In the face of risk, danger, potential loss, and when there are other forces beyond your control; but when you know that your cause is just, true, noble, and consistent with the Word of God, PRESS ON.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.
Courage enables confidence. Measured together with humility and wisdom, and focused outwardly on a greater purpose than yourself, you cannot be stopped... unless it is God's will that you stop!
Courage requires surrender for your need to control. In the chaos of pursuing your cause, you may find wonderful insights.
Courage requires letting go of judgements, discriminations and assumptions about others. Others are critical to your success.
Courage requires you to let go of your beliefs about your own abilities, or your own wisdom, or your own persuasiveness.
Can you do it?
Do you know what you are doing?
Will they believe you, and will they follow you?
Courage does not ask these questions.
Courage asks...
What is the right thing to do?
Who needs me to do it?
Where is the need to be met?
When must I do it?
God has told you, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5.
Be courageous in your response to your God, who has included you in His plans.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Isolation vs. Selflessness
Avoiding other people's problems is impossible unless you avoid all other people. The Discipline of Selflessness does not support isolation.
Taking time off from serving others to recharge and re-energize, is a selfless act, but only so much as it does not lead you into a state of preference for isolation.
And regardless of your efforts to cleanse your soul from frustrations and fears, heartaches and tears, the messy-ness of human-ness accompanies the people you will serve through the Discipline of Selflessness.
The two greatest commandments are, to Love God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, and to love people as much as yourself. And loving people includes accepting all of the troubles they will bring with them.
Taking time off from serving others to recharge and re-energize, is a selfless act, but only so much as it does not lead you into a state of preference for isolation.
And regardless of your efforts to cleanse your soul from frustrations and fears, heartaches and tears, the messy-ness of human-ness accompanies the people you will serve through the Discipline of Selflessness.
The two greatest commandments are, to Love God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, and to love people as much as yourself. And loving people includes accepting all of the troubles they will bring with them.
Unselfish vs. Selfless
Unselfish says, "I want that, but you can have some too."
Selfless says, "I want for nothing, but if you need that, I will help you get it."
Selfless says, "I want for nothing, but if you need that, I will help you get it."
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Changing the Wind
Social Change is effected not by measuring and following the direction of the winds of change, but by "changing the wind." This requires skill, sacrifice, creativity and ultimately, moral authority.
The fundamental principle is, that history is most changed by social movements with a spiritual foundation. Change that drives deep into the emotions of the populace, and which answer their most sensitive needs, will set the stage for sustained change. Hence, moral authority is not acquired, it is granted. It is granted in part by the source of the morals, and in part by the populace whose needs they serve.
Once moral authority is established, and the desired "direction of the wind" is clearly and specifically identified, Change-Drivers should focus efforts in three key areas:
1. The Power-Brokers
o Focus efforts where the power-brokers will take notice
o Use terms they understand
2. The Critical Constituency (key stakeholders)
o Understand and seek stakeholders whose personality and experience match the moral direction of the social change
o Keep recruiting statekholders until you sense the "room is too full"
3. The Populace
o Establish the Moral Authority of the cause
o Use situations that will agitate a response
Now, start blowing!
The fundamental principle is, that history is most changed by social movements with a spiritual foundation. Change that drives deep into the emotions of the populace, and which answer their most sensitive needs, will set the stage for sustained change. Hence, moral authority is not acquired, it is granted. It is granted in part by the source of the morals, and in part by the populace whose needs they serve.
Once moral authority is established, and the desired "direction of the wind" is clearly and specifically identified, Change-Drivers should focus efforts in three key areas:
1. The Power-Brokers
o Focus efforts where the power-brokers will take notice
o Use terms they understand
2. The Critical Constituency (key stakeholders)
o Understand and seek stakeholders whose personality and experience match the moral direction of the social change
o Keep recruiting statekholders until you sense the "room is too full"
3. The Populace
o Establish the Moral Authority of the cause
o Use situations that will agitate a response
Now, start blowing!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
When Selflessness becomes Self-defeating ... and what to do about it.
I know some incredibly selfless people... friends and family who give and give and give without an accounting and without an expectation for a return on their investment. Unfortunately, some of these great people also get defeated, deflated and depressed. Why?
1. They secretly hope for payback for their service
2. They hope to "change" those they serve
3. They hope to change their circumstances by their acts of service
In most cases, defeat and depression is a result of all 3 problems being present, and so the answers to these 3 challenges must all be interdependent. Consider them in whole, and not in separate parts.
We've already discussed that one seeking payback for service is simply acting out of the selfishness all humans suffer, and will be equally disappointed. The "reward" for one's service is the act itself, the doing of the good, the internal satisfaction for helping another. If you are looking for payback, your investment will crumble in your hand. Even in the best relationships, marriages even, the giving is not 50/50. As Chuck Swindoll said, the proper perspective is 100/100. You give 100%. You worry not what your partner gives - your only task is to give 100%.
Increasingly you will find that your efforts to "change" others will frustrate you, infuriate you and exacerbate your "stuck-ness." It is not others you are about changing, it is YOU you are about changing. Your change comes inside and outside. Inside as you feel more peace, self-confidence and fulfillment. Outside as you communicate and demonstrate your positiveness and encouragement; and as you role-model a better way to live. Don't feel it yet? Don't show it yet? Give more, serve more, live more... with the understanding that it is about the change in you, and not them. This is freedom!
Can you serve and give your way out of your circumstances? It is tempting to think you can. But there is no promise anywhere that you can. Even though many Bible readers have interpreted scripture to say so, God does not promise riches for your tithing, nor for your volunteerism or sacrifice. God promises His grace, His presence and His comfort.
When would I know that I have given enough to earn this grace? If I compare myself to other givers and servants, can I know if I am in the top 1 million? Well, as I understand it, this grace is everlasting and infinite. I can't out-give it and I can't out-serve it. And aside from some of the faithful, perhaps like Moses, St. Paul and Mother Teresa, I don't think there is even a top 20, and I know I'm not in it.
Feeling trapped? Feeling like it's everyone else's agenda? Perhaps this is where it is more important to look internally for the answers to your questions. Who are you, really? What baggage are you carrying? What hang-ups are you hanging on the hems of your garments, and laying on the shoulders of those you might try to serve? It may seem counter-intuitive to the whole philosophy of Selflessness to focus on your self, but without a strong sense of who you are, you cannot really help anyone else. You will go on with your martyrdom and neither please those around you, nor gain any satisfaction for yourself.
So in sum, it's not about who you are with or where you are, but who you are and where you are going. Where are you going, in this life and the next?
1. They secretly hope for payback for their service
2. They hope to "change" those they serve
3. They hope to change their circumstances by their acts of service
In most cases, defeat and depression is a result of all 3 problems being present, and so the answers to these 3 challenges must all be interdependent. Consider them in whole, and not in separate parts.
We've already discussed that one seeking payback for service is simply acting out of the selfishness all humans suffer, and will be equally disappointed. The "reward" for one's service is the act itself, the doing of the good, the internal satisfaction for helping another. If you are looking for payback, your investment will crumble in your hand. Even in the best relationships, marriages even, the giving is not 50/50. As Chuck Swindoll said, the proper perspective is 100/100. You give 100%. You worry not what your partner gives - your only task is to give 100%.
Increasingly you will find that your efforts to "change" others will frustrate you, infuriate you and exacerbate your "stuck-ness." It is not others you are about changing, it is YOU you are about changing. Your change comes inside and outside. Inside as you feel more peace, self-confidence and fulfillment. Outside as you communicate and demonstrate your positiveness and encouragement; and as you role-model a better way to live. Don't feel it yet? Don't show it yet? Give more, serve more, live more... with the understanding that it is about the change in you, and not them. This is freedom!
Can you serve and give your way out of your circumstances? It is tempting to think you can. But there is no promise anywhere that you can. Even though many Bible readers have interpreted scripture to say so, God does not promise riches for your tithing, nor for your volunteerism or sacrifice. God promises His grace, His presence and His comfort.
When would I know that I have given enough to earn this grace? If I compare myself to other givers and servants, can I know if I am in the top 1 million? Well, as I understand it, this grace is everlasting and infinite. I can't out-give it and I can't out-serve it. And aside from some of the faithful, perhaps like Moses, St. Paul and Mother Teresa, I don't think there is even a top 20, and I know I'm not in it.
Feeling trapped? Feeling like it's everyone else's agenda? Perhaps this is where it is more important to look internally for the answers to your questions. Who are you, really? What baggage are you carrying? What hang-ups are you hanging on the hems of your garments, and laying on the shoulders of those you might try to serve? It may seem counter-intuitive to the whole philosophy of Selflessness to focus on your self, but without a strong sense of who you are, you cannot really help anyone else. You will go on with your martyrdom and neither please those around you, nor gain any satisfaction for yourself.
So in sum, it's not about who you are with or where you are, but who you are and where you are going. Where are you going, in this life and the next?
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Best Relationships are Inconvenient
Why would a relationship be inconvenient? If that significant person calls, your heart tells you you must respond. You know that he has been there for you and you must be there for him. Trivial responses such as "we're doing fine" won't do for a question about your family. And even more so, an "I'll pray for you" won't do when your friend needs help.
What is the secret ingredient that calls for this higher level of action? It cannot be merely obligation. We've already established that we are selfish and self-centered. Obligations are easily pushed aside when things get inconvenient.
You've already guessed it. It is love. More than one prophet said, and clearly God in the flesh said, "Love your Neighbor." Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan and wrapped it up by asking his audience, "Who was the neighbor to this man?" The answer was, the Good Samaritan. What was the original discussion that led to this story? Jesus had said, "Love your Neighbor." Someone in the crowd asked, "Who is my Neighbor?"
Picture yourself then, as the man robbed, beaten and left for dead on the roadside. A person from another culture, who your family has told you not to love, is the only one who helps you. And his help is very inconvenient. Once you've recovered, how will you respond?
NOW...
Picture yourself going down the road and finding a person from another culture, a person who your family has told you is untrustworthy, unkind, unclean. The person has been beaten, robbed and left for dead. You have a choice. This is going to be inconvenient.
What is the secret ingredient that calls for this higher level of action? It cannot be merely obligation. We've already established that we are selfish and self-centered. Obligations are easily pushed aside when things get inconvenient.
You've already guessed it. It is love. More than one prophet said, and clearly God in the flesh said, "Love your Neighbor." Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan and wrapped it up by asking his audience, "Who was the neighbor to this man?" The answer was, the Good Samaritan. What was the original discussion that led to this story? Jesus had said, "Love your Neighbor." Someone in the crowd asked, "Who is my Neighbor?"
Picture yourself then, as the man robbed, beaten and left for dead on the roadside. A person from another culture, who your family has told you not to love, is the only one who helps you. And his help is very inconvenient. Once you've recovered, how will you respond?
NOW...
Picture yourself going down the road and finding a person from another culture, a person who your family has told you is untrustworthy, unkind, unclean. The person has been beaten, robbed and left for dead. You have a choice. This is going to be inconvenient.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Find Out What You Do Well and Do More of It
On a rudimentary level, strengths are the things you do well. On a more sophisticated level, a strength is a pattern of behavior, thoughts and feelings that produces a high degree of satisfaction and pride; generates both physic and/or financial reward; and presents measurable progress toward excellence.
THE FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRENGTH
ONE: LISTEN FOR YEARNINGS
Characterized as the pull or attraction to one activity over another, a process that begins in early childhood and continues. Think of a yearning you have in your work, the things you look forward to working on or that draw you back …
TWO: WATCH FOR SATISFACTIONS
Satisfactions are those experiences where the emotional and physic rewards are great. Competencies and satisfactions are not always partners. If it doesn’t feel good you are not practicing a strength. Think of the things you do at work that consistently bring satisfaction…maybe the work was tough, but the reward was strong, memorable and lasting.
THREE: WATCH FOR RAPID LEARNIG
If you catch on quickly to something your likely to be good at it. Naturals are those who learn by “jumping in”. Slow learning is evidence of a non-strength. It can never be discounted on the assumption that a person will “get it someday”. Think of things you pick up very quickly at work, and within days, or even hours, others are asking you to show them how to do it.
FOUR: GLIMPSES OF EXCELENCE
You can spot a strength by glimpsing a moment of excellence within a performance. Only the trained eye can glimpse moments of excellence. One of the most effective ways to master this technique is by studying success. Think of things you’ve done when you were complimented on your excellence, when someone used words like, “perfect, excellent job, or well-done.”
FIVE: TOTAL PERFORMANCE OF EXCELLENCE
Total performance of excellence is a flow of successful behavior, when there are no conscious steps in the mind of the performer. Total performance isn’t a glimpse but the complete extension of an activity. It doesn’t happen occasionally, but each time the activity is performed.
One final test of total performance is the improvement of activity over a period of time. The satisfaction gained by total performance will cause a person to want to repeat it, but with repetition must come improvement. Think of times when you have “lost yourself” in the execution of your work, when the effort was effortless and the success was repeatable and sustainable.
Adapted from: Soar With Your Strengths, Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson, Bantam Doubleday Dell, NY, 1992
THE FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRENGTH
ONE: LISTEN FOR YEARNINGS
Characterized as the pull or attraction to one activity over another, a process that begins in early childhood and continues. Think of a yearning you have in your work, the things you look forward to working on or that draw you back …
TWO: WATCH FOR SATISFACTIONS
Satisfactions are those experiences where the emotional and physic rewards are great. Competencies and satisfactions are not always partners. If it doesn’t feel good you are not practicing a strength. Think of the things you do at work that consistently bring satisfaction…maybe the work was tough, but the reward was strong, memorable and lasting.
THREE: WATCH FOR RAPID LEARNIG
If you catch on quickly to something your likely to be good at it. Naturals are those who learn by “jumping in”. Slow learning is evidence of a non-strength. It can never be discounted on the assumption that a person will “get it someday”. Think of things you pick up very quickly at work, and within days, or even hours, others are asking you to show them how to do it.
FOUR: GLIMPSES OF EXCELENCE
You can spot a strength by glimpsing a moment of excellence within a performance. Only the trained eye can glimpse moments of excellence. One of the most effective ways to master this technique is by studying success. Think of things you’ve done when you were complimented on your excellence, when someone used words like, “perfect, excellent job, or well-done.”
FIVE: TOTAL PERFORMANCE OF EXCELLENCE
Total performance of excellence is a flow of successful behavior, when there are no conscious steps in the mind of the performer. Total performance isn’t a glimpse but the complete extension of an activity. It doesn’t happen occasionally, but each time the activity is performed.
One final test of total performance is the improvement of activity over a period of time. The satisfaction gained by total performance will cause a person to want to repeat it, but with repetition must come improvement. Think of times when you have “lost yourself” in the execution of your work, when the effort was effortless and the success was repeatable and sustainable.
Adapted from: Soar With Your Strengths, Donald O. Clifton and Paula Nelson, Bantam Doubleday Dell, NY, 1992
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