Do you? Do or give your best? Or do you do the minimum, what you can 'get by' doing? I grew up with the phrase that if ('it' - fill in the blank) is worth doing, it's worth doing well. This phrase became so ingrained in my thinking that it still directs much of my actions. It never is a question of whether or not someone else could do what you are doing better, faster, easier, etc. it's whether or not you are doing your best in the situation. Does this still prevail, does this phrase still direct?
I initially (typically?) applied this phrase to those 'things' I really didn't want to do but was quickly disabused of this application. There are certain 'things' that may not be a choice but are still responsibilities. But on a different plain, I was taught that if I was going to begin a project then I needed to consider first if I was willing to do, be, give all that I was able. It was never an issue of going beyond reasonable limits, never to put myself in harm's way, but it became a mindset. Granted, I didn't always listen to me... much to my chagrin, but I'm not certain that not giving my best was ever an option.
The argument that why would one ever enter into something without the attendant belief that what was being done was in everyone's best interest was posited at some point. A kind of 'why bother' if not completely committed? All these concepts and words: committed, application, best, etc. are not and never were related to eventual success, though obviously that was the goal, but to the foundational philosophy. They were/are what we build on character upon.
None of what I've written should be heard in the voice of condemnation... unless that voice is you. If so, then you need to decide what you are going to do and be. You can try and quiet or disregard that 'still, small voice' but you always know that it's present, hovering close by. Actually, you need to decide if 'best' is something you always want to do and be ... and if not, what price you are willing to pay to change this. Or you can decide not to become involved with those projects that require your best. I do believe that one thing you will never be able to do is to forget this standard.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Loving the Lord
In one of my post I was talking about my 'every morning', how I begin my day. Then I heard me say to the Lord, "I love you. As much as I know what this word means and how to go about doing it - I love you." Strange? Perhaps but I did find the words totally spot on... it's what I think, it's what I believe, it's an important quality that I want to grow in so that I am acting... loving. We all need to consider what we mean when we tell the Lord we love Him, as well as what we mean when we tell others.
More precisely, we all need to know what it is we are saying when we use those three little words - I love you - regardless of the recipient. I sincerely hope they aren't throwaway words, words you say to others but there really isn't any substance to them. For some people it's more of a careless way of placating someone else. At other times it may mean that you are important in and to my life. And yes, how you say and what you mean by those words varies according to who the recipient is.
Perhaps before discovering what love is we should look at what love isn't. For example, among the many aspects love is, it isn't afraid - perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) thus we see that it is strong and fearless. So next question: is this how you would characterize your love for the Lord? Are you a bold witness to Who He is in your life? Another aspect that doesn't describe love is, it doesn't mean that you are a floor mat that anyone can step on. Love isn't weak or insignificant. What about you? According to Paul, (1Corinthians 13:13) the greatest of these (power forces) is love; stronger than faith, stronger than hope. Does your demonstration of love act this way? If so then a floor mat it can't be.
This is just a very quick, superficial study on love and what it isn't. My point is that you need to know your definitions, especially related to the Lord and your relationship with Him. Never consider that love is unimportant, never underestimate the height or depth of love (Romans 8:38-39). And never forget the love of the Father, who was willing to sacrifice His Son for us (John 3:16) and the Son's love that He was willing to be sacrificed for us. Love is strong and Love really never fails and even though we do, we still need to know what we mean when we say - I love you. Loving the Lord means knowing and continuing to grow in Who He is and how He displays His love.
More precisely, we all need to know what it is we are saying when we use those three little words - I love you - regardless of the recipient. I sincerely hope they aren't throwaway words, words you say to others but there really isn't any substance to them. For some people it's more of a careless way of placating someone else. At other times it may mean that you are important in and to my life. And yes, how you say and what you mean by those words varies according to who the recipient is.
Perhaps before discovering what love is we should look at what love isn't. For example, among the many aspects love is, it isn't afraid - perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) thus we see that it is strong and fearless. So next question: is this how you would characterize your love for the Lord? Are you a bold witness to Who He is in your life? Another aspect that doesn't describe love is, it doesn't mean that you are a floor mat that anyone can step on. Love isn't weak or insignificant. What about you? According to Paul, (1Corinthians 13:13) the greatest of these (power forces) is love; stronger than faith, stronger than hope. Does your demonstration of love act this way? If so then a floor mat it can't be.
This is just a very quick, superficial study on love and what it isn't. My point is that you need to know your definitions, especially related to the Lord and your relationship with Him. Never consider that love is unimportant, never underestimate the height or depth of love (Romans 8:38-39). And never forget the love of the Father, who was willing to sacrifice His Son for us (John 3:16) and the Son's love that He was willing to be sacrificed for us. Love is strong and Love really never fails and even though we do, we still need to know what we mean when we say - I love you. Loving the Lord means knowing and continuing to grow in Who He is and how He displays His love.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Changing what is...
Possible? My response would be - 'of course'. However, before attempting to change what is, you have to acknowledge that (fill in the blank) is. And this is not always comfortable. We may not like 'what is' and so we attempt to distance ourselves from 'it'. It won't go away though and seems to grow in size until that's typically all we can see. Making a change at that point is extremely difficult... but not impossible.
What, in your world, do you want to change? Is it a major change or a minor inconvenience? Do you know what you want in place of what is, because you can never simply dismiss the 'it' and ignore the hole it leaves. Too many people attempt to do precisely that - get rid of what is (displeasing) but don't replace with something that can become a positive. Why, I wonder, don't we realize the importance of replacement? It really isn't just a substitution because in my world of definitions, a substitution is related to whatever is in place and most of the time we don't want what is.
I have a friend who attempts to ignore and deny (in my thinking) what is and bases this on the scripture in Romans (4:17) "...who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." (which is really talking about faith). Somehow the thinking is that if I don't acknowledge (fill in the blank) and call into existence what I (want? need?) then I am acting in faith. In my world of understanding scripture, this is totally incorrect.
Faith is a potent force and a strong defense, otherwise why would faith be designated as the shield in our personal 'fortification' in the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). Actually, we are told to
"...above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (16)
However, I do not see where we are to deny what is. I believe we are to go beyond what is and through the grace of the Lord, to act by seeing what can be possible. We are not to let what is deter us and instead, go forth in confidence. This will require changing our thoughts and actions that reinforce what is and replace them with faith based thoughts and actions. If we weren't able to do this, then we'd never be asked nor even be aware of the possibility of change.
What, in your world, do you want to change? Is it a major change or a minor inconvenience? Do you know what you want in place of what is, because you can never simply dismiss the 'it' and ignore the hole it leaves. Too many people attempt to do precisely that - get rid of what is (displeasing) but don't replace with something that can become a positive. Why, I wonder, don't we realize the importance of replacement? It really isn't just a substitution because in my world of definitions, a substitution is related to whatever is in place and most of the time we don't want what is.
I have a friend who attempts to ignore and deny (in my thinking) what is and bases this on the scripture in Romans (4:17) "...who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." (which is really talking about faith). Somehow the thinking is that if I don't acknowledge (fill in the blank) and call into existence what I (want? need?) then I am acting in faith. In my world of understanding scripture, this is totally incorrect.
Faith is a potent force and a strong defense, otherwise why would faith be designated as the shield in our personal 'fortification' in the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). Actually, we are told to
"...above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (16)
However, I do not see where we are to deny what is. I believe we are to go beyond what is and through the grace of the Lord, to act by seeing what can be possible. We are not to let what is deter us and instead, go forth in confidence. This will require changing our thoughts and actions that reinforce what is and replace them with faith based thoughts and actions. If we weren't able to do this, then we'd never be asked nor even be aware of the possibility of change.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Enough! Tolerance and Denial
Most Christians are led by the principle that we should hate the sin but not the sinner; that we should always exhibit an inclusive attitude regardless of the behavior of others. Seriously... does this really make sense? Is this even possible? And more importantly... why? What do we 'gain' by exhibiting an unconditional, inclusive, tolerant acceptance of all people and beliefs... at all times, regardless? Is there no 'line in the sand'? What message are we really sending?
Personally, I have always tried to demonstrate a 'turning the other cheek' and felt guilty when I didn't. I also tried to be inclusive and tolerant of all beliefs of others, even when they didn't reciprocate this toward me. Why? What message was I really making? WWJD? Finally I began asking myself some questions, such as: Didn't He throw the money changers out of the temple? Didn't He confront the Scribes and Pharisees? Am I missing something? Oh yes.
Edmund Burke is credited with two very significant comments: one, related to what happens when we don't stand and two, what happens when we let evil prevail by doing nothing. This relates to Christians' behavior... or the lack. Looking at this from a different perspective, how can we fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples if we don't stand up for Who and what we believe? Would you believe when this the message is one of... compromise? I don't think so. I believe we have bought into a lie.
The Jesus I have came to believe in and know is not weak and ineffectual. I think the lie we have accepted is a denial of Who He is and it's way past time for us to stand up and become His hand in our worlds, which means no more compromise! No more apologizing for who we are, Whose we are, and what we believe! No more denial of what He expects from us in the name of tolerance.
Tolerance can't disguise denial and whenever we don't acknowledge what He sent us to do, we are in denial of who He is. Never thought of it this way? Probably not and maybe I've made my case somewhat strongly but I do believe enough is enough. Tolerance - yes. Denial - no. No more acceptance of those things that go contrary to what He stands for. It's time to be His Ambassadors become all we are and can be.
Personally, I have always tried to demonstrate a 'turning the other cheek' and felt guilty when I didn't. I also tried to be inclusive and tolerant of all beliefs of others, even when they didn't reciprocate this toward me. Why? What message was I really making? WWJD? Finally I began asking myself some questions, such as: Didn't He throw the money changers out of the temple? Didn't He confront the Scribes and Pharisees? Am I missing something? Oh yes.
Edmund Burke is credited with two very significant comments: one, related to what happens when we don't stand and two, what happens when we let evil prevail by doing nothing. This relates to Christians' behavior... or the lack. Looking at this from a different perspective, how can we fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples if we don't stand up for Who and what we believe? Would you believe when this the message is one of... compromise? I don't think so. I believe we have bought into a lie.
The Jesus I have came to believe in and know is not weak and ineffectual. I think the lie we have accepted is a denial of Who He is and it's way past time for us to stand up and become His hand in our worlds, which means no more compromise! No more apologizing for who we are, Whose we are, and what we believe! No more denial of what He expects from us in the name of tolerance.
Tolerance can't disguise denial and whenever we don't acknowledge what He sent us to do, we are in denial of who He is. Never thought of it this way? Probably not and maybe I've made my case somewhat strongly but I do believe enough is enough. Tolerance - yes. Denial - no. No more acceptance of those things that go contrary to what He stands for. It's time to be His Ambassadors become all we are and can be.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Best Tombstone
Recently I read:
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and
were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots are
withered. Carve you name on hearts and not on marble."
That statement by Charles H. Spurgeon puts a period on what should be our concern about who we are and how we impact other lives. I think many of us focus on what can be seen to verify who we are rather than considering the intangibles that provide the foundation to the 'visibles'. In the final analysis, it truly is the intangibles that linger, that cause others to remember. These are the essential definitions of our character.
Regardless of 'good' or 'bad', our character is visible and it marks how others view us. If you were invisible and those you trusted were talking about you, would you be pleased with their opinions of how they 'saw' you? Those closest to us tend to be on either end of the continuum - highly critical or highly complementary about how they view us. Rarely are they in the middle, besides, who wants wishy-washy 'close' friends? The point is, are you really visible... in your own eyes? Would others' characterization of who they thought you are coincide with yours?
I wonder how much attention we give to our character? Do we give much thought to our words and actions that define who we are? I suspect our awareness of this runs on a continuum of not at all to very little. Harsh? Probably. Sometimes I wonder if we would do/say what we do if we thought first and then acted/spoke? Important? It depends on how important your character is to you.
Character is no little thing. It speaks to who we are and how we go about being us. It informs all who 'see' of the things, ideas, people, etc. that are important to us. Our behavior is based in our foundation of character and will ultimately define and describe us. In stone? No. But only if we want to 'improve' will this be in evidence. What's important to us always is the counterpoint to what we are willing to do to become our better self. What will be on your tombstone? More important - do you really care?
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and
were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots are
withered. Carve you name on hearts and not on marble."
That statement by Charles H. Spurgeon puts a period on what should be our concern about who we are and how we impact other lives. I think many of us focus on what can be seen to verify who we are rather than considering the intangibles that provide the foundation to the 'visibles'. In the final analysis, it truly is the intangibles that linger, that cause others to remember. These are the essential definitions of our character.
Regardless of 'good' or 'bad', our character is visible and it marks how others view us. If you were invisible and those you trusted were talking about you, would you be pleased with their opinions of how they 'saw' you? Those closest to us tend to be on either end of the continuum - highly critical or highly complementary about how they view us. Rarely are they in the middle, besides, who wants wishy-washy 'close' friends? The point is, are you really visible... in your own eyes? Would others' characterization of who they thought you are coincide with yours?
I wonder how much attention we give to our character? Do we give much thought to our words and actions that define who we are? I suspect our awareness of this runs on a continuum of not at all to very little. Harsh? Probably. Sometimes I wonder if we would do/say what we do if we thought first and then acted/spoke? Important? It depends on how important your character is to you.
Character is no little thing. It speaks to who we are and how we go about being us. It informs all who 'see' of the things, ideas, people, etc. that are important to us. Our behavior is based in our foundation of character and will ultimately define and describe us. In stone? No. But only if we want to 'improve' will this be in evidence. What's important to us always is the counterpoint to what we are willing to do to become our better self. What will be on your tombstone? More important - do you really care?
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Hypocritical
I was talking with someone who made the comment that his opinion was that Christians were hypocrites. Though unspoken, the implication was that this indictment applied to all Christians. I asked him was his statement meant to imply that non-Christians weren't? Obviously, this was not the response he expected. I think he thought that I'd launch into a vociferous defense. After sputtering for a few minutes, he relented and said that no, this was not his point. Which led me to ask what his point was. Needless to say... he never answered this and after my eyes glazed over he simply repeated his comment.
Yes, some Christians do act hypocritical, then again they would undoubtedly act this way and not just about 'religious' issues. And yes, some non-Christians don't appear to be (as) hypocritical in a double standard way. My point would be that we all, at some point, for whatever reason will act (knowingly, and also unaware) hypocritical. While this may sound like a cop-out, intentionality should be the guide. Do we deliberately act hypocritical? Or, is this a self-saving action (which is not an excuse)?
I do believe it is this last question that underscores a hypocritical behavior. Yes, sometimes it is used to mislead but I think the self-saving is the main reason. And no, this is not an excuse nor really an explanation. But do remember what Paul wrote (Romans 7:15-20) - doing the things you don't want and not doing the things you want. What we need to do is when we realize what we are doing - to stop, apologize if necessary, and change our words and actions.
Stressing is not the remedy for hypocrisy. Intentionality is. We always need to be aware of our own motivations for why we do or don't do (fill in the blank) and our subsequent behavior. We also need to learn from our experience - we can apply what we learn and know proactively. Learning and application are never only intellectual activities. Actually, the decision is ours. What do we want to do about/if hypocrisy rears its head?
Yes, some Christians do act hypocritical, then again they would undoubtedly act this way and not just about 'religious' issues. And yes, some non-Christians don't appear to be (as) hypocritical in a double standard way. My point would be that we all, at some point, for whatever reason will act (knowingly, and also unaware) hypocritical. While this may sound like a cop-out, intentionality should be the guide. Do we deliberately act hypocritical? Or, is this a self-saving action (which is not an excuse)?
I do believe it is this last question that underscores a hypocritical behavior. Yes, sometimes it is used to mislead but I think the self-saving is the main reason. And no, this is not an excuse nor really an explanation. But do remember what Paul wrote (Romans 7:15-20) - doing the things you don't want and not doing the things you want. What we need to do is when we realize what we are doing - to stop, apologize if necessary, and change our words and actions.
Stressing is not the remedy for hypocrisy. Intentionality is. We always need to be aware of our own motivations for why we do or don't do (fill in the blank) and our subsequent behavior. We also need to learn from our experience - we can apply what we learn and know proactively. Learning and application are never only intellectual activities. Actually, the decision is ours. What do we want to do about/if hypocrisy rears its head?
Thursday, June 11, 2015
... considering the circumstances
Precisely... what does that mean '...considering the circumstances'? Does it mean that you really aren't in the best of places? Does it mean - 'ask me more so I can get some sympathy'? Does it mean - 'don't ask me, I don't want to talk about it'. See? That phrase has all sorts of possible definitions. I have always 'assumed' that the phrase was an invitation to seek further clarification ... and most of the time it is.
However, what I'm focusing on is when you use it. Surely it's not a throw away phrase.? What do you want the listener to say in response to you? And when they press you for more information, how do you react? Self-deprecating? Anger? Fully explain? And after your response... now how do you feel? Because I would suspect that much of our ... considering the circumstances, is an emotional response to something in our lives, which has probably not been acknowledged. Obviously, something happened in our world that has or continues to influence what we are feeling.
So... do we control our feelings or let 'the circumstances' control us? It really is one or the other. Perhaps equally important, what aids us in moving beyond the circumstances to resolving (accepting?) what's happening? If you are not in a good place, what do you do to move beyond? I suspect we all do a bit of moaning or wallowing at the moment, but then you have to stop and make some decisions about who or what controls you - and that can be difficult when we are caught in the grips of 'the circumstances'.
What our first (rational) action/thought in moving beyond the circumstances is quite important. Logical, dispassionate thought is difficult but not impossible. I'm the take a deep breath, try and calm myself, and turn to the Lord for help. He keeps telling us that He cares for us (1Peter 5:7), that He understands (Psalm 33:13-15/Jeremiah 9:24), and that He always provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13); so why not take Him at His word (Numbers 23:19)? Having someone with you who cares, understands, provides, and is trustworthy gives tremendous relief and strength as we go through our... circumstances.
However, what I'm focusing on is when you use it. Surely it's not a throw away phrase.? What do you want the listener to say in response to you? And when they press you for more information, how do you react? Self-deprecating? Anger? Fully explain? And after your response... now how do you feel? Because I would suspect that much of our ... considering the circumstances, is an emotional response to something in our lives, which has probably not been acknowledged. Obviously, something happened in our world that has or continues to influence what we are feeling.
So... do we control our feelings or let 'the circumstances' control us? It really is one or the other. Perhaps equally important, what aids us in moving beyond the circumstances to resolving (accepting?) what's happening? If you are not in a good place, what do you do to move beyond? I suspect we all do a bit of moaning or wallowing at the moment, but then you have to stop and make some decisions about who or what controls you - and that can be difficult when we are caught in the grips of 'the circumstances'.
What our first (rational) action/thought in moving beyond the circumstances is quite important. Logical, dispassionate thought is difficult but not impossible. I'm the take a deep breath, try and calm myself, and turn to the Lord for help. He keeps telling us that He cares for us (1Peter 5:7), that He understands (Psalm 33:13-15/Jeremiah 9:24), and that He always provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13); so why not take Him at His word (Numbers 23:19)? Having someone with you who cares, understands, provides, and is trustworthy gives tremendous relief and strength as we go through our... circumstances.
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