I remember a time early in my college 'career' when I came to the conclusion that these were two incredibly important concepts, at least for me. In many ways I think they have directed me throughout my life, at least I hope so. I also remember a banner I made for my college room - it was on a yellow canvas cloth background with the words: Be your who, Do your what. Not necessarily an easy standard to live by but it was often(?) the basis on which I did make decisions... probably subconsciously.
I still believe that whether it is consciously determined or not, we all direct our lives according to some internal standard that makes sense to us. Hopefully, the words are a positive influence and ones that are embolden us to act on what we say we believe. In my world of definitions, those two words can't be separated because they define one another. You really can't Be who you are and not Do what you do. And you can't Do what you do without a basis of your Be, who you are. Circular - yes.
I do not believe that we have been created to be mindless, to act only on instinct. Why would we be given a brain if not to use it? Why would we spend as much time as we do trying to learn and understand if it wasn't to 'utilize' this to form our mindset, our frame of reference? Scripture tells us that we have been wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14). I interpret this to me that we shouldn't throw ourselves away... nor anyone else. If we are known by Who created us, God (Genesis 1:28), then we have a fantastic beginning with an incredible future.
Too often we tend to give in to a negative view of ourselves or others - but that does not come from our Creator. Why believe the lie? Why act on the lie? It may take all the courage we can muster to Be and Do, but it is within our DNA to do this. The Father was telling us in every word of scripture Who we are, What we are capable of accomplishing, Why we are here, and that He would be with us in the process. All we need Do is Be.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
It's Relative???
Right - Wrong? Yes - No? Good - Bad? A blend of diametrically opposed opposites? Is everything relative? Is there NO standard? Is the whole world 'wrong' in this view or is it only me? I find the shifting sands of definitions extremely taxing. And I don't even want to think about 'political correctness'. Lately, I've come to believe that the important consideration is what I'll do in this world of changing descriptions, definitions, and 'standards'. Not only 'what do I believe', but am I willing to act on this - realizing that my actions may not be acceptable in our world?
This isn't so much an issue of not knowing or not understanding, but a stand for what is believed. It is also a willingness to accept the ramifications that occur because of acting on one's beliefs. If my tune is from a different drummer, will I stand with this or point fingers that it really isn't my fault? Will I 'own' what I believe and stand on, or will I accept the cop out that everything is relative? Is 'relative' only another word for it doesn't matter? In the final analysis, it is my decision and it is my standard.
The scripture that directs me is: "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Those words were spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:37 and should end any argument. It doesn't though because we all tend to complicate things and get into the circular argument that it could depend on the situation... or people... or... My argument would be that there would be less miscommunication and mixed messages if we all did follow the direction that Jesus gave. I suspect that the underlying reason really is one that we don't want to appear to be 'wrong' or we're people pleasers or worse - both.
One question I need to ask me is am I willing, however and whoever defines 'right' and 'wrong', to act on what I believe (not just think it)? Another question is, would there ever be a reason for me to change my tenet? My answers to these questions also defines my character. And I also believe that ultimately, when or if every 'thing' is stripped away, the only thing you own is your character. Character is important and defines relativity (if only to you and how you respond to it).
This isn't so much an issue of not knowing or not understanding, but a stand for what is believed. It is also a willingness to accept the ramifications that occur because of acting on one's beliefs. If my tune is from a different drummer, will I stand with this or point fingers that it really isn't my fault? Will I 'own' what I believe and stand on, or will I accept the cop out that everything is relative? Is 'relative' only another word for it doesn't matter? In the final analysis, it is my decision and it is my standard.
The scripture that directs me is: "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Those words were spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:37 and should end any argument. It doesn't though because we all tend to complicate things and get into the circular argument that it could depend on the situation... or people... or... My argument would be that there would be less miscommunication and mixed messages if we all did follow the direction that Jesus gave. I suspect that the underlying reason really is one that we don't want to appear to be 'wrong' or we're people pleasers or worse - both.
One question I need to ask me is am I willing, however and whoever defines 'right' and 'wrong', to act on what I believe (not just think it)? Another question is, would there ever be a reason for me to change my tenet? My answers to these questions also defines my character. And I also believe that ultimately, when or if every 'thing' is stripped away, the only thing you own is your character. Character is important and defines relativity (if only to you and how you respond to it).
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Caretaker or Owner
How do you view your role and responsibility in life - one who is a caretaker of those 'things', relationships, people, etc. in your life or as the owner of them? Your interpretation of who you are determines absolutely everything because it forms the foundation of your mindset, your frame of reference. Webster defines caretaker: "one who gives physical or emotional care and support; one that takes care of the house or the land of the owner..." Synonyms are: custodian, guardian, janitor, keeper, watchman. The definition of owner is: "...belonging to oneself or itself; to have power or mastery over." The synonyms are: command, enjoy, hold, have, possess.
As you can see - these two words are entirely different and give two differing perspectives. How do you tend to operate in your world - as a caretaker over which you've been given responsibility or the owner? With an owner perspective you can do with whatever you have with impunity. However, if your perspective is that of a caretaker then there's greater responsibility because (fill in the blank) doesn't belong to you. It's been given into your hands for care - to protect... to support.
If you mishandle as an owner - it's your loss, yes, but your attitude probably won't be affected much, other than irritation. On the other hand, as a caretaker the mishandling is far graver. If unthinking or unplanned for then your caretaking abilities are called into question, and with it comes a reflection on your character. Why does any of this matter? It matters because it reflects on who you are and your character. So why not take an owner perspective? Basically because we aren't always in an owner position - many times we are caretakers whether or not we act accordingly.
"The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, The world and those
who dwell therein."
This scripture is from Psalm 24:10 and is repeated in 1 Corinthians 10:26 (plus Exodus 19 and 1 Timothy 4). This is not an idle statement. Ownership is declared! Thus we become caretakers of this world, of relationships, of how we live our lives, of how we go about being us in this world, etc. But never think that being a caretaker is just a little thing. Looks at what we are responsible for and to do. It should also tell us that we can't do it on our own, that we need to act in accordance with the owner's wishes and work with one another to fulfill our role, responsibility, and opportunity because being a Caretaker is very important.
As you can see - these two words are entirely different and give two differing perspectives. How do you tend to operate in your world - as a caretaker over which you've been given responsibility or the owner? With an owner perspective you can do with whatever you have with impunity. However, if your perspective is that of a caretaker then there's greater responsibility because (fill in the blank) doesn't belong to you. It's been given into your hands for care - to protect... to support.
If you mishandle as an owner - it's your loss, yes, but your attitude probably won't be affected much, other than irritation. On the other hand, as a caretaker the mishandling is far graver. If unthinking or unplanned for then your caretaking abilities are called into question, and with it comes a reflection on your character. Why does any of this matter? It matters because it reflects on who you are and your character. So why not take an owner perspective? Basically because we aren't always in an owner position - many times we are caretakers whether or not we act accordingly.
"The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, The world and those
who dwell therein."
This scripture is from Psalm 24:10 and is repeated in 1 Corinthians 10:26 (plus Exodus 19 and 1 Timothy 4). This is not an idle statement. Ownership is declared! Thus we become caretakers of this world, of relationships, of how we live our lives, of how we go about being us in this world, etc. But never think that being a caretaker is just a little thing. Looks at what we are responsible for and to do. It should also tell us that we can't do it on our own, that we need to act in accordance with the owner's wishes and work with one another to fulfill our role, responsibility, and opportunity because being a Caretaker is very important.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
How did I get here???
From where you are, looking back, do you see how you got to where you are? I suspect the most important question is - is where you are where you want to be? If not, then knowing how you got to where you are is critical because you certainly don't want to repeat (fill in the blank) that got you there. However, if it is where you want to be, you have a whole grist of other issues with which to contend.
Considering what issues occur when you are where you want to be; one would be the seduction of complacency. When you are in an, 'all's right with the world' time, it's tempting to rest on your laurels. These moments of 'rest' actually should lead us into times of analysis and possible refinement rather than doing nothing. OK, take a couple of extra breaths but then begin to look at why where you are happened and the positive forces that aided you in getting there. Complacency will never be a good mate to success. And blindness to how you are in your 'good place' won't give you the information about how to repeat the necessary actions in your future.
Though there are others, one of the other issues I feel is critical is our attitude. We may be good, but invincible and always correct we aren't. Regardless of the amount of time and information we have, our decisions have to be intentional, thought out, and form a step-by-step progression - even our out-of-the-box 'experiments'. If we feel we are really good at making decisions, especially split-decision ones, we may discover we will get our knees scraped or nose bumped at the least opportune time. 'Cocky' is not a good attitude to pursue.
Did you get to where you are through your efforts, or through the good offices of other(s)? Probably a combination of both. Point here is that egoism is not a good trait either. When we don't acknowledge the input and assistance others contribute to how you got to where you are, you probably won't secure their contribution in the future. Most people don't succeed on their own merits alone - recognize those who help you get to where you are.
This is a somewhat superficial consideration of those questions and issues to how you got to where you are. They can point you to your questions/issues so that you are prepared to respond to your good times and places. Never take where you are for granted, or your due. If you want to repeat finding your 'good place', remember the lessons, people, and answers. This may also aid you when you aren't where you want to be and assist you to get outta there.
Considering what issues occur when you are where you want to be; one would be the seduction of complacency. When you are in an, 'all's right with the world' time, it's tempting to rest on your laurels. These moments of 'rest' actually should lead us into times of analysis and possible refinement rather than doing nothing. OK, take a couple of extra breaths but then begin to look at why where you are happened and the positive forces that aided you in getting there. Complacency will never be a good mate to success. And blindness to how you are in your 'good place' won't give you the information about how to repeat the necessary actions in your future.
Though there are others, one of the other issues I feel is critical is our attitude. We may be good, but invincible and always correct we aren't. Regardless of the amount of time and information we have, our decisions have to be intentional, thought out, and form a step-by-step progression - even our out-of-the-box 'experiments'. If we feel we are really good at making decisions, especially split-decision ones, we may discover we will get our knees scraped or nose bumped at the least opportune time. 'Cocky' is not a good attitude to pursue.
Did you get to where you are through your efforts, or through the good offices of other(s)? Probably a combination of both. Point here is that egoism is not a good trait either. When we don't acknowledge the input and assistance others contribute to how you got to where you are, you probably won't secure their contribution in the future. Most people don't succeed on their own merits alone - recognize those who help you get to where you are.
This is a somewhat superficial consideration of those questions and issues to how you got to where you are. They can point you to your questions/issues so that you are prepared to respond to your good times and places. Never take where you are for granted, or your due. If you want to repeat finding your 'good place', remember the lessons, people, and answers. This may also aid you when you aren't where you want to be and assist you to get outta there.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Integrated
Are you? I'm not talking about racism or prejudice, I'm talking about you - how and who you are, all your bits and bobs. Are you a series of 'parts' or are you complete? Do you do what you do, when you do it, with the same standard? Perhaps a definition will give us a context. Webster: "having different parts working together as a unit." There's part of the definition when discussing racism that also applies - "allowing all types... to participate, to make something a part of another larger thing." Does this help?
My contention is that we tend to compartmentalize us - my: work life, leisure, family, 'activities', etc. What we need to look at is our core - who we are and then incorporate the various 'pieces' into a whole without each losing their structure. Impossible? Why necessary? There are a number of reasons that should apply when looking at a complete v. component parts approach to who we are and how we express this.
One reason to focus on the complete basis would be: how do we remember how the part fits within the whole and in tune with each other - is it 'relative'? If this sounds confusing it's because we do tend to complicate us. What standards guide you, are any diametrically opposed to an other of your core standards? You could be surprised. Or maybe it's the positioning of the standard. Quick example/question: is truth, regardless of the potential cost, a high prioritized standard? Do you apply this across all your various 'parts'?
If truth is truth then do you ever try and 'soften the blow' and equivocate the message - still speaking the truth but obfuscating the message? Perhaps speaking the truth but how you speak it to a friend or an underling, is it with a different tone or expression.? If either (or any other diminishing affect) is your methodology, then what message does this provide? This requires you to look at how you do what you do. Are you the integrated or the many-aspect type?
My contention is that we tend to compartmentalize us - my: work life, leisure, family, 'activities', etc. What we need to look at is our core - who we are and then incorporate the various 'pieces' into a whole without each losing their structure. Impossible? Why necessary? There are a number of reasons that should apply when looking at a complete v. component parts approach to who we are and how we express this.
One reason to focus on the complete basis would be: how do we remember how the part fits within the whole and in tune with each other - is it 'relative'? If this sounds confusing it's because we do tend to complicate us. What standards guide you, are any diametrically opposed to an other of your core standards? You could be surprised. Or maybe it's the positioning of the standard. Quick example/question: is truth, regardless of the potential cost, a high prioritized standard? Do you apply this across all your various 'parts'?
If truth is truth then do you ever try and 'soften the blow' and equivocate the message - still speaking the truth but obfuscating the message? Perhaps speaking the truth but how you speak it to a friend or an underling, is it with a different tone or expression.? If either (or any other diminishing affect) is your methodology, then what message does this provide? This requires you to look at how you do what you do. Are you the integrated or the many-aspect type?
Friday, November 13, 2015
The Best is yet to come!
Heard that one before? I suspect we all have. It can come across like a placebo during times of stress or disaster or whatever negative event occurred that you are facing or that you've just come through. I think it's meant to be an encouragement, to help us look to the future rather than dwelling on what has just happened. It's a form of 'hope' but without any details. Does this work for you?
If you are still mired in your situation then 'better' is what you seek first. Strangely enough, you have to want to change your position. You have to want to emerge from the stress or seeming disaster that you are experiencing. You have to want. And to actualize want, you have to act. You have to be intimately involved with resolving the situation you are in, rarely can it be done for you. In this case, want is an action word - something you do, whether that is a physical act or a mindset change.
But, you know, if you are emerging from a stressful situation then Better has arrived! We don't always realize this but we are considerably better now then what we just were. So? Is that what you think - so? So... now you can move on, begin anew or start something new; the past has been and the future can beckon you. But... this requires you to stand again. You have to seize your new for it to be real. Improvement rarely is simply plopped in our laps. Better, leading to Best is something for which we 'contend'.
One of the motivations for us in these times is our belief in that the Best is yet to come. If we don't believe it's possible then we won't recognize it when it does come. We can move from 'disaster' to good to better to best. It's all in our attitude and our mindset. Do you see silver lining, not rose colored glasses? Do you believe that you are a candidate for best? Have you turned to the Lord for assistance, for advice, for help? (Romans 8:28)
"And we KNOW that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Remember though that first we must love God and love is an action word. And we need to act according to His purpose. Have you remembered His purpose? What you have been created to be and do? If so, then the Best is yet to come. If not, then simply go to His Word to discover His plans and purposes for you.
If you are still mired in your situation then 'better' is what you seek first. Strangely enough, you have to want to change your position. You have to want to emerge from the stress or seeming disaster that you are experiencing. You have to want. And to actualize want, you have to act. You have to be intimately involved with resolving the situation you are in, rarely can it be done for you. In this case, want is an action word - something you do, whether that is a physical act or a mindset change.
But, you know, if you are emerging from a stressful situation then Better has arrived! We don't always realize this but we are considerably better now then what we just were. So? Is that what you think - so? So... now you can move on, begin anew or start something new; the past has been and the future can beckon you. But... this requires you to stand again. You have to seize your new for it to be real. Improvement rarely is simply plopped in our laps. Better, leading to Best is something for which we 'contend'.
One of the motivations for us in these times is our belief in that the Best is yet to come. If we don't believe it's possible then we won't recognize it when it does come. We can move from 'disaster' to good to better to best. It's all in our attitude and our mindset. Do you see silver lining, not rose colored glasses? Do you believe that you are a candidate for best? Have you turned to the Lord for assistance, for advice, for help? (Romans 8:28)
"And we KNOW that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Remember though that first we must love God and love is an action word. And we need to act according to His purpose. Have you remembered His purpose? What you have been created to be and do? If so, then the Best is yet to come. If not, then simply go to His Word to discover His plans and purposes for you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
... it begins and ends with You
The encouragement, almost urgent, that I tend to express in my writing is that we all need to be actively engaged in living our life - a theme which I often return. Recently I was reading one of my favorite authors and she wrote, "...the responsibility for living a life." (Jacqueline Winspear) I probably would have said, living is our responsibility. But there was an additional perception that emerged. Too often, I believe, we get weary of living our lives and want to just stop, if only for a moment, and not pick up the responsibility... just a moment of rest. (Not gonna happen.)
However, why is living a responsibility? And, why would we not want to be involved and engaged in our own lives? Let me ask this slightly different... do you ever wish that you could turn to your parents and let them tell you what to do? And if you followed what they said, it would be their responsibility for any failure... but also the success. Regardless, it wouldn't be yours. Ever feel like that? Even wistfully? It's OK - while your life is your responsibility, this is not an easy place to live in and sometimes we just need a little help.
Ultimately, regardless of the source of suggestion of what to do, it is you and only you that makes the decision about what you do... do. Even when you don't make a decision, this IS a decision. To repeat, it begins and ends with You. What do you want to do? Is this the best approach to have a positive end? How can you effect the decision for the desired result? The moments of rest are few and far between but you can still act with confidence.
The beginning and ending does end with You but you aren't in this by yourself. In the rush of the moment and the 'heat of battle', trying to do everything by yourself is quite self-defeating when you have 'one who sticks closer than a brother' with you. Why do we not immediately turn to the Lord rather than waiting till the last moment with a kind of 'oh, that's right, I can ask the Lord for (fill in the blank)'. The one unalterable fact is that He does want the best for us. He will help us find a way through in times of difficulties. So involve Him at the start and then your beginnings and endings with produce the perfect end.
However, why is living a responsibility? And, why would we not want to be involved and engaged in our own lives? Let me ask this slightly different... do you ever wish that you could turn to your parents and let them tell you what to do? And if you followed what they said, it would be their responsibility for any failure... but also the success. Regardless, it wouldn't be yours. Ever feel like that? Even wistfully? It's OK - while your life is your responsibility, this is not an easy place to live in and sometimes we just need a little help.
Ultimately, regardless of the source of suggestion of what to do, it is you and only you that makes the decision about what you do... do. Even when you don't make a decision, this IS a decision. To repeat, it begins and ends with You. What do you want to do? Is this the best approach to have a positive end? How can you effect the decision for the desired result? The moments of rest are few and far between but you can still act with confidence.
The beginning and ending does end with You but you aren't in this by yourself. In the rush of the moment and the 'heat of battle', trying to do everything by yourself is quite self-defeating when you have 'one who sticks closer than a brother' with you. Why do we not immediately turn to the Lord rather than waiting till the last moment with a kind of 'oh, that's right, I can ask the Lord for (fill in the blank)'. The one unalterable fact is that He does want the best for us. He will help us find a way through in times of difficulties. So involve Him at the start and then your beginnings and endings with produce the perfect end.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
The Fly in the Ointment
Do you know what this phrase means? According to phrases.org.uk, it means: "A small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole." Small. Irritating. Flaw. But... it spoils the whole! Taking this statement a step further we can apply it to 'life' situations. Unquestionably, far too many times the fly is US! We are the ones who create the chaos and mess. And a mess never cares if the one causing it had good intentions or not.
Often good intentions (you know where that leads) are not fully thought out. Because God had and has decided to work through us - which requires our agreement, we can be the cause of misunderstandings. Too often we rest on our own understanding and the mess only gets muddier. You would think that previous experience would dictate what not to do, even when we don't know what the next step should be. Not always the case. We repeat, sometimes because that's all we know. Rather than turning to an 'expert', we aggravate the situation.
It is the outcome that is painful - knowing we caused the reaction(s) by others. It does nothing for one's self-esteem to know that small, irritating, and flaw can be applied to what we did or said - that we caused the 'spoiled' (fill in the blank). However, we don't need to stay in that condition - we may have been the fly but because of Who we represent we can rely on Him to help us redeem the situation.
Not every situation is grave and not every situation is insignificant - it's the process that we need to learn. We can, with the Father's help, change the outcome so that understanding occurs. As we learn from our 'fly experiences' and apply this learning, we find ourselves less and less in those situations that cause us to cry - HELP! We have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16), we can put on the new man (Colossians 3:10), we can transform our thinking (Romans 12:2) and speak and act as the Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20) we are created to become. In Him - nothing is ever hopeless.
Often good intentions (you know where that leads) are not fully thought out. Because God had and has decided to work through us - which requires our agreement, we can be the cause of misunderstandings. Too often we rest on our own understanding and the mess only gets muddier. You would think that previous experience would dictate what not to do, even when we don't know what the next step should be. Not always the case. We repeat, sometimes because that's all we know. Rather than turning to an 'expert', we aggravate the situation.
It is the outcome that is painful - knowing we caused the reaction(s) by others. It does nothing for one's self-esteem to know that small, irritating, and flaw can be applied to what we did or said - that we caused the 'spoiled' (fill in the blank). However, we don't need to stay in that condition - we may have been the fly but because of Who we represent we can rely on Him to help us redeem the situation.
Not every situation is grave and not every situation is insignificant - it's the process that we need to learn. We can, with the Father's help, change the outcome so that understanding occurs. As we learn from our 'fly experiences' and apply this learning, we find ourselves less and less in those situations that cause us to cry - HELP! We have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16), we can put on the new man (Colossians 3:10), we can transform our thinking (Romans 12:2) and speak and act as the Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20) we are created to become. In Him - nothing is ever hopeless.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Focus
Every once in awhile I stop myself and ask ... 'who am I talking to?' Am I preaching to the choir? Am I talking to people who never would read this? Maybe I do have an 'audience' in mind... but what do I want to tell them? Or ask them? Encourage them? Teach? Perhaps this isn't the point? But speaking into a 'void' can be difficult. As a result, I've decided to talk to... me. I definitely invite you into the conversation and invite any comments you may wish to share.
It may sound easy to 'focus' but it can also be incredibly difficult. There are so many voices attempting to attract our attention that losing the thread is far easier than expected. So what can we do to focus? Are there coping mechanisms or mindsets we can adapt/adopt to assist us? Actually... why are we concerned about focus in the first place?
When I was a child, my Mom would often say - "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well." And not being focused can definitely cause us to end up not doing well. I also think that I am the type that hates being corrected, especially if I really know better - so this axiom does tend to direct me. And yes, I do ignore it at times - but it's not because of not knowing, it's a willfulness. (Burnt fingees is not a positive outcome.)
From a different perspective, think about what you say and do... there are moments when we feel that what we are about to do/say is critically important. If we aren't focused then those who we need to be attentive may not realize the importance. Let's face it - we live in a noisy world and if we are affected by it so will others. My ultimate check is from scripture which tells us that we will beheld accountable for every idle word we speak (Matthew 12:36). Ergo, it's up to me to concentrate, to intentionally be alert in order to effective and efficiently respond and proactively act - to speak and act focused. Quite honestly... having to repeat something because I didn't pay attention is not a happy occurrence.
It may sound easy to 'focus' but it can also be incredibly difficult. There are so many voices attempting to attract our attention that losing the thread is far easier than expected. So what can we do to focus? Are there coping mechanisms or mindsets we can adapt/adopt to assist us? Actually... why are we concerned about focus in the first place?
When I was a child, my Mom would often say - "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well." And not being focused can definitely cause us to end up not doing well. I also think that I am the type that hates being corrected, especially if I really know better - so this axiom does tend to direct me. And yes, I do ignore it at times - but it's not because of not knowing, it's a willfulness. (Burnt fingees is not a positive outcome.)
From a different perspective, think about what you say and do... there are moments when we feel that what we are about to do/say is critically important. If we aren't focused then those who we need to be attentive may not realize the importance. Let's face it - we live in a noisy world and if we are affected by it so will others. My ultimate check is from scripture which tells us that we will beheld accountable for every idle word we speak (Matthew 12:36). Ergo, it's up to me to concentrate, to intentionally be alert in order to effective and efficiently respond and proactively act - to speak and act focused. Quite honestly... having to repeat something because I didn't pay attention is not a happy occurrence.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Seed
Seed time and harvest. The world is even aware of this when you consider some of the phrases used such as; what goes around, comes around. Yes? This always can be a check in our spirit as to what we NEXT say or do. Too often we seem to ignore the voice of our spirit because we want our opinion noted, or our plan followed, or... The point is that what we do and say is our seed in the moment.
I realize you may have considered this, but have you also considered what 'fruit' or weed you sow when you act/say? Are you ever surprised when you remember your own actions/words and what they produce? Scripture is replete with warnings and examples of seed time and harvest: Hosea 8:7 talks about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. 2Corinthians 9:6 tells us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting
life." (Galatians 6:8)
Those were only 3 of the many examples, but if you recall Jesus' parables they often used the farming analogy and seed time and harvest were prominently displayed. I think part of the reason for this is that it is an easy example to understand. It's the application that doesn't seem to attain the same level of appreciation and application. Look at your own life - is this the reason you've experienced the results? Again, no criticism - just questions.
You will never get an apple from a fig tree nor a edible crop from weeds and thistles. So consider your life - what is being produced? What do you experience? Is this what you want or expect? If you aren't pleased with your results then you need to reassess what it is you are planting and how. Because plants do need water and sun and tilling. You can't merely broadcast the seeds and expect a bumper crop.
Remember too - you don't have to do this alone. If you are intent upon being a good seed planter you also have one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24, John 14:16); there to help you. And you can. You can become that good seed planter and reap a good crop. It is your decision. What seed do you choose to plant and what will you do to help the seed mature?
I realize you may have considered this, but have you also considered what 'fruit' or weed you sow when you act/say? Are you ever surprised when you remember your own actions/words and what they produce? Scripture is replete with warnings and examples of seed time and harvest: Hosea 8:7 talks about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. 2Corinthians 9:6 tells us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting
life." (Galatians 6:8)
Those were only 3 of the many examples, but if you recall Jesus' parables they often used the farming analogy and seed time and harvest were prominently displayed. I think part of the reason for this is that it is an easy example to understand. It's the application that doesn't seem to attain the same level of appreciation and application. Look at your own life - is this the reason you've experienced the results? Again, no criticism - just questions.
You will never get an apple from a fig tree nor a edible crop from weeds and thistles. So consider your life - what is being produced? What do you experience? Is this what you want or expect? If you aren't pleased with your results then you need to reassess what it is you are planting and how. Because plants do need water and sun and tilling. You can't merely broadcast the seeds and expect a bumper crop.
Remember too - you don't have to do this alone. If you are intent upon being a good seed planter you also have one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24, John 14:16); there to help you. And you can. You can become that good seed planter and reap a good crop. It is your decision. What seed do you choose to plant and what will you do to help the seed mature?
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