,.. the words of Alanis Morissette (Ironic) from February 1996 People spend an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones. Americans spend around 5.4 hours a day using phones. Millennials are on their phones 5.7 hours per day, while baby boomers devote 5 hours to their smartphones. https://kommandotech.com/statistics/how-much-time-does-the-average-person-spend-on-their-phone/ While smart phones are not evil in and of themselves, they have become a tool for us, in our weakness of the flesh, to do evil things. Yes, phones can be used for good things, but I would argue that they more often have caused damage to the individual using them. The irony is that the symbol on most smart phones used is the fruit with a bite out of it. My mind instantly goes to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve and the sin committed from the Garden of Eden. "And isn't it ironic... don't you think A little too ironic... and, yeah, I really do think" 1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” We need only to go back to the first sin to see these three aspects of sin at work. Genesis 3:6 says, “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Job 37:4-5
“After it, a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard. “God thunders with His voice wondrously, Doing great things which we cannot comprehend. Maybe we all need to be "Thunderstruck." We seem to be advanced in our ability and willingness to ignore what God has to say. We believe that we have grown past the need for God's words, His guidance, His approval... The truth is that we need His guidance more now than ever. We cannot comprehend the thoughts of God. We need to humble ourselves and listen for God to speak... We need to get into His word and speak with our creator through prayer. We need to be THUNDERSTRUCK! ...no, this is not referencing Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." C. S. Lewis, author of the Narnia books, calls PRIDE, “the complete anti-God state of mind.” The Bible says, “In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” - Psalm 10:4 The opposite of pride is humility, or being humble. Pride separates us from God, but God draws near to those who are humble (2 Kings 22:19). To be humble is to have a true view of oneself, and a correct view of God. Being humble is NOT thinking we are terrible, lowly creatures. The Bible says we are wonderfully made because God knit us together (Psalm 139:13-14). -https://bible.org/article/“i-will’s”-pride 1 Peter 5 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. This can be applied to our spiritual lives. If we want to grow in our relationship with our Father then we need to deviate from our norm. I am concerned that in life today our norm is to put God on the back burner. We put entertainment, sports, relaxation all before God. I have been surprised at the number of Christians that will skip Sunday morning worship to attend a sporting event.
What is the norm for non-believers? What is the norm for Christians? What is the norm for you? Perhaps the answer is to deviate from our norm and spend more time in prayer, reading scripture, and fellowship with other believers, There is progress to be made! The pursuit of perfection. is a losing effort. Perfectionism can be caused by a fear of judgment or disapproval from others. We can start to feel like we are never good enough.
The truth is we are accepted by God even in our weakness. It is best to be the best version of us as we can be and put on the perfection of Christ and be clothed with Him. It can be very freeing to not have to be perfect but to learn from our mistakes and glorify God even in our own weaknesses. A person who has been a perfectionist in the past but now is better able to keep things in perspective, is likely able to work on self improvement without being self defeated. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. There has only been one that is perfect and that is Jesus Christ. No other measures up! Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ...everyone can see it but only you can feel it. This quote is so true! We have all been there. We get angry and say or do something that we regret and embarrass ourself. Those who suggest that they cannot control their temper and embrace that it is just the way they are need to reframe their thoughts about themselves. The Bible has some words of wisdom on the matter: Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.
Many people desire to have a leadership role. This might be in your career, on a team, or even in your church. It seems so appealing from the outside. But leadership truly begins with a servants mindset as a true leader put the goals of the team above his/her personal wants and needs.
True leadership is servant leadership! Who takes the blame when things do not work out the way others believe they should? Who has to make the tough decisions that others may not like? Who has to deliver the bad news? No matter what leadership role you have, someone will be looking to shoot you down. Leadership always comes with some level of stress and anxiety over the responsibilities that come with the position. These days, even the president is doing well if he has greater than a 50% approval rating. Amazing! While leadership can be very rewarding, it is unlikely because of glory, popularity, or riches. The rewards come from serving those you lead and rejoicing in their successes. Words of wisdom for leaders: 1. Stay Humble 2. Have a servant mindset 3. Have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset 4. Seek wise counsel 5. Prayer 6. Don't take things personally 7. Expect challenges and solve problems 8. Control what you can control 9. Own up to mistakes 10. Be honest with yourself and your team 11. Give credit for success to you team 12. Be aware of your weaknesses and your strengths 13. Be you! You are unique. 14. Remember success is not final and failure is not fatal Matthew 20:28 ...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Memorial Day is a time to reflect on Sacrifice and Gratitude. These virtues are both civic and religious...
This Memorial Day we remember the sacrifice of many soldiers who gave their life for our country and something bigger than themselves. Was it worth it? This is the question we must ask ourselves. How are we living? Are we thankful for our freedom and prosperity? Do we recognize the sacrifice that is required for freedom? Was their sacrifice worth it? Even more so, we remember Christ and His sacrifice for our freedom from sin. Again, the question is, was it worth it? Are we living for Him? Are we thankful for our freedom from sin? Do we take up our cross and follow Him? Was His sacrifice worth it? We ought to reflect on these questions this Memorial Day. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. |