Archive for category Integrity
Character Changers
I’ve heard it said that who you are in the dark is who you really are. That there’s no possibility of changing. That who you are in the dark is who your character really is and it can’t be changed.
I disagree with this. I believe that your character can be grown. I believe that character is developed over time. More importantly, because I believe in the power of Christ, I believe that even if you are lacking in character, the moment you turn to Christ and ask for His help – your character begins to change.
Christ is our only hope for our character. Christ is the only one who can mold a broken character filled with filth into a diamond of great value. It’s not an easy solution. It’s not an easy choice. It will not come instantaneously. But I have to believe that Christ CAN and WILL change a man’s character. We only have to seek Christ and ask him to in order for it to happen.
What do you think? Can character change?
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Repost – This I Believe about Basic Dignity
Posted by John in Experimental Thinking, Integrity, Leadership on June 27, 2009
Just read a fantastic blog post over at http://tinyurl.com/n8u6sb. It’s about basic dignity and since I’ve been reading the book, A Hole in the Gospel by Richard Stearns, it really hits home on a couple of things.
Here’s a quote from the article, go check it out when you get a chance!
When we treat people as objects, we dehumanize them. We do something really terrible to their souls and to our own.
Martin Buber, an Austrian-born philosopher, wrote about the differences between an “I-it” relationship and an “I-you” relationship. An “I-it” relationship is basically what we create when we are in transactions with people whom we treat like objects – people who are simply there to serve us or complete a task.
I-you relationships are characterized by human connection and empathy.
And, for the love of humankind, we need to get off of our damn phones and show some basic respect to the people who are standing in front of us.
Buber wrote, “When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them.”
In the Midst of a Struggle
Posted by John in Family, Integrity, Leadership, Lessons Learned, Truth on June 1, 2009
In the midst of this current struggle Cristin and I are facing, I find that I may be the most satisfied with God that I’ve ever been. Though our future is uncertain and our way is unclear, I am seeking to praise Him in all things. While I’m not at liberty to share what exactly is going on, I can share some other things I know in reference to this experience:
I know that this experience that Cristin and I are going through may be the very best experience we’ve ever had, but it’s sure is tough getting started on the path towards the future.
I know that nothing happens on earth without the blessing of heaven, and so I thank God for all that has transpired in the last few days, weeks, and months.
I know that God has a plan for us and a desire to use us for His glory and that He will do whatever it takes to bring others to a knowledge of Him, even if it doesn’t make sense to us.
I know that in the midst of this struggle, that God is enough. That He is good; He will take care of us; He will satisfy us; He will get us through this; He is our treasure.
I know that I can claim the words of Psalm 73:25-26 where it says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
I know that in everything I do and say I seek to glorify God, regardless of the cost.
I know that my purpose is not to question how God is doing His job, but rather to continually and intentionally place myself in a position of surrender and follow God’s leadership and to thank God for His mercy that He hasn’t asked me to go through this without Him.
So, in the midst of a struggle, that’s what I know. If you have a moment, both Cristin and I would greatly appreciate a prayer for wisdom and guidance. Thanks for reading.
What if I’m holding God back?
Posted by John in Integrity, Kingdom Building, Lessons Learned on November 16, 2008
I had a stunning revelation today during my devotions. Am I holding God back from doing what he wants to do with me simply because I don’t believe that I’m doing exactly what I think I should be doing?
Here’s my thought process on this.
What if God wants to use me in ways that I’ve never thought possible?
What if God wants to use me in an area that I’m insecure about?
What if God wants to work through through that insecurity so that He is glorified?
What if because I’m insecure about this area – I don’t put forth the effort to get better in this area?
What if instead of trying to get better – I just get bitter and spend all my time waiting for the next thing to do?
What if because I’m bitter and not growing God does not receive the glory and lost people do not hear His message?
What if because the lost do not hear God’s message they die and live their eternal life in hell away from God simply because I didn’t want to invest my time in something that I feel insecure about?
What if when I stand at judgement God asks me why I didn’t put forth the effort to get better at this thing I feel insecure about?
What if God shows me how I held back the work of the Kingdom because of my selfishness and unwillingness to learn something new?
What if when God asks me to answer for my actions I have to say that it’s because I didn’t truly trust the He knew what He was doing with my life?
What if . . . man – enough what if’s – I’ve just got to trust God with everything that He puts in front of me – rather I’m good at it or spectacularly bad at it.
Big thoughts this morning.
What about you? What are things that God’s placing in your life that you don’t really want to do – but by not doing it you’re stealing glory from God?
A Bowhunter’s Dilemma
Posted by John in Integrity, Kingdom Building, Lessons Learned on October 3, 2008
I’ve been pretty excited the last couple of months about going deer hunting this season. I’ve bought a bow and I’ve shot thousands of arrows at foam deer in hopes that I can perfect my aim so that I can shoot at a real deer this season.
I went into my local Sportsman’s Warehouse on Wednesday and discovered that I had to take a Bowhunter Safety Course before I could get my license. The last classes of the year are going to be held this Saturday in two towns that are about 3 hrs away from Sioux Falls.
Here is my dilemma. My brother-in-law who is not a Christian at all has been going to church with my wife and I every week for the past 5 weeks. Because I work at the church, I know that in the services this weekend there is going to be an invitation given. I don’t know if my brother-in-law will accept the invitation, but I do know that if I go to the Bowhunter Safety Class that he won’t have the opportunity to hear the message.
So – it’s easy for me – I’d rather have my brother-in-law part of the Kingdom then I would have a deer. What about you – what would you do?
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