PDF Summary:Not in It to Win It, by Andy Stanley

In today's politically polarized climate, many churches have become embroiled in partisan conflicts, drifting from Jesus's central message of love. In Not in It to Win It, Andy Stanley argues that rather than seeking political influence, the church should refocus on fostering unity, compassion, and service—core values that transformed the ancient world.

Stanley examines how early Christian communities rapidly grew through their unwavering commitment to these principles. By returning to this ethic of "irresistible" love, he believes the modern church can reclaim its moral authority and renew its powerful witness, even across stark ideological divides.

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Rediscovering the lessons Jesus imparted about love and togetherness.

The author emphasizes the ability of the church to transcend political divides and restore its distinctive nature by adhering to the core tenet of love as demonstrated by Jesus. Stanley contends that the foundational element of every Christian's life and the driving force behind all church endeavors should be the practice of loving others as Jesus loved.

The foundational principle for the church's conduct should be to emulate the love Jesus showed us, as He directed.

Andy Stanley emphasizes that the new covenant introduced by Jesus is defined by grace and love rather than judgment and retribution. Andy Stanley underscores the importance of the church shifting its focus from participating in social battles to placing greater importance on considering the needs of others and exhibiting compassion, benevolence, and a readiness to pardon.

The author argues that Christians should be recognized by their commitment to a love-based ethic, especially when engaging with people who have differing political opinions or moral values. He contends that individuals devoted to Jesus should be distinguished by a deep-seated love originating from the selfless sacrifice Jesus demonstrated by his death on the cross.

Jesus lived a life characterized by selfless love and service, consistently opting to forgo the advantages and authority he possessed rather than exploiting them for personal gain.

The author emphasizes how the life of Jesus exemplifies the personification of love by his deeds. He underscores how Jesus challenged the prevailing powers of his era, stood in solidarity with marginalized individuals, catered to the needs of the destitute, and extended forgiveness to the culpable. Stanley contends that Christ possessed the ability to use his influence and authority to gain worldly power or to avoid difficulty. He selected a humble and selfless journey, ultimately sacrificing himself to free humankind from sin.

Stanley encourages Christian leaders to prioritize the needs of others over their own, following the example set by Jesus. He argues that by embracing humility and selflessness, religious institutions can regain their moral high ground and demonstrate the intrinsic transformative power of their beliefs.

Practical Tips

• Start a "Kindness Journal" to document daily acts of selfless love, focusing on the impact rather than the act itself. By recording how your actions affect others, you can reflect on the value of selflessness and its ripple effect in your community. For example, if you anonymously pay for someone's coffee, note how the person reacted and how it made you feel, rather than just the act of paying.
• Educate yourself on a social issue that is commonly misunderstood or misrepresented in your community. Use this knowledge to informally educate others through casual conversations, aiming to dispel myths and bring awareness to the issue. For instance, if there's a misconception about homelessness in your area, learn about the real causes and challenges faced by the homeless population and share these insights when the topic comes up in discussions with friends, family, or colleagues.
• Advocate for inclusive practices within your personal and professional circles. This could involve initiating conversations about diversity and inclusion, recommending changes to make spaces more accessible, or supporting businesses and initiatives that prioritize the well-being of marginalized individuals. For instance, you might suggest to your workplace to implement diversity training or to support local minority-owned businesses.
• Start a mini-grant program within your neighborhood to fund small projects that benefit the destitute. You could collect donations from neighbors or dedicate a small amount of your own money to start. Encourage people in your community to propose projects, like a community garden to provide fresh produce or a workshop series teaching useful skills. Vote as a community on which project to fund, ensuring the focus remains on aiding those in need.
• Engage in role-reversal exercises where you write a letter from the perspective of someone you feel has wronged you. This can help you understand their possible motivations and challenges, fostering empathy and making it easier to forgive.
• Volunteer for roles that don't offer immediate recognition or reward to practice humility in action. Choose activities that require behind-the-scenes work, like helping to clean up after a community event or doing administrative tasks for a local charity. This can shift your focus from seeking status to contributing value.
• Create a "Sacrifice Bead" or a simple bracelet with movable beads to track acts of kindness or sacrifices you make daily. Each time you perform an act of kindness or sacrifice your own comfort for someone else, move a bead. This tangible method serves as a reminder of the importance of daily sacrifices and the goal to perform more selfless acts.
• Implement a "One Less for Me, One More for You" practice in your daily routine. For every non-essential item you consider buying for yourself, like a coffee or a treat, skip it once in a while and use that money or time to benefit someone else. This could mean donating the money to a cause, buying a meal for a person in need, or spending the time to help someone with a task.
• Implement a "reverse mentoring" program where you, as a leader, are mentored by someone at a lower level in your organization. This can help you gain fresh perspectives, appreciate the insights of those who are less experienced, and demonstrate humility by showing that you value learning from everyone.
• Engage in conversations where you actively listen more than you speak. During discussions with friends, family, or colleagues, make a conscious effort to listen fully before responding. This habit fosters humility by valuing others' opinions and demonstrates a selfless interest in their thoughts and feelings.
• You can start a personal reflection journal to document how your beliefs impact your daily decisions. Write down instances where your religious beliefs have guided you to make positive changes or helped you through challenges. This practice can make the transformative power of your beliefs more tangible and evident in your life.

Disciples of Jesus are encouraged to embody His selfless and humble love rather than seeking triumph or leveraging their power.

Stanley underscores the significance of the church avoiding the quest for dominance in the political arena, recognizing that this unyielding drive to prevail is at odds with the principles taught by Jesus. The church should be a model of humility and compassion, demonstrating a dedication to serving others, even those with differing views and beliefs.

Andy Stanley emphasizes Jesus' instruction to his followers, highlighting the greater significance of cultivating harmony over pursuing earthly triumphs. Andy Stanley posits that the church's most persuasive witness is demonstrated not by prevailing against adversaries, but by extending love to them, thereby embodying the deep empathy and forgiveness that are central to the gospel's core message.

Practical Tips

• Create a 'Compliment Circle' with friends or family where each person gives a genuine compliment to someone else in the group. This practice encourages you to look for and acknowledge the good in others, fostering a community of appreciation and love. It's not about receiving praise but about giving it without expecting anything in return.
• Engage in reflective journaling with a focus on gratitude for what you have rather than what you wish to achieve. At the end of each day, write down three things you are grateful for that don't relate to personal success or power. This practice can shift your perspective from seeking triumph to appreciating the present moment and the contributions of others.
• Create a personal blog or social media page dedicated to highlighting acts of service across different communities. Use this platform to share stories of unity and service that transcend differences. This not only promotes the idea of serving others with differing views but also encourages your followers to do the same. Share your experiences with serving various groups and the insights gained from these interactions.
• Create a 'harmony jar' where you deposit a small note every time you make a decision that prioritizes relational harmony over personal gain. This could be as simple as letting someone else have the last slice of pizza or as significant as compromising on a work project for the greater good. Review the notes at the end of each month to visualize the cumulative effect of your choices.
• Volunteer for a cause that is typically supported by a group you consider your adversary. By working side by side with them towards a common goal, you can build relationships based on mutual respect and shared efforts, which can break down barriers and change perceptions on both sides.
• Implement a daily 'empathy challenge' where you commit to one act of kindness or understanding towards someone you might normally overlook or struggle to empathize with. This could be as simple as offering a genuine compliment to a coworker you don't usually interact with or showing patience and understanding to a service worker during a busy time. By consciously choosing to extend love in situations where it might not be your first instinct, you train yourself to make empathy and forgiveness more habitual.

The genuineness of the teachings imparted by His followers is intimately linked to their cohesion, a unity that was at the heart of Jesus' fervent supplications.

Stanley emphasizes Jesus's message in John 17, which urges his followers to exhibit a unity that mirrors the unity shared between the Father and himself. The writer firmly believes that the prayer served not only as a profound yearning but also as an essential tactic, recognizing that the church's unity is vital for its influence on the global community.

Conflicts among church members impede the progress of the Great Commission and the development of its adherents' convictions.

The author underscores that when Christians are divided, it can create barriers that hinder non-believers. The credibility of the church is undermined and the gospel's message becomes more difficult to embrace due to internal divisions, as pointed out by Andy Stanley.

Stanley argues that fulfilling the Great Commission hinges on the ability of the congregation to preserve harmony, as a church embroiled in internal strife and political discord fails to draw individuals seeking genuine spiritual encounters. He urges believers to prioritize unity, recognizing that their united front in belief stands as a powerful witness to all.

Other Perspectives

• Historical evidence suggests that some conflicts within the church have led to significant reforms and positive changes that have revitalized the church's mission and made its message more relevant and compelling to the outside world.
• The gospel's core message of redemption, grace, and forgiveness could be seen as more authentic and relatable when it is clear that even those who are committed to its teachings are not perfect and face real, human challenges.
• A church's ability to attract individuals is influenced by a multitude of factors, including its doctrine, community outreach, and public services, not solely its internal harmony.
• Unity that is enforced or artificial can be counterproductive, as it may not address underlying issues that could later cause greater division.

The church ought to place a higher value on harmony than on political disputes, in keeping with the tranquil relations that Jesus sought.

Stanley underscores the importance of fostering a community of affection within the congregation, even when diverse political and ideological convictions exist. He acknowledges the challenges posed by current political rifts but emphasizes the necessity of maintaining unity within the church to effectively fulfill its purpose.

Andy Stanley emphasizes the necessity for Christians to place their commitment to Jesus and the fulfillment of the Great Commission above their political affiliations. Stanley contends that true followers of Jesus' teachings should prioritize harmony over personal preferences, political convictions, or entrenched theological stances, especially when these matters threaten to disrupt the cohesion that the church represents within the body of Christ.

Context

• The apostles, like Paul, frequently wrote letters to early churches urging them to maintain unity and peace, reflecting Jesus' teachings on harmony.
• A focus on affection can facilitate healthier conflict resolution by encouraging empathy, understanding, and open communication, which are crucial for addressing disagreements without causing division.
• Divisions can lead to weakened community ties, reduced membership, and a diminished ability to carry out charitable works and outreach programs, which are central to the church's mission.
• This refers to Jesus' instruction to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world, as recorded in the Bible, specifically in Matthew 28:16-20. It is a foundational mission for Christians, emphasizing evangelism and discipleship.
• Focusing on harmony can reduce stress and conflict within communities, fostering a more supportive and nurturing environment for spiritual growth.

The church's testimony in the modern era should reflect the model provided by Jesus.

The author recommends that the church redirect its attention from societal disputes to embodying and promoting the altruistic love that Jesus demonstrated. Andy Stanley contends that it is imperative for the church to restore its good name and regain its moral sway.

The congregation should adopt an approach that avoids societal confrontation and should not demonize or become embroiled in disputes with people who possess differing political views.

The writer suggests believers reassess their engagement with societal perspectives, particularly when dealing with individuals who hold differing political beliefs. Andy Stanley challenges us to reflect on whether our actions and reactions are consistent with Jesus' instruction to view our opponents with respect, or if we've descended to a common level of criticism and aggression characteristic of those outside our religious community.

Stanley advocates for a departure from the dehumanizing language and polarizing strategies frequently utilized in political campaigns and media narratives. He contends that these tactics intensify problems which the church should be addressing, thus conflicting with the fundamental tenets of the gospel.

The assembly should exemplify empathy, comprehension, and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of all individuals, instead of pursuing individual benefits.

The author proposes that the church should exemplify hope and renewal in a community deeply divided and fraught with strife, demonstrating compassion and generosity in interactions with all individuals, irrespective of their connection to the religious community. Stanley argues that the primary concern of the church should be to improve the well-being of the community rather than focusing on its own preservation or attempting to wield political power.

He encourages believers to act as luminaries and guardians in a world overshadowed by selfishness and wrongdoing. He contends that this requires prioritizing the welfare of others over personal comfort and choices, extending forgiveness to the undeserving, and actively seeking to right wrongs and uplift those who have been downtrodden and neglected.

Context

• This perspective challenges individuals and organizations to consider the moral implications of their actions, encouraging a shift from self-interest to altruism and collective responsibility.
• These concepts often involve spiritual and emotional healing, which can be facilitated through community programs, counseling, and support groups that the church might offer.
• Being luminaries and guardians also involves fostering dialogue and cooperation with people of different faiths and beliefs, promoting peace and understanding in a diverse world.
• Studies in psychology suggest that altruistic behavior can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction, as helping others can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• The idea is rooted in teachings such as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), where Jesus highlights the importance of forgiving others as God forgives.
• Addressing systemic issues such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality often requires collective action and policy changes, not just individual efforts.

Christians should be known for their readiness to assist, offer forgiveness, and demonstrate compassion towards individuals who have contrasting political beliefs.

Andy Stanley underscores the importance of understanding that demonstrating compassion towards individuals with differing opinions is not synonymous with endorsing unfairness or approving harmful behaviors. However, he argues that it requires participation in every argument, even those involving challenging political and social issues, with humility and an attitude infused with graciousness.

Andy Stanley encourages Christians to continually ask themselves, "What does love require of me in this scenario?" when engaging with people who have differing opinions. He contends that by considering this question, their actions will be guided to conform with the foundational teachings of Jesus and the critical aspects of the Christian faith.

Context

• In contemporary society, where political identities are often deeply entrenched, this approach challenges individuals to rise above partisanship and focus on shared humanity.
• Compassion involves empathy and support for individuals, while approval implies agreement with their actions or beliefs. This distinction allows for maintaining personal values while still offering kindness.
• This approach aligns with ethical principles of respect and empathy, which are crucial for maintaining integrity and credibility in public discourse.
• This approach encourages Christians to prioritize empathy and understanding over winning arguments, aligning with the biblical call to love one's neighbor as oneself.
• Central to Christianity is the concept of agape love, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This form of love is seen as a reflection of God's love for humanity and is a guiding principle for Christian behavior.

The congregation ought to reclaim its role as the nation's ethical guide, emphasizing the importance of individual integrity rather than trying to enforce moral conduct through legislative action.

Andy Stanley believes that by serving as a moral guide, championing justice, and holding leaders accountable with truthfulness, the church can greatly enhance societal well-being. He contends that the church's ability to speak prophetically hinges on maintaining moral integrity by embracing love, unity, and service.

The church's main goal ought to be fostering disciples who live out the teachings and principles of Jesus instead of creating political activists.

Stanley argues that the primary responsibility of the church is to support people in their journey to become followers of Jesus. Andy Stanley argues that the church's role should be to shape individual character, steering people towards living out virtues, instead of turning them into political activists or supporting specific political agendas.

He contends that this profound internal transformation will naturally lead to positive outward behaviors, as those who follow Jesus are compelled by His love to participate in community service, advocate for justice, and promote peace and reconciliation.

Context

• Fostering discipleship involves activities like Bible study, prayer, and community service, which are designed to deepen faith and encourage living according to Christian values.
• This approach often involves practical steps such as community service, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives that help individuals apply these virtues in everyday life.
• Internal transformation can lead to sustainable change, as individuals who are deeply committed to their values are more likely to maintain their behaviors over time, influencing future generations.
• Many Christian doctrines highlight the concept of imitating Christ, which involves embodying His teachings on love, mercy, and justice. This theological perspective encourages believers to act in ways that reflect these values.

When tackling social challenges, those with faith should embody altruistic affection and humbly assist others, mirroring the values inherent in the divine realm.

Andy Stanley counsels Christians to exert a deep impact on their environment by living out the values and way of life demonstrated by Jesus. Andy Stanley argues that true change comes not from political power or influence over society, but through a commitment to serving others, demonstrating empathy, and dedicating oneself to improving our communities.

The author suggests that through selfless deeds, Christians can cast light into the darkest areas of the world, demonstrating the hope and renewal that originate with Jesus. The role of the church is to exemplify the emergence of God's Kingdom by selflessly providing love and support to those in need.

Practical Tips

• Create a "skills swap" board in your community, online or on a physical bulletin board, where people offer their skills or time in exchange for help in another area. This could be as simple as exchanging gardening help for cooking lessons, fostering a spirit of mutual assistance and humility.
• Create a "Value Cards" game for personal use, where each card represents a value such as love, humility, or forgiveness. Randomly draw a card each morning and focus on living out that value throughout the day. This gamifies the practice of embodying values and can make the process more engaging and conscious.
• Offer your time to tutor students or adults in a subject you're proficient in, without charging for your services. This can empower others through education and open doors for their future opportunities. You might reach out to local schools, community centers, or online platforms to find individuals who could benefit from your knowledge.

Bridging divides to restore our moral credibility

The author concludes with a call to action, urging Christians to reject the divisive trends of our culture and instead embrace the unifying power of love. The church is poised to experience a renewal of its core values and restore its moral sway by wholeheartedly embracing Jesus' command to profoundly love one another.

The church should avoid the temptation to side with political groups, maintaining the unity that Jesus demonstrated.

The author acknowledges the difficulties that arise from the intense division of political opinions, especially in situations where one is anticipated to conform to a specific viewpoint. He contends that the unity of believers in Christ should take precedence over all political affiliations.

Stanley argues that the church must become a place where people from all political persuasions can feel welcome and valued, recognizing that their shared faith transcends their political differences. Andy Stanley emphasizes to Christians that their foremost allegiance must be to Jesus, which takes precedence over any political affiliations, because they belong first and foremost to a realm defined by grace, love, and harmony.

Christians should be willing to publicly disagree with their own political party when its positions or rhetoric conflict with the teachings of Jesus.

Andy Stanley encourages Christians to demonstrate courage and uphold moral principles, even if it means scrutinizing their chosen political allegiances or leaders. He contends that followers of Jesus' teachings must bravely stand against any narratives or plans promoted by their political groups that diverge from Jesus' directives, even if it means facing exclusion or disapproval.

Andy Stanley emphasizes that our primary allegiance should be to King Jesus, who beckons us to walk a distinct route characterized by love, humility, and service. He encourages the incorporation of genuine care and sincerity into our political conversations, reflecting the kind of compassion that Jesus demonstrated, particularly in situations of disagreement or strife.

Context

• The New Testament contains numerous teachings of Jesus that emphasize love, justice, and humility, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). These teachings often serve as a benchmark for evaluating political actions and rhetoric.
• The Bible contains several instances where individuals stood against political powers due to their faith, such as Daniel in the lion's den or the apostles in the New Testament who defied authorities to preach about Jesus.
• Walking a path of love, humility, and service involves practical actions such as community service, advocacy for the marginalized, and fostering reconciliation in divisive contexts.
• Jesus' compassion is often highlighted in the Gospels, where he interacts with marginalized groups, such as lepers, tax collectors, and Samaritans. This historical context underscores the radical nature of his empathy and inclusion, which challenged societal norms of his time.

The church should serve as a model for offering support during others' difficulties, showing love despite political divisions, and aiding those who are not part of their immediate community.

The author underscores the necessity for the church to demonstrate solidarity and to genuinely manifest love among its members, especially when it comes to connecting across diverse political and ideological perspectives. He encourages followers of Christ to contemplate the humble gesture Jesus demonstrated when he cleansed the feet of his disciples, even the one who was soon to betray him.

Andy Stanley emphasizes the importance of approaching others with a humble and inquisitive mindset, making an effort to understand their perspectives, particularly when their political views differ from ours. Andy Stanley advocates for assisting others by inquiring, "How can I help shoulder your load?" which goes beyond a mere act of kindness and serves as a way to fulfill the directive issued by Jesus.

Context

• Demonstrating love despite political differences can reduce conflict and promote understanding. It encourages empathy and the ability to see beyond labels, fostering deeper connections among individuals.
• Churches may offer programs aimed at integrating immigrants and refugees into the community, providing language classes, job training, and cultural orientation.
• By washing his disciples' feet, Jesus was modeling servant leadership, emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others rather than exerting power over them.
• The Bible contains numerous instances where figures engage with others through questions and dialogue, such as Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees or the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting the importance of seeking understanding.
• The act of helping others with their burdens is not just about physical or material support but also includes emotional and spiritual assistance. It involves empathy, listening, and being present for others in their times of need.

The church can reclaim its position as a moral guide and pioneer by realigning its priorities and deeds with the principles of Jesus's new covenant.

Andy Stanley firmly believes that in a world weary from strife and political turmoil, a congregation focused on mirroring the compassion of Jesus towards others will stand out as far more appealing. He contends that when Christians place love at the forefront, their actions and reactions will be markedly distinct from the dominant culture, thereby attracting individuals who are seeking genuine hope and renewal.

The author suggests that Christians can rekindle the revolutionary message that changed history two thousand years ago by valuing love over division, embracing the role of servant leaders rather than seeking political power, and choosing collective harmony over individual goals.

The church's mission is most compellingly demonstrated when its members exhibit conduct, both within their community and in interactions with those outside their faith, that mirrors the transformative power of the gospel.

Stanley underscores that genuine manifestations of faith become apparent not through memorable slogans but through demonstrations of altruistic love. The writer posits that a church exemplifying genuine unity will hold considerable allure, even for those skeptical of the frequently presented interpretation of Christianity. By demonstrating compassion and benevolence towards people with varying political views, as well as to neighbors and community members in need, he believes that these behaviors will powerfully testify to the transformative impact of their faith.

The author argues that it is through nurturing genuine unity among the faithful that one can maintain and demonstrate a genuine ethical framework that challenges conventional norms. He contends that a fragmented and divided church will struggle to convince a watching world that their message of hope and reconciliation is anything more than a marketing campaign.

Other Perspectives

• The emphasis on conduct might inadvertently promote a works-based approach to faith, which could conflict with doctrinal positions that emphasize grace and faith over works.
• Memorable slogans can encapsulate complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging, potentially drawing interest to explore the faith more deeply, which can lead to witnessing altruistic love in action.
• The concept of attractiveness is subjective; what appeals to one person may not appeal to another, regardless of the unity displayed by a group.
• Skeptics might argue that compassionate behavior should be expected of all individuals, regardless of faith, and therefore does not serve as a compelling testimony to the uniqueness or truth of a particular faith's teachings.
• Nurturing unity does not guarantee that the ethical framework demonstrated will be universally recognized as genuine or ethical, as ethical standards can vary widely across cultures and societies.
• The concept of unity can be interpreted in various ways; a church might be united in core beliefs while still allowing for a range of opinions and expressions, which can be seen as a healthy form of unity that does not negate the church's message to the world.

By reclaiming its role as the moral guide for the country, the church could be instrumental in mending societal rifts and promoting true justice and reconciliation.

Stanley suggests that by uniting in love and serving as the nation's ethical guide, the church uniquely possesses the ability to offer genuine solutions to the most urgent problems facing humankind, which are beyond the purview of political bodies. He firmly believes that by centering our efforts on enhancing the well-being of others and tackling the fundamental sources of injustice, while steering clear of the divisions created by partisan political dialogues and tactics, we can cultivate hope and vividly display the presence of God's kingdom among us.

The influence of the church is not tied to its political influence, legislative victories, or dominance in culture, but instead hinges on its capacity to demonstrate the same compassion and care that were hallmarks of Jesus' life. He contends that a church committed to bearing one another's burdens and freely extending grace and forgiveness, particularly to those who seem least deserving, will transform into a powerful and distinctly recognizable force for good.

Context

• The church's moral authority is derived from its teachings and values, which are often based on religious texts and traditions that emphasize love, compassion, and justice. This authority can influence individuals and communities to act ethically and compassionately.
• Many churches are part of international networks that can address global issues like poverty, human trafficking, and environmental concerns, offering solutions that are informed by a worldwide perspective.
• Demonstrating compassion and care can lead to social change by addressing immediate needs and fostering community resilience. This approach can help bridge divides and create a more inclusive society.
• The church can act as a mediator in conflicts, offering a neutral ground for dialogue and reconciliation, which is essential in addressing sources of injustice.
• Partisan politics refers to strong allegiance to a particular political party, often leading to an "us vs. them" mentality. This can create an environment where dialogue and cooperation are stifled, and opposing views are not considered.
• Extending grace involves forgiveness and understanding, which can lead to reconciliation and healing in communities fractured by conflict or misunderstanding.