As is tradition at Catalyst, Andy Stanley opened up the conference. This year the theme is “tension is good.” Here’s what Andy had to share on the topic:
- “We are a bundle of appetites and desires. And each appetite creates tension because it wants more.”
- “Every time you get more responsibility in an organization, you want more.”
- “No matter how many times you win, you want more.”
- “God created your appetites and sin distorted them.”
- “Your appetites always whisper ‘now’ and never ‘later’.”
- “I couldn’t name two people in ministry who have lost their ministry of bad theology.” …compared to people who have lost ministry because they didn’t properly manage appetites.
- “Appetites are powerful, and they are never fully and finally satisfied.”
- “Whatever you want, you will only want more. This tension will not go away.”
- “Your only hope is reframing your appetite in the context of what God has called you to do.”
- “Ten years from now…” Write down whatever comes to mind. This exercise will cause you to reframe your appetites.
- “The clearer and more defined the frame, the less grip our appetites will have on our lives.”
- “What is it that you’re doing that’s not illegal or immoral, but you hope no one finds out about it?”
- “You have no idea what God wants to accomplish through your life.” …and your children and grand children
- “Reframe and then refrain. Don’t trade your future.”
