3MN: the most important part of every plan, taking control, and reaching the unreachable.

Happy 3-Minute Thursday!

You are busy, so let's make this quick. No fluff, no filler, no spamming. Just three minutes each week to help you live better and be better.

😰 Minute 1 - The most important part of every plan.

Planning is important, but the most important part of every plan is planning for the plan not going according to plan.

I've been reading a lot of Dr. Seuss to my son lately and I found myself in a rhythmic cadence. Life often works that way, too. I plan, overthink, freakout, readjust, and plan again. The problem is, a plan's success relies not only on how good the plan is, but also on how well you can change and adapt when things don't go as planned.

💭 Minute 2 - What can you actually control?

Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist, Anthony de Mello:

"To a disciple who was forever complaining about others, the Master said, ‘If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the earth.’"

I love this idea. It emphasizes the futility of attempting to control and influence the environment around us, as well as the significance of concentrating on what we can control - our own thoughts and actions.

🙏 Minute 3 - Reaching people who don't want God.

💬

How do you balance sharing your faith while still respecting people's beliefs and choices?

Reaching people who don't believe they need God takes more than simply presenting the gospel; it necessitates stepping outside of our comfort zones, engaging in meaningful dialogues, and challenging our own biases and preconceptions.

👉 Are we actually willing to hear their points of view, respect their individuality, and provide a safe environment for them to question and doubt? Or are we more concerned with winning a debate or proving our own point?

Reaching the "unchurched" necessitates a fundamental reframing of what it means to be a follower of Christ, as well as a commitment to embody his love, compassion, and grace in every part of our lives.

More on that here 👇

📬

What practical tips or techniques have you found useful for building bridges and having important conversations, even with people who seem resistant or uninterested? Hit reply and share your ideas and experiences. Let's talk about how we can live out our faith in a way that honors the differences between people.

❤️ Want to share this issue of 3MN via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link: www.paytonminz.com/3mn-april-20-2023/

Until next week,

Payton Minzenmayer

p.s. I am considering adding these to the newsletter.