My Personal Top 10 Favorite Blog Posts in 2010

Preface

During this holiday week, I thought I would share some of my favorite blog posts that I have written over the last year here on Rich Christian, Poor Christian. I believe these posts reflect some of my best writing and the most thought-provoking information that I have shared with my readers. Please note, this list includes my personal favorites, but they do not necessarily reflect the most popular posts according to pageview traffic. I'm saving those for my next post later in the week.

In order to read each post listed below in it's entirety, just click on the embedded links. So, without further delay, here are my top ten favorite posts [drum roll, please]:

Larry's Top 10 Favorite Blog Posts In 2010

10. Moving from good to great | Rinse your cottage cheese. Part 1 and Part 2. In this two-part post, I discuss the "rinse your cottage cheese" factor as described by Jim Collins in his business book Good to Great. In Part 1 of this post, I describe that the "rinse your cottage cheese" factor is a matter of extreme self-discipline. In Part 2, I apply this principle to the Christian life.

9. Creating an 80/20 Lifestyle - Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. This is a lengthy three-part post based on the book The 80/20 Principle, The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch. In Part 1, I introduce the Pareto Principle or 80/20 Rule as outlined in Mr. Koch's book and why this principle is important. In Part 2, I summarize Mr. Koch's thoughts in using the Pareto Principle in our time management, relationships, work, and money, as well as in expanding our happiness. In Part 3, I apply the Pareto Principle to the Christian life. I use Jesus as the ultimate example of the 80/20 lifestyle and what we can learn from how He lived on this earth. Through writing these three posts, I also made a personal connection with Mr. Koch, which was an incredible experience to communicate with him via email.

8. Are you telling a compelling story? Part 1 and Part 2. This is a lengthy two-part post based on the book A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Don Miller. In Part 1, I discuss the foundation of a good story, which is a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it. In order for a good story to evolve, transformation must take place. I vaguely allude to my own life story as an example. In Part 2, I use the principles of telling a compelling story and apply them to the 7 Investments of a life rich in Christ: worship, generosity, people, yourself, money, action, and attitude (faith).

7. The Gospel of Jesus revolves around generosity. Part 1 and Part 2. I really enjoyed writing these two posts because generosity is at the heart of living out the Christian life. In Part 1, I look at the beginning point of the generosity gospel of Jesus through the preaching of John the Baptist and apply John's teaching to the Christian life. In Part 2, I look at specific verses of Jesus' own teaching on money and living out a life of generosity. Jesus spoke a lot about money, and we as Christians would do well to follow what He teaches us.

6. Optimistic determination | Jackson and Crocker's automobile journey across America. I really enjoyed writing about this story for two reasons. One, because I love history. Two, because I think this is one of those truly great American stories. At the end of this story, I apply this principle of optimistic determination or "never give-up" attitude to the Christian life.

5. Show up for your part, and then allow God to do His part. I hate to admit this, I not only read but I also enjoyed the book Eat, Pray, Love by Liz Gilbert. In this post, I preface my commentary in stating that I do not agree with Ms. Gilbert's spirituality. She has never claimed to be a Christ-follower, but in spite of this fact, we can still learn important life principles from the lives of unbelievers, as long as we filter those principles through the teaching of God's Word.

4. Struggling in a Tough Economy? | 7 Reasons to Walk by Faith. In this post, I give some practical, Biblical advice for believers who are going through financial difficulties in our current economic climate here in the United States. I was made aware by a couple of my readers that they circulated this post with some of their family and friends. I am humbled and give praise to my Lord and my God that He could use this post to bring encouragement to other believers who are experiencing real trials in their financial situation.

3. Considering the Tithe as a Baseline Metric for Giving. Whether people like it or not, the concept of the tithe or giving 10% is all throughout Scripture, including pre-law and post-law. Granted, in the New Testament it is only mentioned a couple of times, but my personal belief is that 10% is a very "doable" beginning place for giving back to God's Kingdom. Can we as comparatively wealthy American Christians really consider ourselves generous givers if we are giving below the percentage level of 10%? God has blessed us with great wealth, not to spend on our own selfish, temporal desires, but rather in order to build-up His Kingdom while we live here on this earth.

2. 7 Practical Ways to Give to the Poor. I don't think there's anything more satisfying to a blogger than to have an impact on people's thinking and actions. A friend of mine on Facebook wrote me a rather lengthy online comment on how this post moved him to action in his own life in seeking out ways to help those who are less fortunate around him. Again, I give God all the praise, honor, and glory for using my writing to have an impact for God's Kingdom.

1. Is desiring to be rich, evil? My #1 favorite post in 2010 was actually my written response to an email question that I received from one of my blog readers. I gave this reader 13 Biblically-based thoughts to consider in a desire for wealth. In my personal opinion, this is some of my best, God-inspired writing on a Christian's desire for financial wealth.

So, out of my personal Top 10 list, do you have a favorite post that spoke to you or that God used in your life? Feel free to leave me a comment below and tell me your story. I'd love to hear it.