I got a new phone on Friday (HTC DIAMOND TOUCH PRO).  One of my favorite features is that it has a slide out QWERTY keyboard.  No longer will I have to do the multiple tapping thing when trying to type….yeah.

However the whole QWERTY keyboard configuration reminds me of the “Aslan Phenomenon” and I hope by explaining it you will be challenged to change some things in your life.  First here’s what it is…

1. We make rules or invent something based on reasons that make a lot of sense.
2. We follow these rules.
3. Time passes by and things change.
4. The original reasons for the rules or invention no longer apply or exist but yet we keep doing it anyway.

This leads to the QWERTY keyboard configuration.  In the 1870’s the leading manufacturer of typewriters was getting a lot of complaints by customers because the keys were sticking when you typed too fast.  The solution was to slow typists down by designing a keyboard configuration that forced you to use your weaker fingers to type some of the most common letters.  Thus the QWERTY configuration was implemented and the problem was solved.

The only problem is this…that was in the 1870’s…this is 2009…we no longer have a problem of keys sticking together…technology has changed…yet we’re still using the QWERTY system which slows us down unneccisarily.  In other words the rules/reasons no longer apply but yet we still use the old logic.

I see this same thing happen in churches all the time.  A rule, ministry or method was started for a legitimate reason at one point but now it’s only being done/followed because, “That’s the way we’ve always done it”.  It’s then that unfortunately tradition many times trumps effectiveness and thus the person or entire organization suffers.

So how about for you?  In your personal life, business or organization, where is the “Aslan Phenomenon” holding you back?