More than Machines

7 days. human-robot

Fasting from production.

Instead investing in human relationships.

I’m creating a new blog category: more than machines.

This is the first post in that category.

As a result, I’m including a brief excerpt from my next book due out in about a year.

Enjoy…and try to withdraw from the performance drug. human-2

I dare you.

(It’s only possible by feasting on the fact that the Father is already fully pleased with you because of Christ in you.)

“What do you do?”

We tend to get asked this question more than any other.

Not “Who do you love?”

Or “What makes you tick?”

Or “What are your dreams?”

Nope.

The vast majority of humanity decided the most important thing about a person has nothing to do with the internal, but the external; not about who they are, but rather what they do or how they look.

For men, it all comes down to a person’s profession. For women, (I’m told) it’s a matter of how they dress.

But perhaps you’re one of the anomalies. Maybe you’re the guy who doesn’t care what other guys do for a living—you transcend the profession and possession game. And maybe you’re the woman who could care less how other women look—you transcend lip shades and liposuction.

Maybe for you it comes down to whose kids are better dressed or better at sports.

Or who holds the record at the latest video game or on the monster golf course.

Or which friend has the prettiest house.

Or who’s got the biggest ministry or who’s sacrificing more for the Lord.

We’re human and not committed to dig deeper to get beyond the shallow stuff like the size of a guy’s bank account or a woman’s bra.

More coming soon…

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  • http://www.scottbarger.com Scott Barger

    There’s an author by the name of David L. Goetz who wrote about this very thing in his book “Death by Suburb” and refers to these sources of misplaced self-worth as “immortality symbols”

    Great book and worth the read. I put it right up there along side N.T. Wright’s “Surprised by Hope”

    • Kary Oberbrunner

      I have heard of that book Scott. I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!

  • http://billgrandi.com bill (cycleguy)

    looking forward to reading your new one Kary.

    • Kary Oberbrunner

      Hope the church is going well Bill. Stay faithful!

  • http://www.gabetaviano.com Gabe Taviano

    This is where the battle begins. Great stuff! All of the tests in life leading up to this are temporary. When we get to the core and wonder what value God sees in our life, the questions start to change.

    Isn’t the mind and soul journey more enjoyable than the money and fashion mess!?! So thrilled to hear from your soul – how you are reviewing and refocusing. All at the same time of having your third child! Praying!

    • Kary Oberbrunner

      Love ya Gabe. Thanks for the wisdom you speak into my life.

  • Zach Doppelt

    Kary,

    Interesting and encouraging post! It sounds like you may address at some point how we as believers can fight the “biggest ministry” dilemma temptation you mention… it seems whether we mean to or not we often get caught up in the flashy “bigger, better, more” mentality rather than humbly and contentedly investing in the relationships in our local community… looking forward to the discussions that will be brought up…