xag.org Redeeming the Time

Rewind!

God has a remarkable way of creating fresh starts. However, these renewals are only fully realized when depending on His strength and not our own.

So, this is an attempt at a fresh start for xag.org. I want this site to be more than a museum to an idea that inspired me a few years ago. Rather, I want this site to serve a purpose other than my own fulfillment and self-promotion.

XAG is about seizing the kingdom opportunities we have in front of us through the talents God has given by his grace. A gift--every talent that you and I enjoy is just that--a gift! We are called to be stewards of those gifts, not solely for our own benefit, but for faithful service to God.

I want XAG to be about more than a fun social club for like-minded Christians. I want XAG to be a participant in a force for change in our world and in ourselves.

My motives for XAG in the past have been tested thoroughly over time. Unfortunately, they have been found lacking in sincerity and authenticity at times. Sometimes the XAG concept has merely served as a conversation starter. While not bad in itself, XAG is more than a conversation. It should be a lifestyle. My lifestyle should exemplify the XAG principle. But, first and foremost, my life should be modeled after Christ. XAG and all of its trappings are way down the list of priorities if I'm living in balance.

XAG as a "brand?"

In my original writings about the term I had created (although I felt it was inspired by God's voice), I envisioned it as a rallying point for Christians of many kinds to guide their thinking about how their talents can be used for God's glory and the advancement of the kingdom.

I had hoped to popularize the term--make it a "pseudo-household word." That desire is a tricky one and suffers from my own personal arrogance and pride. While it is important to spread positive messages, and having a shorthand that easily expresses a concept aids in that goal, "XAG" is in many ways a mere contrivance--just a made-up word that doesn't mean much of anything in particular.

XAG's richer meanings

When you dig deeper into the meanings that I have "compressed" into the word, "XAG," there is a set of rich principles that cannot be diminished, regardless of their label. These truths are expressed strongly in scripture.

XAG encompasses three major focus areas:

• Making the most of the opportunities we are given by using our everyday work skills to build the kingdom of God
• Leading others out of their current circumstances by sharing truth and understanding
• Showing forth God's praise and glory

If I had to boil XAG down to just one word it would have to be redemption. That's what starting over is all about.