They are not the same! I sometimes think we get the two mixed up and attribute a common definition for both to be the same. They're not! What they do have in common is that both are actions... very obvious. Have you thought about them? Which do you see as your primary behavior? Confused? As a Christian I did mixed them up and then wondered about what was 'right and proper'. Since the scripture does not and is not contradictory - what do I read that gives me a proper definition and understanding for each?
In my world of definitions, 'judgmental' is the worse of the two words because of the implication of judge, jury, and sentencing with a smattering of "guilty" before the 'case' even reaches the court. With those ideas and people we disagree with, often an out of hand determination (based on 'feelings' with no substantiation? or because of others' words and opinions?). How do we act to determine if we are in disagreement, or merely a misunderstanding? And, where are the common grounds? And I do NOT mean compromising nor 'inclusion' for the sake of including. is there any common ground for discussion (iron sharpening iron - Proverbs 27:17) or understanding? We need to discover whether we are using different words but the definitions are the same... or the same words with different definitions... And 'no', sometimes there isn't. Point is, what is our 'proper' response?
From one perspective, Paul talks about being all things to all men in order that he might save some (1Corinthians 9: 19-23). But that did not mean disavowing Who he believed nor what he believed - this is not compromise. Perhaps one question might be - who are we 'judging'? The other person - their words and/or actions? Ourselves - especially in our reactions? Is that other person a Christian or an unbeliever; and how do we 'judge' discriminate between right and wrong?
Obviously, there are great many considerations when we judge. And when we act on our judgments - do we judge or do we act judgmental?
We are told to 'judge not' and to 'judge ourselves' - contradictory? No. Confusing at times - yes. When you do a study about judging, we discover a basis on which we should judge. There are scriptures that focus on how we should judge, who we should judge, and how we should act. The first person we need to judge is ourselves. Example: in 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 Paul says:
"For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But
when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may
not be condemned with the world."
There are numerous scriptures that talk about judging: John 7:24, 12:47-48, Romans 2:3, 2Timothy 4:1, James 4:11 are only a few. When you do a word study on judging - most of it is in relation to yourself. But it does relate to the fellowship of believers. However, I have yet to read a scripture that tells us to be judgmental. These are not the same concepts. But is this our behavior? Hopefully not.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Sunday, September 25, 2016
THIEF!
This is really a two-part question: who is the thief and what is taken? There are a variety of thieves and many people experience more than one type. The fallout from being robbed can be extremely long-lasting and affect more areas of your life than imagined. Some examples of the thieves are stress, low self-esteem, real and/or imagined expectations (from others and self-imposed), lack of time and resources, etc. There are others that you could... fill in the blank, the point is that there are a vast array of forces that seem to have you in their headlights, aiming to disrupt you, your goals, your hopes...
Sometimes it seems like there are a host of thieves working together against you. I would also suspect that, at times, we are waiting for them to emerge, while other times we are blindsided. But the emotional toll that is exacted can be crippling. I would contend that any and all thieves have the same 'goal', the same focus - to get our eyes off of whatever we are doing and focus on them, typically on our 'lack'. One of the victims thieves take from us is our energy. We can quickly be consumed in the stress and thus have less available for the task. Another victim is our confidence, especially in our ability to accomplish (fill in the blank). Peace is another casualty, and dreams, hopes, joy... faith.
You DO remember who you are, don't you? And Whose you are - yes? Then why do we appear to act as people who are being tosses to and fro by every wind of doctrine, as having no foundation with no standard? Face it, we sometimes lie down and accept 'our fate'. Stuff and nonsense! Why? Granted, this can also happen when we go into those places '...where even angels wouldn't venture', but I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about when we allow ourselves to be robbed. Have you also noted that these times can also be characterized by our own lack of initial (passion?, confidence?, commitment?, preparation?, etc.) to the goal?
If God calls you to something then, and you only have a grain of mustard-seed faith, it's sufficient so give all you can to it. Don't allow the thief to deter your, especially if you are robbing yourself and abetting the thief. Thieves don't care about you, except to make you feel impotent to do anything to stop them. Funny thing though... the only way they know if they are successful is IF you act on what they whisper in your ear. They are NOT all wise, all knowing, all powerful - they lie. Don't buy into what they say You are. Remember Whose you are!
Sometimes it seems like there are a host of thieves working together against you. I would also suspect that, at times, we are waiting for them to emerge, while other times we are blindsided. But the emotional toll that is exacted can be crippling. I would contend that any and all thieves have the same 'goal', the same focus - to get our eyes off of whatever we are doing and focus on them, typically on our 'lack'. One of the victims thieves take from us is our energy. We can quickly be consumed in the stress and thus have less available for the task. Another victim is our confidence, especially in our ability to accomplish (fill in the blank). Peace is another casualty, and dreams, hopes, joy... faith.
You DO remember who you are, don't you? And Whose you are - yes? Then why do we appear to act as people who are being tosses to and fro by every wind of doctrine, as having no foundation with no standard? Face it, we sometimes lie down and accept 'our fate'. Stuff and nonsense! Why? Granted, this can also happen when we go into those places '...where even angels wouldn't venture', but I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about when we allow ourselves to be robbed. Have you also noted that these times can also be characterized by our own lack of initial (passion?, confidence?, commitment?, preparation?, etc.) to the goal?
If God calls you to something then, and you only have a grain of mustard-seed faith, it's sufficient so give all you can to it. Don't allow the thief to deter your, especially if you are robbing yourself and abetting the thief. Thieves don't care about you, except to make you feel impotent to do anything to stop them. Funny thing though... the only way they know if they are successful is IF you act on what they whisper in your ear. They are NOT all wise, all knowing, all powerful - they lie. Don't buy into what they say You are. Remember Whose you are!
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Prepared and ready!?
I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like, though I do have my armor on, that my shield and sword are in my hands but my hands are lying simply at my side. Ever feel that way? And, yes, the operative word is 'feeling'. But when we ignore our feelings or try and push them away or down, this never works. Our feelings ARE our feelings and attempts to distance ourselves from them is impossible to accomplish. Our focus should be in acknowledging them, whether they are fact or fancy, and then dealing with/resolving them. They won't simply go away.
When I am in one of my moods that takes my eyes off of the goal, purpose then I really am compromised and ineffective - hate that. However, letting my shield and sword merely hang down is even worse - I open myself to other attacks (real and imaginary). Been there? Do you find yourself in these situations far more often than you thought? Do you 'hope' that everything will just go away? And... do you know how long these times last? Do you know what you do when you discover than you are not fulfilling who you are and what you are about?
I believe that I have discovered that we are always empowered, always have a helper who is with us... but sometimes we either simply forget that we are prepared. I also believe that not all these times can be attributed to our enemy, the devil, that sometimes we are his best weapon... against ourselves. Silly when you think about it, nevertheless we can be our own worse enemy. When we don't act on who and what we've become (read again 2Corinthians 5:17-22) and that a Helper has been sent to be with us... then we are shooting ourselves in the foot.
Why believe a lie? 'Can't' is an effective weapon in the arsenal against us that we or 'others' use. Who sezs? Isn't God's word far more effective against these attacks? Remember what Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil? He responded with - "It is written..." (Matthew 4). This can be our defense against whatever is telling us we aren't or can't or... Remember Romans 8:31-39), especially v. 37
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us."
That tells us that we are MORE than, read it again, MORE than conquerors. What do you need conquering - through Him, we are MORE. We are always prepared - it's up to us to be ready. Get your armor on (Ephesians 6), make certain you have all the parts and they are shined. We are MORE...
When I am in one of my moods that takes my eyes off of the goal, purpose then I really am compromised and ineffective - hate that. However, letting my shield and sword merely hang down is even worse - I open myself to other attacks (real and imaginary). Been there? Do you find yourself in these situations far more often than you thought? Do you 'hope' that everything will just go away? And... do you know how long these times last? Do you know what you do when you discover than you are not fulfilling who you are and what you are about?
I believe that I have discovered that we are always empowered, always have a helper who is with us... but sometimes we either simply forget that we are prepared. I also believe that not all these times can be attributed to our enemy, the devil, that sometimes we are his best weapon... against ourselves. Silly when you think about it, nevertheless we can be our own worse enemy. When we don't act on who and what we've become (read again 2Corinthians 5:17-22) and that a Helper has been sent to be with us... then we are shooting ourselves in the foot.
Why believe a lie? 'Can't' is an effective weapon in the arsenal against us that we or 'others' use. Who sezs? Isn't God's word far more effective against these attacks? Remember what Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil? He responded with - "It is written..." (Matthew 4). This can be our defense against whatever is telling us we aren't or can't or... Remember Romans 8:31-39), especially v. 37
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us."
That tells us that we are MORE than, read it again, MORE than conquerors. What do you need conquering - through Him, we are MORE. We are always prepared - it's up to us to be ready. Get your armor on (Ephesians 6), make certain you have all the parts and they are shined. We are MORE...
Monday, September 19, 2016
Indifference
I'm beginning to think that indifference is worse than hatred, or any of the negative emotions because there is no reaction. One doesn't act/do anything. How can you talk with, question, or 'debate' with people who are totally indifferent?! You can't! It becomes a completely frustrating feeling and situation. And if you are passionate about the (fill in the blank - idea, plan, context, person, etc.) then you feel not only frustrated but incompetent. The latter is not accurate but that doesn't diminish the feeling.
Remember the scripture (warning) in Revelations about being hot/cold (my definition of indifference)? In Revelation, John is fulfilling the command to speak to the 7 churches a warning and an encouragement. The words to one church is:
"...I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could
wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm,
and neither cold or hot. I will vomit you out of My mouth." (3:14-22)
What a tremendous condemnation! But how do you feel with those who act that way - neither yes nor no? Frustration would be rampant, you don't know what they are or want and as such can do nothing. So do you meet indifference with indifference?
To 6 of the 7 churches, there are words of commendations, criticism, instruction, and promise. But to the indifferent church there was no commendation. Fortunately, there is always instruction and promise, because one can always choose to change. If there is an incredible lesson to be learned about judgment or correction it is that God never warns without following through but if you notice, He also provides a means of escape - if we change then we won't experience the judgment waiting.
Indifference is a killer. It saps the strength of those who are trying to do what they believe is important. It wastes people, time, resources, and anything that will aid in goal achievement. Sadly, I'm not sure there is anything someone else can do to dilute the affect of indifference from another. It is always our decision and choice to be indifferent. But ... why? I don't believe indifference is the result of fear - it's simply the manifestation of not caring. And carrying is a choice.
Remember the scripture (warning) in Revelations about being hot/cold (my definition of indifference)? In Revelation, John is fulfilling the command to speak to the 7 churches a warning and an encouragement. The words to one church is:
"...I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could
wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm,
and neither cold or hot. I will vomit you out of My mouth." (3:14-22)
What a tremendous condemnation! But how do you feel with those who act that way - neither yes nor no? Frustration would be rampant, you don't know what they are or want and as such can do nothing. So do you meet indifference with indifference?
To 6 of the 7 churches, there are words of commendations, criticism, instruction, and promise. But to the indifferent church there was no commendation. Fortunately, there is always instruction and promise, because one can always choose to change. If there is an incredible lesson to be learned about judgment or correction it is that God never warns without following through but if you notice, He also provides a means of escape - if we change then we won't experience the judgment waiting.
Indifference is a killer. It saps the strength of those who are trying to do what they believe is important. It wastes people, time, resources, and anything that will aid in goal achievement. Sadly, I'm not sure there is anything someone else can do to dilute the affect of indifference from another. It is always our decision and choice to be indifferent. But ... why? I don't believe indifference is the result of fear - it's simply the manifestation of not caring. And carrying is a choice.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Don't be a ...'just'
For purposes of understanding, I'm defining/characterizing 'just' as: the mindset and behavior that does only the minimum; barely does what is expected; the attitude of not caring; spreads discontent knowingly and unaware. Why this is occurring is not necessarily known and understanding is rarely sought. Unhappily, the negative by-product can be pervasive in that it infects all those in association with the 'carrier'. Sadly, positive growth and productivity will not be achieved for whoever and whatever is effected.
If you are the leader in this situation, then you need to address it with everyone as soon as you recognize it, because a 'just' attitude touches and spreads, infecting or affecting all who are involved. Often this malaise has a 'reason' that not only needs to be addressed, but also can be resolved. Those that have been infected don't always realize this or know how to 'fix' it. 'Just' can become aggressive in its impact. Pussyfooting with this never works, you have to confront the behavior and underlying reasons. Resolution (in my world) is possible! Blame, pointing fingers rarely is an effective devise for change.
If you are the 'carrier' then you need an attitude check and quickly. Do you see that you are helping to create an environment of mediocrity? Do you care? Do you know why what is happening... is happening? Why are you in this funk? Are you willing to extricate yourself with or without assistance? In the beginning, did you like your work or was it only a job? Did you begin with a positive attitude and if so, what happened that changed for you? These questions really do need answers before you can move from where you are into a healthier environment.
I suspect most people have periods of 'just' but it doesn't last long and doesn't impact those you work and live with. It isn't a particularly happy place for anyone but band aid-ing will never last. For the carriers - remember a time in which 'just' wasn't your modus operandi, when you enjoyed and grew. Can this be created now? What are you willing to do to come to such an attitude? For the leaders - remember what the working milieu was when productivity and positive personal growth was occurring. What's missing from that time?
Granted - conditions constantly change and this always impacts the milieu and subsequent reactions. However, what is the guiding desire by those who have control, influence, and authority to create? Is being a 'just' the only option, a kind of self-defense? No. You can always choose to be the best you, you can be in whatever situation you find yourself. Your attitude, Your willingness to Be determines what happens for you. You may not be able to influence everything or everyone, but you can do so with you. 'Just' is always your decision.
If you are the leader in this situation, then you need to address it with everyone as soon as you recognize it, because a 'just' attitude touches and spreads, infecting or affecting all who are involved. Often this malaise has a 'reason' that not only needs to be addressed, but also can be resolved. Those that have been infected don't always realize this or know how to 'fix' it. 'Just' can become aggressive in its impact. Pussyfooting with this never works, you have to confront the behavior and underlying reasons. Resolution (in my world) is possible! Blame, pointing fingers rarely is an effective devise for change.
If you are the 'carrier' then you need an attitude check and quickly. Do you see that you are helping to create an environment of mediocrity? Do you care? Do you know why what is happening... is happening? Why are you in this funk? Are you willing to extricate yourself with or without assistance? In the beginning, did you like your work or was it only a job? Did you begin with a positive attitude and if so, what happened that changed for you? These questions really do need answers before you can move from where you are into a healthier environment.
I suspect most people have periods of 'just' but it doesn't last long and doesn't impact those you work and live with. It isn't a particularly happy place for anyone but band aid-ing will never last. For the carriers - remember a time in which 'just' wasn't your modus operandi, when you enjoyed and grew. Can this be created now? What are you willing to do to come to such an attitude? For the leaders - remember what the working milieu was when productivity and positive personal growth was occurring. What's missing from that time?
Granted - conditions constantly change and this always impacts the milieu and subsequent reactions. However, what is the guiding desire by those who have control, influence, and authority to create? Is being a 'just' the only option, a kind of self-defense? No. You can always choose to be the best you, you can be in whatever situation you find yourself. Your attitude, Your willingness to Be determines what happens for you. You may not be able to influence everything or everyone, but you can do so with you. 'Just' is always your decision.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
What you know...
Without a learner's mindset, how do you learn? Is learning something you look forward to or do you question your need to learn anything more? Or is learning a difficult act for you? How do you think and feel about learning? Perhaps you are the specific need learner - learning (only) what it is you need to know right now.? And in terms of style... are you a visual learner? Are you a book learner? Do you blend the two? Learning is also a style issue as well as a foundational mindset.
Learning, in my world of definitions, is like a series of building blocks - adding, expanding, etc. to what you know... what you're learning. But until you know what you know... how can you build on them? Concomitant is your definitions. For example, for me learning means applying. Application is the methodology I use to know what it is I think I know and to see how it works, operationally. This also provides me with the information on those aspects I still need to understand ... or reassess, redefine.
Which is your MO - entering every situation with the expectation that you'll have the correct response or that every situation is an opportunity to learn and grow? OK ... that was a bit of a setup, but I believe that even if the situation is familiar that if you begin with the answer, your opportunity to think outside the box or discover a new response or allow others the opportunity to express other views or options is decreased. You?
Perhaps it's my bias in favor of learning is a great opportunity to grow and growing is a high goal... but the point is - what's your bias? How do you approach these kinds of situations? Frustrated? Intrigued? Wondering? Seeing the puzzle? There really are so many attitudes you can express. But since no one knows everything, and we all have to react to new (fill in the blank) if not daily then often, then putting a positive spin on this reality makes sense - this tilting at windmills won't work. What you already know is a fine platform on which to build an even stronger you.
Learning, in my world of definitions, is like a series of building blocks - adding, expanding, etc. to what you know... what you're learning. But until you know what you know... how can you build on them? Concomitant is your definitions. For example, for me learning means applying. Application is the methodology I use to know what it is I think I know and to see how it works, operationally. This also provides me with the information on those aspects I still need to understand ... or reassess, redefine.
Which is your MO - entering every situation with the expectation that you'll have the correct response or that every situation is an opportunity to learn and grow? OK ... that was a bit of a setup, but I believe that even if the situation is familiar that if you begin with the answer, your opportunity to think outside the box or discover a new response or allow others the opportunity to express other views or options is decreased. You?
Perhaps it's my bias in favor of learning is a great opportunity to grow and growing is a high goal... but the point is - what's your bias? How do you approach these kinds of situations? Frustrated? Intrigued? Wondering? Seeing the puzzle? There really are so many attitudes you can express. But since no one knows everything, and we all have to react to new (fill in the blank) if not daily then often, then putting a positive spin on this reality makes sense - this tilting at windmills won't work. What you already know is a fine platform on which to build an even stronger you.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Truth and lies
There is a saying that I think is spot on - 'If you don't know the truth... you can't recognize a lie.' True that. It's so simple and obvious that its 'truth' is indisputable. The problem? Truth. How do you define the word? How does it look, operationally, in your life? Do you believe in and/or practice the 'little white lie'? Why? Why can't truth be your foundation, be the basis on which you act? What does the 'little white lie' provide for you?
If it is difficult to define 'truth' and to see how it is expressed, then how do you act and what is it you express? And if you think this is just so much mental gamesmanship - no. If truth isn't your standard, is it lies? What other option is there? Remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? He did it so often and people reacted to the false report until the time when the wolf did come but people had stopped believing in the boy's words. This happens. If you aren't known by the veracity of your words, then people stop believing. Is this your goal? Probably not, but this is the eventual result.
Another problem with lies is that you have to continue to invent them and inevitably they come into conflict with painful repercussions. The other issue is that you have to remember what lie you told to which person or you end up giving mixed messages with conflicting results. Lies really are a pain. They do absolutely nothing for your reputation and they alienate you from others. If you can't be trusted, then why would others want to be with you?
Truth can also be painful - it can hurt. But it can also be healed because it is truth. Truth is a platform that you can stand on. You may not always be liked, but you will be respected. People will know from their experience of watching and interacting with you that you speak and act on all the truth you know. You never have to wonder if what you said to Person A is what you are saying to Person B because there is a congruity to what you do and say.
There really is no stature in being a liar. There is to being one who speaks the truth in love, doesn't equivocate, and tries to help others understand what the truth stands on that is being advocated. Truth always has a foundation and it never is sinking or shifting sand. Truth will always stand... perhaps slightly battered by misunderstanding or rejection at times, but it always stands.
If it is difficult to define 'truth' and to see how it is expressed, then how do you act and what is it you express? And if you think this is just so much mental gamesmanship - no. If truth isn't your standard, is it lies? What other option is there? Remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? He did it so often and people reacted to the false report until the time when the wolf did come but people had stopped believing in the boy's words. This happens. If you aren't known by the veracity of your words, then people stop believing. Is this your goal? Probably not, but this is the eventual result.
Another problem with lies is that you have to continue to invent them and inevitably they come into conflict with painful repercussions. The other issue is that you have to remember what lie you told to which person or you end up giving mixed messages with conflicting results. Lies really are a pain. They do absolutely nothing for your reputation and they alienate you from others. If you can't be trusted, then why would others want to be with you?
Truth can also be painful - it can hurt. But it can also be healed because it is truth. Truth is a platform that you can stand on. You may not always be liked, but you will be respected. People will know from their experience of watching and interacting with you that you speak and act on all the truth you know. You never have to wonder if what you said to Person A is what you are saying to Person B because there is a congruity to what you do and say.
There really is no stature in being a liar. There is to being one who speaks the truth in love, doesn't equivocate, and tries to help others understand what the truth stands on that is being advocated. Truth always has a foundation and it never is sinking or shifting sand. Truth will always stand... perhaps slightly battered by misunderstanding or rejection at times, but it always stands.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Inclusive = Approval?
Yes? No? Wishy- washy? Don't want to sound mean spirited... but how does acting inclusive not mean approval and/or acceptance? Or does this become 'excused' by the 'love the sinner, hate the sin' position? If so, then how does one square this thinking with the admonition to let our 'yes be yes and our no, no' (Matthew 5:37)? Equivocation?
Somewhere in the back of my mind is the quote, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."(Voltaire-Hall) So, does this also refer to actions, beliefs, etc. or merely what is said.??? Perhaps... this might mean how we 'go about including? And how we respond to others if the including is ... questionable or antithetical to one's beliefs? And that including doesn't mean compromise? And how we 'explain' all this to those watching? In other words... there are a host of questions surrounding these words.
The problem is that the words seem to be individually defined but the universality of the definition assumed. Problem. Perhaps another way of including without approving is to make certain that the other person/people know the areas of mutuality.??? But also know those areas that are not involved. Sadly, if you get into the latter situation then you often spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to make sure you, the other person(s), and any 'viewers' realize the areas of agreement and disagreement. Critical, granted, but perhaps not the best approach.?
The issue really is that who we do include we, by our action, approve who they are and what they do. I realize I will get a lot of criticism for that definition or be misunderstood - but how else can this be interpreted? Another related point is that those we include - this can't simply be an entrance issue - if they are includes and approved, then they are involved.
Perhaps it's an issue that I haven't learned the fine art of 'loving the sinner but hating the sin'. I can't simply let the other person continue in the action if we are to be in relationship. Judging? Yes. But remember 2Corinthians 6:14
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what
fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion
has light with darkness?"
This scripture seems clear as to what we are to do. It isn't ignoring the sinner nor leaving them in their sin. I believe that we are to engage them, help them to see what is available once they walk away from where they are. When we include them but don't confront the situation, then we are inferring to them that we approve what they are doing. Our message of redemption and restoration is far stronger, far greater than mere inclusion. Ultimately it is always their decision to see truth and act on it. We present the truth of the message, invite them into saving knowledge, and with their understanding and acceptance - then help them to grow.
Somewhere in the back of my mind is the quote, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."(Voltaire-Hall) So, does this also refer to actions, beliefs, etc. or merely what is said.??? Perhaps... this might mean how we 'go about including? And how we respond to others if the including is ... questionable or antithetical to one's beliefs? And that including doesn't mean compromise? And how we 'explain' all this to those watching? In other words... there are a host of questions surrounding these words.
The problem is that the words seem to be individually defined but the universality of the definition assumed. Problem. Perhaps another way of including without approving is to make certain that the other person/people know the areas of mutuality.??? But also know those areas that are not involved. Sadly, if you get into the latter situation then you often spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to make sure you, the other person(s), and any 'viewers' realize the areas of agreement and disagreement. Critical, granted, but perhaps not the best approach.?
The issue really is that who we do include we, by our action, approve who they are and what they do. I realize I will get a lot of criticism for that definition or be misunderstood - but how else can this be interpreted? Another related point is that those we include - this can't simply be an entrance issue - if they are includes and approved, then they are involved.
Perhaps it's an issue that I haven't learned the fine art of 'loving the sinner but hating the sin'. I can't simply let the other person continue in the action if we are to be in relationship. Judging? Yes. But remember 2Corinthians 6:14
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what
fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion
has light with darkness?"
This scripture seems clear as to what we are to do. It isn't ignoring the sinner nor leaving them in their sin. I believe that we are to engage them, help them to see what is available once they walk away from where they are. When we include them but don't confront the situation, then we are inferring to them that we approve what they are doing. Our message of redemption and restoration is far stronger, far greater than mere inclusion. Ultimately it is always their decision to see truth and act on it. We present the truth of the message, invite them into saving knowledge, and with their understanding and acceptance - then help them to grow.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
In all the wrong places...
Do you ever feel that this is where you have and are looking - you must be in the wrong place(s)? That you are trying to find answers but not particularly successful? I certainly can relate. Sometimes I still find myself in those places, when I don't follow through on what I know I should be doing... or not really looking... or not wanting to accept the right answer... or (fill in the blank). For me, this is so silly and wastes so much time because I know I will come face-to-face with what I need to do that I've known (on some level) all along. Bottom line - it still is my decision to act on this understanding... or to reap the consequences.
You do realize, don't you, that we all face these situations and that when we knowingly don't act on the standard we have that consequences do prevail. And yes, we reap consequences when we act according to our standard. The difference is that in the latter case, we have the assurance that what we did/said is according to what we have as who we are and how we go about doing our 'who'. The reaping in this case is determining if our standard is 'right'.
However, there is a kind of caveat to this - when we realize we are looking in all the wrong places, what is it we actually are seeing? Is it out of our comfort level? Is it a new learning as a result of our seemingly misplacement? I'm a believer that learning what doesn't work is as valuable as what does... so what is where you are teaching you? Don't leave your 'wrong place' before you glean all you can from this 'wrong'.
Obviously, at some point we need to begin discovering exactly where we need to be. Rushing into the void is not a good approach. Regardless of the urgency of the moment, we need to not compound the wrong but find our what and where we should be. If we are looking in all the wrong places, what is a better place? Do you know? If you move from where you are into the vast unknown - will this get you to your right place? Don't panic - learn from the time in the wrong and move into what you believe will be your 'right'. And if you are still wrong... repeat the process.
You do realize, don't you, that we all face these situations and that when we knowingly don't act on the standard we have that consequences do prevail. And yes, we reap consequences when we act according to our standard. The difference is that in the latter case, we have the assurance that what we did/said is according to what we have as who we are and how we go about doing our 'who'. The reaping in this case is determining if our standard is 'right'.
However, there is a kind of caveat to this - when we realize we are looking in all the wrong places, what is it we actually are seeing? Is it out of our comfort level? Is it a new learning as a result of our seemingly misplacement? I'm a believer that learning what doesn't work is as valuable as what does... so what is where you are teaching you? Don't leave your 'wrong place' before you glean all you can from this 'wrong'.
Obviously, at some point we need to begin discovering exactly where we need to be. Rushing into the void is not a good approach. Regardless of the urgency of the moment, we need to not compound the wrong but find our what and where we should be. If we are looking in all the wrong places, what is a better place? Do you know? If you move from where you are into the vast unknown - will this get you to your right place? Don't panic - learn from the time in the wrong and move into what you believe will be your 'right'. And if you are still wrong... repeat the process.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Application is
... the personalization of learning through demonstration, expression of what has been learned. Simple definition, but with no equivocation. I realize that I talk a great deal about application, demonstration, learning and all in the context of personalization. (Webster doesn't seem to like my word - but personalization - the integration into one's mindset, lifestyle is critical.) My point is if we don't demonstrate, don't test what we say we believe, how do we know what we believe. And equally important... how do we continually refine our understanding?
In my world, it is rarely (if ever) one and done. We are always growing, though unless we are also intentional, not necessarily 'improving'. I also believe that we need to declare, daily, our 'new or refined' learning until it is a given in our personal MO. And declaring, in this context, means testing the learning and acting on what it is we are declaring - not mere intellectualization (also a new word or a non-Webster word). It is critical for us to walk outside our comfort zone to be able to look at the learning and see where/when/how/if it needs to be incorporate into our 'who'.
In applying what we think we know we test and then have the ability to build on the plateau we are on. We can refine and tweak the expression when we look at life as a continual learning lab in which we live. Application is nothing without a foundation which comes from knowledge. Knowledge apart from applying is merely an intellectual exercise - interesting but with little significance in life. Application allows us the ability to prove, disprove, refine, build on from the information we discover from applying knowledge.
I do believe that a day without learning is somewhat dissatisfying, something has been missed in the day. And without intentional application we really are like a 3 legged stool that is trying to remain upright on only 2 legs. I often discover that in my applying, testing what I think I know that this leads me onto a new plateau, perhaps a different understanding of 'knowledge'. It most often is out of the box but it is also stimulating and exciting.
We are always building on our platform of what we know and believe. When we allow ourselves to apply this in our lives, we find the validity of the knowledge for ourselves and when and where to apply 'it'. Application is merely the next stage in our growing and refining. Perhaps it's an issue of trust when we don't take that next step? Do we trust ourselves about what we know when we don't apply knowledge to life? Life is meant to be lived, to be experienced... not simply to exist in our thinking.
In my world, it is rarely (if ever) one and done. We are always growing, though unless we are also intentional, not necessarily 'improving'. I also believe that we need to declare, daily, our 'new or refined' learning until it is a given in our personal MO. And declaring, in this context, means testing the learning and acting on what it is we are declaring - not mere intellectualization (also a new word or a non-Webster word). It is critical for us to walk outside our comfort zone to be able to look at the learning and see where/when/how/if it needs to be incorporate into our 'who'.
In applying what we think we know we test and then have the ability to build on the plateau we are on. We can refine and tweak the expression when we look at life as a continual learning lab in which we live. Application is nothing without a foundation which comes from knowledge. Knowledge apart from applying is merely an intellectual exercise - interesting but with little significance in life. Application allows us the ability to prove, disprove, refine, build on from the information we discover from applying knowledge.
I do believe that a day without learning is somewhat dissatisfying, something has been missed in the day. And without intentional application we really are like a 3 legged stool that is trying to remain upright on only 2 legs. I often discover that in my applying, testing what I think I know that this leads me onto a new plateau, perhaps a different understanding of 'knowledge'. It most often is out of the box but it is also stimulating and exciting.
We are always building on our platform of what we know and believe. When we allow ourselves to apply this in our lives, we find the validity of the knowledge for ourselves and when and where to apply 'it'. Application is merely the next stage in our growing and refining. Perhaps it's an issue of trust when we don't take that next step? Do we trust ourselves about what we know when we don't apply knowledge to life? Life is meant to be lived, to be experienced... not simply to exist in our thinking.
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