Comments on: FLAT IS THE NEW GOOD

By: Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:32:59 +0000

So true…just look at Paul…

By: Ed Carp

Ed Carp — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:59:12 +0000

The church was never intended to be treated as a business – if you're “making Jesus popular” in order to make enough money to keep the doors open, you're preaching the wrong message! Truth has never been popular, and history has shown that the churches that preach popular messages that cater to people's sense of comfort instead of what God wants for them have never survived.

So, I'd say that, if you're having a “flat year”, you're not doing bad at all … but remember, the truth of God has never been popular with people.

By: Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:18:32 +0000

Hope and Faith…in a God of Second Chances…

after all, if we are to be leaders showing Second Chance hope in God through following Christ – we have to be faithful in his plan. He is our guide.

By: Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:15:50 +0000

…and to give a little background – I owned a design firm for the last 6 years, went from living high on the dollar & low in Spirit to living low on the dollar and high on Christ in less than 18 months.

In 2008, our business went completely flat, due to the collapse of the economy and construction industry calls for design. Our income went from stable to asking for help from friends & family just to put food on the table.

God brought them to us, and us to our family in Christ. Because of this, the last two years have been nothing but better and better (still economically flat or negative – but that's just money…) Hope is my light, hope in Christ – because I know God has a BIG plan for me…

If you trust in a 'flat year' – then you have lost sight of hope – ALWAYS live to make a difference.

By: Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:10:19 +0000

I think MercyMe sums it up good in their song - 'Goodbye Ordinary' -

keeping those thoughts in mind, you should never focus on what tomorrow 'might be' - thake God as the guide in our life that He is. Never Settle. Break free & strive for beyond flat - If your Church, business, or makes a difference in just one more person - one person giving their life to Christ, one more person realizing just what a true Christian life is...then it is NOT a flat time...

(LYRICS)
I wonder when we first bought into this
so satisfied with status-quo
have we convinced ourselves that this is all there is
well all that is within me says we were meant to break free.

live like there's no tomorrow
love extravagantly
lead a life to be followed
goodbye ordinary
goodbye ordinary

We were never meant to compromise
settle for mediocrity
this life was never made to be a waste of time
well all that is within me
says no more just existing.

live like there's no tomorrow
love extravagantly
lead a life to be followed
goodbye ordinary
goodbye ordinary

No more complacency
no more just settling this time
goodbye to atrophy
for we were meant to be alive.

By: richardjett

richardjett — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:26:57 +0000

I am wondering if these “flat times” might lead to more ingenuity – “How do we grow and have an impact with out spending unnecessary money?”

By: Jud Wilhite

Jud Wilhite — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:47:33 +0000

Great comments everyone. We are definitely walking in challenging times, but God teaches us many things in times like these. Thinking of you that are without jobs and praying for you.

By: Brett Barner

Brett Barner — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:39:02 +0000

Sometimes flat can definitely be good. ie. Me in the kitchen. If I make a bowl of cereal without it being a complete food disaster, I'm good.

By: angusnelson

angusnelson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:37:27 +0000

Sorry… maybe what we need to say is “more is not always more”…. good point

By: angusnelson

angusnelson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:36:22 +0000

Gabe, maybe what we need is not “more” is not always more…. good point.