We all are. Being imperfect is not the issue - dealing with being imperfect is! There was a thoughtful post on Facebook that said:
"There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get
inspired by how you deal with your imperfections."
The 'author' of this quote is unknown, but the wisdom is remarkable. It also provides a foundation on which we can deal with, grow, become more through how we respond to our own imperfections. Also, I think that 'I'm only human'
should never be an excuse. Of course you're human... but you are made in God's image. (Genesis 1:27). Why would you dishonor this?
I think there's little doubt that most of us harbor a desire to inspire others. It's one way we judge if we are making any contribution to the world in which we live. When we see others positively responding or attempting to emulate our behavior then this affirms us to us. But some of the best lessons are learned when we aren't at the top of our game, when we act or say things that demonstrate we are imperfect. How we handle these imperfections is critical and hiding them is never the option. People do see how we deal with these 'failings' and discover their own ways of dealing with their own imperfections.
There are over 15 scriptures that deal with perfection, one of my favorites is:
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become
perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which
also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 3:12)
We read that Paul too recognized he was in a process of moving into perfection. And so are we - in a process, on our way, not there yet but continuing. And one of the best ways of understanding and seeing this movement is through how, when we know it is our imperfection, we attempt to work toward the goal of becoming perfect. If you are throwing up your hands in frustration, remember Psalms 25:8
"Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way."
See. You're not alone in the process. Turn and listen to what the Lord is instructing you and you will find yourself moving in the direction to accomplish the goal. Deuteronomy 32:4
"His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness
and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He."
You aren't alone and you will never be turned away.
From scripture's standpoint - we are in a process involved with becoming perfect. We haven't attained it, we can't do it alone, but it is a goal. Each day becomes a learning laboratory for us to discover our best way of redeeming our errors and advancing our understandings. I suspect that perfection doesn't occur until we are in the presence of the Lord and He makes us all Perfect. This, however, never excuses or gives us license to not learn or not grow into all we can become.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Your Achilles heel
Do you know what the enemy uses against you? If you don't, how can you defend yourself? Simply ignoring doesn't work - you need to defeat him in every area of your life about which he torments you. I think that he uses our greatest 'fear' in terms of how we are as Christians. Are you concerned about disappointing the Lord? Or maybe it's a scripture such as, 'Depart from Me... I never knew you...'(Matthew 7:21-23) or that though the Lord is preparing a place for you (John 14:2-3), you aren't included.
There are a vast array of possible issues that can become our Achilles heels. Our problems are to not be consumed by them and allow them to cripple or incapacitate who we are and what we do. Certainly you make mistakes but when you do and they are more than a mere 'mistake' do you turn to the Lord and seek His forgiveness? (1John 1:9) Or don't you believe in the truth of scripture?
I do believe that many of us are haunted by the question of - have we committed the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28-29, Matthew 12:31-32, Luke 12:10). Do you know what this is? From the scriptures it is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. From a teaching by Billy Graham, based in the Matthew verses:
"Jesus had been performing miracles, including driving demons out of people
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing the source of Jesus’
power and accepting Him as God’s Son, the religious leaders accused Him of
being possessed by the devil and driving demons out in the power of the devil.
Jesus responded by saying, “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of
men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will
never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”
Realize that this is a conscious act, not a slip, not a mistake. If you haven't done this then you haven't committed the unpardonable sin. This is one area that I believe the devil always tries to use against us. Talk about being incapacitated! It is so damaging and inaccurate. One advantage we do have is to remember that our enemy is not creative - he will use the same strategies he has tried before. Recognize, in your life, how he attempts to dissuade and upset you.
We all have our Achilles heel - perhaps this is akin to Paul's 'thorn in the side'? Regardless, WE have the responsibility to 'tame' and control this and not allow it to mislead. We certainly can't claim we don't know. And nowhere does it say you have to try to accomplish this alone. Turn to the Lord and seek His answers and strategies so that you continue to be an Overcomer!
There are a vast array of possible issues that can become our Achilles heels. Our problems are to not be consumed by them and allow them to cripple or incapacitate who we are and what we do. Certainly you make mistakes but when you do and they are more than a mere 'mistake' do you turn to the Lord and seek His forgiveness? (1John 1:9) Or don't you believe in the truth of scripture?
I do believe that many of us are haunted by the question of - have we committed the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28-29, Matthew 12:31-32, Luke 12:10). Do you know what this is? From the scriptures it is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. From a teaching by Billy Graham, based in the Matthew verses:
"Jesus had been performing miracles, including driving demons out of people
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing the source of Jesus’
power and accepting Him as God’s Son, the religious leaders accused Him of
being possessed by the devil and driving demons out in the power of the devil.
Jesus responded by saying, “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of
men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will
never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”
Realize that this is a conscious act, not a slip, not a mistake. If you haven't done this then you haven't committed the unpardonable sin. This is one area that I believe the devil always tries to use against us. Talk about being incapacitated! It is so damaging and inaccurate. One advantage we do have is to remember that our enemy is not creative - he will use the same strategies he has tried before. Recognize, in your life, how he attempts to dissuade and upset you.
We all have our Achilles heel - perhaps this is akin to Paul's 'thorn in the side'? Regardless, WE have the responsibility to 'tame' and control this and not allow it to mislead. We certainly can't claim we don't know. And nowhere does it say you have to try to accomplish this alone. Turn to the Lord and seek His answers and strategies so that you continue to be an Overcomer!
Monday, February 20, 2017
Your 'default'
We see in many places the word, default, to designate the manner, method or management of (fill in the blank). One can always revert to the default, if you get into a predicament such as changing (whatever) on your computer. It's a kind of 'get home free' card. But does this work in relationships? Probably not. But this rarely stops us from trying to use it... does it. (not a question) But why? I have discovered that I tend to lose so much energy and time when I use a 'default' and then have to retrace my steps to apologize, recreate, explain, etc. why I did what I did.
This may not be an issue for you... or is it? You may never use a default behavior or words... or do you? Are you aware of your default behavior and words? Do you ever find yourself not only wondering why you used a default but how do you respond now? Defaults really are rarely 'get outta jail', they are lapses in our behaviors or words. Eventually they do catch up with you and you have to decide what you can do now.
Default. It was interesting when I looked up this word in Webster. The first definitions all begin with... "A failure..." Default - failure? In some contexts it is a failure to (fill in the blank). And it is the first definition. If wasn't until I was down the list of definitions and descriptions that I found: "...of a computer: to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc. unless you choose a different one." I suspect we all would prefer not using the 'failure' definition but is 'automatically using a particular setting... unless you choose' preferable? Doesn't 'automatically' really mean non or unthinkingly? And when it comes to relationships or communication with other people - none of this should be the basis.
I know. We all do this at times. We shouldn't. But it's even worse if we aren't aware that we do this... automatically. Our default should never be based on a negative. We need to be intentional in our words and behaviors - not obsessively, intentional. We all need to embrace the moment and be fully engaged in whatever we are doing and with whomever is with us. This is a much richer way to live. And if we slide into default, we should stop the moment we are aware and not continue in default mode but become interactive with our lives. If you prefer the eventual computerized definition of default... then choose to not default.
This may not be an issue for you... or is it? You may never use a default behavior or words... or do you? Are you aware of your default behavior and words? Do you ever find yourself not only wondering why you used a default but how do you respond now? Defaults really are rarely 'get outta jail', they are lapses in our behaviors or words. Eventually they do catch up with you and you have to decide what you can do now.
Default. It was interesting when I looked up this word in Webster. The first definitions all begin with... "A failure..." Default - failure? In some contexts it is a failure to (fill in the blank). And it is the first definition. If wasn't until I was down the list of definitions and descriptions that I found: "...of a computer: to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc. unless you choose a different one." I suspect we all would prefer not using the 'failure' definition but is 'automatically using a particular setting... unless you choose' preferable? Doesn't 'automatically' really mean non or unthinkingly? And when it comes to relationships or communication with other people - none of this should be the basis.
I know. We all do this at times. We shouldn't. But it's even worse if we aren't aware that we do this... automatically. Our default should never be based on a negative. We need to be intentional in our words and behaviors - not obsessively, intentional. We all need to embrace the moment and be fully engaged in whatever we are doing and with whomever is with us. This is a much richer way to live. And if we slide into default, we should stop the moment we are aware and not continue in default mode but become interactive with our lives. If you prefer the eventual computerized definition of default... then choose to not default.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Operating on Numb
Definition (mine): operating on 'numb' is going through the motions, knowing what's happening around you but later, realizing you were not engaged though you managed to do what was 'necessary'. Long definition but I felt I needed a more thorough description for you to understand what I am saying. Point - do you find yourself in those kinds of times? If you don't... this is indeed rare and I envy you because I find that when I hit 'very tired' mentally and spiritually, my default is numb. The problem is that I lose the richness of what's happening - now.
Do not misunderstand and consider numb as a 'bad', it is more of an... 'is'. However, numb can last far too long and have far reaching implications that we may not consider when we find ourself... in numb-land. Mundane example: in coming out of the numb fog you realize you have obligated yourself to (fill in the blank) and now you need to follow through on this but you aren't ready. It doesn't really matter that you were in your fog, what do you do - try and extricate yourself? Try to fulfill the commitment? Ignoring this may be even worse.
If you find yourself in 'numb'- land, what do you do? Do you have an exit plan? First - do you understand how you got in this state? I am totally convinced that if you haven't determined how you got there then you are doomed to repeat it. Being the introspective type, I immediately default to this life approach. I need to know what was happening that translated into me numbing it down. Obviously I don't want to repeat it but it's critical for me to understand the why.
I may have been tired but that rarely is a sufficient reason/excuse.
Irrelevant discussion? Possibly. But remember that it is the 'ordinary', the 'mundane', the supposedly 'irrelevant' that have significant implications for how we live our lives. They may need even more attending to than the 'surprising', 'exciting', 'challenging', etc. times. If you think about it a moment, those 'lesser' influences (determine? enhance? detract?) far more to the alertness and extent of the the more desired times. Yes? Never underestimate your numb times because they may be attempting to teach you some valuable lessons for your future.
Do not misunderstand and consider numb as a 'bad', it is more of an... 'is'. However, numb can last far too long and have far reaching implications that we may not consider when we find ourself... in numb-land. Mundane example: in coming out of the numb fog you realize you have obligated yourself to (fill in the blank) and now you need to follow through on this but you aren't ready. It doesn't really matter that you were in your fog, what do you do - try and extricate yourself? Try to fulfill the commitment? Ignoring this may be even worse.
If you find yourself in 'numb'- land, what do you do? Do you have an exit plan? First - do you understand how you got in this state? I am totally convinced that if you haven't determined how you got there then you are doomed to repeat it. Being the introspective type, I immediately default to this life approach. I need to know what was happening that translated into me numbing it down. Obviously I don't want to repeat it but it's critical for me to understand the why.
I may have been tired but that rarely is a sufficient reason/excuse.
Irrelevant discussion? Possibly. But remember that it is the 'ordinary', the 'mundane', the supposedly 'irrelevant' that have significant implications for how we live our lives. They may need even more attending to than the 'surprising', 'exciting', 'challenging', etc. times. If you think about it a moment, those 'lesser' influences (determine? enhance? detract?) far more to the alertness and extent of the the more desired times. Yes? Never underestimate your numb times because they may be attempting to teach you some valuable lessons for your future.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Organized, Prepared, etc.
I must admit that I do get a bit of dissing about being organized. Not too sure why. I do know that 'some' have said that being organized, planning ahead limits creativity and enjoying the serendipitous opportunities. To whit I reply - hogwash! Being prepared doesn't mean that you don't experience creative and serendipity people and activities, I would argue that it enhances the spontaneous, especially since you aren't of two minds - because you aren't 'caught' in what hasn't been done yet in order to appreciate what's happening. Besides, wasn't there a warning, wise and foolish virgins, in scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) that speaks to this issue?
If you are the planner-type then once this activity is completed you are open to other possibilities, freeing you to discover the spontaneous rather than because you hadn't planned ahead, you no longer have the time, energy, or resources to enjoy the unexpected. Possible? I would contend that this is the reason FOR planning and organizing. Then again, I am an options planner. If the main plan (A) isn't working then you need a backup (B) plan available, sometimes quite quickly. I have never believed in the one-plan only approach to life's issues, opportunities, threats, etc.
Actually I'm a SWOT kind of person. I try to consider the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats in whatever endeavor in which I'm involved. Even if I don't consider everything, I'm ahead of those who never take the time to look at the ramifications from actions before taking those steps. But the process HAS to involved all 4 possibilities and potentials, because without realizing the negative and positive outcomes, one only has a partial understanding.
Organizing and preparation are tools! Tools to help us all respond effectively and efficiently to the projects, unexpecteds, daily responsibilities, plans, etc. Why not use the tools to be effective? Yes, it does take time, the mindset that what you are doing now will provide a framework for future decisions, and the ability to plan based on potential reactions. If you do this can you just sit back and relax? Hardly. This gives you a firm foundation but then it allows you to tweak what you are doing. For me, it is the tweaking that is fun and provides the greatest learnings and self-discoveries. Now you can focus on those rather than rushing to 'get organized'. At least... that's my approach.
If you are the planner-type then once this activity is completed you are open to other possibilities, freeing you to discover the spontaneous rather than because you hadn't planned ahead, you no longer have the time, energy, or resources to enjoy the unexpected. Possible? I would contend that this is the reason FOR planning and organizing. Then again, I am an options planner. If the main plan (A) isn't working then you need a backup (B) plan available, sometimes quite quickly. I have never believed in the one-plan only approach to life's issues, opportunities, threats, etc.
Actually I'm a SWOT kind of person. I try to consider the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats in whatever endeavor in which I'm involved. Even if I don't consider everything, I'm ahead of those who never take the time to look at the ramifications from actions before taking those steps. But the process HAS to involved all 4 possibilities and potentials, because without realizing the negative and positive outcomes, one only has a partial understanding.
Organizing and preparation are tools! Tools to help us all respond effectively and efficiently to the projects, unexpecteds, daily responsibilities, plans, etc. Why not use the tools to be effective? Yes, it does take time, the mindset that what you are doing now will provide a framework for future decisions, and the ability to plan based on potential reactions. If you do this can you just sit back and relax? Hardly. This gives you a firm foundation but then it allows you to tweak what you are doing. For me, it is the tweaking that is fun and provides the greatest learnings and self-discoveries. Now you can focus on those rather than rushing to 'get organized'. At least... that's my approach.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Grown Up
Looking at yourself right now... in the world you live - is this who you thought you'd be? Are you doing what you thought you'd be doing? Have/Are you fulfilling your promise, potential? Do you think your parents, close friends, and relatives believe what you've become is who you are? What about the Lord? Have you answered His call on you for your life? Are you grown up? Or... are you in the growing up process? Or...
Just to be clear, I don't think 'grown up' is a status one ever fully attains. If you think you have then I would challenge you to look at your life again... are you growing, are you learning - or have you stopped? Grown up is a kind of 'made it' and stopped status and I don't believe anyone ever completes their journey, their path to grown up until the Lord calls them home. I feel growing up is a number of stages, plateaus that define us. Yes there are mountain top experiences as well as walking on the straight plain as well as those desert and missteps. All of this combines to aid us on our growing up journey.
As you sit/stand where you are right now - look back and do you see growth over the past 3 to 6 months? If not, then what is it you do see? When can you identify you as growing? Can you go back even further and look at your life during the past year or past 5 years? Certainly you must see growth over that length of time - don't you? Again, if you don't... what do you see? Can you identify those areas that do show growth and the ones you've put 'on the back burner'? Can you also look forward and see what your next step will be?
Maturity is what will be the end result of your labors when you allow your learning to lead you, to help you see where you need to further understand,
perhaps at a deeper level, what it is you know. Growth in understanding is available when you take the time to appreciate and understand what it is you know and how it has directed and influenced you. You aren't simply a jumbled mess of a lot of pieces of knowledge, but it takes your time to see how those pieces fit together - where they merge and complete other areas and where they diverge yet coexist. You really are an incredible creation. And it is you who takes that creation and through thought and prayer grow into who you are at this moment in time.
The Father created us with a mind. We need to employ what it is we know, what it is we understand, what needs further refinement... and the list goes on. This is why I say we never truly 'grow up'. On the path to maturity... always our decision. But it will take your intent to see and understand... you: your whats, whys, wheres, who's, that combine to make you that unique person, never duplicated, that you are. Time for celebrating. And then... continue the journey.
Just to be clear, I don't think 'grown up' is a status one ever fully attains. If you think you have then I would challenge you to look at your life again... are you growing, are you learning - or have you stopped? Grown up is a kind of 'made it' and stopped status and I don't believe anyone ever completes their journey, their path to grown up until the Lord calls them home. I feel growing up is a number of stages, plateaus that define us. Yes there are mountain top experiences as well as walking on the straight plain as well as those desert and missteps. All of this combines to aid us on our growing up journey.
As you sit/stand where you are right now - look back and do you see growth over the past 3 to 6 months? If not, then what is it you do see? When can you identify you as growing? Can you go back even further and look at your life during the past year or past 5 years? Certainly you must see growth over that length of time - don't you? Again, if you don't... what do you see? Can you identify those areas that do show growth and the ones you've put 'on the back burner'? Can you also look forward and see what your next step will be?
Maturity is what will be the end result of your labors when you allow your learning to lead you, to help you see where you need to further understand,
perhaps at a deeper level, what it is you know. Growth in understanding is available when you take the time to appreciate and understand what it is you know and how it has directed and influenced you. You aren't simply a jumbled mess of a lot of pieces of knowledge, but it takes your time to see how those pieces fit together - where they merge and complete other areas and where they diverge yet coexist. You really are an incredible creation. And it is you who takes that creation and through thought and prayer grow into who you are at this moment in time.
The Father created us with a mind. We need to employ what it is we know, what it is we understand, what needs further refinement... and the list goes on. This is why I say we never truly 'grow up'. On the path to maturity... always our decision. But it will take your intent to see and understand... you: your whats, whys, wheres, who's, that combine to make you that unique person, never duplicated, that you are. Time for celebrating. And then... continue the journey.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Defining moment(s)
They (defining moment(s)) really are fantastic! Defining moments are not only emotional - they involve the entire person - spirit, soul, and sometimes body. Whether the situation was positive or negative, the lessons available to be learned are those that stay with us ... forever. Definition: defining moment(s) are those times that significantly impact who we are, what we do, how we go about being us. These are the times that are always remembered - in fact, sometimes we can remember the little things as well: what we wore, the season, the smells, the sights, the... Vividly remembered. And yes, this does go for the bad as well as the good times.
Examples? When you accepted the Lord. When you found the person you wanted to marry, start a family, and be with through the thick and thin times. When you made a work related discovery that proved to be a new process. When you were in the pits of despair over (fill in the blank) and how you extricated yourself. When a planned for advancement tanked and you were left at your current level. The examples can go on and on - but these give a context to what I mean by defining moment(s). These are the times that are indelibly etched into our memories and our how we reacted/responded/resolved (fill in the blank) that came to be part of our set of actions.
There are also defining moments spiritually - these are really of the greatest significance. It is always the essential and eternal that makes the most significant and long-lasting impact, influence on us and how we go about being us. Do you remember yours? Can you see how these times have come to help determine what you believe and how you express this? It could be a word of encouragement that suddenly became a moment of realization of (fill in the blank) that started you in a new direction or confirmed where you were heading next.
Defining moment(s) can be sparked by something you read or by words from others or in your own prayer time. The latter, for me, has come to be very special in my day because in talking with the Lord, He has given me wonderful ideas to share in my writing. These words may have not brought new options or avenues to explore - but never despise the times of small beginnings. An 'everyone knows' moment, if it is new for you, is new. We may all learn the same lessons, but rarely at the same time, with the same depth, or with the same level of significance. Besides, I do believe in the 'line upon line' thinking - we expand our depth of understanding as we express what we know and listen to what others know. There is always, for me, a sense of joy in discovering those truths that I can now share my level of understanding and hear where you are and how you've learned what you added to your personal MO.
As long as you are a student. As long as you decide on a learners lifestyle you will always be open to discovering defining moment(s). It is an amazing way to live one's life.
Examples? When you accepted the Lord. When you found the person you wanted to marry, start a family, and be with through the thick and thin times. When you made a work related discovery that proved to be a new process. When you were in the pits of despair over (fill in the blank) and how you extricated yourself. When a planned for advancement tanked and you were left at your current level. The examples can go on and on - but these give a context to what I mean by defining moment(s). These are the times that are indelibly etched into our memories and our how we reacted/responded/resolved (fill in the blank) that came to be part of our set of actions.
There are also defining moments spiritually - these are really of the greatest significance. It is always the essential and eternal that makes the most significant and long-lasting impact, influence on us and how we go about being us. Do you remember yours? Can you see how these times have come to help determine what you believe and how you express this? It could be a word of encouragement that suddenly became a moment of realization of (fill in the blank) that started you in a new direction or confirmed where you were heading next.
Defining moment(s) can be sparked by something you read or by words from others or in your own prayer time. The latter, for me, has come to be very special in my day because in talking with the Lord, He has given me wonderful ideas to share in my writing. These words may have not brought new options or avenues to explore - but never despise the times of small beginnings. An 'everyone knows' moment, if it is new for you, is new. We may all learn the same lessons, but rarely at the same time, with the same depth, or with the same level of significance. Besides, I do believe in the 'line upon line' thinking - we expand our depth of understanding as we express what we know and listen to what others know. There is always, for me, a sense of joy in discovering those truths that I can now share my level of understanding and hear where you are and how you've learned what you added to your personal MO.
As long as you are a student. As long as you decide on a learners lifestyle you will always be open to discovering defining moment(s). It is an amazing way to live one's life.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Getting by
Is that how you go about being you? Doing just enough. Bluntly - if you aren't growing, you're standing still. And where does standing still get you? Exactly! You are behind because life is an action word. Seriously, If it is worth doing, then it's worth doing well. And when it comes to being and doing you, this should always be one of your foundation blocks. Do not mean to be rude, but is that all you are doing - occupying space? What are you doing with your space?
This response of 'getting by', is sometimes spoken as 'fine' but obviously fine is not the status. The purpose is typically meant to stop further discussion. Unless it is said in a whiny voice meaning, 'ask me more'. But why is this a condition you would like to inhabit? What value is there to... getting by? Not being hassled? Actually, hassle needs better defining. Webster says: "...a disorderly dispute... or quarrel." Is this what's being avoided? Attempting to live your life, your way without dispute? Never gonna happen. Besides, where's the challenge, the excitement, the passion, the growth?
You never were meant to stand still. The Word says, "...rooted and grounded IN HIM..." (Ephesians 3:16-17) not in cement. If you aren't growing and moving, then what kind of Ambassador are you (2 Corinthians 5:20)? There was an article in "Ministry Today" that listed 5 requirements to be a warrior for God: "1. keep you life clean, 2. keep your eyes open, 3. keep your heart grateful, 4. keep your purpose firm, and 5. keep your mind on Jesus." Possible? Are you? What is your witness, your testimony? How are you walking in the abundance prepared for you? None of these can happen in a 'getting by' standard/status.
What stops you from being, doing (fill in the blank)? If you haven't identified what/who is blocking you from attaining your goal/objective or even simply being your best you, then how can you possibly succeed? I would suspect that you first need to identify if, where, or how you are advancing is your best. (Never settle for 'good enough'.) Don't be a 'getting by' person - reach for the goal - Philippians 3:14-14
"...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining
forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the
prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ... let us hold true
to what we have attained." (v. 16)
This response of 'getting by', is sometimes spoken as 'fine' but obviously fine is not the status. The purpose is typically meant to stop further discussion. Unless it is said in a whiny voice meaning, 'ask me more'. But why is this a condition you would like to inhabit? What value is there to... getting by? Not being hassled? Actually, hassle needs better defining. Webster says: "...a disorderly dispute... or quarrel." Is this what's being avoided? Attempting to live your life, your way without dispute? Never gonna happen. Besides, where's the challenge, the excitement, the passion, the growth?
You never were meant to stand still. The Word says, "...rooted and grounded IN HIM..." (Ephesians 3:16-17) not in cement. If you aren't growing and moving, then what kind of Ambassador are you (2 Corinthians 5:20)? There was an article in "Ministry Today" that listed 5 requirements to be a warrior for God: "1. keep you life clean, 2. keep your eyes open, 3. keep your heart grateful, 4. keep your purpose firm, and 5. keep your mind on Jesus." Possible? Are you? What is your witness, your testimony? How are you walking in the abundance prepared for you? None of these can happen in a 'getting by' standard/status.
What stops you from being, doing (fill in the blank)? If you haven't identified what/who is blocking you from attaining your goal/objective or even simply being your best you, then how can you possibly succeed? I would suspect that you first need to identify if, where, or how you are advancing is your best. (Never settle for 'good enough'.) Don't be a 'getting by' person - reach for the goal - Philippians 3:14-14
"...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining
forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the
prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ... let us hold true
to what we have attained." (v. 16)
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Bound in ignorance
Does this describe you? Do you have eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear? Scripture tells us that we perish from a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), is this you? Do you want to move into understanding? Because in so many ways, this is your decision. But a caution - you are responsible for what you know and your understanding must be applied. Soooo... whose 'fault'? Is there fault?
Bottom line - there is always a price to be paid, whether you choose ignorance or choose living your life as an Overcomer. The latter is not for the faint of heart and spirit. When you go along to get along, you compromise. And in overcoming, this is never an option, standard, or condition. But before you can even begin your journey to overcoming, certain bottom-line rights and obligations have to be understood and accepted. Does this sound like discouragement before you've even begun? No. But this is always an 'eyes wide open' decision. Actually, in many ways it's a declaration.
What I mean by bottom-line rights and obligations are: 1. You must be a born again, Bible believing Christian. 2. You should be fellowshipping with other people who have accepted Jesus as Lord and try to walk their talk. 3. You need to be growing, studying to become your best you. 4. Listen to what is being taught and always 'judge' it against what scripture says. If you are uncertain, then pray as well as seek others understanding. There are other standards, but these 4 are the beginning steps. Outside of them, you are probably going to continue in the state you're in without the input and support from other Christians as you continue on your path.
Bound in ignorance is when you stand still or stop. And yes, sometimes the learning can be difficult - that's never the point. Always, always the point is that every time you slip or fall, that you stand again and redouble your commitment to being your best you - regardless of whether or not this is accepted. If you find yourself in a desert, alone and without the 'iron sharpening iron' interaction and involvement of others, then you need to heavily rely on prayer, scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Whatever is thrown at you, whatever test you have, whatever trial attempts to defeat you - never forget Whose you are. I believe that as the serpent attempted to defeat Jesus in desert - he will use the same tactics with us. We can defeat him with the Word. Additionally, He has told us that He will always help us find a way through what seems impossible (1 Corinthians 10:13), especially if it is a temptation because He never tempts us. I've heard it said that the more trials we face, the more evidence we have that we are on our right path. Bound in ignorance, however, is not a trial, temptation - it is a state we choose - to be uninvolved with the work of ministry in the world we live in.
Bottom line - there is always a price to be paid, whether you choose ignorance or choose living your life as an Overcomer. The latter is not for the faint of heart and spirit. When you go along to get along, you compromise. And in overcoming, this is never an option, standard, or condition. But before you can even begin your journey to overcoming, certain bottom-line rights and obligations have to be understood and accepted. Does this sound like discouragement before you've even begun? No. But this is always an 'eyes wide open' decision. Actually, in many ways it's a declaration.
What I mean by bottom-line rights and obligations are: 1. You must be a born again, Bible believing Christian. 2. You should be fellowshipping with other people who have accepted Jesus as Lord and try to walk their talk. 3. You need to be growing, studying to become your best you. 4. Listen to what is being taught and always 'judge' it against what scripture says. If you are uncertain, then pray as well as seek others understanding. There are other standards, but these 4 are the beginning steps. Outside of them, you are probably going to continue in the state you're in without the input and support from other Christians as you continue on your path.
Bound in ignorance is when you stand still or stop. And yes, sometimes the learning can be difficult - that's never the point. Always, always the point is that every time you slip or fall, that you stand again and redouble your commitment to being your best you - regardless of whether or not this is accepted. If you find yourself in a desert, alone and without the 'iron sharpening iron' interaction and involvement of others, then you need to heavily rely on prayer, scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Whatever is thrown at you, whatever test you have, whatever trial attempts to defeat you - never forget Whose you are. I believe that as the serpent attempted to defeat Jesus in desert - he will use the same tactics with us. We can defeat him with the Word. Additionally, He has told us that He will always help us find a way through what seems impossible (1 Corinthians 10:13), especially if it is a temptation because He never tempts us. I've heard it said that the more trials we face, the more evidence we have that we are on our right path. Bound in ignorance, however, is not a trial, temptation - it is a state we choose - to be uninvolved with the work of ministry in the world we live in.
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