Accountability is most heart-wrenching when we feel that we have failed. We have all seen that look of judgment from another, and even more so from the few inches between our face and the mirror. Looking at oneself, and seeing failure can make all sights and sounds fade away except the own screaming from our inner voice.
However, there is victory in failure. How many times did Thomas Edison try to get the exact mechanics right for the light bulb before he saw light? Did every equation that Einstein attempted to write prove to be correct when tested against a problem to solve? No. But we have light, and we have E=mc2, the theory of relativity.
Having a relationship with Jesus allows us the option to be victorious. On earth, even the strongest Christians will judge others, try as they may to put it aside. The real release from feelings of failure is in forgiveness. The equation here is repentance + asking for forgiveness + forgiving others. These three steps in combination will free us from feelings of failure and allow us to find and remain in favor with God.
Repent: Luke, the physician writes in Acts 3:19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Can you identify the words "wiped out" in this verse? Looking ourselves in that mirror, and seeing our own face in judgment may be overwhelming, but there is monumental power in forgiveness. If we can focus on the outcome and not the crime in ourselves, asking for forgiveness will set us free. Our sin will be wiped out. A clean slate is what we will start with in an instant. And believe me, God hears our voice. God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus desire one thing: a relationship. God does nor keep a record of our wrongs after the very instant that we ask for forgiveness.
Even though we cannot hit the "rewind button" in life, a change in perspective can free us from our wrongs. God will forgive and forget. Therefore, failure is only as temporary as we allow it to be.
Ask yourself today, "What do I need to erase from my conscience? Who or what inside me do I need to forgive?"
Ask: 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." I mentioned earlier how God hears our voice immediately. Right at the very moment that we speak our words to Him. It goes on to say that it should be in prayer, to seek His face, and turn against our wrongdoings. And what does He promise. He will hear. He will forgive. He will hear our land.
Think of your land as your sphere of influence. Everyone has a group of people that they feel accountable to. It will be your spouse, your children, perhaps someone that you are a sounding board for or even the neighbor; adult or child. God asks us to come to Him in prayer. It can be short; it only needs to be sincere. And that sincerity must carry through to correcting our actions.
I have personally had the experience of "seeing God's face." Admittedly, most times it has been in church as a prayer is being offered from the pastor to the congregation and mine personally in the service. It usually appears as I look up. Not coincidentally, it puts My Father in perspective. He may be above me vertically, but He is there and readily available when I call on Him or listen to other's words. It is not as frequent as I would like, but the feeling is unimaginable in a way that could be explained to others. Seeking His face is an experience I desire to have at home, or sitting in traffic, or on a park bench when I have time alone. I see this as a skill that can be acquired. Keep trying and be patient. Remember, God is omnipresent. He will always hear and will respond on His time for your good. Keep praying. Seek His face. Turn from behavior that is not permissible in your relationship with Almighty God.
Forgive others: Paul writes in Colossians 3:14, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Again, a simple verse, but the outcome is life-changing when put into perspective. The act of forgiving others can be harder than forgiving yourself. There are certain things that eat away and gnaw at us deep inside. To the middle of our very core, things that have happen to us when we feel strongly that we have been wronged tend to remain longer than they should. Forgiving others will also free you from pain. Even more so than forgiving yourself.
Luke 6:37 says, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Think about the universal scope of these three sentences. If we do not judge others, there will be no one that will judge us. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. I say universal to indicate that even halfway across the world, others will see you differently if you follow these steps. No one can judge you, and therefore harm you. No one will condemn, or judge, if you are able to forgive.
Since it is harder to forgive others, in your heart find one person that you can forgive. Done in private, hey will not know that you have done so. Put in perspective, this act may free them from something by your prayer and cause them to forgive another. God may, in that very instant, seek their heart to forgive another. I believe that freeing yourself can free others. Seek God's face first in prayer, and let Him work, and see what happens.
This may be a lot to digest, but keep it simple. Try this simple exercise today. Make the equation at my suggestion as derived from the Word of God.
Repent + ask for forgiveness + forgive others.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Accountability: Part V
Yesterday we talked about starting with one believer and then building a team of advisors to keep you accountable. It is not just for yourself, or for the benefit of others who have the opportunity to guide you along your path. The one person that you are truly accountable to is Almighty God.
Matthew 12:36 says, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."
Paul acknowledges this and similarly echoes this verse in Romans 14:12 which reads, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."
As a writer and as a person, I put a strong value on spoken words. I still like to write letters. And whether you are writing or speaking, it is not only what words that are spoken, but also what is heard through the ears and in the minds of others. Words are powerful; to say the least.
Think about a person you admire. Are they eloquent with respect to the words they choose?
Let's take this theme on step further. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
As someone who is being spoken to, it is imperative in valuing the words spoken to us, that we can believe and have faith in their validity. We want to believe that the advice we are getting is inherently good. And if we are to be better off having received such advice, it requires faith and trust in the advice given.
Look in the book of Luke for some sound advice. Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Just prior to that as Jesus is talking to His disciples, in Luke 12:2-3 he records, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs."
Having grown up in a small town, these two verses carry a lot of weight, and ring true, so to speak.
My mother and father knew what I had done and what I had said before I ever returned home. They also held me accountable.
To me, the spoken word is directly in line with the parable of the harvest; "you will reap what you sow." As leaders, you will have the opportunity to be heard in the assembled group of your peers. Words are not only to elevate you, but others as well. Counsel in private, and praise in public.
What can you say to others today that will affirm, and add value to others, whether it be one or many?
Matthew 12:36 says, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."
Paul acknowledges this and similarly echoes this verse in Romans 14:12 which reads, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God."
As a writer and as a person, I put a strong value on spoken words. I still like to write letters. And whether you are writing or speaking, it is not only what words that are spoken, but also what is heard through the ears and in the minds of others. Words are powerful; to say the least.
Think about a person you admire. Are they eloquent with respect to the words they choose?
Let's take this theme on step further. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
As someone who is being spoken to, it is imperative in valuing the words spoken to us, that we can believe and have faith in their validity. We want to believe that the advice we are getting is inherently good. And if we are to be better off having received such advice, it requires faith and trust in the advice given.
Look in the book of Luke for some sound advice. Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Just prior to that as Jesus is talking to His disciples, in Luke 12:2-3 he records, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs."
Having grown up in a small town, these two verses carry a lot of weight, and ring true, so to speak.
My mother and father knew what I had done and what I had said before I ever returned home. They also held me accountable.
To me, the spoken word is directly in line with the parable of the harvest; "you will reap what you sow." As leaders, you will have the opportunity to be heard in the assembled group of your peers. Words are not only to elevate you, but others as well. Counsel in private, and praise in public.
What can you say to others today that will affirm, and add value to others, whether it be one or many?
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Accountability: Part IV
Accountability is not about having a "big-brother" to watch over you, or check-in with. It is more about have a sounding board. Someone other than yourself in this world to confide in. It will help to keep you on a straight and narrow road, away from trouble, away from strife and live a life that is better than just the inside-of-your-own-head.
Think of it as building a team. There may be only one advisor, or many; but having a point-of-contact in whom you can trust and consider a "first line of defense" is never a bad plan. Most of you who have children who participate in high-school athletics have probably heard, "There is no 'I' in TEAM." Having those whom you feel confident to help you find your way, or add valued advice to the solution that you already have in mind will strengthen your decisions. Once you personally feel confident about what you are to do, you then turn to God for guidance.
Start with at least one other believer, and then build a team. Jesus appointed twelve disciples to further His work. They had one assignment: to reach far and wide and to all crevices on earth with the Gospel; the Good News that Christ is our Savior. The disciples were hand-picked to be accountable to Jesus for the mission He had placed in them.
Is it not a good idea to have one person in addition to Christ that we are accountable to?
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
This verse highlights two key points. When you edify others, it is that type of encouragement that fuels further positive action by the whole team. Everyone feels better when they are spoken about with encouraging words; words of affirmation.
The second key point is that Paul praises them for the work that the Thessalonian people are already doing. He acknowledges that they are already, "doing good work." Again, this encouragement provides motivation. And when a group of people are on the same page, striving toward a common goal with a specific purpose in mind, everybody wins.
He provides more praise and further instructions in the following verses. In verse 12, he asks the people to "acknowledge those who work hard." In verse 13 to "hold those who work hard in high regard." Verse 14 explains that they "should be wary of those who are idle and disruptive, help the disheartened and the weak, and be patient." Do not "pay wrong with wrong, " in verse 15. In verses 16, 17 and 18 he asks them to "rejoice always, pray continually, and to always give thanks as the work that they are doing is God's will."
Let's review the steps in these 7 verses:
12: Acknowledge hard work
13: Hold others in high regard
14: Be patient with those who are not following God's will for His people
15: Wrong doing should not be paid in return with wrong
16: Always rejoice
17: Pray continually
18: Remember that your efforts are in line with God's will.
I challenge you today to review your steps.
Provide affirmation, lift others, be patient, right wrongs with encouragement and proof, rejoice, pray continually and stay in God's will.
To me this message can be applied universally. It may be best to start with the words in verse 12 and work up, or even in some situations to apply the urging in Paul's letter in reverse. Or finally, in such a way that each of the steps could be applied in a fashion that has no definitive order based on the circumstances at hand.
If you are fervent about following the will of God, His guidance will help you put the steps in the correct and perfect order.
Think of it as building a team. There may be only one advisor, or many; but having a point-of-contact in whom you can trust and consider a "first line of defense" is never a bad plan. Most of you who have children who participate in high-school athletics have probably heard, "There is no 'I' in TEAM." Having those whom you feel confident to help you find your way, or add valued advice to the solution that you already have in mind will strengthen your decisions. Once you personally feel confident about what you are to do, you then turn to God for guidance.
Start with at least one other believer, and then build a team. Jesus appointed twelve disciples to further His work. They had one assignment: to reach far and wide and to all crevices on earth with the Gospel; the Good News that Christ is our Savior. The disciples were hand-picked to be accountable to Jesus for the mission He had placed in them.
Is it not a good idea to have one person in addition to Christ that we are accountable to?
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
This verse highlights two key points. When you edify others, it is that type of encouragement that fuels further positive action by the whole team. Everyone feels better when they are spoken about with encouraging words; words of affirmation.
The second key point is that Paul praises them for the work that the Thessalonian people are already doing. He acknowledges that they are already, "doing good work." Again, this encouragement provides motivation. And when a group of people are on the same page, striving toward a common goal with a specific purpose in mind, everybody wins.
He provides more praise and further instructions in the following verses. In verse 12, he asks the people to "acknowledge those who work hard." In verse 13 to "hold those who work hard in high regard." Verse 14 explains that they "should be wary of those who are idle and disruptive, help the disheartened and the weak, and be patient." Do not "pay wrong with wrong, " in verse 15. In verses 16, 17 and 18 he asks them to "rejoice always, pray continually, and to always give thanks as the work that they are doing is God's will."
Let's review the steps in these 7 verses:
12: Acknowledge hard work
13: Hold others in high regard
14: Be patient with those who are not following God's will for His people
15: Wrong doing should not be paid in return with wrong
16: Always rejoice
17: Pray continually
18: Remember that your efforts are in line with God's will.
I challenge you today to review your steps.
Provide affirmation, lift others, be patient, right wrongs with encouragement and proof, rejoice, pray continually and stay in God's will.
To me this message can be applied universally. It may be best to start with the words in verse 12 and work up, or even in some situations to apply the urging in Paul's letter in reverse. Or finally, in such a way that each of the steps could be applied in a fashion that has no definitive order based on the circumstances at hand.
If you are fervent about following the will of God, His guidance will help you put the steps in the correct and perfect order.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Accountability: Part III
I want to go back this morning to the time during the Last Supper. We see Jesus setting an example of a servant, washing the feet of the apostles. He is showing the disciples an outward expression of how they should care for others, just as He had. He encourages them to continue in His example.
I like to think of this as "reverse accountability." It is not at all proper to think that those you are guiding and teaching to only be accountable to you. Leaders are to set the example, and therefore be accountable to whom they lead. John 13:16-17 says, "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." In this verse, we see Jesus sharing with the disciples that we are all on a level plane. No one is greater than any other.
Going back just a few verses, I love the beautiful picture that is painted during the meal. It seems almost surreal to think of the "Son of Man" taking time from His last meal with the disciples to wash their feet. This is not the picture of the past or modern day king of many a nation. Jesus removes His clothing, wraps a towel around His waist, pours water into a basin and begins to wash the feet of the disciples. John 13:4-5 reads, "so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
Jesus sat at the head of the table. He was in the sitting appropriately in the middle of the Twelve.
Why was it He that displayed such an act of servanthood?
We can find the answer to this in John 13:12-15. "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.
These few verses are what brings to me the idea of "reverse accountability."
Jesus was not placed on this earth to be served, but rather to serve. Not yet known to the disciples, Jesus knew where He was going. The final steps were already in motion. While He would ask if they had to be done, He simply states in Luke 22:42, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Jesus may have been serving the disciples, but He knew that He was also being held accountable to God. He knew without doubt that He was soon ascending to a higher place. He therefore submitted to God above and became a servant to His disciples. First a servant, then a "King in Heaven."
My takeaway from this is that embodying the role of a servant can propel you to higher places. Serving others becomes ascension.
"Wash the feet" of others, and see where it takes you. Not for personal gain, but simply to remind yourself that serving others becomes a choice that is also best for you. You can move higher by becoming lower.
Ask yourself, "What can I do today to serve?'
I like to think of this as "reverse accountability." It is not at all proper to think that those you are guiding and teaching to only be accountable to you. Leaders are to set the example, and therefore be accountable to whom they lead. John 13:16-17 says, "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." In this verse, we see Jesus sharing with the disciples that we are all on a level plane. No one is greater than any other.
Going back just a few verses, I love the beautiful picture that is painted during the meal. It seems almost surreal to think of the "Son of Man" taking time from His last meal with the disciples to wash their feet. This is not the picture of the past or modern day king of many a nation. Jesus removes His clothing, wraps a towel around His waist, pours water into a basin and begins to wash the feet of the disciples. John 13:4-5 reads, "so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
Jesus sat at the head of the table. He was in the sitting appropriately in the middle of the Twelve.
Why was it He that displayed such an act of servanthood?
We can find the answer to this in John 13:12-15. "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.
These few verses are what brings to me the idea of "reverse accountability."
Jesus was not placed on this earth to be served, but rather to serve. Not yet known to the disciples, Jesus knew where He was going. The final steps were already in motion. While He would ask if they had to be done, He simply states in Luke 22:42, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Jesus may have been serving the disciples, but He knew that He was also being held accountable to God. He knew without doubt that He was soon ascending to a higher place. He therefore submitted to God above and became a servant to His disciples. First a servant, then a "King in Heaven."
My takeaway from this is that embodying the role of a servant can propel you to higher places. Serving others becomes ascension.
"Wash the feet" of others, and see where it takes you. Not for personal gain, but simply to remind yourself that serving others becomes a choice that is also best for you. You can move higher by becoming lower.
Ask yourself, "What can I do today to serve?'
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Accountability: Part II
Accountability seems to me easy to explain and easy to understand. It is nothing more than saying, "I did it." You could say it another way in saying, "I am personally responsible for ..."
The Apostle Paul understood accountability. He was accountable first to Jesus, and then to himself. He framed his actions knowing that the strength and power in his mission was in direct relationship to holding himself accountable to Christ. That is not to say that it did not take a monumental change in perspective. The self-proclaimed "Chief of Sinners" fell blind, but when his eyes were opened and his sight restored, he was instantly a different man.
He became a "Man on a Mission." He became a "Man on Fire." What Paul became was a man with a "passion" for Jesus and His people. He cared not if you were a Jew or Gentile; he felt a personal responsibility to reach those for the glory and the kingdom of God.
He personified Jesus, and perfected his craft in the cities, villages, synagogues and public forums. Paul became the "mouthpiece" that Jesus desired and needed to advance the early Christian church. His profession was speaking and writing to the leaders and those he felt may be influential in furthering his cause. Other than God, their was no "superhuman figure" who could challenge or change his unwavering commitment in spreading the gospel story. He was sent on a mission, he was diligent in following instruction and he "ran the good race" for Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7-10 Paul writes, "For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
Talk about a "punch in the throat?" Like me, many of you may also feel as if those few verses hit you like a "ton of bricks." Enough with the bad taste in figurative language, let's dissect those 4 verses in 2 Corinthians 5.
Verse 7: Living by faith is not an easy task. Faith is something that we must grow into. It takes daily action and thought to increase your personal faith muscle. One way to do so is to have a "running conversation" with God. Make it a point to allow Him to bear the challenges that you face. When you can clearly see the outcome, your faith will be increased.
Verse 8: Despite Paul knowing that he had a mission to complete, he longed to be with Jesus in heaven. A "heavenly mindset" allows us to both strengthen and be effective in our work. Be able to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Verse 9: This verse seems to me a challenge. When we reach heaven, there will be no pain. Not so on earth. Strive to be the best you can be. On earth, we can undoubtedly never be perfect. It's not possible. If we attempt to "stay at home" in the body of Christ, we will be able to harness His power with the aid of the Holy Trinity.
Verse 10: The end of this verse could easily make us all uneasy. We will face judgment. Remember that there is no sin greater than any other. Doing our best, and striving to stay away from and thwart sin as it surely will come helps build a barrier from the devil and builds a stronger relationship with Jesus. That is what He desires; a relationship.
Start today by having a running conversation with Jesus. Ask for His help in the known and unknown. Develop plans with the aid of the Holy Spirit by asking for His protection and for Him to intervene where you will not have answers. Look to heaven, and attempt to emulate God's wonderful work in the present. Fear not judgment; focus more on your work for the Lord.
The Apostle Paul understood accountability. He was accountable first to Jesus, and then to himself. He framed his actions knowing that the strength and power in his mission was in direct relationship to holding himself accountable to Christ. That is not to say that it did not take a monumental change in perspective. The self-proclaimed "Chief of Sinners" fell blind, but when his eyes were opened and his sight restored, he was instantly a different man.
He became a "Man on a Mission." He became a "Man on Fire." What Paul became was a man with a "passion" for Jesus and His people. He cared not if you were a Jew or Gentile; he felt a personal responsibility to reach those for the glory and the kingdom of God.
He personified Jesus, and perfected his craft in the cities, villages, synagogues and public forums. Paul became the "mouthpiece" that Jesus desired and needed to advance the early Christian church. His profession was speaking and writing to the leaders and those he felt may be influential in furthering his cause. Other than God, their was no "superhuman figure" who could challenge or change his unwavering commitment in spreading the gospel story. He was sent on a mission, he was diligent in following instruction and he "ran the good race" for Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7-10 Paul writes, "For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
Talk about a "punch in the throat?" Like me, many of you may also feel as if those few verses hit you like a "ton of bricks." Enough with the bad taste in figurative language, let's dissect those 4 verses in 2 Corinthians 5.
Verse 7: Living by faith is not an easy task. Faith is something that we must grow into. It takes daily action and thought to increase your personal faith muscle. One way to do so is to have a "running conversation" with God. Make it a point to allow Him to bear the challenges that you face. When you can clearly see the outcome, your faith will be increased.
Verse 8: Despite Paul knowing that he had a mission to complete, he longed to be with Jesus in heaven. A "heavenly mindset" allows us to both strengthen and be effective in our work. Be able to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Verse 9: This verse seems to me a challenge. When we reach heaven, there will be no pain. Not so on earth. Strive to be the best you can be. On earth, we can undoubtedly never be perfect. It's not possible. If we attempt to "stay at home" in the body of Christ, we will be able to harness His power with the aid of the Holy Trinity.
Verse 10: The end of this verse could easily make us all uneasy. We will face judgment. Remember that there is no sin greater than any other. Doing our best, and striving to stay away from and thwart sin as it surely will come helps build a barrier from the devil and builds a stronger relationship with Jesus. That is what He desires; a relationship.
Start today by having a running conversation with Jesus. Ask for His help in the known and unknown. Develop plans with the aid of the Holy Spirit by asking for His protection and for Him to intervene where you will not have answers. Look to heaven, and attempt to emulate God's wonderful work in the present. Fear not judgment; focus more on your work for the Lord.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Accountability: Part I
The word accountability has nearly faded into the dust of the American culture. The meaning of the word itself, it seems, has died from the sword.
There are certain people in our lives that we are inherently expected to hold ourselves accountable to: parents, teachers, spouses, and peers in positions of authority in the workplace as a few examples. However, accountability has fallen like that of an avalanche of snow from the highest peak of human imagination.
One may ask, as I do, "How did this happen?" And even further, "At what point did this happen?"
For many of you reading this, you would agree that it is not a problem in understanding the meaning of the word. Our parents understood; for certain our grandparents understood, but the reality remains that accountability has drifted far into the vast ocean toward becoming abolition, generation by generation.
The "millennial" generation is a perfect example. I readily admit that some of Generation "X" and even some people in Generation "Y" fall into this category, but by-and-large, the current generation is completely oblivious to the idea of accountability.
If the larger majority for Generation "X" and Generation "Y" were labeled, one might say they appropriately fall into the category represented by the acronym "WIIFM," better known as "What's in it for me?" Millennials might as well be called Generation "E," or Generation "Entitlement." Technology is partly to blame, but the brunt of the problem to the death of accountability falls squarely on the shoulders of parents.
In Asian culture, it is unacceptable to, and not even an option, to disrespect or defy your parents. Their word is gospel. Their words are not to be challenged. They are the ultimate authority. And if there are grandparents in the household, the same rule of hierarchy follows. They are the ones with the "trump card." Husband over wife. "It is what it is," so they say.
Personally, I would like to see a one-hundred and eighty degree shift. There is no reason not to return to the philosophy where accountability is the rule as opposed to the exception, prevalent, followed and inherently understood by all. That being said, "No man is an island." It will take a dramatic and drastic shift in perspective for any small, much less monumental, shift to occur. Perhaps if all people were separated simultaneously, at all the earth's fault lines by a swift and ferocious quake it might help; or perhaps even dramatic separation renders the idea of accountability a "pipe dream."
The question becomes, "Are we too far gone to return to, and embrace accountability?"
There are certain people in our lives that we are inherently expected to hold ourselves accountable to: parents, teachers, spouses, and peers in positions of authority in the workplace as a few examples. However, accountability has fallen like that of an avalanche of snow from the highest peak of human imagination.
One may ask, as I do, "How did this happen?" And even further, "At what point did this happen?"
For many of you reading this, you would agree that it is not a problem in understanding the meaning of the word. Our parents understood; for certain our grandparents understood, but the reality remains that accountability has drifted far into the vast ocean toward becoming abolition, generation by generation.
The "millennial" generation is a perfect example. I readily admit that some of Generation "X" and even some people in Generation "Y" fall into this category, but by-and-large, the current generation is completely oblivious to the idea of accountability.
If the larger majority for Generation "X" and Generation "Y" were labeled, one might say they appropriately fall into the category represented by the acronym "WIIFM," better known as "What's in it for me?" Millennials might as well be called Generation "E," or Generation "Entitlement." Technology is partly to blame, but the brunt of the problem to the death of accountability falls squarely on the shoulders of parents.
In Asian culture, it is unacceptable to, and not even an option, to disrespect or defy your parents. Their word is gospel. Their words are not to be challenged. They are the ultimate authority. And if there are grandparents in the household, the same rule of hierarchy follows. They are the ones with the "trump card." Husband over wife. "It is what it is," so they say.
Personally, I would like to see a one-hundred and eighty degree shift. There is no reason not to return to the philosophy where accountability is the rule as opposed to the exception, prevalent, followed and inherently understood by all. That being said, "No man is an island." It will take a dramatic and drastic shift in perspective for any small, much less monumental, shift to occur. Perhaps if all people were separated simultaneously, at all the earth's fault lines by a swift and ferocious quake it might help; or perhaps even dramatic separation renders the idea of accountability a "pipe dream."
The question becomes, "Are we too far gone to return to, and embrace accountability?"
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Righteousness: Wrap-Up
The idea of being "righteous" is hard to wrap our heads around and hard to achieve. If you were to ask 6 people their personal definition of the word, you would almost certainly get 6 different answers. Christian or not, righteousness escapes most of us.
In Part I, we looked to the Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries for some guidance. Both have a form of the word morality in the definition. Justifiable is used, as is divine in the definition. We talked about immorality; how is has become sensationalized to the point where "breaking news" and "top story" headlines are used as opposed to desensitizing immorality and reality in favor of what is right and just. Personally, I would rather find the gifts inherent by God's grace noted in Proverbs 21:21 where it says, "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor." To me, that seems more like the ticket to the train that I would prefer to be on. Go back and review the verses from Matthew, Proverbs, Psalms, 1 Timothy and Romans for review.
Part II focused on people. The question was, "Who in the Bible was righteous?" We find in scripture that Noah, Daniel and Job were credited by the Lord as being righteous. Most have heard the story of the covenant between Noah and God and the rainbow. As a Christian, it is a reminder to me when I see a rainbow in the sky. For those not familiar with this story and God's promise to never again flood the earth, turn to Genesis 9:12-17. Daniel was given favor for his faith. He did not have to accept the similar stature of a slave to Nebuchadnezzar, but he did. He remained faithful, and righteous in his actions, seeking God's wisdom during every step and we see his reward in Daniel 12:8-13. Job's story is unique and powerful. God "allowed" the devil to test his faith. His flocks and herds were stripped from him. His servants, the same. Even his sons and daughters were taken from him, but he remained faithful. Incredibly hard to imagine, much less explain and personally endure, but Job did not waiver. Turn to Job 29:14 for a recap of Job's definition of righteousness. Remember also the promise for the stars in heaven, found in Daniel 12:3, as your reward for righteousness.
In Part III we learned that different variations directly related to the word righteousness can be found sixty-four times in the Bible. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy about the "crown of righteousness," noting that those who seek the coming of the Lord will be awarded. The precursor to Paul's mention of the crown of righteousness is the way that he "ran the good race" for Christ. He was determined, diligent, reflective, passionate and interested in his effectiveness to reach people for the Kingdom of God. Three verses were noted, all coming from Galatians. Galatians 2:15-16, 3:10-14 and 5:13-18. The people of Galatia were still extremely rooted in the Mosaic law, but Paul wrote to them and came to them to present his case for living by faith, as Jesus did. We ended by examining the role that the Holy Spirit can provide in our desire to live by faith, harnessing its power and embracing the "fruits of the Spirit."
Part IV was our beginning to dissecting the "fruits of the Spirit." The verse is found in Galatians 5:22-23. It provides 9 principles that can be used, and require and will not submit to any law. I used an example from finance to provide the similarity to the idea of the "sum of the parts" being "worth more than the whole." The 9 "fruits of the Spirit" may be independently and inherently different, but using even one, or a combination thereof, will push you in the direction of righteous behavior. When all else fails, look to 1 Corinthians 13:8, "Love never fails."
In Part V, I presented the idea of using the "sum of the parts" theory; with the "fruits of the Spirit" in mind, in our pursuit to achieve righteousness. We once again referenced the Oxford Dictionary for the definition of pursue. God is interested in seeing us: 1) chase Him, and 2) proceed along in our divine route. We are to grow. We are to learn. We are to share. To become an expert at either, takes guidance, hard work and practice. Advisors will be helpful, but it is important to note that we will stumble and fall on our pursuit in as close to as humanly possible; perfection in chasing after others; for God. I referenced Galatians 2:2, where Paul writes about the pursuit of perfection. In these verses, he is evaluating his effectiveness from his early days in sharing and telling the gospel story in Jerusalem. I also pointed you to Matthew 28:19, better known as "the Great Commission." A relationship with Jesus Christ will increase your effectiveness in your evangelical walk, given that you also understand the importance of belief, community, faith and growth that becomes that special relationship with Jesus. Think big, start small, reach higher.
Part VI begins with a verse that correctly provides the foundational structure for obtaining righteousness. I was God's substitution of sin, for us, by allowing Jesus to be crucified on the cross, eliminating our sin. In Him, we wear not a crimson robe, but one of white. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 for the verse explaining this substitution. I continued on with the idea of employing the "Great Commission," taking it one step further; that of leaving a legacy. The legacy of mine and yours will be entirely different than those of the most respected names in the pulpit for God, but is ours any less important? I would think not. We all want to matter. We all want to make our mark. That is what "leaving a legacy" is all about. That is one of the reasons I have chosen to write. To leave a legacy that will be everlasting, we must submit to the will of God. It is He who has the instruction manual that you have yet to read that will allow you to become the benefactor that you had hoped for. The Bible is your guidebook. It is the "key to the castle" that will grant you access to God's instruction for your life. Leaving the legacy you desire to leave, is possible with the key to the Kingdom. Each f us have a different job to complete in advancing God's Kingdom. You have already identified the skills that are God-given, and He will require you to obtain more for His purposes along your journey. Look to the promises in Romans 2:6 and Psalms 37:28.
As they say, "the view is better from the top; looking down."
In Part I, we looked to the Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries for some guidance. Both have a form of the word morality in the definition. Justifiable is used, as is divine in the definition. We talked about immorality; how is has become sensationalized to the point where "breaking news" and "top story" headlines are used as opposed to desensitizing immorality and reality in favor of what is right and just. Personally, I would rather find the gifts inherent by God's grace noted in Proverbs 21:21 where it says, "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor." To me, that seems more like the ticket to the train that I would prefer to be on. Go back and review the verses from Matthew, Proverbs, Psalms, 1 Timothy and Romans for review.
Part II focused on people. The question was, "Who in the Bible was righteous?" We find in scripture that Noah, Daniel and Job were credited by the Lord as being righteous. Most have heard the story of the covenant between Noah and God and the rainbow. As a Christian, it is a reminder to me when I see a rainbow in the sky. For those not familiar with this story and God's promise to never again flood the earth, turn to Genesis 9:12-17. Daniel was given favor for his faith. He did not have to accept the similar stature of a slave to Nebuchadnezzar, but he did. He remained faithful, and righteous in his actions, seeking God's wisdom during every step and we see his reward in Daniel 12:8-13. Job's story is unique and powerful. God "allowed" the devil to test his faith. His flocks and herds were stripped from him. His servants, the same. Even his sons and daughters were taken from him, but he remained faithful. Incredibly hard to imagine, much less explain and personally endure, but Job did not waiver. Turn to Job 29:14 for a recap of Job's definition of righteousness. Remember also the promise for the stars in heaven, found in Daniel 12:3, as your reward for righteousness.
In Part III we learned that different variations directly related to the word righteousness can be found sixty-four times in the Bible. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy about the "crown of righteousness," noting that those who seek the coming of the Lord will be awarded. The precursor to Paul's mention of the crown of righteousness is the way that he "ran the good race" for Christ. He was determined, diligent, reflective, passionate and interested in his effectiveness to reach people for the Kingdom of God. Three verses were noted, all coming from Galatians. Galatians 2:15-16, 3:10-14 and 5:13-18. The people of Galatia were still extremely rooted in the Mosaic law, but Paul wrote to them and came to them to present his case for living by faith, as Jesus did. We ended by examining the role that the Holy Spirit can provide in our desire to live by faith, harnessing its power and embracing the "fruits of the Spirit."
Part IV was our beginning to dissecting the "fruits of the Spirit." The verse is found in Galatians 5:22-23. It provides 9 principles that can be used, and require and will not submit to any law. I used an example from finance to provide the similarity to the idea of the "sum of the parts" being "worth more than the whole." The 9 "fruits of the Spirit" may be independently and inherently different, but using even one, or a combination thereof, will push you in the direction of righteous behavior. When all else fails, look to 1 Corinthians 13:8, "Love never fails."
In Part V, I presented the idea of using the "sum of the parts" theory; with the "fruits of the Spirit" in mind, in our pursuit to achieve righteousness. We once again referenced the Oxford Dictionary for the definition of pursue. God is interested in seeing us: 1) chase Him, and 2) proceed along in our divine route. We are to grow. We are to learn. We are to share. To become an expert at either, takes guidance, hard work and practice. Advisors will be helpful, but it is important to note that we will stumble and fall on our pursuit in as close to as humanly possible; perfection in chasing after others; for God. I referenced Galatians 2:2, where Paul writes about the pursuit of perfection. In these verses, he is evaluating his effectiveness from his early days in sharing and telling the gospel story in Jerusalem. I also pointed you to Matthew 28:19, better known as "the Great Commission." A relationship with Jesus Christ will increase your effectiveness in your evangelical walk, given that you also understand the importance of belief, community, faith and growth that becomes that special relationship with Jesus. Think big, start small, reach higher.
Part VI begins with a verse that correctly provides the foundational structure for obtaining righteousness. I was God's substitution of sin, for us, by allowing Jesus to be crucified on the cross, eliminating our sin. In Him, we wear not a crimson robe, but one of white. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 for the verse explaining this substitution. I continued on with the idea of employing the "Great Commission," taking it one step further; that of leaving a legacy. The legacy of mine and yours will be entirely different than those of the most respected names in the pulpit for God, but is ours any less important? I would think not. We all want to matter. We all want to make our mark. That is what "leaving a legacy" is all about. That is one of the reasons I have chosen to write. To leave a legacy that will be everlasting, we must submit to the will of God. It is He who has the instruction manual that you have yet to read that will allow you to become the benefactor that you had hoped for. The Bible is your guidebook. It is the "key to the castle" that will grant you access to God's instruction for your life. Leaving the legacy you desire to leave, is possible with the key to the Kingdom. Each f us have a different job to complete in advancing God's Kingdom. You have already identified the skills that are God-given, and He will require you to obtain more for His purposes along your journey. Look to the promises in Romans 2:6 and Psalms 37:28.
As they say, "the view is better from the top; looking down."
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