world-class" or " worldly.”  He asks the reader, "Which one are you?"  This warrants some discussion.  Which are you ?

Hmmm….Wait a minute!  Only two choices? 

What is with the adjective? What about being (simply) “Christian?  And, what about being God-centered in your life, as in, holy or godly?  Instead he suggest that Christians be "world centered." that is//WORLD class.  The main question is:  "Are there "kinds" of Christians?"

More importantly, is it true that there is only two kinds?

Rick tells Christians that to be "world-class" Christians, (the obviously "correct" choice between the two options, (since you know to be worldly would be bad, and note that it is the only "other " choice you have in this decision making process he is leading you through,) we Christians must be “others centered” .. not “self-centered.”  He is inferring here, that "Christians" who are not "others centered" are "self-centered."  These who are not "others centered" would also, by default, not be  "world-class"....as defined by Rick, but be worldly.

When he tells Christians to be "WORLD CLASS." he is telling them to be in a class that the WORLD will appreciate and love... forgetting, (or dismissing) the fact that God's word declares, "friendship with the world is enmity with God." He is also forgetting or dismissing the notion that if the world hated Jesus, it will also likely hate his disciples who remind them of Jesus.

So are you world-class or worldly?

Here is the next  article by Rick Warren as published at pastors.com. in 2002  My comments are in brown and Warrens text is in blue.

How to think like a world class Christian

by Rick Warren

Shift from self-centered to other-centered thinking

The Bible says, “My friends, stop thinking like children. Think like mature people...” Children only think of themselves; grown-ups think of others. This is the first step to becoming a world-class Christian. God commands, “Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too.”

Of course, this is a difficult mental shift because we’re naturally self-absorbed and almost all advertising encourages us to think of ourselves. The only way we can make this paradigm switch is by a moment-by-moment dependence on God. Fortunately he doesn’t leave us to struggle on our own. “God has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think.

Begin asking the Holy Spirit to help you to think of the spiritual need of unbelievers whenever you talk to them. With practice, you can develop the habit of praying silent "breath prayers” for those you encounter. Say "Father, help me to understand what is keeping this person from knowing you.”
Your goal is to figure out where they are in their spiritual journey and when do whatever will bring them a step closer to knowing Christ.  You can learn how to do this by adopting the mindset of Paul who said, “I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.

 Shift from local to global thinking
God is a global God. He has always cared about the entire world. “God so loved the world...”  From the beginning he has wanted family members from every nation he created. The Bible says, “From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him.”
Much of the world already thinks globally. The largest media and business conglomerates are all multi-national. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods. Probably most of the clothes you’re wearing, and much of what you ate today was produced in another country. We’re more connected than we realize.

  Do you think like children?

In this article, Rick also tells his readers, to “stop thinking like children.”  This is an odd sounding remark to make at those who are the "children" of God. It could be that he means, "stop being imature in your thinking," It depends.  There is a difference between being immature and  being like a child, and thinking like they do, but he is not so clear in his meaning.

He is not so clear on his meaning, but you can bet that once you latch on to his words, once you come into some sort of agreement with him, he tells you, that you need to make a “paradigm shift" in your mind..(this means,  as he defines it, to "switch our thinking"  Note that it is not that he is telling you to switch your thinking from immature to mature, he just says stop thinking like children and it is better to think like adults because "grown-ups" think of others."

Could it be that there aren't any selfish grow ups areound?  Are all the selfish people on this planet children?  No.

Note too that he does not talk about being a "child of God," encouraging people to think like He does, or to, as the Bible says, "have the Mind of Christ" or listen to Jesus.  Nope.  Rick tells the church that we need to think like world-class Christian.. think globally like everyone else in the world.

Really?  globally... like everyone else in the world?  What is this man thinking?  Mores importantly, what is this man preaching? 

" With practice you can develop the habit of praying silent “breath prayers” for those you encounter."

 What are breath prayers?    Are they really something to be practiced??? I looked up "breath prayers" on the Internet and Breath prayers are equivalent to mantras used in Hinduism, occult practices and roman catholic mysticism.  One must surely ask if this is an appropriate way to pray when Jesus answered the disciples about prayer quite differently.  I have to wonder if "breath prayers, particularly as describes is  nothing more than “vain repetition.”

Rick tells his reader:

"Breath prayers are nothing more than mantras. Say “Father, help me to understand what is keeping this person from knowing you.”  Your goal is to figure out where they are in their spiritual journey and then do whatever will bring them a step closer to knowing Christ. You can learn how to do this by adopting the mindset of Paul who said, “I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.”

"nothing more than....mantras?"

So then, every Christian should have a mantra, and practice praying repetitiously like he is advising.  Isn;t it the Hindus who chant short words, or make soulnd when they meditate,  like "OM"?  

and, is it really the goal of the Christian to  figure out what others need and where they are on their spiritual journey?   Why does he say such things?  God knows what people need, he just laid a heavy burden antithetical to trusting God and praying... on those who would listen to him telling them what and how to bring a person to Christ.  The Bible tells us what to do... love them and preach the word.

"Shift from local to global thinking "

HE is  really saying the same thing the world says, which is make the “shift from local thinking to “global, "one-world thinking". *Des he mean also government perhaps?

"God is a global God."

Actually God is a more than global, he is a HOLY God. HAs he ever heard of Gaia?  Gaia is probably a "Global" god, but God, the Christian God is omnipresent...from ever lasting to everlasting... much more than merely "global"!

What is he preaching when he says, (to the Christian and to the Christian pastor) that we should become a “global partner” with God?  

 IT doesn't sound much like he is telling us what the Bible does... that, "friendship with the world is enmity with God." 

(James 4:4)

Rick also says, “Quit studying and discussing your mission and just do it! I dare you to dive into the deep end”.   Does he mean the quit studying the scriptures? Do these words of his sound like anything you have heard in the scriptures before?

He uses the qualifier of "mission" here, but people don't "study" their mission... they go on a mission or they have a mission.  What Christians do "study" and "discuss" is doctrine and bible scripture, things like that.   Warren is mixing things up, being unclear, hoping people will stop studying the scripture and listen to him tell them how to be a "world-class" Christian, the kind more palatable to the world.. the world  he thinks we are supposed to love so much. 
.

 "I dare you." he says.

What kind of talk is this?

Somehow I think this is not the character of God.   It is in fact, more the character of Satan, when he DARED Jesus to jump from the temple.

 

"He has always cared about the entire world."

Bible tells us Christians this...John 3:16...“For God so loved the world...”  Why does Warren act like Christians didn't know that?  It must be so they can think he is talking now to unbelievers and think he is evangelizing them while really he is wanting to try to make Christians "think globally; his version of global thinking....(as if they do not.)"

"From the beginning he has wanted family members from every nation he created.  The Bible says, “From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be. God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. Much of the world already thinks globally."

He might as well add, "But you MR and Mrs. America.... there is a problem: "You are too patriotic... and thinking like Christians.... what kind of Christian are you?

HE says, "Much of the world already thinks globally." but apparently the American Christian yes, that means you... , "you don't"  and so Rick Warren is here to give you that paradigm shift in your thinking....

"The largest media and business conglomerates are all multi-national. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods. Probably most of the clothes you’re wearing, and much of what you ate today was produced in another country. We’re more connected than we realize. ...."

Ahhh yes....those Christians in America he addresses with such wisdom, they just have no idea the world is connected and no idea how much God  want's family members from every nation.

And, you, American Christian.... if you are not a "world class" Christian, one who is busy serving the world... (connecting with Rick, adopting his programs and thinking his views of how things ought to be,)  then you are simply now labeled as "selfish" or "self-centered," by Rick and those who listen to him. After all, he says... you are either world class, or worldly."

He is wrong though.  In his view of Christianity, one is either a "healthy," Rick Warren defined "Purpose Driven" brand of Christian.(aka "world Class")  or  unhealthy... aka..."worldly."  There is no other way to be.  If you are not just like him and his church you are obviously unhealthy...

which is like telling a hand, that it is not part of the body because it is not a foot, and to do so, is just plain WRONG.

Break out of that tiresome rut .... by you know who...

This is written to pastors of churches, by Rick Warren, posted at pastors.com, part of
Ministry Toolbox by Rick Warren.... 
(

From : Issue #143       2/25/2004  Titled: Four ways to break out of that tiresome rut

(Note HE is addressing pastors... 

and people of the church as if they are in a rut. 

"Poor church," huh?  Well, at least according to Rick... 

who thinks they are in a "tiresome rut!")

Rick begins: 

" Ruts can plague a person in any area of life. Ministry is no different. I've got great news for you! God doesn't want you in that ministry rut, and He even has a plan to help you escape."
Four ways to break out of that tiresome rut  by Rick Warren, Ministry Toolbox,  Issue #143       2/25/2004

(That is, (interpreted) God will help you 

get out of the ministry rut when you listen to Rick's "great" 

and "awesome insight".... and agree with him that you 

are discontent and find yourself in a (tiresome) ministry rut. ).

"FOUR STEPS FOR GETTING OUT OF THE RUT"   

(... the terrible RUT of Christian "ministry")

"1. ASSUME responsibility for your own life. "

Hold on Rick.  What about putting God in control of your life.... giving it over to Him... resting in his plan and purpose, and being comforted by His Word? What about learning to be content in every circumstance?

What about prayer?  What about counseling with others in fellowship 

with you, if you really do feel this way and need help?  

What about remembering God is in control,

in every circumstance, and this, 

especially in the realm of Christian ministry, a

nd in light of the gospel of Christ?   

Whatever happened to being under the headship of Christ?

   Is this being in a rut?

If Rick Warren means, take responsibility 

for your sin and confess your sin, 

that is one thing, but it appears tht hae isn't.  

He is talking to Christians about ministry 

in their churches, playing off their emotions that might

make them feel like they should be discontent 

with soemthing about the work they are in.  

He is basically, giving them worldly advice, that of saying, 

"HEy Christian, assume some responsibility for your own life" 

and realize "you are wasting your potential?"  ) 

 "Refuse to be either an excuser (rationalize failure) or an accuser (blame others). Instead, be a chooser, and choose to break out of the rut you're in."

 "BE A CHOOSER?" 

Yes, like the Little Engine That Could...

be sure , dear Christian,

don't make excuses 

and don't blame others... 

just be sure to CHOOSE 

-assert your will. " 

NOTE, dear reader of this blog,: To say,   "BE a chooser",

is not the same as saying, "ask God to help you 

or ask God to direct you in your situation" 

NO.  Not the same at all. 

Funny thing is, Warren does this so eloquently, 

making it sound like he is simply talking about kicking

a cigarette habit or drinking proble., 

He is not.  

He is talking about ministry...

and being discontent.. 

HE is also talking about things like, worship, 

and  all those other old "ruts" of doing church 

any other way but with His "Rick Warren, Prupose Driven" 

Trademark-TM) 

 "healthy" brand of something 

he calls "CHURCH.".

"2. BELIEVE you can change! Stop saying "I can't" and start saying "I can."

 Wait a minute Rick, are you saying, 

I can do all things.. on my own…. 

if I only believe I can? 

How come you are not saying something biblical like, 

"I can do all things through Christ" who gives me strength?

  Sounds like you are saying, that I can 

just name it and claim it for myself. 

His train of thought,  like the Little Engine, 

suggests that we just think something 

and it becomes what takes place 

simply because we thought it or believed it.  

What if what you believe is only temporal or untrue?

"3. CLARIFY what you really want. Write down specifically how you'd like to change."

As if, "you know best what it is that you need? "
(Rick has pointers in his books about changing things
at church to be more relevant... a whole long list.
So, "What would YOU like to change?"

He doesn't talk here to pastors about praying
and asking God to show or lead you, or give you wisdom.
But then, why should he when what he really wants
is people to listen to him
and read his books
and do what he suggests...as "America's pastor"?

Christian reader, do you not think it is remarkable
that such biblical things are never mentioned
in this part of this article, let alone the article at all?
Overall the message being given here by Rick
is quite an opposite message from the Bible. 
.

4. DON'T WAIT for ideal circumstances.
Stop saying "When things settle down ....”
Do it now! One of these days" is really none of these days.

This is more worldly wisdom.  

It is void of patience.  

(What spirit says,  "Hurry up!"  and "Just do it."? )

In fact it sounds more like a Nike commercial. 

 
"PRAY THIS: "God help me to do something differently this week and to do it better. Give me your strength to change."
Until next week,
Rick"

Synopsis: Rick tells the discontented Christian person

in ministry, the "great news" that they can escape 

the" ministry rut" if they listen to him.  

He then advises them to take charge of their own life, 

assert their own will, ..and make some rash changes,  

which he hopes will amount to the person 

who begins to take his advice, 

believing everything he says, buying his books, 

subscribing to pastors.com

reading all the daily reads 

and changing their church

to be "Healthy" as defined by Rick and friends.

It should be obvious that the whole

PURPOSE

is to drive them all 

into his purpose driven model concept.  

To top it all off he then tells them to pray 

and  ask  

(oops) 

tell , 

God what to do.... 

"Give me your strength to change."

"Change" is a great concept...  a popular political campaign too.  The funny thing is that change will occur, like it or not, even without trying much..  What people need is to under go a change, but it is to change from being unstable to being focused, steadfast; to change in the right direction if you are  wrong... not just change for the sake of changing. 

So, if you are in what you might call a "tiresome rut."... another solution might be to seek God.... put your focus on Him.  Remember, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Don't think about the things that are wrong.... and most of all Ask God what to do...  The book of James informs us that God gives to all who ask, generously.