📧 When Christians get better, everyone gets better.

You might have noticed this newsletter looks different from the usual 3 Minute Newsletter. I'll explain why below. For now, know you're in the right place, and I'm happy you're here. Let's dive in!

30-Second Version For Busy People

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. And right now, the world needs better Christians.

To improve, we need to focus on our thoughts and actions. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing how you think.”

• New Thought: Nothing gets better by accident. Improvement always requires work.

• New Action: Identify your area for improvement this season. It could be your weight, your faith, or your relationships.

Remember, better thoughts lead to better actions, and better actions lead to better results.

Full Version

The month of July is all about trying new things. I'll be testing out a new pair of swim trunks because last year's no longer fit (they shrank, I swear). I'll also use a new productivity journal that dropped last week.

Most importantly, I'll experiment with a new newsletter format for July. Change can be unsettling, but don't worry—you can move your cursor away from that unsubscribe button. The content will remain similar to the Three Minute Newsletter you know and love.

Why the experiment? Because I believe that when Christians get better, everyone gets better. And right now, the world needs better Christians. So, how do we improve as Christians? While the Spirit plays a significant role in transforming our hearts, we also have a part to play in our own transformation.

Better thoughts lead to better actions, and better actions lead to better results. To become better Christians, we need to focus on our thoughts and actions.

BETTER THOUGHT

Today's better thought: nothing gets better by accident.

I've never met someone who accidentally got in shape. I've never met someone who said, "I was binge-watching Netflix, and the next thing I knew, I was doing burpees! I don't even remember getting off the couch."

Improvement always requires work. Big goals are accomplished through small actions. That’s why a crucial part of successfully finishing a goal is tracking the little things that keep you moving toward the finish line.

Here are other statements you will never hear:

• "I was scrolling through social media, and the next thing I knew, I was deep in prayer and scripture reading!"

• "I was busy with work, and the next thing I knew, my family and I were having meaningful conversations every night!"

• "I was preoccupied with my own life, and the next thing I knew, I had a circle of close, supportive friends!"

Discipline means making choices that align with your goals, even when it's hard.

BETTER ACTION

Today's better action: identify your direction in this season. 

If nothing gets better by accident, we must adopt new actions reflecting that idea.

I live about two hours from Disney World, the most magical place on earth—unless you're a father of two boys under four. Then it quickly becomes a place of marathon strollering and the worst chafing known to humankind.

Imagine me loading the family in the car, hitting the highway, and hoping my gut, grit, and desire will get us there. No map, no GPS, no general direction—just hoping to find it along the way. You likely wouldn't want to be in that car with me.

Any road will get you there if you don't know where you're going. You will spend your life drifting, which is how many people feel—especially young people.

• Moving from one relationship to another.

• Jumping from one job to another.

• Switching from one productivity journal to another.

• Adopting one ideology after another.

You don't need an exact destination in mind. If someone told me to head north on the highway toward Disney, I'd be much closer than if I merely trusted my gut.

Today, a general direction without a direct path might be best. Identifying our pain points often helps us find our direction. For some, it's weight or health. For others, it's mending relationships. For others, it's a lack of fulfillment in their careers.

I use a tool called the Target of Life in A Workbook on Purpose. This simple, free exercise helps people who feel lost in life or need help clarifying what they should do next. You can find it here.

• What challenges, obstacles, or distractions keep you from hitting the bullseye?

• What discipline could you adopt to help you move in your chosen direction?

Take a moment to go through the exercise and answer the questions. Remember, nothing gets better by accident—intentional actions lead to meaningful improvement.

BECOMING A BETTER CHRISTIAN

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. Here are a few ways I am getting better this week.

• I am currently listening to Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg. After hearing it, I wrote down a question a school counselor asked a hurting student: “Do you want to be helped, hugged, or heard?”

• A week ago, I was invited to speak at a local Christian Business Association meeting on how to help those we lead find meaning and purpose. Afterward, I snapped this hilarious photo. **Ask me about the glasses.

• One new habit I am tracking this month is praying the Lord's Prayer daily. Join me and tell me what you think.

Hit "reply" and let me know what you're doing!

Thanks for reading this new version of my newsletter. As I mentioned, I'm not a big fan of change, but I recognize its necessity occasionally. I hope this change wasn't too shocking.

I'd love to hear your thoughts:

• Did you enjoy this new format?

• Do you wish I would leave 3MN alone?

• Does this new format and mission better serve you as a Christian?

• How could I continue improving it?

Hit "reply" and let me know what you're thinking.