I just read an article about Jennifer Knapp. While most people will likely choose to write about her coming out and saying she is gay, I was drawn more to a different comment she made.

On page 4 of the article she talked about, “critically thinking fans who are trying to sort out their lives as Christians as best they know how.”

She then went on to say, “…they’re still seeking to be Christians but not always measuring up to the marketed idea of who they should be.”

The fact that she said critically thinking Christians are not always measuring up to a marketing idea is either an indictment against critically thinking Christians, our culture, or a marketing idea.

I would say that many Christians in our culture would like to think of themselves as critical thinkers, when really all they’ve done is bought into some sort of marketing. In America, our culture is marketing. How many people are busy, building their personal brand on Facebook or Twitter? (Yes, I’m one of them.)

I think there has been a major social shift within our culture as well as in the Christian community in the past 15 years. It used to be that Christians were viewed as hypocrites who wanted everyone to think their lives were perfect when they really weren’t. Many were also viewed as judgmental and a pain to be around. During this time the church was almost counter-cultural. There wasn’t really much of an outreach mentality from the church, more a “join us or burn” mentality.

Fast-forward to today, where there seems to be a huge push toward keeping it real. I am amazed by how open people are today about their shortcomings and failures. This would be an incredible thing if people took an honest look at these shortcomings and were motivated to change, but all too often there seems to be a sort of apathy; like admitting failure is some sort of redemption.

Today, a large number of Christians pride themselves on how well they understand our culture. They can quote every episode of The Office, House or 24. They’ve seen all the latest movies, know the difference between a Grande and a Venti at Starbucks, and care about the environment.

They are so well educated on culture, but ask them about their faith and they’ll say they aren’t really qualified to get into a “theological argument.” They think of their faith as something personal between them and God.

Both the hypocritical Christians of 15 years ago and the free-spirit Christians of today are essentially the same. The hypocrites didn’t know how to deal with their inadequacies and failures so they hid them. The free-spirits also don’t know how to deal with their failures so they are always telling people about them and feel good when they find out so many other people are struggling with the same stuff. “At least we’re not alone!”

Too many people in this country are living for some sort of image. We like to call it the American Dream and it means different things to different people. Have you thought about what you’re living for? Are you happy with the direction you’re headed?

I’ve talked to so many people who know they’re on the wrong road in life, but instead of changing direction or changing strategy, they continue to forge ahead hoping for some magical iPad experience that will somehow change everything. The same thing is true on a larger scale as well.

Have you thought about the direction of the company you work for? Is it an organization that says it has it all together while its customers say differently? Perhaps your company knows its weaknesses, but just doesn’t seem to have the motivation to do anything about them.

Maybe you freelance or own your own business and things are tough. What is your identity? I’m not talking about your brand. Your brand is the image you portray, but your identity is who you are.

Too many individuals and companies try to build their identity on their brand, when it should be the other way around. The thing is, your identity eventually finds a way to proclaim itself to the world, with or without you knowing.

I love the definition that says integrity is who you are when no one is looking. Integrity is a lost art, and there is no better time than today to bring it back. How will you make a difference in how you live and how you work? How will your identity change your brand?

I’ve been reading Seth Godin’s new book, Linchpin, which should be available on January 26th in the event that you are curious enough to take a look. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I donated some money to the Acumen Fund, and in response, Seth mailed me his book a few weeks early so I could write a review of it.

I have a confession to make, however. I’m a really slow reader—even of Godin’s books. And since, as a result, I may not be finished with the book in time for it’s release, I figured I would offer some glimpses as I go.

Tonight as I was reading I kept thinking of a linchpin I encountered today. It was lunchtime and my family and I decided to eat at a little place called, Trolley Dogs.

I didn’t notice anything too out of the ordinary at first other than a good variety of hot dogs for less money than you would spend on a meal at McDonald’s. As I’m looking at the menu, some guy standing next to us tells us that he spent hours creating it by hand.

The next thing I know, the guy is standing behind the counter wearing a weird-looking hot dog hat and describing the different ways he can make your hot dog. You would think that Superman just ran to his phone booth, except he hopped out as Hot Dog Man instead. 

He took our order and told me how wierd I was for ordering an Italian Sausage with krout—something about Italian mixed with German—and offered the correct pronunciation for giardiniera at my request.

During our meal, the guy, whose name is Joe and owns the place with his brother, continually checked on how we were doing, bussed tables, brought out a bowl of Goldfish crackers for my 2 year-old son and also made him a balloon animal.

When I was about to go and find a knife to cut up my son’s hot dog, he told me to sit down and had a hot dog brought out for him that was cut up to look like two octopuses. He told us that he was experimenting with some different combinations of toppings and hoped he could figure them out before he weighs 300 lbs.

Why is he a linchpin? Because he took lunch at a hot dog place and turned it into an experience; unscripted, from the heart, full of joy. How many people at other restaraunts do that? How about companies in general? How often have you dealt with someone behind a counter or on the phone who was just doing their job to collect a paycheck?

Who knows? Maybe you’re that person.

After lunch today, I think the world needs more people like Joe, and from what I’ve read, Seth’s book goes a long way toward inspiring us to answer the call.

My car broke down recently so I started looking around for a mechanic and came upon National Pride Auto. They had a decent website and made some good claims so I decided to give them a shot. Plus, they had a coupon on their website for free towing if your repairs cost more than $250.

Overall I was very pleased with the service. Everyone I spoke with was very friendly and they were able to fix it in a day. It turned out that they needed to replace the fuel pump, which ended up costing me $940. At least I qualified for the free towing… or did I?

I had this crazy idea that I would save a tree and just go to their website on my iPhone and show them the coupon. Unfortunately, when I tried to do this, the guy told me I needed to print it out.

Of course all my wife could tell me was, “I told you to print that off.” Thanks.

I guess I will think twice next time I try to save a tree.