130.5K
Downloads
1534
Episodes
Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
The David Alliance
Garth Heckman
Five Ways the Bible Talks About Being a High Performer
1. Introduction: Defining "High Performance" Biblically
The concept of "high performance" in contemporary society often centers on exceptional achievements, maximizing productivity, and gaining recognition within one's field. To understand how the Bible addresses this concept, it is necessary to consider its unique perspective, which frequently prioritizes underlying motivations, foundational principles, and a measure of success rooted in a divine worldview. The biblical perspective on high performance is likely more comprehensive than a purely outcome-driven secular viewpoint. It appears to integrate aspects of moral character and spiritual development alongside tangible achievements. The user's query and the related research areas touch upon ethical and spiritual dimensions such as integrity, worship, and service, in addition to practical considerations like diligence and skill. This suggests that the Bible presents a multifaceted understanding of what it means to perform at a high level. Furthermore, grasping the biblical concept of high performance necessitates an examination of not only the nature of the work itself but also the underlying reasons for undertaking it and the manner in which it is executed. The inclusion of "worship or service to God" and "stewardship" in the research areas directly indicates the significance of motivation and the quality of performance within the Bible's framework of achievement.
2. Diligence and Wholehearted Effort: The Foundation of Biblical Achievement
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is the significance of diligence, hard work, and the avoidance of laziness in all endeavors. This emphasis is particularly evident in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as the book of Proverbs, and is consistently reinforced in the teachings and exhortations found in the New Testament epistles. Proverbs offers practical insights into various facets of life, including the intrinsic value of hard work in attaining prosperity and preventing destitution. Verses like, "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich" (Proverbs 10:4) and "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied" (Proverbs 13:4) provide a stark contrast between the outcomes of a diligent and a slothful approach to life. The well-known analogy of the ant in Proverbs 6:6-11 serves as a compelling illustration of the wisdom inherent in proactive and persistent labor, highlighting the importance of preparing for the future without needing constant supervision. Even James says faith without works is dead… works is a central theme. And works as in hard work or diligent work is a solid theme in scripture.
A central passage in this regard is Colossians 3:23-24 , which urges believers to "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," thereby transforming even the most ordinary tasks into acts of worship. Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 encourages followers of Christ to lead quiet lives, attend to their responsibilities, and engage in manual labor to achieve self-sufficiency and earn the respect of those outside the faith. The principle articulated in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , stating that "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat," underscores the fundamental necessity of work for one's provision. Furthermore, Ephesians 4:28 advocates for honest labor as a means not only of self-support but also of enabling generosity towards those in need. Ecclesiastes 9:10 advises individuals to pursue their tasks with utmost vigor, recognizing the cessation of earthly activities in the afterlife. The very example of God, who worked in creation (Genesis 2:15 ) and continues to work (John 5:17 ), sets a divine precedent for the importance of labor.
Diligence honors God.
3. Wisdom, Skill, and Continuous Learning: Cultivating God-Given Talents
The Bible underscores the significance of wisdom, skill, and the ongoing acquisition of knowledge as they relate to one's vocation or calling. The book of Proverbs, in particular, frequently extols the virtues of wisdom and understanding.Proverbs 2:6 explicitly states that "the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding," establishing God as the ultimate source of these invaluable qualities. Furthermore, Proverbs 4:7 advises, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding," highlighting the necessity of actively pursuing these attributes. Proverbs 22:29 recognizes the inherent value of skill ("skillful in his work") and its potential to elevate individuals to positions of influence.
Skills and talents, as demonstrated in the Bible, are frequently presented as divine gifts, intended to be acknowledged and utilized for God's purposes.
4. Integrity and Excellence as Worship: Reflecting God's Character in Work
The Bible places immense importance on integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in all facets of life, including one's professional endeavors. Proverbs 11:3 affirms that "The integrity of the upright guides them," underscoring the directive nature of moral uprightness. Proverbs 28:6 further emphasizes this by stating, "Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse," thus valuing integrity above material wealth.
When work is performed with unwavering integrity and to the absolute best of one's abilities, it transcends mere task completion and can be rightly viewed as an act of worship and dedicated service to God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides the overarching directive: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This principle inherently extends to all forms of labor and professional conduct.
5. Service and Contribution: Measuring Performance Through Love for Others
A central tenet of biblical teaching is the profound importance of serving others as a tangible demonstration of love and a fundamental aspect of following the example set by Jesus himself. Matthew 23:11 clearly states, "The greatest among you will be your servant," directly inverting the world's typical understanding of power and hierarchical status. Mark 10:45 articulates Jesus' core mission: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
6. Faithfulness and Perseverance: The Enduring Qualities of a High Performer
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:7 , reflects on his own life, stating that he had "fought the good fight," "finished the race," and "kept the faith," thereby emphasizing the paramount importance of enduring to the very end of one's calling. Hebrews 12:1-2 further exhorts believers to run the metaphorical race of faith with unwavering endurance, maintaining a steadfast focus on Jesus Christ. The Bible itself presents God's own faithfulness as the ultimate and unwavering example for believers to emulate, and as the very source of strength that enables them to persevere.
7. Conclusion: Integrating Biblical Principles for a Life of High Performance
In synthesizing the various ways the Bible addresses the concept of high performance, five key interconnected principles emerge: diligence and wholehearted effort, the cultivation of wisdom and skill, the pursuit of integrity and excellence as acts of worship, a commitment to serving others, and the enduring qualities of faithfulness and perseverance. Ultimately, biblical high performance is not about accumulating wealth or gaining worldly recognition but about living a life that is deeply pleasing to God, pleasing to his church and has a lasting, positive impact on His kingdom for eternity.
Are you a high performer? Simply ask yourself daily: am I living a life that is pleasing God, pleasing his church and has an eternal impact. If yes… then you are in fact a high performer!
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
THE DAVID ALLIANCE
Garth Heckman
Ever shoot a roll of film and not have film in the camera… I know this world in 2025 probably most of you have no idea what that was like, but it happened a few times to me….
I sent some boys out in a car to take pictures of street names that would tell a story… 30 plus miles all over the city of Madison… it took them a good 4 hours… they came back and had no film in the camera… BUMMER.
Its not the subject, or the film or even the skill level that makes a great shot…
If you take a camera and smudge the lens
If you keep the cap on it
If you choose not to focus it
If you shoot it in the dark without light
If you take pictures of just one color or one object up close…
Upon his retirement as CEO of the Coca-cola Company Donald R. Keough spoke
to the graduating class of Emory (1993). To those young men and women who
would soon be facing a very tough and critical world, he said, "I have an
architect friend who says, 'I can take the newest building, built by the
finest builders anywhere in the world, and if you give me a camera and the
ability to focus various lenses, I can make that building look like it's
about to fall down because I will find five or six minor imperfections,
focus on them and convince you that the entire structure is about to
topple.'"
The point is clear… whatever you focus on is what you will see and what you will find.
Now in photography focus has two thoughts. One the camera itself needs to be in focus, but also the subject matter that you choose to focus on to take a picture of is critical.
Phil. 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Isn’t it interesting that twice in this passage it says if you want to have peace in your life, it all depends on what you focus on. Focus on what is true… well thats hard in todays world…
Are cold plunge baths good or bad…
Are eggs good or bad
Is Carnivore good or bad…
But beyond this… focus on what is true according to scripture, focus on what is lovely, admirable excellent praiseworthy… THINK on these things and you will have Gods peace.
What you focus on is what you will focus on… and it will either bring unrest or peace.
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
How many questions do children ask a day, some say over 1200 questions a day…
They learn best by play.
They have a natural tendency to laugh. They can grow rapidly… literally an inch over night. They can learn multiple languages 10 times faster than adults. Every kid feels like they are an artist and creative….
How honest are kids? Brutally honest.
Based on key passages in the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus and Paul, here are three ways believers are encouraged to be like children:
- In Humility: Jesus explicitly links becoming like a child to humility and greatness in God's kingdom. Children in that culture had very low social status and were dependent, not seeking power or position.
- Scripture: Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV): "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child 1 [or humbles themselves like this child] is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" 1. www.worldvision.org
www.worldvision.org - Meaning: Believers should abandon pride, self-importance, and the quest for status, instead adopting a humble dependence on God, recognizing their need for Him just as a child depends on a parent.
- In Trust and Receptivity: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God must be received with the simple, trusting faith of a child. Children often trust readily and accept gifts freely without feeling they need to earn them or fully understand them.
- Scripture: Mark 10:15 (NIV): "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Parallel in Luke 18:17)
- Meaning: Believers should approach God and His offer of salvation with simple, open-hearted trust, accepting His grace as a gift without relying on their own merits or overly complex reasoning. It implies a dependence on God's goodness and provision.
- In Innocence Regarding Evil: The Apostle Paul distinguishes between mature thinking and child-like innocence concerning malice and evil intentions. While believers should be mature in understanding, they should retain a child's lack of guile and ill will.
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to malice be infants, but in your thinking be adults."
- Meaning: Believers should strive to be innocent of plotting evil, holding grudges, or engaging in malicious behavior, much like an infant who is incapable of such things. It calls for purity of heart and intention.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com
My media channels all go to Garth Heckman
Who can you trust more than anyone? I have to say I can trust my Father and Mother more than anyone else in the world… more than my wife, kids, best friend… why? They have the longest track record with me… They have impeccable trust with me for almost 59 years and 10 months.. by the way, thats how old I am.
Who can you trust more than anyone else in the world… some might say themselves… but thats not true because if you say you believe in Christ… and you don’t always follow him, then you can’t trust yourself… but what happens when you don’t live a life of trust and integrity? ITS A FALL OUT!
Gen. 27
15 Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16 She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. 17 Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.
We see right now every person in this story right now is revealed as a deception… none of them trusted one another and worse they did not trust God!
The Gucci’s - The Joneses, The Smiths,
*If you don’t trust God to lead your family you are telling them not to trust you as the Father or Mother.
Remember the quote I use all the time when I was racing my kids.
If you tell the truth all the time I will trust you all the time…
If you tell me the truth just some of the time I can only trust you….. NEVER.
Hey whoever you are out there. If your inner circle wether its your wife, husband, kids, co-workers or just your close friends… if they see you truly trying to hear God and trust him and do his will they will immense trust in you and immense respect for you.- even if you fail a few times at hearing his voice.
Isaac does not trust God… and it rubs off on his wife. Now Rebekah does not trust God… and it rubs off on her boys… so now Esau and Jacob don’t trust God… but what is worse is becasue of that - none of them trust God.
What a terrible family to live in… a family where no one trusts each other or God.
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
The David Alliance
Garth Heckman
There is no chance, favor, haphazardness, specialness, calling, blessing, or deserving of a Godly life.
What do I mean. When you look at someone who is Godly, has a solid marriage, financially secure, Godly kids and grandkids, They have Godly character, integrity and values… they ooze the presence of the Holy Spirit… no matter what hits them they just handle it like a boss, like an unmovable mountain of faith… they stay focused and locked in no matter what..
This doesn’t just happen… you don’t earn it, you are not born with it, you are not favored any more than anyone else.
So how does one become a great guitar player… wait what?
Or how about a great investor?
Or how does one become a great writer?
How does one become a master carpenter?
You have a simple formula…
Time, training, Test…
TIME
You have to spend time in that field…
You don’t just become a great artist because you choose to do it and that day… boom its you. Or guitar player or writer, or investor or MAN OF GOD. You have to put in the time. What does "10,000-hour rule," popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers, suggests that 10,000 hours of practice are needed to achieve mastery in any field.
Training is fundamental. If you spend 10,000 hours learning under bad training or teaching it don’t matter… you will still not achieve your best. I want to become a great preacher, speaker, communicator. So I write pages every week. I study great speakers and orators. I study great comedians and their delivery. I study the etymology behind my words. I train, I study, I work. I grade my talks, sermons, speeches etc… I hope I am harder on me than anyone else. And I ask others to rate my level of training.
Finally I know you have to be tested. Now here is the kicker.. you have to find ways to test yourself. You have to put yourself in areas where you are pushed. If you are a writer, you hadn’t in your material to publishers, you have people read it, you have other authors critique it. If you are an investor you put your own money in the market after your time and training. If you are an artist you see what your work will sell for? There are always opportunities to test your abilities.
So back to becoming a man of God…
Time, training and testing…
How much time are you in the word of God, at church involved in ministries, in prayer, in small groups, in accountability groups.
How much training teaching and learning are you doing. Is it quality training and teaching. Is it from a qualified instructor, pastor, teacher. Are you going to a church that challenges you to learn and not just tickle your ears. Sometimes we don’t put ourselves around those who will push us, expect more from us.
And finally test. Test your faith by sharing your faith. Sharing your opinions from a biblical perspective. Evangelism, prayer for the lost in the open market, on the street etc… Making the right decision when its tough, confessing your sins when its uncomfortable, being the head of the household and a godly husband, tithing and even giving above and beyond when you don’t feel like you have it.
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
What are the marks of a man in history?
Across the globe, various cultures have developed unique and often intense rituals to mark a young male's transition into manhood. These rites of passage serve to test physical and mental fortitude, impart cultural knowledge, and solidify the individual's place within the community. Here are a few examples:
- Amazonian Tribes (e.g., Sateré-Mawé):
- A particularly grueling ritual involves the "bullet ant glove." Young men must wear gloves filled with hundreds of highly venomous bullet ants, enduring excruciating pain to demonstrate their strength and resilience.
- Ethiopian Tribes (e.g., Hamar):
- The "bull-jumping" ceremony requires young men to leap across the backs of several cattle, proving their agility and courage.
- Pacific Islands (e.g., Vanuatu):
- "Land diving" involves young men jumping from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, a dangerous feat that tests their bravery.
- Australian Aboriginal Cultures:
- "Walkabout" is a traditional journey where young men venture into the wilderness for extended periods, learning survival skills and cultural knowledge.
- Various African Cultures:
- Circumcision rituals are common, symbolizing the transition from boyhood to manhood.
- There are also many cultures that have rituals that include periods of isolation, where the young men are taught the traditional laws, and history of their people.
- Jewish Culture:
- The Bar Mitzvah, at age 13, marks a young man's religious coming-of-age, signifying his responsibility to observe Jewish law.
These rituals often involve:
- Physical endurance: Tests of strength, pain tolerance, and survival skills.
- Spiritual or ceremonial elements: Rituals that connect the individual to their cultural heritage and beliefs.
- Community recognition: Public ceremonies that acknowledge the young man's new status within the group.
- Instruction and knowledge transfer: Older men imparting essential skills and cultural wisdom to the initiates.
It's important to approach these cultural practices with respect and understanding, recognizing their significance within their respective communities.
What are my three marks of a man in todays world? Here are the three I think are relevant for your society.
Save your virginity until marriage
Serve others as a lifestyle
Evangelize the lost - tell others about Jesus
Why these three?
They do three things…
Evangelism: It challenges you to learn. You must learn scripture, learn how to read people. Learn how to share the gospel with differing people, belief systems and environments. Learn how to answer questions that have a biblical backing, loving in nature and make God look good. And how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Servanthood. It challenges you to live outside your world and the worlds view (its all about me - its all about what my eyes want, my soul wants, my appetites want, what my pride wants… servanthood crushes that)
One should monthly - and honestly more than once a month… but you should be serving in a capacity where you help others less fortunate than you. There are dozens of areas… food pantry, boys club, Prison ministry, Tutor kids, babysit for single parents, visit a nursing home, Go hand out sandwiches to the homeless, help your church in some serving role, houses for humanity, work at a pet shelter… And part of serving is giving your money and not just your time.
They challenge you to learn discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit to tame your most powerful, lustful and fleshly desires. If you can’t tame your sex drive you will never fully be able to serve God with all your heart. It is the proving ground of truly wanting to be a man of God - more than evangelism and servanthood. If a girl/woman wants to marry a Christian man and he cannot handle is sex drive than he is simply confessing through his actions that his fleshly desires are more important than God and his word.
Sunday Mar 30, 2025