"God saw all that He had made, and it was good."
What did I acknowledge God for today? What's very good, something to applaud. (MUCH!!) I took the kids to the zoo today and I saw with renewed awe, the creativity of God. WOW! What diversity, what beauty! To top it all off, the weather was perfect with a comforting breeze; yet powerful enough to make your heart race a bit, take your breath for a minute. I've stopped and taken time to look at my kids in silence. (When they don't know I'm watching)--Pure masterpieces! I've told them how they are "fearfully and wonderfully made." It's good to be reminded that God is creative, creator, and deserves our awe.
Lord, make me more aware of your beauty to behold on a daily basis. I attribute all credit and praise to you for these wonders! Make me "God-concious" at all times.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Revelation
Matthew 26:57-68
The high priests question Jesus. They knew the written word of God, but somehow they missed the Son of God standing before them. I live in a time and place where the Bible is readily available to me, in many different translations. I see written evidence of Christ, his death and resurrection. Everything shows that Christ is who he says He is. So, how did they miss it? Was it just jealousy, desire for power, control? I always pictured the pharisees as mean, power hungry individuals (and maybe they were). However, verse 65 made me see a different side of them. When Jesus answered that He was the Christ, the Son of God, "The high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses?..." He tore his clothes! I've been upset before, but I've never torn my clothes over it. (Yes, this was a more common practice back then, but still...) This encounter with Jesus rocked his soul. Something about Jesus disturbed him. Could it be that he truly thought this man, Jesus, was defaming the name of God? Could it be that he had devoted his whole live to God, so much that he assumed he understood God's plan for humanity?-and the thought of an impostor was infuriating. Self-righteousness is hard to recognize. By definition, it seems right. Even on the cross Jesus said "Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." People who devoted their lives to God, wouldn't intentionally order the murder of the Son of God. They just didn't see. To them, Jesus was an impossible candidate. After all, he had grown up among them. They knew of his family--very human (as far as they could tell). They knew his "home"--a far cry from Heaven. They were mistaken. In my heart I've judged the pharisees for years. I saw them as part of God's plan, but I saw them as cold-hearted religious leaders. Today I found some compassion towards them. I wonder how many times have I mistaken God? Am I so sure about what's right in my eyes, that I've missed God's revelation?--God revealing himself in a new way, an unexpected way. In this same passage Jesus says "In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Sometimes, I live as if the story is done. I know Christ has the victory, my soul has been saved, and His way is best. I try to live accordingly. However, I don't want to be so caught up in what I know about Christ and what I'm assured of, that I stop looking for him today. I should be watching and awaiting His return. I should be getting to know Him so well, that when He returns--I know him! Perhaps, I should even expect to be surprised. (His ways are not my ways). I don't want to mistake Him or deny Him.
Jesus, may I know you better every day. I don't want to just know about you, I want to know YOU! I want to know your character and your voice, so that I will not miss you when you show up in my day to day life--or when you return to establish your kingdom. Reveal yourself to me. Remove my perspective and perception, and replace them with your promises and plans.
The high priests question Jesus. They knew the written word of God, but somehow they missed the Son of God standing before them. I live in a time and place where the Bible is readily available to me, in many different translations. I see written evidence of Christ, his death and resurrection. Everything shows that Christ is who he says He is. So, how did they miss it? Was it just jealousy, desire for power, control? I always pictured the pharisees as mean, power hungry individuals (and maybe they were). However, verse 65 made me see a different side of them. When Jesus answered that He was the Christ, the Son of God, "The high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses?..." He tore his clothes! I've been upset before, but I've never torn my clothes over it. (Yes, this was a more common practice back then, but still...) This encounter with Jesus rocked his soul. Something about Jesus disturbed him. Could it be that he truly thought this man, Jesus, was defaming the name of God? Could it be that he had devoted his whole live to God, so much that he assumed he understood God's plan for humanity?-and the thought of an impostor was infuriating. Self-righteousness is hard to recognize. By definition, it seems right. Even on the cross Jesus said "Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." People who devoted their lives to God, wouldn't intentionally order the murder of the Son of God. They just didn't see. To them, Jesus was an impossible candidate. After all, he had grown up among them. They knew of his family--very human (as far as they could tell). They knew his "home"--a far cry from Heaven. They were mistaken. In my heart I've judged the pharisees for years. I saw them as part of God's plan, but I saw them as cold-hearted religious leaders. Today I found some compassion towards them. I wonder how many times have I mistaken God? Am I so sure about what's right in my eyes, that I've missed God's revelation?--God revealing himself in a new way, an unexpected way. In this same passage Jesus says "In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Sometimes, I live as if the story is done. I know Christ has the victory, my soul has been saved, and His way is best. I try to live accordingly. However, I don't want to be so caught up in what I know about Christ and what I'm assured of, that I stop looking for him today. I should be watching and awaiting His return. I should be getting to know Him so well, that when He returns--I know him! Perhaps, I should even expect to be surprised. (His ways are not my ways). I don't want to mistake Him or deny Him.
Jesus, may I know you better every day. I don't want to just know about you, I want to know YOU! I want to know your character and your voice, so that I will not miss you when you show up in my day to day life--or when you return to establish your kingdom. Reveal yourself to me. Remove my perspective and perception, and replace them with your promises and plans.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Attitude
Phillipians 2:1-11
As a Christian, I don't act alone. It's nice to know that I'm on a team with other people. We have one goal, to do God's will, which is that all people will be reconciled with Christ. I need to rememeber that I am part of a team. I'm not on my own, and therefore I need to consider others before I consider myself. Phillipians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same a that of Christ Jesus." That's a high calling. I wonder what difference it would make if in every situation, opportunity, and relationship I had the attitude of Christ? I would expect, it would make all the difference. Jesus grew in wisdom, favor, and stature with God and men. I would assume that it had a lot to do with his attitude. Good, humble attitudes create fertile ground for learning, friendships, and opportunity. I pray that today, I will be mindful of my attitude. That I will be Christ-like towards my husband, children, neighbors, and co-workers. May the tone and words of my mouth be carefully chosen to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord."
As a Christian, I don't act alone. It's nice to know that I'm on a team with other people. We have one goal, to do God's will, which is that all people will be reconciled with Christ. I need to rememeber that I am part of a team. I'm not on my own, and therefore I need to consider others before I consider myself. Phillipians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same a that of Christ Jesus." That's a high calling. I wonder what difference it would make if in every situation, opportunity, and relationship I had the attitude of Christ? I would expect, it would make all the difference. Jesus grew in wisdom, favor, and stature with God and men. I would assume that it had a lot to do with his attitude. Good, humble attitudes create fertile ground for learning, friendships, and opportunity. I pray that today, I will be mindful of my attitude. That I will be Christ-like towards my husband, children, neighbors, and co-workers. May the tone and words of my mouth be carefully chosen to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
God's Priority
James 5:13-18
God, once again, I can come to you with many requests. It often amazes me at Your interest towards humanity. You desire for us to come to you with our troubles, our joys, and our sicknesses. All of which, we have on-going. I'm perplexed to think that the God of the universe beckons me (and every other individual on the planet) to make known our requests. I'm thinking about my own prayers and praises that I bring today. If God operated like I do, he'd say "Please don't interrupt me now, that can wait. Let me handle first things first." After all, that's how we as humans operate effectively-prioritize. My momentary trouble of having more bills than money; my joy of having become what I always wanted to be "a wife and mom" and now having the opportunity to pursue a career that I'm passionate about; and my sickness towards the pesky pollen that's in full bloom certainly could be seen as interruptions and not top priorities in the grand scheme of redeeming the world. But God doesn't prioritize like me. Thank God for that!! Quite frankly, I see no indication in scripture that God prioritizes needs at all. Rather than prioritizing, He supplies---ALL. The best part is, that He even sees past a symptomatic need to the real need. Sometimes we see the symptom of a need. God will handle the symptom by getting to the heart of the need. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Isn't it comforting to know that God offers righteousness! He willingly takes on our greatest need (to be made right with Him, through forgiveness) so that we can be powerful and effective by bringing every part of our life to Him! My mind may not be able to fully comprehend it, but I matter! All people matter to God! And what matters to us, matters to Him. But don't take my word for it, take His:
"Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Ps 55:22
God, once again, I can come to you with many requests. It often amazes me at Your interest towards humanity. You desire for us to come to you with our troubles, our joys, and our sicknesses. All of which, we have on-going. I'm perplexed to think that the God of the universe beckons me (and every other individual on the planet) to make known our requests. I'm thinking about my own prayers and praises that I bring today. If God operated like I do, he'd say "Please don't interrupt me now, that can wait. Let me handle first things first." After all, that's how we as humans operate effectively-prioritize. My momentary trouble of having more bills than money; my joy of having become what I always wanted to be "a wife and mom" and now having the opportunity to pursue a career that I'm passionate about; and my sickness towards the pesky pollen that's in full bloom certainly could be seen as interruptions and not top priorities in the grand scheme of redeeming the world. But God doesn't prioritize like me. Thank God for that!! Quite frankly, I see no indication in scripture that God prioritizes needs at all. Rather than prioritizing, He supplies---ALL. The best part is, that He even sees past a symptomatic need to the real need. Sometimes we see the symptom of a need. God will handle the symptom by getting to the heart of the need. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Isn't it comforting to know that God offers righteousness! He willingly takes on our greatest need (to be made right with Him, through forgiveness) so that we can be powerful and effective by bringing every part of our life to Him! My mind may not be able to fully comprehend it, but I matter! All people matter to God! And what matters to us, matters to Him. But don't take my word for it, take His:
"Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Ps 55:22
Because You Are Young
It's funny, I'm almost 30, but I still feel as young as I did when I was 16 (at least most days). When people ask me if I dread turning 30, I answer "No! Of course not! Lord willing, I'll be really old and really wise one day!" Then, I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses. 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." Young is relative. From my perspective, my children are young but when I think of my leaders/mentors in the faith, I feel young. I love learning and always have. However, this verse challenges me to be an example, to pass on what I have learned, to share what wisdom I have acquired thus far. (I don't have to be "very old" to do that).
In speech, I've learned that silence is sometimes best. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." I've also learned it's easier to be critical, but it's Christ-like to build up others.
In life, I've learned God is present in all circumstances. I've learned that not everything that happens is this life is "God's will." His will is being accomplished and will be completed upon his return. The great news is, He promises not to leave me alone along the journey. I've found Him faithful in that. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
In love, I've learned that a person's capacity to love is far greater than I ever imagined. God is love and he created us to love! When I step back and realize how many people are in my family, that I love so deeply, so much, and I never run out...it's really kind of amazing. Then, God brings other people into my life. People that I truly barely know or have contact with, but I genuinely have care and concern for. Or sometimes, it's people I don't even know at all. I just know or hear their story and it moves me to tears of joy, compassion, or concern. I realize I'm learning to love what God loves---people.
For me, faith and scripture have a strong bond. I believe God's word is true. Not matter what circumstances look like, I have have found God's word is always true. When my mind turns to doubt and falls short on faith, I go to the Bible. That is where God renews and strengthens my faith. I have found that when I'm in the Word daily, my faith is strong.
Purity also closely related to God's Word being in my life daily. Sometimes it's easy to do "Christian things" and ignore or overlook holiness. We are still living in a fallen world. Sometimes, by surrounding myself with Godly people, I forget that and put myself on autopilot and don't really take a close look at my heart. A heart that may harbor bitterness, jealously, or pride. God's word has to be the agent of change in my life! If it were up to me and my own ideas, I'd already be perfect. (LOL) I honestly try to do what is right, but I have to allow God to be honest with me--the end goal being holiness. So, I'm NOT perfect yet...and I'm a work in progress. However, I still can share what I do know.
The flip side, is to not be too proud to learn from the "young ones" either. I am convinced that part of the reason God made family and children, is to teach us more about his relationship with us. There have been many times my children have said things and God uses it to speak to me. Some that come to mind: "I have a broken heart and Jesus needs to fix it," "I'm ready to go to Heaven and see Jesus," "Jesus is coming, FOR REAL!," " How come grown ups never get punished for sin?" (of course there are consequences of sin, but do we really stop and recognize it or see it as such?), "God, thank you for growning more food and more food!", "I don't want to be an enemy of God." While I'm trying to teach them so much, I must be careful not to look down on them because they are young; and perhaps sometimes I must be the student!
(Please ignore all grammatical errors...this is a early, early morning/late night post)
In speech, I've learned that silence is sometimes best. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." I've also learned it's easier to be critical, but it's Christ-like to build up others.
In life, I've learned God is present in all circumstances. I've learned that not everything that happens is this life is "God's will." His will is being accomplished and will be completed upon his return. The great news is, He promises not to leave me alone along the journey. I've found Him faithful in that. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
In love, I've learned that a person's capacity to love is far greater than I ever imagined. God is love and he created us to love! When I step back and realize how many people are in my family, that I love so deeply, so much, and I never run out...it's really kind of amazing. Then, God brings other people into my life. People that I truly barely know or have contact with, but I genuinely have care and concern for. Or sometimes, it's people I don't even know at all. I just know or hear their story and it moves me to tears of joy, compassion, or concern. I realize I'm learning to love what God loves---people.
For me, faith and scripture have a strong bond. I believe God's word is true. Not matter what circumstances look like, I have have found God's word is always true. When my mind turns to doubt and falls short on faith, I go to the Bible. That is where God renews and strengthens my faith. I have found that when I'm in the Word daily, my faith is strong.
Purity also closely related to God's Word being in my life daily. Sometimes it's easy to do "Christian things" and ignore or overlook holiness. We are still living in a fallen world. Sometimes, by surrounding myself with Godly people, I forget that and put myself on autopilot and don't really take a close look at my heart. A heart that may harbor bitterness, jealously, or pride. God's word has to be the agent of change in my life! If it were up to me and my own ideas, I'd already be perfect. (LOL) I honestly try to do what is right, but I have to allow God to be honest with me--the end goal being holiness. So, I'm NOT perfect yet...and I'm a work in progress. However, I still can share what I do know.
The flip side, is to not be too proud to learn from the "young ones" either. I am convinced that part of the reason God made family and children, is to teach us more about his relationship with us. There have been many times my children have said things and God uses it to speak to me. Some that come to mind: "I have a broken heart and Jesus needs to fix it," "I'm ready to go to Heaven and see Jesus," "Jesus is coming, FOR REAL!," " How come grown ups never get punished for sin?" (of course there are consequences of sin, but do we really stop and recognize it or see it as such?), "God, thank you for growning more food and more food!", "I don't want to be an enemy of God." While I'm trying to teach them so much, I must be careful not to look down on them because they are young; and perhaps sometimes I must be the student!
(Please ignore all grammatical errors...this is a early, early morning/late night post)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
7 Habits Continued
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
This habit is based on the principle that good, lasting relationships have mutual respect and benefit. This does not mean that everyone can always "win." Notice it is called "think win-win." The concept of "win-win" was a little difficult for me to grasp at first, because if you think very literally "win-win" rarely (if ever) happens. Then I realized what made the difference is what you define as a "win." What you consider a victory, is often dependent on your values (identified and realized in Habits 1-3). The real goal of habit 4 is to consider others before yourself, to stop and THINK of others before yourself. THINK win-win. So perhaps (if I had authored the book), I would have named habit 4 something else for better clarity (but I didn't--and I'm not rewriting the book). The principle of habit 4 is evident in scripture. To me the banner verse for Habit4 is Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..." Christ did the ultimate "win-win" when He put himself on the cross. He "won" the victory over sin and death and we "won" salvation! As a Christian, my desire is to be Christ-like. Philippians 2:3-5 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considers other better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I believe Habit 4 and 5 work hand-in-hand. Habit 5 is specific to communication. James 1:19 says "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..." Habit 5 is built around listening first, with the intent to understand- not to reply. Most people (myself included) are ready to reply when conversing with others. Sometimes, we are so ready to reply, that we miss what the person is really saying (especially when the conversations are emotionally intense). If I were to quickly listen, rather than quickly speak, I would be much more "effective" in my responses. Words are so important. They last in our memories. They can have multiple meanings, depending on how they are delivered and received. So, not only does and effective communicator listen first, but they also respond thoughtfully. I want to be more "slow to speak" so that I am more intentional and thoughtful in my response. Some of my deepest regrets are words that I have spoken harshly or angrily. Words that I spoke too soon, without thought. My hope is that as I grow and mature "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14.
Habit 6: Synergize
This is based on the idea that we need others and others need us! "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." God is relational and we too (created in His image) are relational. It based around the idea that together, we don't have to compromise, but rather form a better way. Proverbs 15:22 says "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." The challenge hear is to seek counsel. Don't be afraid to work with others, to seek counsel. Everyone has different strengths and when we share them with each other in life, we all become more effective. Effective people, don't act alone. God even desires His people, His kingdom, His church to operate this way: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7. The challenge here is to be used for the "common good." That's why I feel as a Christian, it's important to be part of a body of believers. To be a part of the "common good," you must first have a common vision and purpose. The church exsists to fulfill God's vision and purpose. "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." 2 Corinthians 5:18. Christians working together are more effect in the "ministry of reconciliation".
Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw
This habit is about renewal, continuous improvement, and conflict prevention. Sharpen The Saw encircles all the other habits and bleeds into them. This is also what day to day living for Christ is about. Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 2 Corinthians 4: 16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." By reading God's word daily, praying, repenting, and working together with other Christains we are renewed and changed to be more like Christ. I believe practicing forgiveness is a HUGE part of sharpening the saw. There is no better way to prevent conflict and renew your soul than to forgive (and be forgiven). Our presenter used the illustration of "pre-forgiveness." He said a boss told a new-hire "You are pre-forgiven. I know you will make mistakes. The only thing I ask is, two things. 1- Tell me when you do. 2- Teach me (tell me how we can avoid the mistake in the future)." I think that's exactly what Christ did for me. I want to do that for others as well. These two verses are good backing for this practice of forgiveness and repentance: James 1:19, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesian 4:32, "Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it." Psalms 34:14
So, that's my thoughts on the 7 Habits. Now it's time for me to make them just that--habits!
This habit is based on the principle that good, lasting relationships have mutual respect and benefit. This does not mean that everyone can always "win." Notice it is called "think win-win." The concept of "win-win" was a little difficult for me to grasp at first, because if you think very literally "win-win" rarely (if ever) happens. Then I realized what made the difference is what you define as a "win." What you consider a victory, is often dependent on your values (identified and realized in Habits 1-3). The real goal of habit 4 is to consider others before yourself, to stop and THINK of others before yourself. THINK win-win. So perhaps (if I had authored the book), I would have named habit 4 something else for better clarity (but I didn't--and I'm not rewriting the book). The principle of habit 4 is evident in scripture. To me the banner verse for Habit4 is Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..." Christ did the ultimate "win-win" when He put himself on the cross. He "won" the victory over sin and death and we "won" salvation! As a Christian, my desire is to be Christ-like. Philippians 2:3-5 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considers other better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I believe Habit 4 and 5 work hand-in-hand. Habit 5 is specific to communication. James 1:19 says "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..." Habit 5 is built around listening first, with the intent to understand- not to reply. Most people (myself included) are ready to reply when conversing with others. Sometimes, we are so ready to reply, that we miss what the person is really saying (especially when the conversations are emotionally intense). If I were to quickly listen, rather than quickly speak, I would be much more "effective" in my responses. Words are so important. They last in our memories. They can have multiple meanings, depending on how they are delivered and received. So, not only does and effective communicator listen first, but they also respond thoughtfully. I want to be more "slow to speak" so that I am more intentional and thoughtful in my response. Some of my deepest regrets are words that I have spoken harshly or angrily. Words that I spoke too soon, without thought. My hope is that as I grow and mature "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14.
Habit 6: Synergize
This is based on the idea that we need others and others need us! "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." God is relational and we too (created in His image) are relational. It based around the idea that together, we don't have to compromise, but rather form a better way. Proverbs 15:22 says "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." The challenge hear is to seek counsel. Don't be afraid to work with others, to seek counsel. Everyone has different strengths and when we share them with each other in life, we all become more effective. Effective people, don't act alone. God even desires His people, His kingdom, His church to operate this way: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7. The challenge here is to be used for the "common good." That's why I feel as a Christian, it's important to be part of a body of believers. To be a part of the "common good," you must first have a common vision and purpose. The church exsists to fulfill God's vision and purpose. "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation..." 2 Corinthians 5:18. Christians working together are more effect in the "ministry of reconciliation".
Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw
This habit is about renewal, continuous improvement, and conflict prevention. Sharpen The Saw encircles all the other habits and bleeds into them. This is also what day to day living for Christ is about. Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 2 Corinthians 4: 16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." By reading God's word daily, praying, repenting, and working together with other Christains we are renewed and changed to be more like Christ. I believe practicing forgiveness is a HUGE part of sharpening the saw. There is no better way to prevent conflict and renew your soul than to forgive (and be forgiven). Our presenter used the illustration of "pre-forgiveness." He said a boss told a new-hire "You are pre-forgiven. I know you will make mistakes. The only thing I ask is, two things. 1- Tell me when you do. 2- Teach me (tell me how we can avoid the mistake in the future)." I think that's exactly what Christ did for me. I want to do that for others as well. These two verses are good backing for this practice of forgiveness and repentance: James 1:19, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesian 4:32, "Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it." Psalms 34:14
So, that's my thoughts on the 7 Habits. Now it's time for me to make them just that--habits!
Friday, August 13, 2010
7 Habits
I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course with my co-workers. It really got me thinking. One of the exercises we did made us list our different "roles" and what we wanted people to say about us in those roles. When I made my list intially, I wrote "Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister...." Then, when I started to reflect on my roles to write my personal mission statement, I noticed I had made a HUGE mistake! I thought I had done good to list "Christian" as my first and most important role, but I had missed the crucial obvious. Christian is not my role. It is who I am and it carries over into every role. I decided I wanted to explore this whole thing a little further and not just become a highly effective person, but a highly effective Christian. So, I'm going to take scripture and see how it applies to each of the 7 Habits.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
This habit mainly deals with acknowledging that you have personal choice. People choose their actions. You can choose your response to things and consider what is the right thing to do, no one makes you do something. Simply put, it's acknowleding our free will. God made us with the ability to choose. The Bible is full of examples of choices people made-- some within God's will and some outside God's will. Ultimately, we have the freedom to choose whether or not we even believe in God. To me, this is the starting point. The verse that came to mind to me is Joshua 24:15 "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." In every situation and personal decision, I need to remember whom I've chosen to believe in and serve. If I do that, it will provide the framework for effectiveness. (Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.")
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
This habit is about setting goals, dreaming, and having a vision for your life. Proverbs 29:18 says (KJV) "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." We are created in the image of God- and look how creative He is. God designed us to create, to dream. I've noticed as I've gotten older, I seem to do that less and less. I'm amazed at the "ideas" and dreams that come from my children. God asks us to come to him like little children (and I think he means we can even come to him with our dreams). Things don't have to be bad in our life to dream for something different or even better. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37. This habit is not a selfish or self-centered habit. It in more introspective and future minded and should flow seamlessly into habit 3.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
So, once you've decided to serve the Lord and you dream of what you can do with your life, your unique skill set, etc, you now move into prioritizing. You must decide what things are most important. I loved this principle, because it's where I often get off track and overwhelmed. I learned that "urgent matters are not always important." I learned that things that are important and urgent should get our attention first, and things that are NOT urgent, but important should receive our attention secondly--before things that are urgent and unimportant! (WOW) In a high-tech, fast moving world many things are made to seem urgent, which gives them a false sense of importance. I realized the key is deciding (based on habit 1 & 2) what is important before something "urgent" arises. Then, you have something to filter the urgent matter through to determine it's level of importance. Matthew 6:26-33 is one of my favorite passages (I call it my tatoo scripture because if I ever were to get a tatoo, it'd be of a daisy with this reference below it). Verse 33 says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." So, when I'm trying to decide what should receive priority in my life, God made it easy. He already tells me what to do first: Seek His Kingdom...the rest will be given to us. In my mind, God will not just meet our physical needs, but also our emotional and social needs. He can give us wisdom and discernment on what should come 2nd, 3rd, 4th... in our lives.
Okay--I'm going to "pause the habits" here and take a rest. This is a good stopping point because Habit 1-3 are considered "the private victory." They are things that you must be able to do before you can move on to "the public victory" (victory with others/relationships). It is also in this first part, the personal victory, that you write your personal mission statement. (We wrote it under Habit 2)
Here's mine (a work in progress)" V.I.V.E. (Value what God values. Intentionally love,inspire, and serve. Voluntarily give with compassion and humility. Every opportunity counts.)
Habit 1: Be Proactive
This habit mainly deals with acknowledging that you have personal choice. People choose their actions. You can choose your response to things and consider what is the right thing to do, no one makes you do something. Simply put, it's acknowleding our free will. God made us with the ability to choose. The Bible is full of examples of choices people made-- some within God's will and some outside God's will. Ultimately, we have the freedom to choose whether or not we even believe in God. To me, this is the starting point. The verse that came to mind to me is Joshua 24:15 "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." In every situation and personal decision, I need to remember whom I've chosen to believe in and serve. If I do that, it will provide the framework for effectiveness. (Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.")
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
This habit is about setting goals, dreaming, and having a vision for your life. Proverbs 29:18 says (KJV) "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." We are created in the image of God- and look how creative He is. God designed us to create, to dream. I've noticed as I've gotten older, I seem to do that less and less. I'm amazed at the "ideas" and dreams that come from my children. God asks us to come to him like little children (and I think he means we can even come to him with our dreams). Things don't have to be bad in our life to dream for something different or even better. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37. This habit is not a selfish or self-centered habit. It in more introspective and future minded and should flow seamlessly into habit 3.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
So, once you've decided to serve the Lord and you dream of what you can do with your life, your unique skill set, etc, you now move into prioritizing. You must decide what things are most important. I loved this principle, because it's where I often get off track and overwhelmed. I learned that "urgent matters are not always important." I learned that things that are important and urgent should get our attention first, and things that are NOT urgent, but important should receive our attention secondly--before things that are urgent and unimportant! (WOW) In a high-tech, fast moving world many things are made to seem urgent, which gives them a false sense of importance. I realized the key is deciding (based on habit 1 & 2) what is important before something "urgent" arises. Then, you have something to filter the urgent matter through to determine it's level of importance. Matthew 6:26-33 is one of my favorite passages (I call it my tatoo scripture because if I ever were to get a tatoo, it'd be of a daisy with this reference below it). Verse 33 says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." So, when I'm trying to decide what should receive priority in my life, God made it easy. He already tells me what to do first: Seek His Kingdom...the rest will be given to us. In my mind, God will not just meet our physical needs, but also our emotional and social needs. He can give us wisdom and discernment on what should come 2nd, 3rd, 4th... in our lives.
Okay--I'm going to "pause the habits" here and take a rest. This is a good stopping point because Habit 1-3 are considered "the private victory." They are things that you must be able to do before you can move on to "the public victory" (victory with others/relationships). It is also in this first part, the personal victory, that you write your personal mission statement. (We wrote it under Habit 2)
Here's mine (a work in progress)" V.I.V.E. (Value what God values. Intentionally love,inspire, and serve. Voluntarily give with compassion and humility. Every opportunity counts.)
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