We humans are so very quick to judge, to deflect blame, to point fingers, to act before we have heard both sides. None of us seem to be immune from this behavior. Quite honestly, it makes little difference if 'everyone' acts this way... what about you? Do you act as judge, jury, and executioner and then 'share' your beliefs (gossip?) with one and all? This is especially true for the church. I was told, early in my Christian walk, that we are the only ones who kill our wounded. This has to stop! We all need to take a vow that we will not engage in this behavior any longer. If it doesn't start with me - who will begin... and when.
We all sin, misunderstand, act hastily, etc. And we all can say, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Not necessarily the same issue, but none of us have clean hands. We all need, rely on the grace of God to cover us with His mercy. Can we do less to a fellow Christian? When there is error we see in words or behavior, we should follow scripture's model - speak with the person we believe is wrong FIRST. Are there reasons they have, are doing what they do? Ask questions, don't just immediately condemn. Is the person aware of the affects on others of what they said/did? Why did they do what they did? Without understanding there is little basis to effect any change. Never turn a 'blind eye' to sin - but attempt to affect restoration.
What should we do? There's a marvelous example in scripture. Remember the incident when a woman was found in adultery and was brought before Jesus... what did He do? Jesus knew the law, knew what the punishment should be. He simply wrote in the sand and said to the clamoring mob - he who is without sin, cast the first stone. After discarding their stones and departing:
"Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has
no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus
said, 'Neither do I condemn you, go and from now on, sin no
more.'" (John 8:10-11)
The caveat - sin no more. Our goal in correction should be healing never harming. But we shouldn't ever diminish what was done/said. Correction requires understanding on everyone's part about what happens next but the goal should always be restoration.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Failure isn't fatal... hesitation can be
Ever thought about that? Recently I heard this phrase spoken and I was caught by the statement. First, depending on how you define AND view the word, 'failure', then fatal isn't necessarily part of the definition. Second, potentially, hesitation can be or become fatal. What is 'hesitation' to you? How/Does it affect your words or behavior? In what ways? From the other viewpoint, for many people they only see 'fatal' in failure. Failure can be a learning tool... again, depending on definition and how you respond.
However, the more you think about hesitation the more it needs precise definition because hesitation can be a check in your spirit. A check in your spirit about what you may be about to do or say can be a great warning system... when you listen to it. A check allows you a moment to step back from the situation and determine if what you are planning on is what YOU should be doing/saying. It has always served me well (when I actually listened to it).
Webster's definitions: failure - "... a lack of success; the act of neglecting or forgetting to do or perform; an instance or loss of the ability to work properly/normally; falling short..." hesitation - (defined word by word); synonyms "...faltering, fence-sitting, indecision, irresolution, pause, hesitancy". You can easily see the relationship between failure and hesitation so the leap to 'fatal' is understandable. Not necessarily accurate though.
I completely agree that failure isn't always fatal, especially when it is a learning. When we take our mistakes, mis-steps and use them as a standard to judge what we do, then the potential for less error occurs. Depending on the situation, hesitation can be fatal when it's an emergency situation. However, apart from an emergency, hesitation can cause us to quickly rethink what is occurring in order to provide the most effective response.
However, the more you think about hesitation the more it needs precise definition because hesitation can be a check in your spirit. A check in your spirit about what you may be about to do or say can be a great warning system... when you listen to it. A check allows you a moment to step back from the situation and determine if what you are planning on is what YOU should be doing/saying. It has always served me well (when I actually listened to it).
Webster's definitions: failure - "... a lack of success; the act of neglecting or forgetting to do or perform; an instance or loss of the ability to work properly/normally; falling short..." hesitation - (defined word by word); synonyms "...faltering, fence-sitting, indecision, irresolution, pause, hesitancy". You can easily see the relationship between failure and hesitation so the leap to 'fatal' is understandable. Not necessarily accurate though.
I completely agree that failure isn't always fatal, especially when it is a learning. When we take our mistakes, mis-steps and use them as a standard to judge what we do, then the potential for less error occurs. Depending on the situation, hesitation can be fatal when it's an emergency situation. However, apart from an emergency, hesitation can cause us to quickly rethink what is occurring in order to provide the most effective response.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Casting the first stone
Are we too quick to cast the first stone? Or maybe we don't realize the negative impact our words and/or actions can be when we 'accuse'. Do we have the 'facts/evidence' correct? Have we talked, first, with the offending person to discover their understanding of what they would be accused? Has an attempt been made to redeem the person and situation? Is a public accusation the only, final, and best action?
A great many questions. But, I believe if we have a 'redeem the situation or person' mindset, then our hands are clean and we are doing what we believe is the best method to resolution. Obviously, our decision should be confirmed and not just with like minded people, with how we believe the Lord wants us to act. Remember that His mindset is redemption not merely correction. Which leads to the question of motive. Are you interested in redemption or in condemnation? Do you want the other person to change, to reverse what they said or did? What is the reason in your heart and mind?
What if the other person doesn't care? or doesn't believe they are in the 'wrong'? Ultimately, it's not your decision to accept (or not) what you are saying whether it is correction or accusation. This is when your 'how' of what you say has an enormous impact on the receptivity by the other person. I've discovered that if I start with the mindset that there are (usually) always 2 sides in every situation, then when I understand why what was done, or not done, I have a better approach to explain to the other person. If they honestly don't believe they've done 'wrong' then beginning with condemnation/correction is rarely accepted or even understood. Aren't we in the business of redeeming rather than only accusing?
If we are casting a stone, then we need to be very clear about our intentions and motives - to ourselves as well as others. I tend to believe that stone casting should be the court of last resort. We all are quick to criticize without having all the facts and understandings. Stone casting is a step beyond criticism and should be a basis for correction. Also, I tend to believe that a public demonstration should also be included in the last resort. Granted Paul encouraged the Corinthians to (publicly) remove a brother from fellowship when he had sinned. But Paul also called for mercy when the brother repented.
We all make mistakes. We all sin. But if we are truly repentant, then we also need restoration and mercy. Never be quick to cast a stone, but also for the sake of all - do what is right. And this always includes restoration. If you are the one needing restoring, never allow your own ego to stop you from acknowledging your sin and repenting. Look at the example from the Prodigal Son story - do what is right.
A great many questions. But, I believe if we have a 'redeem the situation or person' mindset, then our hands are clean and we are doing what we believe is the best method to resolution. Obviously, our decision should be confirmed and not just with like minded people, with how we believe the Lord wants us to act. Remember that His mindset is redemption not merely correction. Which leads to the question of motive. Are you interested in redemption or in condemnation? Do you want the other person to change, to reverse what they said or did? What is the reason in your heart and mind?
What if the other person doesn't care? or doesn't believe they are in the 'wrong'? Ultimately, it's not your decision to accept (or not) what you are saying whether it is correction or accusation. This is when your 'how' of what you say has an enormous impact on the receptivity by the other person. I've discovered that if I start with the mindset that there are (usually) always 2 sides in every situation, then when I understand why what was done, or not done, I have a better approach to explain to the other person. If they honestly don't believe they've done 'wrong' then beginning with condemnation/correction is rarely accepted or even understood. Aren't we in the business of redeeming rather than only accusing?
If we are casting a stone, then we need to be very clear about our intentions and motives - to ourselves as well as others. I tend to believe that stone casting should be the court of last resort. We all are quick to criticize without having all the facts and understandings. Stone casting is a step beyond criticism and should be a basis for correction. Also, I tend to believe that a public demonstration should also be included in the last resort. Granted Paul encouraged the Corinthians to (publicly) remove a brother from fellowship when he had sinned. But Paul also called for mercy when the brother repented.
We all make mistakes. We all sin. But if we are truly repentant, then we also need restoration and mercy. Never be quick to cast a stone, but also for the sake of all - do what is right. And this always includes restoration. If you are the one needing restoring, never allow your own ego to stop you from acknowledging your sin and repenting. Look at the example from the Prodigal Son story - do what is right.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
The safety of the shore
We do
need the times of the ‘safety of the shore’. But... we will need to venture
forth after some time in our safe or sanctuary place. When you are in your
'safety' place/time, what are you doing? Vegetating? Investigating (if so,
what)? 'Relaxing'? Beginning to see all that's on your plate (and what to do
about them)? How do you 'use' your safety time? And,
typically, how long is it?
There
is nothing wrong with safety times. In fact, I would suggest that everyone
needs them and needs to take the time for them. But, we do the doing! ‘Safety’ rarely simply
drops into our laps. We lead such hectic lives... marked with rushing, demands,
deadlines – in a word: stress, a plate overflowing with do's, don'ts, need
to's, have to's, etc. However, how much joy and peace also permeates your life?
Or is that lost in all of your living? WHAT are you willing to do to enhance
and/or extract all of what you can from both types of 'your times'?
TAKE
THE TIME! We all need these times of refreshing and
renewal in order to be fully engaged in what is happening in our lives - we all
need our 'safety of the shore' times. I would argue that it is these times that
allows us to be and do all that is asked of us to the best of our ability when
we are refreshed and re-equipped. You have no discretionary time?
If so, then you have other decisions to make. To function at your full capacity
you need to have the times of clarity which only come when you take your
'safety' times. Otherwise you never reach the point of operating at your best.
To do
our best... to be our best – we need times of ‘safety’ in order to allow our
lives to become all that it can be. Safety needs to be marked with peace ...
and planning. And our daily living needs to be less pressured and more
intentional so we do ‘make the most of our time’. It is NOT easy, but it is
do-able. Remember that the Lord invited us to cast ALL of our cares on Him and
take up His yoke (1Peter 5:7 - Psalms 55:22, Matthew 11:29).
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Personal... investment (?) agenda (?)
In absolutely everything you do and say there is personal investment. It may or may not be personal interest, agenda but it is investment. However, I don't believe that personal investment and personal agenda necessarily define one another. They can and sometimes do... but not necessarily.
Investment, in my world of definitions, means an expenditure of one's self in (fill in the blank). It could be time, energy, resources, etc. but it is always - personal. Agenda/interest however is our attempt to 'get our way'. Perhaps clumsily phrased but spot on. When it is in our interest or agenda (hidden or overt), it is, simply something (for whatever reason) we want. And our method(s) to attain this are not always altruistic or in 'the best interests' of all.
When we take the opportunity to invest in (fill in the blank) then our attention is focused not on ourselves but on the person, project, object. We invest, yes - sometimes to benefit ourselves eventually, but the reason we do this is not always self-serving. Investment, according to Webster, is self-serving, but I define it as focusing on someone/thing else to assist them in attaining their objective. Our benefit, reward is never the focus - though Webster would insist on a obvious personal reward.
When we consider personal agenda - this can be overt or covert. Whatever we seem to be doing, it has a double meaning and the important meaning is an enhancement of ourselves. Our focus is to influence the actions, decisions that would favor our 'cause'. Typically there is a negative connotation to personal agenda, though, again - not always the case. When we operate from this position, often we do feel that our method is best so we advance it against any disagreement. Our 'rightness' is not so much the focus as what we want.
Why am I even talking about this? Because it does permeate life. Do you think the Lord would be pleased with subterfuge? Of course not - even when we attempt to gloss over our behavior as the best decision. Present your argument - absolutely. But are you being transparent when you do? Is there something inherently wrong with admitting your own self-interest; why you advocate what you do? No - there really isn't. Only when you attempt to hide it. We are to live and act - wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Investment, in my world of definitions, means an expenditure of one's self in (fill in the blank). It could be time, energy, resources, etc. but it is always - personal. Agenda/interest however is our attempt to 'get our way'. Perhaps clumsily phrased but spot on. When it is in our interest or agenda (hidden or overt), it is, simply something (for whatever reason) we want. And our method(s) to attain this are not always altruistic or in 'the best interests' of all.
When we take the opportunity to invest in (fill in the blank) then our attention is focused not on ourselves but on the person, project, object. We invest, yes - sometimes to benefit ourselves eventually, but the reason we do this is not always self-serving. Investment, according to Webster, is self-serving, but I define it as focusing on someone/thing else to assist them in attaining their objective. Our benefit, reward is never the focus - though Webster would insist on a obvious personal reward.
When we consider personal agenda - this can be overt or covert. Whatever we seem to be doing, it has a double meaning and the important meaning is an enhancement of ourselves. Our focus is to influence the actions, decisions that would favor our 'cause'. Typically there is a negative connotation to personal agenda, though, again - not always the case. When we operate from this position, often we do feel that our method is best so we advance it against any disagreement. Our 'rightness' is not so much the focus as what we want.
Why am I even talking about this? Because it does permeate life. Do you think the Lord would be pleased with subterfuge? Of course not - even when we attempt to gloss over our behavior as the best decision. Present your argument - absolutely. But are you being transparent when you do? Is there something inherently wrong with admitting your own self-interest; why you advocate what you do? No - there really isn't. Only when you attempt to hide it. We are to live and act - wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).
Thursday, June 15, 2017
A Christian
Whether others are or are not Christians, would they know that you are? How? Does the fact that you are a Christian set you apart, define how you speak and act - is a standard visible? Does the fact that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord a part of your daily walk? Are you afraid of being a Christian? Are you concerned that you won't be able to live the life? The point is that though it IS for you, it isn't simply do's and don't's, 'things' that you are required to be more than what you can do to stay saved. Do you need to understand in order to follow? A whole lot of questions, but ones that most people need answers.
Think back to the time you came to the realization you needed a savior. Do you remember what happen next for you? Did you seek out people you considered as Christians to seek their wisdom? Was it a time you went apart from all that is around you to find what you were seeking? We all come from different places and acts to the knowledge that our answer is Jesus. Did the joy you experienced when you found your answer permeate everything you felt, said, and did? Does it still?
Are you still as awed and delighted now as when you asked Jesus to be your savior? If not... what has happened for you? Have you grown in your knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is and continues to be? who you are as a result of your acceptance? Do you do those things that continue to help you grow? Are you reading the word? Do you pray? Are you in fellowship with other Christians? Never become a lukewarm Christian - be as bold and confident as He has made and continues to make you. But never start running before you know how to walk.
A word of caution here... don't place people/other Christians on pedestals. They too are like you and still need as you do. People don't always do and act with maturity, as who they are as Christians - you will slip as well. But never damn them quickly but likewise - know who and why you follow whoever it is. if you've, for whatever reason, stopped growing, stopped fellowshipping then you can always begin again. That's one of the special and wonderful realities of being a Christian. We are never far from the One who loves and knows us best - all we need do is to turn and let Him know we really are sorry and want to be in relationship. He won't ever turn His people away.
Think back to the time you came to the realization you needed a savior. Do you remember what happen next for you? Did you seek out people you considered as Christians to seek their wisdom? Was it a time you went apart from all that is around you to find what you were seeking? We all come from different places and acts to the knowledge that our answer is Jesus. Did the joy you experienced when you found your answer permeate everything you felt, said, and did? Does it still?
Are you still as awed and delighted now as when you asked Jesus to be your savior? If not... what has happened for you? Have you grown in your knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is and continues to be? who you are as a result of your acceptance? Do you do those things that continue to help you grow? Are you reading the word? Do you pray? Are you in fellowship with other Christians? Never become a lukewarm Christian - be as bold and confident as He has made and continues to make you. But never start running before you know how to walk.
A word of caution here... don't place people/other Christians on pedestals. They too are like you and still need as you do. People don't always do and act with maturity, as who they are as Christians - you will slip as well. But never damn them quickly but likewise - know who and why you follow whoever it is. if you've, for whatever reason, stopped growing, stopped fellowshipping then you can always begin again. That's one of the special and wonderful realities of being a Christian. We are never far from the One who loves and knows us best - all we need do is to turn and let Him know we really are sorry and want to be in relationship. He won't ever turn His people away.
Monday, June 12, 2017
YOUR next step
... is not necessarily the end of your journey. Though many times we do think in this way. Not certain why we do this... Your next step is precisely that - the next. Do you see it as part of your life picture? or is it a diversion? or a retreat? Do you even see your next step? And now... your decision on your step.
The point in this is how we view our passage, our journey in our life. When you stop a moment can you look back and see the various steps you've taken in discovering and 'maturing' who you are and what you do? Do you see what has influenced you in taking the next step? Do you see your mis-steps? And do you see your corrections... or compoundings? (We really do both.) And I believe all these questions give us an understanding of not only where we are but how we got here. There are no 'wrong' answers to the questions, merely understandings.
I'm prompted by the saying that if we fail to learn from our mistakes then we are doomed to repeat them. Sometimes I think there's a touch of defiance in our acceptance of what we learn... and not in a good way. We want what we want regardless. Innocent repetition? Perhaps once, but not repeatedly. When we take our next step it must be based in knowledge of why we are doing what we do, not just what.
And yes, we all stumble, we all act not in our best interest (or anyone else's), we err, we sin - but we also have the possibility of redemption, though not without the possibility of loss. We are responsible for what we do or don't do and how we go about doing 'it'. Even an attempt to do nothing results in impacts and sometimes undesirable consequences.
I would suggest that we take our next step - eyes wide open and embracing all that we can possibly discover about all things that touch and influence our lives. Your next step is always an opportunity, sometimes with risks, but it is also always an opportunity to grow.
The point in this is how we view our passage, our journey in our life. When you stop a moment can you look back and see the various steps you've taken in discovering and 'maturing' who you are and what you do? Do you see what has influenced you in taking the next step? Do you see your mis-steps? And do you see your corrections... or compoundings? (We really do both.) And I believe all these questions give us an understanding of not only where we are but how we got here. There are no 'wrong' answers to the questions, merely understandings.
I'm prompted by the saying that if we fail to learn from our mistakes then we are doomed to repeat them. Sometimes I think there's a touch of defiance in our acceptance of what we learn... and not in a good way. We want what we want regardless. Innocent repetition? Perhaps once, but not repeatedly. When we take our next step it must be based in knowledge of why we are doing what we do, not just what.
And yes, we all stumble, we all act not in our best interest (or anyone else's), we err, we sin - but we also have the possibility of redemption, though not without the possibility of loss. We are responsible for what we do or don't do and how we go about doing 'it'. Even an attempt to do nothing results in impacts and sometimes undesirable consequences.
I would suggest that we take our next step - eyes wide open and embracing all that we can possibly discover about all things that touch and influence our lives. Your next step is always an opportunity, sometimes with risks, but it is also always an opportunity to grow.
Friday, June 9, 2017
I am persuaded...
"I am persuaded (confident) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
True for you? Are you fully, confidently persuaded? If not... why not? Not worthy enough? Well, of course not - no one is, but if we were to wait till we were then we'd always be in that unrealized state. Simply, this is not dependent on us. This is what Paul realized... is he wrong? Again, of course not.
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
True for you? Are you fully, confidently persuaded? If not... why not? Not worthy enough? Well, of course not - no one is, but if we were to wait till we were then we'd always be in that unrealized state. Simply, this is not dependent on us. This is what Paul realized... is he wrong? Again, of course not.
“Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your
getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7) ...
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding
will find good." (Proverbs 19:8)
For me, wisdom has always meant the application of knowledge. Without testing it, applying it to life - knowledge is only good for trivial pursuit. And application is grounded in understanding. Knowledge is the platform on which wisdom rests. Without the initial step of knowledge, wisdom can't stand but without wisdom, knowledge has no expression. They really are complementary and understanding is the glue.
I've said all that to focus on the Romans 8 scripture which lists all of the ‘things’ that could separate us from God and then states they don't have the power to do this. Nothing shall separate us from God's love, nothing! Do you believe you are inseparable from the love of God? That His love is stronger than any and every obstacle? Begin with verse 31, it affirms that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Then the word says - "...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (v 37) If you can believe this for yourself, if you will apply this principle ... if you do, then you are more than a conqueror.
How does being a conqueror relate to being an Overcomer. It may not be obvious but what we need to remember is that acting, living the life of an overcomer begins with the knowledge, understanding, and realization of who we are, Who the Lord is, and what He does. As long as we turn to Him for strength, that as we accept and act as conquerors, we overcome whatever it is we need to control.
How does being a conqueror relate to being an Overcomer. It may not be obvious but what we need to remember is that acting, living the life of an overcomer begins with the knowledge, understanding, and realization of who we are, Who the Lord is, and what He does. As long as we turn to Him for strength, that as we accept and act as conquerors, we overcome whatever it is we need to control.
Do you believe you can overcome (fill in the blank)? This is step 1. If you don't them you'll never start, you'll never succeed. Step 2 is to realize you can't do it alone... you need the Lord. And with Him you always have everything you need to be persuaded... to confidently live the life of an Overcomer.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
One accord
One accord is NOT compromise. It may not even be a consensus. One accord is accepting and acting in unity. Seeing the 'bigger picture' and acting on what is agreed as 'in everyone's best interests'. Obviously, the problem is in the definitions and 'leadership'. Who defines? Who steps up and is the one who rallies everyone together into a untied front? How does 'one accord' develop?
A great many questions - and some I didn't indicate, but those are the obvious ones. Who and How the determination occurs defines what one accord is and can accomplish. Where do we find this in action? Certainly not very, if ever, in the affairs of countries. In the life of the church? We do see examples of this in scripture, primarily in the first century church - there are 6 examples of this according to Bible.org
... they were in one accord -
Acts 1:14, in supplication
Acts 2:46, in anticipation
Acts 4:24, in prayer
Acts 2:43, in their association
Acts 15:25, in their determination
To me, the best example begins in Acts 1:4
"... but wait for the promise of the Father, ... but you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit ...
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (v 8)
Acts 2: 1-11, 14-41 is a powerful narrative of what happens when the body of Christ, the church, comes into one accord. It tells us what to expect, what we will experience, what this means in our lives, and how this empowers us to be the army of the Lord as witnesses to our world of the love that God has for His creation.
Obviously, I would argue that it is in the spiritual battles that we accomplish more from a united front. These are the days of harvest and until the church acts in one accord and enters into the life of the world around us, we won't reap the results of lives saved. Individually we are mighty warriors for the Lord, but united and in one accord as we join together we become that army which is a strong example and force for in Who we believe. Many of us in one accord accomplishes more than the lone soldier. Many of us not in one accord becomes merely a group of individuals.
A great many questions - and some I didn't indicate, but those are the obvious ones. Who and How the determination occurs defines what one accord is and can accomplish. Where do we find this in action? Certainly not very, if ever, in the affairs of countries. In the life of the church? We do see examples of this in scripture, primarily in the first century church - there are 6 examples of this according to Bible.org
... they were in one accord -
Acts 1:14, in supplication
Acts 2:46, in anticipation
Acts 4:24, in prayer
Acts 2:43, in their association
Acts 15:25, in their determination
To me, the best example begins in Acts 1:4
"... but wait for the promise of the Father, ... but you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit ...
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (v 8)
Acts 2: 1-11, 14-41 is a powerful narrative of what happens when the body of Christ, the church, comes into one accord. It tells us what to expect, what we will experience, what this means in our lives, and how this empowers us to be the army of the Lord as witnesses to our world of the love that God has for His creation.
Obviously, I would argue that it is in the spiritual battles that we accomplish more from a united front. These are the days of harvest and until the church acts in one accord and enters into the life of the world around us, we won't reap the results of lives saved. Individually we are mighty warriors for the Lord, but united and in one accord as we join together we become that army which is a strong example and force for in Who we believe. Many of us in one accord accomplishes more than the lone soldier. Many of us not in one accord becomes merely a group of individuals.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
The Mob mindset
Ever thought that most people are susceptible to this? You? You! How could I accuse you of this?!! Simply because anyone at anytime can become swayed by the Mob mindset, and (sometimes) be unaware till later. The Mob mindset is swift, emotional, and can blindside us when we don't act according to the standard the Lord provides. Actually acting on a self-entitled mob frame of reference is the quickest path to a very great fall! The 'I deserve it because I have been (fill in the blank's excuse). Before you get huffy or defensive or angry... think about it. Why? Why do we get swept away by a mob mindset?
We really don't realize the damage that comes from a Mob mindset because it's on so many levels - obvious and covert, visible or subversive. Principles fly out the window as a 'I want what I deserve!' pervades the situation. Perhaps you do, but is your method to attain (whatever) honorably? I'm not saying that whoever/whatever has acted honorably, the question is -are you? Do you even know what it is that you think you deserve?
From a different perspective, does it relate, in any way, to the fact that you act according to what you believe is best for you - which can be construed as self-entitlement? What too many people don't realize (or accept) is that simply because something is a 'good' for someone else, it may not be your best good. Back to your 'why' - why are you following a mob mindset? For that matter, does the mob understand or care for the standard of equality or do they simply take what they want - very often violently: emotionally, spiritually, physically?
Whether or not you follow the mob, if you are with them then their acts will be attributed to you as well. Is what they are saying doing, what you believe? Is this what you want for all - not just yourself? I suspect that some of your decisions are based in your personal philosophy of whether you choose to swim with the tide (mob) or against (the prevailing mindset). You will be held accountable for your decisions/choices - for how you act and speak, especially in those difficult situations. It always is your decision on how you stand... and with whom.
We really don't realize the damage that comes from a Mob mindset because it's on so many levels - obvious and covert, visible or subversive. Principles fly out the window as a 'I want what I deserve!' pervades the situation. Perhaps you do, but is your method to attain (whatever) honorably? I'm not saying that whoever/whatever has acted honorably, the question is -are you? Do you even know what it is that you think you deserve?
From a different perspective, does it relate, in any way, to the fact that you act according to what you believe is best for you - which can be construed as self-entitlement? What too many people don't realize (or accept) is that simply because something is a 'good' for someone else, it may not be your best good. Back to your 'why' - why are you following a mob mindset? For that matter, does the mob understand or care for the standard of equality or do they simply take what they want - very often violently: emotionally, spiritually, physically?
Whether or not you follow the mob, if you are with them then their acts will be attributed to you as well. Is what they are saying doing, what you believe? Is this what you want for all - not just yourself? I suspect that some of your decisions are based in your personal philosophy of whether you choose to swim with the tide (mob) or against (the prevailing mindset). You will be held accountable for your decisions/choices - for how you act and speak, especially in those difficult situations. It always is your decision on how you stand... and with whom.
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