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Friday, November 03, 2006

The 212 "Principle" - Motivation To Get Burned?


BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER....
WATCH THIS ONLINE VIDEO:


http://www.the212movie.com/

waiting...
for you...
to watch...
the video....
before my...
comments...
influence you...
ok, if you really...
watched it first...
then read on...

OK, did you watch the video? Really? Honestly? With God as your witness? Hmmmmm?

Well, at this point, I just have to trust you! Now I can rant. I am so tired of "motivational" videos that I think are more harmful than good. My dad forwarded me this video since someone forwarded it to him, (and he too made me watch it before he would give me his thoughts on it) and below is his response, and I couldn't agree more.

But before I share the wise and sagely comments of my dear old dad (emphasis not on 'old'), let me tell you why I was ticked off at this video when I watched it.

CONFESSION OF A FORMER 212 DEGREE BURNER:

First of all, because not long ago, I would have watched it, LOVED IT, and forwarded it to all my friends and encouraged them to watch it and apply it to their life, because I would have been confident that this video described me! I've lived the 212 "extra degree" principle for way too long, and it took some pretty tough events in my life recently to wake me up from the illusion that God was pleased with me going faster, harder, and burning hotter than he ever intended. My "extra degree" self-propelled motivation ended up being extremely costly to my own family, and many others as well. I am still recovering from being burned by the "extra degree" and still seeking restoration with those I burned in my drive to go the extra mile/degree in life and ministry. I apologize for those I would have sent this too, and hope instead you will choose NOT to got the "extra degree" but instead to only go at the pace of life that God truly wants you to, and that you will allow your family and friends to be used by God to show you what that pace is. If you have loved ones telling you to slow down, or do less, or cut back, or seek margin, or anything of the sort, I beg you to listen to them before it is too late. Let me just be honest enough to tell you, if you go the extra degree, you will get burned, and unfortunately, you just might burn others around you. GOD IS NOT ASKING YOU TO GO THE EXTRA DEGREE. There is no such thing as giving 110% or even 101% - all you can give God is your 'all' - beyond that is unhealthy, if not sin. OK, my rant is over. On to a more tempered response, from my more tempered and experienced father:

WISDOM FROM DAD:

His first note to me (shared with permission)

Karl, this motivational movie is an interesting illustration not based upon Scripture. After our conversations recently (and even before), this philosophy was suspect to me. I don't think I never met anyone more focused at an early age than you, and gave energy beyond the "nth" degree. I think I can anticipate your reaction to this, but I'd still like to hear from you first. After you've seen this, I would like to also illustrate from the same concept.

After I responded that I had very strong negative reaction to it (as ranted above) he sent me the following that he wrote for the person who sent the video to him:

After viewing the 212 Movie, I felt constrained to offer a response.

• Steam may power a locomotive, but anyone who gets too close to that steam in action will get scalded;
• Every Indy 500 driver had already decided to give his full effort to his single goal, a very limited and unique calling and playing field, and there is no room for any passengers in his car, and he only gathers around him those who will work for his victory and a share of the spoils;
• The idolized and glorified Lance Armstrong (who has been determined to have an extremely unique body chemistry) was finally divorced by his wife (I wonder if he has noticed her absence).
• Every runner in a track meet runs alone, his only relationship with those around him being a competitive one, and with those strangers on the sidelines being a glory one;
• Steam has very limited use compared to H20 in liquid form:
• Tea is brewed best with water heated just below 200 degrees;
• Even excessively warm water can scald frost-bitten hands;
• Tepid water best washes our hands;
• A soak in the tub, a hot shower, an embracing hot tub had better not approach 200;
• Water does not heat itself, so there is no general virtue in always taking it to 212 degrees;
• And, when we do, it is not by means of extraordinary effort on our part, but by simply leaving the heat source in contact a little longer;
• Show me a person who consistently gives 110% in his vocation who doesn’t eventually “burn” his wife and children, if not his own physical body and psyche, which was designed by God to give 100% only with a rhythm of withdrawal and rest;
• If there is a biblical principle relating to how we ought to live our lives that can be appropriately attached to the 212 Principle, other than that of sensible, balanced, and appropriate stewardship, I can’t readily think of one;
• Jesus could have won any foot race, been the unbeatable race car designer and driver, healed people and fed people relentlessly (as many pastors attempt to do) and even could have demonstrated a 213 Principle at his temptation or on the cross, but his purposes were defined otherwise.

I find the 212 Principle a clever falsehood which implies a character definition embodying only head-turning productivity, and not quality of spirit and character that considers others better than themselves. Our culture has become addicted to productivity, turning what was a virtue into an idol.

By Doug Bastian, wise father of Pastor Karl, who should have heeded more of his advice growing up!

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO RESPOND:

1) Confess, did you watch the video before reading? Hmmmm? :)
2) What do YOU think of the video?

NOTE: COMMENTS CAN NOT BE LEFT HERE. PLEASE VISIT THE NEW KIDOLOGIST.COM SITE. (THIS IS AN ARCHIVED SITE ONLY)

14 Comments:

At 5:08 AM, November 04, 2006, David Wakerley said...

PK, Great post and 'wise dad, you have indeed' (Please read that with a Yoda accent).

Don't boil your family while trying to change the world.

Dave Wakerley

 
At 8:42 AM, November 04, 2006, Christy said...

I confess - I didn't watch the video until reading the entire post. You knew that was going to happen, didn't you? But thanks for you refreshing insights. It is so easy to fall into the trap of chasing success by doing more and trying harder. I see it in ministry as well as in my personal family life. What a relief to just think about resting in Jesus and relying on the Holy Spirit's power rather than our own efforts. I'd love to hear more of your story - blog about when you feel ready to share!

 
At 12:02 PM, November 04, 2006, Anonymous said...

I watched the clip and then read your comments. Your comments were good and your Dad's challenge to check the Biblical basis. Thanks, it is the worth the time to do some heart searching.

 
At 3:46 PM, November 04, 2006, Kathryn Egly said...

Wow, great thoughts!

You do have a wise dad...does he have a blog :)? We could all use some more of his advice!

 
At 7:49 PM, November 04, 2006, Mommymeepa said...

I'm really into working out and getting healthy, so a lot of my friends send me motivational videos and emails to keep me motivated in my journey. I'm not sure I would have interpreted it the way you guys did right away, but after I read your whole blog and thought it over it really did open my eyes to it.

I have a saying that is up on my mirror in my bathroom. It says, "I am significant because of who I am in Christ." I need to keep that focus in mind as I set goals and continue on my journey.

I need to give all I can for Christ and stay focused on what his will is for me. I need to give my goals over to Him because with Him all things are possible.

Thanks for the reminder big brother and wise father. Love ya both, Melissa

 
At 10:16 AM, November 06, 2006, Jeramy said...

I had many of the same impressions. I'm so tired of Cheesy motivations that manipulate the name of God to get what they want...sigh.

 
At 3:57 PM, November 06, 2006, Timothy said...

The problem with most motivational "stuff" out there is that it's the same concepts repackaged. The "little engine that could" went full throttle saying, "I think I can, I think I can," but if the bridge is out up ahead, no amount of 212 thinking is going to help him.

While it's true that I may arrive at my "destination" by driving as hard and fast as I can, most of the time I've discovered I can arrive just as well by slowing down and enjoying the journey.

BTW...your father is a wise man.

 
At 5:14 PM, December 19, 2006, Anonymous said...

Simple physics really, the film doesn't address the amount of energy required to heat the water one more degree.

i.e. To get the water hotter, it requires ever increasing amounts of energy to 'get to the next degree' of heat.

Very little energy is required to change the temperature of water from 5 degrees to 6 degrees. Not so going from 211 to 212.

I am confused about you trying to reach the next degree really though--because it is the integrity of the pot holding the water that counts. It's difficult to find a plastic pot that can take the heat necessary to boil water whereas a cast-iron pot will take that heat and so much more--seems to me the real issue is your pot's character.

 
At 12:03 AM, May 01, 2007, Anonymous said...

Hmmm...I think those who have posted on here have some interesting views, but I have to ask...what are you trying to give? Are you trying to go that extra degree...to go just a little bit further and care a little bit more...maybe think about what little more you can do to help show that you care...or are you lumping this with going 422 degrees instead? Do you think you have to press twice as hard to make that much more of a difference or can just a little bit make a difference? I've been thinking about 212 degrees since I got back. Instead of criticizing one of my subordinates, I took the time to show him how to do it right. Instead of chastizing someone who works for me, I chose to explain why I ask for what I do...That's an extra degree, but that extra degree may push the engine past the boiling point and get the locomotive moving. Just some thought for everyone...

 
At 9:49 AM, June 21, 2007, B said...

As a believer, I found the video fascinating. I personally took the "meat" of it and spit out the bones. I agree about the inherent selfishness of some of the examples used in the video and book (my mom sent me the book), but I also understand that we are supposed to "take up our crosses daily" for the good of the upbuilding of the Kingdom and Church. We are not in this alone, but we do have to live our own lives. Lance was part of a team, as is a race car driver and track star. They all have individual duties for the good of the team (baseball is a great example).

The video reminded me of how I am to be diligent, stedfast, unmoveable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. I need to do my part, but of course be led by God. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for this opportunity to comment.

 
At 11:21 AM, July 06, 2007, Anonymous said...

I think that you are missing the point of this film. Your comments are assuming that you are giving "101%" only in your work lives. I think this movie is getting to the point that we as humans inherently are tempted to take the easy way out and not give 100% whether it be in running or even in our faith. I see this movie as showing people, who with unbelievable focus, have achieved great things. Show me one person who has achieved greatness in all things and I'll argue he already died for us...that's it. So I take these great accomplishments and learn from them and use them to apply to all facets of my life....my family and faith being most important, but my career being up there as well. "I'm too tired to go out on a date with my wife" simply won't exist if you truly give 100%. Balance and diversity in life is key and I think God intended for us to enjoy our time on earth to its fullest...so why do we often settle for less than that??

Just my thoughts...

 
At 1:53 PM, August 22, 2007, Anonymous said...

You make an assumption that the video is saying work is your life. Your life encompasses much more than work or ministry. It includes your family, friends and on and on. The message is simply saying, can you give that extra effort in your life...for your family, friends, work, and for your personal needs?

It is unfortunate that so many will look at a messgage in such a narrow focus. Perhaps you could simply ask yourself if you are where you want in your life (not just work) and apply the "extra degree" to the area you feel is lacking or that could be better.

Best Wishes.

 
At 1:58 PM, August 22, 2007, Karl Bastian said...

I could not agree with you more!!!

 
At 9:21 PM, August 26, 2007, Anonymous said...

I was actually googling this video to find it and jumped to your sight. I think it's fascinating when Christians are so quick to jump to the negative. I think you can twist anything to apply it to your life in a negative or a positive way. Your thoughts and comments were interesting and very good points about how you apply the 212 degree theory. However, the first time I saw this at a work event I was immediately convicted because I felt it applied to my spiritual life. If I just gave a little bit more of that "nth" degree to my relationship with Christ, imagine how much stronger my walk could be.

Just a more positive less critical spin on the whole video.

 

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