Core Values in a Sentence

We often need reminders.  The most important reminders bring us back to the most important matters.  Here are the core values of Crossroads, each condensed into one sentence.

Simplicity

We avoid clutter and complexity to remember that God has made us for relationship with himself and others.

Community

It is not good to be alone, so we embrace the joys and challenges of connecting our lives with others, reflecting the relationships within God himself—Father, Son, and Spirit.

 

Action

Life is more than theory, so we apply belief to life, living out the teachings of the good news in daily life and corporate ministry.

Joy

We choose gladness, as Jesus reminds us that he has overcome this world, releasing us to be fun and to have fun.

Thoughts on Phil Robertson

Good old Phil speaks his mind.  No one should be surprised about that.  Because he is now famous, more people pay attention to what he says.

A&E listens.  The broader media listens.  Everybody wants to weigh in on Phil.

Phil merely described graphically something he does not understand about the appeal of a particular sin.  He also marvels at the illogical nature of sin in general.  His graphic description pulls the curtain back and exposes the sin, while many in media seek to romanticize it.

Phil has the right to say whatever he wishes.  A&E also has the right to dismiss him from their show.

But A&E, in pursuit of profits, seeks to offend as few people as possible.  The high value of tolerance seems to have imploded.  Phil sounds intolerant, but can't we tolerate that?  Tolerance as a core value proves empty.

Meanwhile Phil seems unfazed by the flap.  He doesn't need A&E.  Even if he did, he would not compromise his values to please them.  His values are not based on polling numbers or advertising revenue.

Through it all, he seems happy, happy, happy.

Crossroads Values - Joy

Following Jesus is a joyful adventure.

The Holy Spirit produces joy in the believer’s life.  The freedom we have in Jesus releases us from the bondage of religious drudgery.  We do have responsibilities, but heartfelt obedience brings joy, not resentment.  We choose to follow Jesus, not because of guilt, but because of love.  He tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light.  When we live in Christ, we live with joy. 

Following Jesus is difficult, challenging, frustrating, inconvenient, costly, dangerous.  But if that’s all we experience in walking with the Lord, we are missing his heart.  Following Jesus should also be fun.  It’s an adventure to follow him where we’ve never been before.  We take risks as we follow, knowing that he walks with us.  Joyful trust in our hearts overflows in the adventures of faith.  We won’t always be happy.  But we can always be joyful.

Through the joy of his people, Jesus is honored and glorified.  The joy of the Lord is our strength.