The 80/20 rule, or Pareto Principle, states that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of causes, highlighting that a small number of inputs often yield the majority of the output. Discovered by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, it’s used in business and personal life to identify and focus on the most impactful efforts to improve overall efficiency and outcomes.

The phrase “showing up is 80% of success” is a quote attributed to Woody Allen. It was in reference to people who said they wanted to write a novel or movie. The people who actually do it are already 80% on their way to achieving something.   

It emphasizes that the act of consistently being there and putting in the effort is more crucial than extraordinary talent or elaborate plans. I thought about writing a book for years that never came to fruition. As of this writing, I have published 136 posts on https://chaplainjerry.com.

While the phrase “showing up” can imply various actions, biblical passages encourage being present, consistently faithful, and actively participating in community. Hebrews 10:25 encourages not forsaking “meeting together” to “exhort one another”.

However, James 1:22 urges believers to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” emphasizing action over mere presence. Finally, Matthew 5:16 speaks to how believers’ “good works” should be seen, showing that their presence can glorify God.

This verse highlights the importance of consistent presence within a community, whether it’s a hospital visit, or a group of friends. Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

You won’t always have the right answers and most of the time you’ll have no idea on what to say or do, but show up. God will give you the words as He sees fit when the time comes. We were never called to be a “know it all.” We are called to serve others. We are called to love.

Philippians 2:3-8: This passage is about serving others and having a humble mindset, reflecting Christ’s own example. It encourages believers to “show up” by looking out for the interests of others, not just their own.

This verse also illustrates that showing up and letting your actions, even small acts of kindness, be visible, can bring glory to God (1 John 4:19). It’s a response to Jesus’ own act of showing up and loving us, which should inspire us to love and serve others.

Regardless, at the end of the day, we must remember that Jesus first showed up for us. If Jesus hadn’t shown up, we would have been doomed. We would be left to die in our sin. We would be headed towards a terrible destination. But the good news is, He did show up, in full glory.

Not 80/20, but 100%. Only He has no limitations. Aren’t you glad about it?

Saying we are a Christian, wearing clothes with Christian messages, and a large cross, gains attention. However, the bible teaches that the way we live and love as we share the gospel is the true identifier of those who follow Jesus. It can beam without saying a word.

When we are committed to living for Christ instead of for ourselves, the Holy Spirit changes how we feel and act, character, priorities, and ways of interacting with others. Our new life in Jesus is intended to represent Him while we point others to Him, as if God was making his appeal through us.   

The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Love God and others, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Serve others, be compassionate, merciful, and help the less fortunate.

Be merciful and forgiving, just as God is merciful, and forgive those who wrong you. Live out the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. Be a light to others. Let your actions reflect your faith and be a positive influence on the world.

Do not judge. Avoid judging others; instead, focus on being a loving influence. Keep your word. Be honest and truthful in your commitments. Pray for others. Pray for those who persecute you and for more workers to spread the gospel.

Three core things God desires from people are to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. These actions, outlined in the book of Micah (Micah 6:8), encapsulate acting fairly, showing compassion and forgiveness to others, and maintaining a continuous, humble relationship with God.

To determine what Jesus might tell Christians today, one must draw from her/his core teachings in the Gospels and apply them to modern issues. The central and consistent themes are love for God, selfless love for one’s neighbor, and establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Jesus consistently sided with the marginalized and the poor rather than aligning with a political party or power structure. In today’s highly polarized political landscape, those are the very people we consistently beat up on a daily basis.

Have you heard the saying, sleeping with one eye open? It refers to light sleepers who can pretty much tell you everything that happened while they were supposed to be asleep. They very seldom miss out on anything that happens day or night.

Dolphins sleep with one eye open. Most humans would find it impossible to sleep with one eye open. Dolphins, on the other hand, can’t sleep any other way. That’s because, unlike us, they don’t breathe automatically and have to remain conscious in order to do so.

The solution to this predicament is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, which means one half of the brain rests while the other remains awake. When the right half of a dolphin’s brain is sleeping, its left eye is closed, and vice versa.  

Dolphins periodically alternate which side of the brain is asleep in order to rest fully while retaining consciousness. While sleeping, dolphins may rest motionless or swim slowly and steadily near the water’s surface. Strange mammals.

A number of their fellow sea creatures, from beluga whales to sea lions, also exhibit unihemispheric sleep. On the other end of the spectrum are otters, who float belly-up and often hold hands with one another so as to not drift apart while snoozing.

Great Frigatebirds, meanwhile, sleep in 10-second bursts while remaining airborne for as long as two months at a time. And, like dolphins, they do it with one eye open.

The Bible often talks about watchmen, which are people who stand guard and protect others. These watchmen have an important job, keeping watch for danger and guiding their communities in faith.

Just like a guard on a tower, they help keep everyone safe and alert. Through scripture, we learn about the role of watchmen and how they are called to be responsible for the well-being of others.  

The watchman’s duty is to communicate God’s message, offering a chance for people to repent and be saved from destruction. If the watchman fails to warn, they become responsible for people’s deaths.

But if they warn and the people refuse, the people are responsible for their own fate.

Many of us are aware of a relationship that failed because the person believed that once they changed the person into whom they wanted them to be, it would be a perfect relationship. They would go ahead and marry them as they are and immediately get to work on the change.

However, this desire to change others often leads to frustration, disappointment, and a strained relationship. Every individual has the right to live their life in a way that aligns with their own values, beliefs, and choices. Willingly, not by force or coercion.

Accepting and letting people be as they are is crucial for fostering healthy relationships, promoting emotional well-being, embracing diversity, and encouraging personal growth. By accepting and letting people be, we acknowledge and respect their autonomy, allowing them the freedom to express themselves without judgment or pressure to conform.

The experts on human nature say that we are wired to seek control and influence over our surroundings, including the people we interact with. Whether it’s our friends, family, or even acquaintances, we might find ourselves yearning for them to align with ours.

Perhaps we should add the phrase “as is” to the wedding vows.  For better or worse does not seem to imply this thought. Over a period of time, based on circumstance that are not planned, survival instincts sneak in. Our true selves appear, we commonly say, out of nowhere.

We become comfortable and unpolished. We stop saying and doing the things that the other person liked about us, and start to expect them to understand that because we stay, or pay the bills, that should suffice. The other person might see it as now you are just being tolerant.

Every relationship requires a tune-up every once in a while. Words like, “Do you still feel safe with me?  What would you like for me to do that I have not done in a while? Do you still love me? Have I done or said something that gave you pause?” Acceptable communication is a must.

Just remember, don’t start what you cannot continue.   

“The love of money is the root of all evil” is a misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10, which actually states that, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and a desire for wealth. It is the love of money, that is identified as the culprit.  Money is not evil; it is how people choose to acquire and use it that can be problematic.

There has and always will be those who have and those who have not. The Bible speaks of inequality.  Jesus said, “The poor will always be with us.”  He also cautioned those who have more than they need and continue to acquire more. Instead of hoarding, the Bible encourages using our resources to bless others and further God’s kingdom.

The Bible presents several teachings that directly address the issues of greed. These lessons emphasize moral integrity and spiritual well-being over material wealth. Jesus teaches against greed in Luke 12:15, stating, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

This passage highlights that true fulfillment comes from more than just accumulating wealth. Greed doesn’t just harm individuals; it influences society as a whole. The tale of King Ahab’s pursuit of Naboth’s vineyard shows how selfish desires can lead to injustice (1 Kings 21:1-16).

Proverbs 28:25 warns about greedy behavior, saying, “A greedy person stirs up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” Here, it’s clear that greed can lead to discord and strife within communities.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 offers a stark reminder, declaring, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” The pursuit of wealth often leads individuals away from their values.

James 5:1-3 addresses the consequences of hoarding wealth, stating, “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that’s coming on you. Your gold and silver are corroded.”

These biblical teachings consistently remind us to prioritize spiritual health over financial gain. The parable of the rich fool illustrates this point when God tells the man, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself.”

I’ve never seen a Brinks, or any of the other armored carriers as a part of a funeral procession.  

This phenomenon, known as the “definition of insanity,” has been a subject of fascination for philosophers, scientists, and thinkers alike. Doing the same thing and expecting different results can be seen as a testament to human nature. We can’t seem to get over it.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal growth, Einstein’s words remind us that change requires action, not just hope.

In the world of business and innovation, Steve Jobs is credited with, “If you do the same things as others, you’ll get the same results as others.” It serves as a reminder that following the crowd will only lead to mediocrity, while true success comes from daring to be different.

The poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” It suggests that by seeking new experiences and challenging our beliefs, we can break free from the cycle of monotony and achieve extraordinary results.

The library of Mistakes was founded in Edinburg Scotland, in 2013. It features a collection of over two thousand books that can educate the next generation of economists. This was to prevent another 1929, and 2008. According to the library’s curators, this serves as a perfect example of how seemingly “smart people keep doing stupid things.

In scripture, Paul reminded the Corinthians that one way to avoid yielding to temptation and to have a strong spiritual life is to learn from the mistakes of God’s people in the past. He used them who engaged in idolatry, chose to commit immorality, grumbled about the plans and purposes of God, and rebelled against His leaders. 

Due to their sin, they experienced His discipline (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). At times God seemingly gives up on us and leaves us alone, allowing us to go our own way and not stopping us even when we’re headed toward disaster.

The Bible says, “God gave them up” (Romans 1:26). However, God is always ready to forgive us and save us, no matter how far we have drifted away from Him. We may turn our backs on someone who has offended us but God never does.

No matter how far we have strayed. Unlike Karma, hope is available at the next bus stop.

Staying focused involves minimizing distractions, prioritizing tasks, and adopting strategies to enhance concentration. According to Healthline, getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, and managing stress also play a crucial role.

Multitasking is the act of performing or attempting to perform multiple tasks at the same time, or switching rapidly between different tasks. Research suggests that human multitasking can lead to decreased productivity, increasing errors, and higher stress levels.

I have always believed that it was impossible to do more than one thing at the very same time but I was unable to label it. I just knew that I was unable to do it. Switching rapidly between different tasks, without thinking makes more sense. My wife says I think too much.  

Our brains generally can’t truly perform multiple tasks at once; instead, we switch our attention between tasks very quickly. This rapid switching can increase the cognitive load, making it harder to focus, retain information, and complete tasks effectively.

According to research, chronic multitaskers tend to show more impulsivity than their peers, and they may be more likely to downplay possible risks associated with tackling multiple things at once. They also seem to show less control and are often distracted easily.

You no doubt know someone who seemed to have had it going on, when they were younger. They were cooking, washing clothes, listening to music, and writing papers at the same time. They were, “all over the place.” They have now slowed down.   

The Bible does not explicitly address multitasking as a modern concept, but it does offer wisdom on the importance of focus and prioritizing tasks.

While some biblical figures balanced multiple roles, the scriptures also emphasize the need to avoid being “double-minded” or distracted from what is important.

The American businessman and writer, Paul Boese published many of his philosophical thoughts in a weekly quote magazine in 1967, and his words on forgiveness have been an inspiration to countless people in the decades since.

He says when we are hurt, forgiving the people at fault can be incredibly difficult; because we’re wired to keep our defenses up to protect ourselves from more pain. But anger, resentment, and hatred are damaging emotions to hold onto, and a source of pain in themselves.

Forgiveness doesn’t change or condone the wrongs that was done, but it does help us let go of that negativity to make room to heal and move on. It “enlarges the future,” Forgiving someone doesn’t have to mean reconciliation. You do not have to become best of friends afterwards.

Bear with each other and forgive one another “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother and sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Not seven times, but seventy-seven times Matt 18:21-22.

The book entitled, Forgive and Forget Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve by Lewis B Smedes, shows us that it is possible to heal our pain and find room in our hearts to forgive. However, it is near impossible without the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our hearts.

Our Creator has lessons for us that go beyond our earthly authors. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you.

Some people invade our lives for a tragic hour or a sad lifetime, leave us with hurting memories, and then move away where we cannot see them. Or when they hide their faces behind the masks of corporations.