Sacrifice not Suffering

  We really do often get things the wrong way round. First we don't define spiritual words according to scripture but use worldly definitions which often are completely contrary to scripture, which should be our basis if we are defining spiritual words. And we often attribute negative or painful definitions rather than looking at the word from God's perspective. My case in point... sacrifice.

  Sacrifice, according to Webster, is: "the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone." Another definition from Webster states, "...to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially for an ideal, belief, or end." Now.. doesn't that just make you want to sacrifice? I think not. Look at the definition - give up something you want. The reason - to get something else. It is only belatedly stated as: to help someone. Really! Makes sacrifice to be a self-serving act, doesn't it? 

  However, when you look at the scriptural definition we find a different approach and definition. God speaking in Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." Matthew 9:13 Jesus tells us, "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinner to repentance." This is an entirely different mindset. The world definition is deprivation but the spiritual is focused on inclusion and gain.

  I won't argue that, at times, sacrifice does include 'giving up' something you consider of value. But... for what reason? To suffer? Suffer what? Scripture is clear in that the Lord desires mercy and not sacrifice. I am not disparaging sacrifice, but I would suggest putting it in the proper context and definition... and this cannot be done outside of knowing what the Father's word says. Somehow I've never read that 'suffering' is part of the definition. 

Curious

  Is 'curious' a word that defines who you are? Do you look for discoveries and adventures? And... if not, why not? Being curious can be strictly an intellectual adventure. It can be a wondering about (fill in the blank). It can also be an actual hands on, outside the box action, which typically can be great fun. If you are the curious type then you tend to look at life and everything that is involved in that word slightly differently than the norm. But is this all bad?

  'What if' and 'I wonder...' characterize the curious. If it's always been done in a particular way, the curious types would wonder if there isn't an even better way to (fill in the blank). The word 'adventure' is closely aligned with curious. But most important is how you react - do you seek or run from the way of interacting with your world? Are you concerned that the adventure will shatter, or at least question your status quo? It will. Do you embrace 'curious' for you, share it with others or tightly hold it? 

  Our attitudes about these words will indicate how (if) we approach them. Do remember that none of this means walking into places that even angels won't tread. For me these words introduce me to something I didn't know before, or remind me of previous learnings that I had merely filed away. Curious and adventures can be solo or can be with others. As for control - you are in the unknown which gives you the option to enter in to the adventure or not, but forget about control.

  Adventures can relate to anything, and everything. A quiet walk in the woods can turn into an adventure... as can a walk on city streets. Adventures can be 'planned' or spontaneous and both have the same result: something new, something different. Whether the adventure is quiet, noisy, peaceful, energetic, with others, alone it will be full of wonder, of remembering. The life of an adventurer is truly bursting with discovery. And... presupposing you can laugh at yourself, quite a lot of chuckles.

Second

  Coming in second. Is there a worse feeling? Granted it depends... on your level of competitiveness, on the 'prize', if there is any reward for coming in second, and if you felt it was a fair contest. But it still remains that you have to deal with everything that accompanies being second - especially your feelings about yourself. And never forget that you will be watched by others as to how you handle not winning.

  Being highly competitive really places an extra burden when it comes to not winning. I should know. This definitely described me, especially my school years. I have to acknowledge that this did not emanate from my parents, their mantra was always - do the best you can, that's all that can be expected or wanted. However, I was never particularly happy unless I was 'winning', especially in intellectual pursuits. Not sure why. Was it the 'prize', even if that was only an acknowledgement and not a trophy? Was it the accolade? And yet, none of those were the reasons. I think it was that I thought I should win because I worked for it. 

  No, I wasn't a sore loser - I was more irritated with myself. It did become a stimulus to work harder and that's a positive - it became an impetus. The only time this isn't 'good' is when it adds stress to one's life. I don't really think I got into the stress thing. The point remains that HOW one responds to not winning is a measure of our character. My belief is that at the end of the day, regardless of what has happened, it always is our character that remains.

  Second is only 'bad' when we really haven't done all we could, regardless of the prize. Actually what can be really uncomfortable is when we haven't done our best and we actually win - it seems 'false' or deceptive to accept any prize. Second should be viewed as: it really isn't possible to be-first-in-all-things-at-all-times-and-'against'-all-comers. IF you are competing against yourself and your previous attainment, then the mindset is different and coming in second is with yourself. 

  

  

  

In Defense of Positive

  This is in defense of those who believe in and then speak and act positively. Context and description: those who have this mindset do not see life through rose colored glasses or pie in the sky, aren't illogical, are not hypocrites, or any other negatively based description. Instead they choose to look at life and problems from a glass half full perspective and for the silver lining in those times of stress and potential defeat, because that may be the way to resolving (fill in the blank). Calling things that are, in difficult types of situations rarely gets us to development of a proactive and innovative response. Those with a positive frame of reference aren't denying what is, they simply choose to move beyond.

  Positive types are often dismissed by others as naive or taking a too simplistic view. And what can be extremely irritating is that other's opinions won't sway them from how they choose to interact with the world. They have chosen a proactive way of working with their world rather than always charging windmills or blaming. But isn't this a less stressful way, not less creative, of interacting? It really isn't a 'giving-up-because-you-can't-change anything' frame of reference but it is considering what is and looking at what is available to resolve (fill in the blank).

  I have to ask - what is wrong with this approach? What is a better way of living in the world? Looking at problems from a point of view that looks only at loss or lack, doesn't appear to be effective. Likewise, in the resolution phase, everyone knows the issue/problem but do they also see the potential? 'Positive' isn't into denial or ignoring what is but it focuses on creative, out of the box solutions. Does the opposite do the same? They can and some do but attitude during these times can be crucial.

 One must first believe in the 'positive' before you can consistently speak and act positively. A false bravado is easy to spot and has no foundation so without a strong belief in whatever you are doing and saying, there will be no substance, and without a foundation one typically falls flat on one's face. Because if you don't believe there is little chance that others will join you. 

Human

  "We're only human." Yes... your point? Let's face it - it's always used as an excuse. Why? Doesn't everyone know this? Of course. Then why say it? I believe it's because we need to explain why something that didn't work in the way it was thought... didn't. Or as a kind of 'apology' for what was/wasn't said or done. Is this an understandable response? It's at least an oft used one. But being 'human' is not an excuse, it is a statement that should never be made lightly.

     "Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our 
      likeness... And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,
      and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became
      a living being." (Genesis 1:26, 2:7)

  This is no little thing. This is momentous! Look again at what is said - made in Our image, likeness; formed of the dust of the ground; breathed into; a living being. Do you see how wondrous this is? Actually the question should be, when will man (including woman) become that which he was created to be and do? The God of the Universe decided that He would make man in His likeness and breathed into us life! When will we stop believing a lie? We are Human and that's a wonderful 'status'. 

  Yes... we are human. Yes... we make mistakes. And Yes... we are also kind and happy and helpful and ... Ultimately you should celebrate that you are human - open to correction, positive in your allegiance to your Creator, and overly delighted that you are able, through Him who strengthens you. Never compromise who you are and what you are designed to do. God has chosen to work with and through us. To me, this is a statement and badge of honor.

  As long as you embrace that You are a child of God, then you have a living Hope within you. As long as you have accepted Jesus as Lord, then you are His workmanship created for good works. It's because you are Human that you are able to be all that you can be. You are always a living being... it's your choice as to what this means.

Today... Tomorrow

   "Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today." (Thomas Jefferson) That comment was something of a hallmark as I was growing up. Not that I always heeded this, but it is a saying that tends to stay in your thoughts, many times unbidden. Actually it is sound advice because this focuses you/I on now, today rather than procrastinating away today's opportunity. I think we all tend to get caught up in what was and planning for tomorrow, rather than... seizing the day.

  'Seize the day' (Horace) is a phrase that tends to spark a strong reaction in the speaker and listener. The  definition is that we are - "to grasp suddenly and forcibly; take or grab; to grasp with the mind, apprehend; seize an idea and develop it to the fullest extent..." I think you can easily understand the strength and purpose behind such an action. Effort and time is not wasted - or lost. For me, I like to concentrate on the last part of the definition - seize and develop an idea. 

  When you concentrate on (fill in the blank) you elevate not only what you are focused on but your time and energy in order to accomplish... You really can't decide to concentrate - tomorrow. Or to 'do' - tomorrow. There are certain 'things' that are now, today, immediate. If the subject is truly a tomorrow issue and does not need any attention today, then let it wait. But... if you are only putting 'it' off because you don't want or know how to resolve 'it' then avoidance won't accomplish anything.

  Perhaps the point is to discover you own, individual way of responding to 'not putting off' and 'seizing'. However, another perspective is to look at each day as a special gift from God. He is providing you with a time in which to be and do who you are destined to be. Each day is your personal invitation to become your best you and only at the end of the day, if you haven't done all you wanted, to remember that tomorrow will come. 

Small scale

   I am absolutely positive that these 2 words used together were never part of my father's vocabulary. I'm not completely confident that he even knew what they looked liked let alone meant. Example... we were a family of 4 and tomatoes were a popular ingredient. Most families would have 5-7 plants but not my father. He believed in the 'more is better' philosophy so if we had less than 100 plants of at least 5 varieties, he would not be happy.

   Another example... you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the boy could easily be applied to Dad. He didn't grow up on a farm, his father was a railroad engineer, so I'm not certain where he got this love. At one point he owned 2 farms (both purchased from his uncles), the side of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and another land purchase. My brother and my growing up included many, many, many trips to the garden at one of the farms.

   The point in all this is that my Dad's approach to life (never small scale) was passed on. There seems to be a mindset in farmers that is always upbeat, positive, and never gives up that became part of my brother and my mindset. It was enhanced by my mother who never saw a problem that was beyond solving. This, to me, is a blessing because their thinking forms a mindset foundation that is extremely strong.  

   However... you do realize that 'size' is individually defined? What may be enormous to you may not be all that overwhelming to someone else. My point is that this is the point - what's true for you, is your standard and it doesn't need to be someone else; nor do you need to change yours because it doesn't 'fit' your abilities and interests. You do, though, need to know your definition. But never allow your vision of size defeat you - you may be stronger, brighter, more equipped than you realize. You'll never know what you can accomplish hiding behind what is never attempted.

"you get what you pay for" and value

  I just read a Kay Arthur post on Facebook that said - "Anything worth having costs something". Absolutely! I've always believed this and it's lovely to see that I'm not alone. Maybe I'm just suspicious, but getting something for nothing has never made sense. It had to have cost someone something for me to 'get mine' but isn't that 'wrong'? Regardless, exactly how much value do you place on the things that cost you nothing, that are handed to you? Probably very little.

  There's always a sense of accomplishment, of satisfaction when you've worked hard for something and been rewarded with success. You've attained something as a result of your efforts that, though there may be some material increase, the true meaning was how you felt about your endeavors - it enhanced how you viewed you. And, while it cost you, the value was worth the effort. I'm sure you know these times and aren't they more valuable?

  Cost is not defined specifically because it can be emotionally, economically, your time, your resources, etc. Admittedly, though, it often is in terms of money. Webster - " the price of something, the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something..." However, it is also defined as - "something that is lost, damaged, or given up in order to achieve or get something." This latter definition is the one that, to me, is the most important. When we give up (fill in the blank) in order to achieve or get something else, then the value of the new is also increased. If it doesn't cost you anything then how much value do you give to what you received? 

  If you ask, how can I reconcile this view with the fact that when we accept the Lord we aren't asked to do, to be but to come, 'just as we are'. This is incorrect, in my thinking, because when we come, just as we are, we bring all of us. This is what we 'pay', what the cost is - our complete and total allegiance. Granted this is a growing awareness and surrender, but we do give all and receive so much more. The value is... priceless.

The little, unimportant?

  Do you find yourself saying that 'you won't/wouldn't bother God about (fill in the blank) because it really isn't all that important... it's just a little thing?' I did. The more I've grown in my walk with the Lord and the more I begin to grasp WHO He is and what kind of relationship He wants, I have come to realize that those areas I've classified as 'little' or insignificant are thoughts that are totally and completely false and misleading. One could argue that this thinking comes straight from the pit and probably wouldn't be too far off the mark. Then again, the last thing that the devil would want is for us to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Granted he never wants us to be born again but the last thing he wants is for us to become effective Christians.

   Far too often we rob ourselves by not turning to the Lord with the 'small' as well as the big problems and invite Him into the resolution. Actually, it is the small problems that demonstrate His involvement. It is the large problems that indicate His power in resolving the big issues of our lives but the small ones are important too because they demonstrate His care. We should never forget the scripture that tells us -  
       "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
        you rest." (Matthew 11:28) 
There is also more, v. 29-30, 
       "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly
        in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy 
        and My burden is light."

  If we are to turn to Him, He tells us that He will give us rest. Does this mean He takes 'it' away from us, that whatever the problem is, big or small, due to our own 'fault' or someone else, we can now go merrily on our way? Somehow I don't think so. When it is temptation we are facing, Hebrews 4: 15-16 and 7:25 tells us that we have someone (Jesus) who understands this and will help us find a way through our problem.

  The next two verses (29-30) tell us that we are to: 1- take His yoke and 2 - learn from Him. This is also telling us of His nature (gentle and lowly) and that His yoke is easy and the burden is light. I immediately saw the word, learn, in big bold letters. We are never unaffected by problems and issues but one of our opportunities and responsibilities is to learn from the situation. And none of this is little or unimportant.

Intentional

   This is a word that I never use lightly. It is a mindset, it's how I attempt to approach my day - sometimes successfully, sometimes not so much. You? Do you try and act and speak with forethought. Or are you more of the 'que sera sera' type - one who acts and speaks uncensored and unthinking? OK a bit harsh and one of those two 'states' doesn't imply or assume the other. My point is that we need to be intentional about what we do and say and that mindset does not impact on being spontaneous.

  Obviously 'intentional' seems to assume purposeful, but what else does it presume? Webster describes the word as: "conscious, deliberate, intended, knowing, purposeful, willful, voluntary..." And I stopped at this synonym - voluntary. Thus being intentional is a voluntary but willful decision. One is never accidentally or unknowingly or unconsciously - intentional. You are intentional in your words and actions because that is what you intend.

  So if you're not intentional in your actions and words, by definition you must be unintentional. Webster says that this means, 'not', opposite of, contrary to the base word. So this behavior is also mindful, willful but is simply the opposite of the root word. Since 'intend' means to plan or want to do, the unintentional means you plan or want to do the opposite. From this basis being 'unintentional' holds all the responsibility that intentional does and really isn't unthinking. Yes? Obviously this slightly tongue-in-cheek discussion is meant to make all of us aware that being intentional is about the focus rather than just the behavior.

  Regardless, it would seem that we would always want the result we 'intend' so to ignore an intentionality (should be a word) is self-defeating.  If we truly want to accomplish (fill in the blank) then in order to reach success we need to do what needs to be done rather than to sit back and hope everything works out. I tend to believe that intentional is really a behavior word, it is something we do.