When you say 'church', to what or whom are you referring? The building? The leadership? The people in the congregation? Who? Or is it a what? Can you get angry or disappointed with a what? or with only a who? What, precisely, are you seeking from a church? What happens when you don't experience this... do you take your 'ball and bat' and go somewhere else?
Obviously not every church is the best match for every person because just as no 2 people are alike, no 2 churches are - even in the same congregation. People have a tendency to have this unthought out and a rarely defined known about what church means to them. For some it's more of a social club. For others it's a place to become renewed, a kind of sanctuary for the soul. Still others have this vague 'feeling' about what should happen in a service and become dissatisfied if they don't experience this. All that to say... not every church is your best match and it can take time to discover which meets your wants.
The problems arise when new leadership takes over and starts developing their conception... especially when it may be a 'new'. New should never be defined in terms of good or bad - it's different. But back to your definition - what is it that YOU want from the church you attend? If there is Praise and Worship, if the message preached or taught is according to scripture... what else do you want? What do you need?
Typically when we leave one church, it's with a vague unhappiness at change or leadership or service. Do we know why? Different from what was can't be the only reason... unless different doesn't include what scripture tells us should happen when we gather together. Paul gives us a standard, method in 1Corinthians 14:26-33 - have you studied this? Is this the form practiced in your church? Probably not. Was it a suggestion? Probably not. Is it only for the early church and has no relevance for today? Probably not.
Sadly, sometimes we equate growth with a form of sophistication that takes the life, the creativity out of (fill in the blank). And yet, what has evolved isn't all 'bad' as it does meet needs. But just like our walk, our growth in the Lord can be full of all that He intends... so can our church... and our services. Is leaving our only alternative? Perhaps we do discover a church that fits and meets how we can serve... Just - don't go away 'mad', don't just stop - find where you feel you can contribute and not simply be a pew sitter.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Saturday, May 26, 2018
"Who died and made you...
President, Pope, CEO" etc. was a phrase heard often when i was growing up. It meant that you were being bossy or rudely overbearing. The purpose was a wake up call to the 'offender' to take stock of what they were saying, and how, because no one was going to do/say/act on what was wanted. That phrase has definitely gone out of style, but it is being replaced by other comments or actions - many times very rude. Do we see these 'warnings' as an insult, a slur on what we are suggesting, a denial or rejection of us? Probably. But is it justified? Were we being officious?
Most of the time we do have warnings, checks that are designed to cause us to pause and consciously determine if what we are doing/saying is what we want to communicate. Perhaps the message is appropriate but the messenger isn't. The old phrase, 'don't kill the messenger', could be apt because it really isn't what's being said as much as how it is being said, and sometimes the 'presenter'. If we believe the message is important, then it is important that it be presented in such a way that others can understand, accept, and 'own' (fill in the blank).
Message. Messenger. Method. Those 3 m's do impact on communication. If they aren't in sync then the communication can become garbled or mix messages... but definitely, confused. What's your purpose, what do you want from what is said? Until you can answer those questions you won't succeed. Remember what scripture says about words... and our tongue. (James 3:6). BUT we also have scriptures that help us with our communication:
"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue
from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." (1Peter 3:10)
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you many know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
"What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what
comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." (Matthew 15:11)
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be
quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)
These are only a few of the scriptures, but you can readily see that we DO have aids in getting the message across clear and accurately. None of these scriptures tell us to lie, to deny truth, to misrepresent, etc. This is the standard against which we can determine: the message, the messenger, the method.
Most of the time we do have warnings, checks that are designed to cause us to pause and consciously determine if what we are doing/saying is what we want to communicate. Perhaps the message is appropriate but the messenger isn't. The old phrase, 'don't kill the messenger', could be apt because it really isn't what's being said as much as how it is being said, and sometimes the 'presenter'. If we believe the message is important, then it is important that it be presented in such a way that others can understand, accept, and 'own' (fill in the blank).
Message. Messenger. Method. Those 3 m's do impact on communication. If they aren't in sync then the communication can become garbled or mix messages... but definitely, confused. What's your purpose, what do you want from what is said? Until you can answer those questions you won't succeed. Remember what scripture says about words... and our tongue. (James 3:6). BUT we also have scriptures that help us with our communication:
"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue
from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." (1Peter 3:10)
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you many know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
"What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what
comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." (Matthew 15:11)
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be
quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)
These are only a few of the scriptures, but you can readily see that we DO have aids in getting the message across clear and accurately. None of these scriptures tell us to lie, to deny truth, to misrepresent, etc. This is the standard against which we can determine: the message, the messenger, the method.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
The right next step
I'm a great advocate of moving on... of taking the next step... of not being held captive by errors and sins... of learning from the mistakes. I still believe this, but I didn't mention making that step 'better' than where you are. It was, obviously, implied but the How wasn't. I'm also patience deficient. I always want to learn/know/be/do... NOW! Now is not always defined in terms of 'best'. So I'm trying to 'learn' and apply patience. Never easy for an action oriented type.
I somehow believe that 'right' next step is time sensitive in certain situations. Let me use learning patience as an example. I do believe that this is definitely a character trait to pursue. I've learned that it is never instantaneous and is never a one and done. We are always being tested - not always by our enemy, sometimes it's us, the action necessary thus timing, circumstances, our preparing for (fill in the blank), etc. We may be given understanding prior to activating the next step so that we take the time to prepare in advance.
The 'right' next step is always individually 'sculpted'. I think this is true even when we all are basically learning the same lesson because our experience, understanding, maturing is individual. What you have or are going through is rarely the same as the next person though, to repeat, the lesson is the same. I believe we are all on a journey to perfection. I also don't believe we ever fully attain it until we are once again home.
So how to handle our 'right'? How do we know? We aren't left without 'equipment', understandings to guide us. Prayer. Study. Reading the Word and applying what is said to the the particular issue you are responding to. Another tool is seeking the advice of more mature Christians as is indicated in Proverbs (11:14, 15:22) which teaches us that advice will aid us. But you also have to use the wisdom you've discovered to make the best ultimate decision. Whatever you decide... it is your decision and you must always accept the ramifications from what you do or don't do.
I somehow believe that 'right' next step is time sensitive in certain situations. Let me use learning patience as an example. I do believe that this is definitely a character trait to pursue. I've learned that it is never instantaneous and is never a one and done. We are always being tested - not always by our enemy, sometimes it's us, the action necessary thus timing, circumstances, our preparing for (fill in the blank), etc. We may be given understanding prior to activating the next step so that we take the time to prepare in advance.
The 'right' next step is always individually 'sculpted'. I think this is true even when we all are basically learning the same lesson because our experience, understanding, maturing is individual. What you have or are going through is rarely the same as the next person though, to repeat, the lesson is the same. I believe we are all on a journey to perfection. I also don't believe we ever fully attain it until we are once again home.
So how to handle our 'right'? How do we know? We aren't left without 'equipment', understandings to guide us. Prayer. Study. Reading the Word and applying what is said to the the particular issue you are responding to. Another tool is seeking the advice of more mature Christians as is indicated in Proverbs (11:14, 15:22) which teaches us that advice will aid us. But you also have to use the wisdom you've discovered to make the best ultimate decision. Whatever you decide... it is your decision and you must always accept the ramifications from what you do or don't do.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Many paths?
There is a misleading phrase being accepted by many. Sadly, it is their delusion. It is NOT truth. The phrase is that there are many paths to God. No! Is this another attempt to water down Christianity? Who has perpetrated this lie? Has the church, in an attempt to be 'inclusive' and acceptable, reinforced this thinking?
I have no idea how the Christian message suddenly seemed to be stilled in our effort to be certain we weren't 'discriminating' against another's religion. Again. A mis-perception. There is a world of difference between discriminating and diluting truth. Sharing our witness is what we are encouraged to do. Making disciples is the assignment of what we are to do. Those acts are not discriminatory. I am not talking about the issues in the world of hunger, health, job opportunities, housing options, educational choices, etc. 'Correct behavior' should automatically stem from our behavior. BUT... we cannot dilute our message!!!
Simply - there is only 1 way, 1 path to God and that is through His Son, our savior - Jesus.
Acts 4:12 - "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(speaking of Jesus, by Peter)
John 10:10 - "...I have come that they (us) may have life, and that
they may have it more abundantly." (Jesus speaking)
John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him (Thomas), 'I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
Those 3 scriptures sum up the entire message. Who He is, Why He came, and the reality of salvation alone in Jesus.
This is not an intolerance of what others believe, but it isn't a watering down of what Christ did either. I've discovered that engaging others (those who will) in conversation and sharing what I believe and why and asking what they believe and why, begins the communication. I've also discovered that intolerance or discrimination in non-belief areas of the world we live in is never an entry to understanding. When we don't live out the principles that Jesus taught we aren't being true to Who He is and What He did and continues to do. Compromising simply tells the other person that the strength of our convictions doesn't exist.
Many paths can occur as long as the end result is Jesus. Apart from acknowledging and accepting Him as Lord, the other person has no hope - even if they don't realize. But we have the answer, we have the hope. We don't have to hit them over the head, but we can be confident in Who we believe. Besides, since the Lord is as interested in the other person understanding, He will help us to present Him.
I have no idea how the Christian message suddenly seemed to be stilled in our effort to be certain we weren't 'discriminating' against another's religion. Again. A mis-perception. There is a world of difference between discriminating and diluting truth. Sharing our witness is what we are encouraged to do. Making disciples is the assignment of what we are to do. Those acts are not discriminatory. I am not talking about the issues in the world of hunger, health, job opportunities, housing options, educational choices, etc. 'Correct behavior' should automatically stem from our behavior. BUT... we cannot dilute our message!!!
Simply - there is only 1 way, 1 path to God and that is through His Son, our savior - Jesus.
Acts 4:12 - "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(speaking of Jesus, by Peter)
John 10:10 - "...I have come that they (us) may have life, and that
they may have it more abundantly." (Jesus speaking)
John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him (Thomas), 'I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
Those 3 scriptures sum up the entire message. Who He is, Why He came, and the reality of salvation alone in Jesus.
This is not an intolerance of what others believe, but it isn't a watering down of what Christ did either. I've discovered that engaging others (those who will) in conversation and sharing what I believe and why and asking what they believe and why, begins the communication. I've also discovered that intolerance or discrimination in non-belief areas of the world we live in is never an entry to understanding. When we don't live out the principles that Jesus taught we aren't being true to Who He is and What He did and continues to do. Compromising simply tells the other person that the strength of our convictions doesn't exist.
Many paths can occur as long as the end result is Jesus. Apart from acknowledging and accepting Him as Lord, the other person has no hope - even if they don't realize. But we have the answer, we have the hope. We don't have to hit them over the head, but we can be confident in Who we believe. Besides, since the Lord is as interested in the other person understanding, He will help us to present Him.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Becoming
Our experiences mark us. HOW we 'handle' these experiences indelibly determines our character. Both can be changed, reversed, built upon, and/or developed. I always find it fascinating how the same experience can be viewed in so many different ways dependent upon our individual history. And I believe that what we do with the learnings from our history really forms us, our character. The old adage that if we don't learn from our experiences that we are 'doomed' to repeat them is also applicable personally.
How important is your character to you? And is there a continuity between how you view yourself and what others would say? It really doesn't matter if your goal is to be kind (definitely a character trait) if your behavior isn't viewed as kind by others. Then again... almost all of us specially define words so we need to know if we are speaking the same language. However, bottom line - your character as seen through other's eyes is who you are perceived to be.
Can any of this be changed? Of course. That's why one of my favorite phrases has been - 'God's not done with me yet... I'm a work in progress.' And I really don't want it to be seen as a cop out or a deflection. In my world of definitions, there is always the possibility for change - perhaps not of circumstances but we can always change/alter out words, our attitudes, us. If change isn't possible then we are all doomed because it was a change in our allegiance - accepting Jesus as our Lord - that began this journey.
Becoming. Growing. Whatever word you choose to use is always possible - we can always become our best. If it weren't possible then why would God send His only Son to be our savior, to be our example, to lead us into all truth? Jesus came so we might live an abundant life (John 10:10) - full of all those thoughts, behaviors, mindsets that bring us to light rather than keeping us in the darkness. And He never intended for us to do this alone, plus this comes with a promise (John 15:1-8).
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me
that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears
fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ... Abide in Me and I in
you... If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what
you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified
that you bear much fruit..."
This state is never instantaneous, which as why I always consider myself a work in progress. There are a number of promises given when we act according to His word. Becoming is a process... one that will take your entire life. But the price is more than worth it.
How important is your character to you? And is there a continuity between how you view yourself and what others would say? It really doesn't matter if your goal is to be kind (definitely a character trait) if your behavior isn't viewed as kind by others. Then again... almost all of us specially define words so we need to know if we are speaking the same language. However, bottom line - your character as seen through other's eyes is who you are perceived to be.
Can any of this be changed? Of course. That's why one of my favorite phrases has been - 'God's not done with me yet... I'm a work in progress.' And I really don't want it to be seen as a cop out or a deflection. In my world of definitions, there is always the possibility for change - perhaps not of circumstances but we can always change/alter out words, our attitudes, us. If change isn't possible then we are all doomed because it was a change in our allegiance - accepting Jesus as our Lord - that began this journey.
Becoming. Growing. Whatever word you choose to use is always possible - we can always become our best. If it weren't possible then why would God send His only Son to be our savior, to be our example, to lead us into all truth? Jesus came so we might live an abundant life (John 10:10) - full of all those thoughts, behaviors, mindsets that bring us to light rather than keeping us in the darkness. And He never intended for us to do this alone, plus this comes with a promise (John 15:1-8).
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me
that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears
fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ... Abide in Me and I in
you... If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what
you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified
that you bear much fruit..."
This state is never instantaneous, which as why I always consider myself a work in progress. There are a number of promises given when we act according to His word. Becoming is a process... one that will take your entire life. But the price is more than worth it.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Judging is a given... Judgment???
Quick to judge? Quick to see the 'bad' in others? But... how do you go about being fair and right? What do you do with 'your judgment' in order to confirm it?What is your method of assessing 'truth'? To begin with - what is the source of your information on which you make your judgment? Trusted source? First hand account or multiple layers?
Without question we all make judgments - one issue is our source, another is our motivation, and lastly - how we act on these judgments. Probably there are other issues, but these are primary ones. We need to determine the reliability and trustworthiness of the source of the information. And do we simply pass on what's been said before we've understood and thought through what we need to do? For sake of argument - let's say that the information is accurate and verifiable. Now what? What, if any, responsibility do we have?
Do we pass on the information to the relevant people or do we gossip? Or both? What we do with and how we express the information does imply our judgment on it. Whether we agree or disagree, our motivation does influence what we do/say and how we go about it. In determining why you will or will not pass on your judgment reflects on your priority about it and why it should be shared.
Lastly, do you apply mercy in these situations? Do you consider what you would do in the same scenario? It is so easy to jump to conclusions. Do you ever go to the people involved and seek to discover what actually happened? Did everything just escalate? Don't assume. Even with a trusted source. Make certain what your own motivations are - especially when it is with people or a person you really don't like. Know what outcome you would like to see happen and let this be transparent - never hide your own agenda. And cover everything with mercy.
Without question we all make judgments - one issue is our source, another is our motivation, and lastly - how we act on these judgments. Probably there are other issues, but these are primary ones. We need to determine the reliability and trustworthiness of the source of the information. And do we simply pass on what's been said before we've understood and thought through what we need to do? For sake of argument - let's say that the information is accurate and verifiable. Now what? What, if any, responsibility do we have?
Do we pass on the information to the relevant people or do we gossip? Or both? What we do with and how we express the information does imply our judgment on it. Whether we agree or disagree, our motivation does influence what we do/say and how we go about it. In determining why you will or will not pass on your judgment reflects on your priority about it and why it should be shared.
Lastly, do you apply mercy in these situations? Do you consider what you would do in the same scenario? It is so easy to jump to conclusions. Do you ever go to the people involved and seek to discover what actually happened? Did everything just escalate? Don't assume. Even with a trusted source. Make certain what your own motivations are - especially when it is with people or a person you really don't like. Know what outcome you would like to see happen and let this be transparent - never hide your own agenda. And cover everything with mercy.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Compare and Box
Unless it's a 'thing', you should never compare. In the 'person, place, or thing categorization - people should never be put in neat little boxes (no matter how beautiful the box). You cannot put them in cement either... they will insist on moving and changing and growing. Don't you? How would you like to be in a box, taken out when it pleased whomever, but seen as a static one-dimensional person? Minimally I think you would be irritated.
The Father has created everyone of us to be special and unique - doppelgangers aside he breaks the mold which each of us. Isn't that incredible and fantastic! I view this as He loves each of us individually so much that He enjoys our special-ness. Do we? Do you celebrate your own uniqueness as well as honoring others? Do you see your own changes, growth and allow others the same privilege?
With those two thoughts, do you compare you with (fill in the blank)? And how do you fare? Better than... worse... equal? And you've walked in their shoes and experienced all they have experienced so you can easily compare you to them? Yes? Of course not! From a different concept - you've never made a mistake, have you? You've not (or have) done or said something that you shouldn't have, did you? You are always in complete control - yes? Again - of course not! Then why keep others in a isolated, enclosed box?
The bottom line is that the moment you start comparing is the moment that you lose as well as the other person. Even if by some unbelievable intervention and you did know and appreciate everything the other person has gone through... you still would be wrong in comparing. I have discovered that each time I meet a person that 'I Know' and keep them in the 'condition' they were in the last time I was with them that they sometimes do act or speak differently than I expected. I'd much rather meet them on 'new turf' and make a new discovery about them and about our relationship. I know that I'm not always the same from moment to next meeting - expecting them to be won't work either.
We really should stop wasting our time comparing and boxing. Enjoy the new discoveries in them and in yourself. Anything static will atrophy and that is never a pleasant occurrence. Growth may not always be pleasant, but it definitely in never boring. Life is meant to be lived. It is not to be boxed... for another time.
The Father has created everyone of us to be special and unique - doppelgangers aside he breaks the mold which each of us. Isn't that incredible and fantastic! I view this as He loves each of us individually so much that He enjoys our special-ness. Do we? Do you celebrate your own uniqueness as well as honoring others? Do you see your own changes, growth and allow others the same privilege?
With those two thoughts, do you compare you with (fill in the blank)? And how do you fare? Better than... worse... equal? And you've walked in their shoes and experienced all they have experienced so you can easily compare you to them? Yes? Of course not! From a different concept - you've never made a mistake, have you? You've not (or have) done or said something that you shouldn't have, did you? You are always in complete control - yes? Again - of course not! Then why keep others in a isolated, enclosed box?
The bottom line is that the moment you start comparing is the moment that you lose as well as the other person. Even if by some unbelievable intervention and you did know and appreciate everything the other person has gone through... you still would be wrong in comparing. I have discovered that each time I meet a person that 'I Know' and keep them in the 'condition' they were in the last time I was with them that they sometimes do act or speak differently than I expected. I'd much rather meet them on 'new turf' and make a new discovery about them and about our relationship. I know that I'm not always the same from moment to next meeting - expecting them to be won't work either.
We really should stop wasting our time comparing and boxing. Enjoy the new discoveries in them and in yourself. Anything static will atrophy and that is never a pleasant occurrence. Growth may not always be pleasant, but it definitely in never boring. Life is meant to be lived. It is not to be boxed... for another time.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Danger time
There are 3 danger times in our lives that we can, or do, take our eyes off the prize, "...the upward call on our lives." (Philippians 3:14). The first is in our youth when we are in our invincibility phase. The second is in our mid-life when we are confronted with the cares of the world and the deceitfulness or the temptations (Mark 4:19). The last time is in the latter years of our life when we feel we can't do or be effective. I called these the 'Danger Times'.
When you look at these times, they can overlap... or they can merge and thus become our lifestyle. Or... we can, at some point, recognize them and seek forgiveness for doubt, despair, frustration, inappropriate words or actions, etc. and then choose to start fresh. Remember, the enemy you know (this state) is sometimes much larger in our minds than in reality and we find it difficult to leave behind the known for something entirely new and different. But what an exchange!
This is my description of what was and what can become once we stop and turn to the Lord. He has promised so much to/for us in exchange:
*I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"(You) are a new creation..." (2Corinthians 5:17-21)
"I will send a Helper..." (John 14:15)
"Greater is He (the Lord) that is in me than he who is in the world." (1John 4:4)
"Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18)
"I (Jesus) am come that they (us) might have life; and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
Those scriptures only scratch the surface of what is available to us when we turn to the Lord and acknowledge Him as our Lord. Then we continue to work to make our changed lives evident to all around us as a witness of the Great Exchange.
Scripture tells us that in this life we will have troubles... but we have an even greater promise.
"...in Me (Jesus) you may have peace, in the world ;you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
When we allow the danger times to control, we experience little peace, but we have the promise that we will experience peace when we keep our eyes focused on the one who always cares for us.
When you look at these times, they can overlap... or they can merge and thus become our lifestyle. Or... we can, at some point, recognize them and seek forgiveness for doubt, despair, frustration, inappropriate words or actions, etc. and then choose to start fresh. Remember, the enemy you know (this state) is sometimes much larger in our minds than in reality and we find it difficult to leave behind the known for something entirely new and different. But what an exchange!
This is my description of what was and what can become once we stop and turn to the Lord. He has promised so much to/for us in exchange:
*I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"(You) are a new creation..." (2Corinthians 5:17-21)
"I will send a Helper..." (John 14:15)
"Greater is He (the Lord) that is in me than he who is in the world." (1John 4:4)
"Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18)
"I (Jesus) am come that they (us) might have life; and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
Those scriptures only scratch the surface of what is available to us when we turn to the Lord and acknowledge Him as our Lord. Then we continue to work to make our changed lives evident to all around us as a witness of the Great Exchange.
Scripture tells us that in this life we will have troubles... but we have an even greater promise.
"...in Me (Jesus) you may have peace, in the world ;you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
When we allow the danger times to control, we experience little peace, but we have the promise that we will experience peace when we keep our eyes focused on the one who always cares for us.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
100%?
Are you the 100% type? If you are involved... are you 'fully' committed? Do you attempt to do all that you can... or do you hold something in reserve? Reserve for what? When I was growing up, my Mother was fond of saying... 'whatever is worth doing, it's worth doing well...'. Do I always follow this? Of course not, but it does play in my mind and tends to direct my thinking and thus, my actions. As a result, I rarely commit to too many ideas, actions, plans, people, philosophies. Those I am committed to I do tend to attempt as much of a 100% as I can. However... if I no longer am involved, I am totally dis-involved.
100% needs defining and operationalizing... typically individualized. What may seem 100% to me may not be true for you. What would be a total involvement for you? Surely not the mentality of 'enough to get by'? And sometimes the only one that knows this is what you are doing is... you. What a fraud! This is no way to live. Why get involved in something that you wouldn't be totally committed to?
Obviously, one of the first decisions you make is priority. Is (fill in the blank) truly a priority for you? Do you spend time, energy, thought, resources etc. on (whatever or whoever it is you are becoming committed to)? If you really don't want to be associated with 'it' then don't start the process or as quickly as possible when you don't have the time/energy/thought/resources etc. (and yes, your interest is an important consideration) remove, resign, whatever you need do to extricate yourself. The longer you want the more others will be expecting you to (fill in the blank). It's easier to stop now.
That mindset (whatever is worth doing) and behavior is applied to EVERYTHING! It really didn't matter if it was washing the dishes or doing my homework - was I doing my best?! 'Getting by' was never an option. To this day I am grateful that I was raised this way and it has been a foundation to who I am and how I go about being me. Well... at least most of the time and it always kicks in when I don't.
100% needs defining and operationalizing... typically individualized. What may seem 100% to me may not be true for you. What would be a total involvement for you? Surely not the mentality of 'enough to get by'? And sometimes the only one that knows this is what you are doing is... you. What a fraud! This is no way to live. Why get involved in something that you wouldn't be totally committed to?
Obviously, one of the first decisions you make is priority. Is (fill in the blank) truly a priority for you? Do you spend time, energy, thought, resources etc. on (whatever or whoever it is you are becoming committed to)? If you really don't want to be associated with 'it' then don't start the process or as quickly as possible when you don't have the time/energy/thought/resources etc. (and yes, your interest is an important consideration) remove, resign, whatever you need do to extricate yourself. The longer you want the more others will be expecting you to (fill in the blank). It's easier to stop now.
That mindset (whatever is worth doing) and behavior is applied to EVERYTHING! It really didn't matter if it was washing the dishes or doing my homework - was I doing my best?! 'Getting by' was never an option. To this day I am grateful that I was raised this way and it has been a foundation to who I am and how I go about being me. Well... at least most of the time and it always kicks in when I don't.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Changing... YOU
Do you want or need to change you? First, it has to become relevant and intentional, not just some vague 'I need to change... my attitude.' Without specificity, it will never move into an action phase. Second, what are you changing... into? What do you want as the result of the change? Do you know the cost and price of changing and remaining the same? Why do you want or need to change?
There are a host of other questions but those are minimally ones you need to know your answers in order to effect a positive from your change. We don't always think about what will happen when we do change and how that will influence how as well as 'what' we do and say. Personally I think change is positive because it's a sign of growth, but change for the sake of change is not a good motivation. We all know that hope is the anchor of our soul, but reason and meaning are the anchor of change... or should be.
So now you know what you want to change. You've considered the implications of the change. Now what? Do you feel that the change will be an important improvement? Does the thought of becoming a better you provide the motivation you need to walk through the change and ramification from the change? Bottom line - without a motivation to change, your level of commitment isn't strong. Never enter into a change in you if you aren't prepared and willing to make the change. If you don't... you may end up in a worse position then you are right now. No change and an irritation that what you thought would 'work' didn't.
Change is rarely instant and it is something you have to get use to... not unlike a new pair of shoes. It will seem strange at first and you will undoubtedly be tweaking as you go along. Change is, after all, always in the state of... change. The point is to be aware - of yourself, of how others react, but mainly whether this is according to what the Lord wants for you. It will be - in time - a vantage point to view from your next change.
There are a host of other questions but those are minimally ones you need to know your answers in order to effect a positive from your change. We don't always think about what will happen when we do change and how that will influence how as well as 'what' we do and say. Personally I think change is positive because it's a sign of growth, but change for the sake of change is not a good motivation. We all know that hope is the anchor of our soul, but reason and meaning are the anchor of change... or should be.
So now you know what you want to change. You've considered the implications of the change. Now what? Do you feel that the change will be an important improvement? Does the thought of becoming a better you provide the motivation you need to walk through the change and ramification from the change? Bottom line - without a motivation to change, your level of commitment isn't strong. Never enter into a change in you if you aren't prepared and willing to make the change. If you don't... you may end up in a worse position then you are right now. No change and an irritation that what you thought would 'work' didn't.
Change is rarely instant and it is something you have to get use to... not unlike a new pair of shoes. It will seem strange at first and you will undoubtedly be tweaking as you go along. Change is, after all, always in the state of... change. The point is to be aware - of yourself, of how others react, but mainly whether this is according to what the Lord wants for you. It will be - in time - a vantage point to view from your next change.
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