How Is God at Work to Heal Relationships?

After a major disagreement most individuals need time to think through what caused the conflict. It’s important to understand and accept each person’s responsibility for initiating an argument. Owning up to selfishness is not being weak but rather is demonstrating strength of character.

A defining moment occurs when a change in communication style improves how conflict is managed. Insight doesn’t usually come from hostile exchanges of accusations. Insight comes afterwards when there is silence, if it comes at all.

A pivotal moment can come by realizing God is at work to heal each person. 

He gives wisdom and understanding to those who will use it so a relationship can heal and peace can be restored. The Good News Bible in Proverbs 17:27 reminds us that “people who remain calm have real insight.” A calming presence is sometimes difficult, but necessary for successful problem solving.  

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Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Love does not envy; it does not boast, it Is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love do not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.

~1 Corinthians 13:4-6 New American Standard Bible/New International Version 

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You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" this week on Thursday morning, April 10 from 10:30-11:30 Central Daylight Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

What Shuts Down a Foolish Argument?

Arguments and conflicts cannot be avoided in most relationships. A defining moment between two people is not that an argument or fight takes place, but what happens afterwards. A significant argument can erupt spontaneously over minor issues but end up doing emotional damage to the relationship.

A pivotal moment is created by understanding the degree to which a person may cover up hurt feelings because they fear expressing what they think and feel. After a disagreement, it’s critically important for you to share what happened from each person’s point of view.

If critical thoughts and feelings dominate without working toward a resolution, emotional distance will take place. Rather than permitting alienation to become permanent, be honest and share what you did to create the conflict. 

God honors honesty and will provide help to make resolutions possible. So be willing to make things right.  

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A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness. 

~Proverbs 15:1-2 Contemporary English Version

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You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" next week on Thursday morning, April 10 from 10:30-11:30 Central Daylight Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

What Hope Is Available When Teenagers Leave Home?

Defining moments occur throughout life, and for a teenager who is leaving home to live separately from the parents at a college or university, this is one of those moments. Depending on the young person’s maturity, leaving home is one step in becoming self-directed.

However, parent’s counsel and help should continue until the young person’s maturity has advanced. Sending young people out the door with love, trust, and respect is a recipe for potential success in their academics and in future relationships such as marriage and family.

Parents must be willing to step forward and initiate appropriate boundaries throughout childhood and adolescence, which later will help a young person to leave home with peace and the parents’ blessing. “Bring up a child in the way he or she should go” and they will stay with that framework as they advance in years. 

This is God’s promise for parents and a sure hope to hold onto.    

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Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

~Proverbs 22:6 New International Version

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How Does Facing the Truth Create a Defining Moment?

A defining moment can be a life-altering experience affecting how life is perceived from simplicity to profound truths. It’s as if a light has been turned on that penetrates an ever-dark crevice in your mind and soul. A defining moment is analogous to understanding something for the first time.

This happened to David when Nathan, God’s messenger, told him a story that illustrated a profound truth. It caused David to see himself as a thief who stole Bathsheba, with whom he had committed adultery. He then had her husband murdered.

Facing this truth was definitely a pivotal moment for David, which inspired Psalm 51. This Psalm was like an e-mail to God containing a confession of sin and heartfelt repentance. He promised to teach others about God’s mercy and forgiveness. This defining moment changed David’s self-centeredness by transforming him into “a man after God’s own heart.”

Can you imagine that?         

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I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born. But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom. Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow. Let me be happy and joyful! You crushed my bones, now let me celebrate. Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again.

~Psalm 51:5-10 Contemporary English Version

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How Can You Respond to God's Defining Moment?

Samuel was three old when his mother Hannah left him with Eli, the high priest, to foster the child as a servant of God. Hannah had promised God she would do this. While Samuel was still a child, one night he awoke to a voice calling his name. This happened three times.

Eli served as father, teacher, and counselor to Samuel and was wise enough to realize a defining moment was occurring. Listen to Eli’s counsel to Samuel: “Go and lie down, and when you hear your name called by the Lord, say, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” For the rest of his life Samuel knew God had called him to be his servant.

If you are ready to experience God’s defining moment or have already experienced it, then how you are to respond to his purpose and directions will become clear. Your reward will be peace because you are not resisting, as well as assurance because all is well and right in your heart and soul – for God has spoken and you have listened.                     

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Therefore, if any one is in Christ Jesus, he or she is a new creation; the old has passed away, for the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

~2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Revised Standard Version

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Can Impulsive Behavior Be Controlled?

One characteristic of adolescent children is the tendency to act impulsively without first evaluating the implications of their choices. Young people’s immaturity and lack of experience make it difficult to visualize themselves meeting a tragic end.

Impulsive behavior is often associated with lasting regret. In high school, two friends impulsively decided to join the Navy. Having failed to acquire high school diplomas, their assigned job duties failed to meet their expectations. Another defining moment came when they left their Naval base without permission and returned home.

Impulsive decisions often result in pain and suffering. Yet a decisive moment can be a positive experience when anchored in prayer and the certainty of God’s blessings. Failures also can result in positive good if a person seeks God’s forgiveness and turns to him in sincere repentance.

God’s love for us is greater than our sin.                    

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When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears and delivers them... The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:17-18 Revised Standard Version

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What Secret Plan Is God Waiting to Share with You?

A decisive moment can be prompted by what was not previously understood. The mother of a third-grade girl did everything conceivable to ensure her daughter’s popularity at school. Realizing her daughter’s frustration and unhappiness, the mother wisely decided to stop pressuring her little girl.

It was a decisive moment when the mother realized that loving her child as the person God created was the most significant blessing she could bestow upon her. 

The child no longer felt that pleasing her mother was her main purpose in life. She now could be friends with whomever she chose.

God’s desire is to give you his love. Colossians 1:27 tells us God’s secret plan is literally Christ Jesus in you so you can share in God's glory. Coming to realize and accept this wonderful truth can be a pivotal moment that changes your life. Why not do it? Just tell Jesus you’re ready.   

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But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord [Jesus Christ] and to spread the Gospel like sweet perfume. 

~2 Corinthians 2:14 The Living Bible

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What's Holding You Back from Seeking God?

When was the last time you met someone who became a permanent fixture in your memory? Pivotal events can have such an enduring influence that your life is forever changed. A young couple met each other at a social function related to their employment, and over the following months their paths continued to cross.

A pivotal moment signals the flowing together of thoughts and feelings that may have taken months to formulate. Spiritually, it can be indicative of God at work to bring about a consciousness of his presence in you. Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Spirit of truth to guide and teach them all things.

Making a decision to seek God with all your heart is a pivotal moment that will change your life. A decision of this magnitude brings a new level of satisfaction and peace within because Jesus resides at its center. 

When you draw near to God, he will draw near to you, so fill your mind with things that are good and praiseworthy.  

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Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.

~Proverbs 4:23 Contemporary English Version

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How Can I Possess and Keep a Clean, Pure Heart?

A pivotal event in life can set a new course for a person to follow indefinitely. Decisive moments include choices that may never be equaled but will need continuous, positive action that supports and strengthens those choices.

Sincerely inviting Jesus to become Lord and Savior of your life is a decisive undertaking that cannot be overshadowed. The same is true for marriage, when two people bond their lives together. Another pivotal moment occurs when one or the other faces temptation but decides to keep his or her heart pure and true.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pivotal moment is not only longing for a pure heart but actually determining to seek and keep it pure.

God stands ready to extend his amazing grace to those who long for a pure heart. Faith in God is the source for keeping and maintaining a pure heart. May God bless you.  

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Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires…Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.  

~Psalm 51:10,12 The Living Bible

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How Does Unexpected Change Affect Self-esteem?

An unexpected change can be disconcerting when what it demands appears incomprehensible. A young man became unemployed due to company cutbacks. Unable to find suitable employment, he moved in with his parents. In our society these circumstances are not unusual.

This temporary move back home was feared to be permanent by his parents, who initially questioned and discounted the sincerity of his efforts to find a new job. Losing employment and returning home proved to be a pivotal event for him and his parents.

However, pivotal events can boost self-esteem and self-worth by pushing individuals toward stability and independence, even when it means working outside of your career choice. God’s long-range purpose may hinge on your separating from old dependencies that appear comfortable but can be a barrier to becoming the person God intended. 

So why not commit your life completely to discovering God’s purpose for you now?  

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Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word…Don’t let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. I praise you, Lord!

~Psalm 119: 9-12 Contemporary English Version

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How Do Relationships Test Your Character Strengths?

Pivotal events are not reserved for just an unexpected moment. Certainly Jesus would be a pivotal event for Mary and Joseph. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he was ready to walk away, but an angel assured him Jesus would be a pivotal event for the entire world.

Pivotal events may appear overwhelming. Initially, Joseph expected to be married, have children and lead a normal life, but then his dreams appeared to be in jeopardy because what he faced could not be denied. Joseph was presented with a choice that would test his strength of character and his faith in God. 

Joseph’s dream presented a pivotal turning point because he realized God would use him in a way that could never be surpassed. Reassurance from God at a pivotal moment is available to those who seek it with humility and thanksgiving. So praise God and thank him for his provisions of faith and trust to see you through what seems impossible. 

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

~1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 New International Version

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What May Be the Most Difficult Adjustment for Marriage?

A pivotal event may occur unexpectedly, such as meeting a person whose influence will extend forever into the future. However, being blessed with a marriage soulmate may test each person’s resilience and endurance.

The majority of young men and women want to be married in hopes of their dreams coming true. What aren’t anticipated are the adjustments that have to be made, like modifying or abandoning personal habits to clear the way for living peacefully with the new soulmate.

God’s word commands men and women to leave their parents and cleave to each other, which most couples intend to do. However, leaving and cleaving may have to be done in stages rather than instantaneously. A pivotal moment for a marriage may occur after a couple has experienced several conflicts that resulted in a commitment being made to stay together because the couple realized God intended for their marriage to survive and endure. 

Praise God!                             

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Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life…

~Colossians 3:13-14 The Living Bible

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What Makes Humility Sincere and Honest?

Significant events in life can be pivotal in determining what later happens to a person. Audie Murphy experienced a pivotal moment when he stopped a German army force that would have been disastrous for his fellow soldiers and friends. 

Audie Murphy was an adolescent during all the war years he served but nevertheless became the most decorated soldier of World War II. The movie To Hell and Back portrayed Audie Murphy’s courage and humility that locked him into the hearts of those who admired him as a hero.

A pivotal event can be an illness such as the one Hezekiah the King of Judah experienced. The prophet Isaiah told him to put his house in order, for his illness was terminal. Upon hearing those words, Hezekiah turned his head to the wall and in faith prayed to God for help. God responded by giving him fifteen more years to live.

God’s grace is always adequate, regardless of challenges, when we reach out to him in faith and humility.                

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I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

~Psalm 121:1-2 The Message

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How Is God's Plan Linked to Pivotal Events?

A pivotal moment can occur when your purpose in life is redefined. When my father was in his forties, he was offered a job as a craftsman at an aircraft factory. This opportunity was a stretch for him, but he realized it was a pivotal moment he couldn’t let slip away.

This new job gave him confidence that life could be better and enabled him to later buy a farm and build a new house where he and my mother could retire. Pivotal events occur infrequently during a lifetime but are closely coupled to God’s purpose for each individual’s life.

If you are experiencing a pivotal moment in your life, perhaps God is preparing you for a significant place in his plan for you. While anxiety may be present, expect strong assurance from God that he is leading you. His word promises that the good work he began in you to secure his plan for you, he will finish. 

So give thanks and praise to God!  

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Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.

~Psalm 27:14 The Living Bible
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When Do Your Plans Collide with God's Purpose?

A pivotal event often corresponds to a particular moment when a new direction in life is undertaken. Hannah was unable to conceive and give birth to a child. In desperation she promised God if he would permit her to give birth to a son, she would dedicate him to God for his entire life.

When a son was born, she named him Samuel, which meant “heard from God.” When Samuel was three, Hannah and her husband took him to Eli the priest to be dedicated and trained as a servant of God. Hannah did not forget Samuel. Once a year she visited him and brought him a special gift.

Giving birth to Samuel and dedicating him to God were pivotal moments for Hannah. These changed her identity and self-esteem. She believed God had heard her prayers, and this made him completely trustworthy. 

A pivotal moment in your life will occur when by faith you acknowledge all things are possible with God, who loves you.                 

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You may make your plans, but God directs your actions. 

~Proverbs 16:9 Good News Bible

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How Would You Define a Pivotal Event?

A pivotal event is defined as a moment in time when two or more factors come together in a person’s life to determine a directional change to follow indefinitely. A person’s life is often measured by the response given to a significant pivotal moment. Ernest Hemingway experienced a pivotal moment as a young man during the first World War when he was severely wounded.

Ernest Hemingway’s personal life did not reflect the presence of Christ Jesus in his life. Consequently, his near-death experience may have contributed to severe depression and his eventual suicide later in life.

A pivotal event can be perceived as either positive or negative. The measure of a person can be determined by how appreciative that person is for each day granted to him or her to do good works. 

Taking advantage of every opportunity to live for Christ and promote the Kingdom of God is definitely a worthwhile objective that will secure peace with God.        

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Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes.

~1 Peter 5:6 Contemporary English Version

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How Has a Pivotal Moment Changed Your Life?

Ever since human beings began gathering together in groups, rules were paramount to determine how a society functioned. The measure of a person was determined by how he or she complied with the values that bonded people together.

Individuals were judged by pivotal events that distinguished them from others but still united their life to others. A pivotal moment occurred  when a person faced a directional change that was caused by a situation that forever changed their life.

The Apostle Paul experienced such a pivotal moment on the road to Damascus when he encountered the Lord Jesus Christ. His perception of himself was transformed, as was his purpose and mission for life. A pivotal event will determine how you want to spend the time God has given you to live your life.

Committing your life and time to Jesus Christ can be the most significant pivotal moment you will ever experience. God bless you! 

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The Lord is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.

~Isaiah 30:18 Contemporary English Version 

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What Do You Believe Correctly Measures a Person?

There are times when it’s difficult confronting a task that has to be done, especially if the work is unpleasant. When a task is avoided, feelings of anger or guilt may surface. Embarrassment can be a powerful motivator for correcting mistakes and failure to act responsibly.

It’s difficult to face others when humiliation appears imminent. We as human beings consistently measure ourselves by others’ achievements and by what significant others expect. Self-evaluations are prompted by being accepted or rejected by others.

The measure of our personhood is often determined by how we manage the gifts and talents God has bestowed on us. Being responsible and productive are strong contributors to a positive self-image. Romans 12:3 acknowledges God will judge us according to the measure of faith he has assigned to us and the ways we manage what he puts into our care during our time here on earth.                      

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…Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.

~Romans 12:3 The Living Bible

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What Makes God Mindful of Each Person?

The measure of a man or woman is gauged by being engaged in productive activities, restorative sleep, and a desire to enjoy the goodness of God's creation. A father gave this advice to his son, who was leaving home, “Do not procrastinate or be lazy, but enjoy the fruits of your labor, your family, and friends – all of which God graciously provides.”

God’s word tells us that there is a season for every activity. Mankind is up against the cutting edge of time for satisfying a hunger for things, taking can care of loved ones, and remembering to praise and thank God for the life he enjoys.

The Psalmist asked, “What is man that you, God, are mindful of him?” The mystery and reality of each person is that he or she is God’s crowning achievement, yet still a work in process that needs redemption. This implies our need for fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ and like-minded believers, for here we find acceptance and security. 

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But your Heavenly Father already knows perfectly well what you need, and he will give them to you if your give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.

~Matthew 6:32 The Living Bible

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What Determines the Majority of Your Choices?

The essence of a man, when measured by contemporary standards, reflects what he has acquired educationally, professionally, and socially along with his possessions, family, and friends. Yet hidden in the shadow of these accomplishments is an accurate assessment of the truth.

The measure of a person is determined by what he permits to be the driving forces in his decisions. There were followers of Joseph Stalin and Adolph Hitler who believed everything they did was good. The ultimate standard will be how God measures each person’s choices.

God’s mercy permits mistakes, wrong choices, and indecisiveness. Included in God’s grace is the potential for new decisions based on insight and wisdom resulting from pain and suffering. Life is about not only what we choose, but whom we choose. Today is the day of salvation when we choose the Lord Jesus Christ.                

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And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and acceptable and perfect.

~Romans 12:1-2 New Living Translation

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What Does Time Actually Mean to You?

The most precious gift each individual is given is time. How we spend time is crucial for determining our identity. There are several factors influencing our choices. One includes what we believe to be important and how devoted we are to fulfilling that objective.

God does not measure a person by how we begin our life here on earth, but by how we finish it. God often places individuals in our lives to inspire us to rise above the status quo, whether spiritually, physically or emotionally, and to strive for his higher calling.

For a young person time appears to move slowly, but for older individuals time seems to move much too rapidly. Benjamin Franklin poses this question, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time.” The measure of a person can be determined by how that person sincerely spends time loving the Lord Jesus Christ and serving others.         

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Working together with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” For He says: At an acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Look, now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation!

~2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Christian Standard Bible

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In What Way Does God Measure Each Person?

What is the standard by which a person is measured in America today? We know in some cultures of the world young boys are conditioned and indoctrinated to hate everyone who is not a member their faith and then to be willing to die for that faith, regardless of how out-of-touch with reality it may be.

I realize there are beliefs designed to teach boys how to exhibit masculine attributes, to the detriment of others. In some elements of our culture the measure of a person is determined by the weapons that are possessed and if there is a willingness to use them against others.

What does God use to measure a person? God measures people by their capacity to love and serve him enthusiastically for the good of others. A heart of compassion exemplifies a person with courage to stand for what is good and righteous. 

God commanded all people to be holy, so your trust and faith in Jesus Christ is what marks you as righteous and holy.                        

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…Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

~Romans 12:3 New Living Translation

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How Does Your Identity Differ from All Others?

Recently, an interviewer asked me what I thought about men expressing their feminine side. When I asked what he meant, the man responded by stating his belief that most men were sensitive and had tender feelings but that this fact did not negate their masculinity.

In truth, every man has some feminine traits, but they are not dominant. Women have some masculine traits, but they are not dominant. Molly, a friend from childhood, loved to play sports with the boys, but she was very much a girl in ways that were undeniable.

Genesis confirms that God created man and woman in his image. He gave both the capacity to love, to be sensitive to each other, to have fun and enjoy each other. In God’s perspective there is “neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus". We all have equal standing before him. He created us for each other and for himself and in his own image, which is a wonderful thought.

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Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

~Ephesians 5:1-2 New Living Translation

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What Makes Us Acceptable to God?

When I was a teenager, the body building champion Charles Atlas was a prime example of what was purported to be a “real man”. So many teenage boys and young men bought his book, which gave directions on how to achieve that awesome goal. For many young men, that goal still exists.

Being strong and healthy and one who will put his life on the line to rescue someone in trouble has always captured the imagination of others. Saul, the first king of Israel, fit the outward description of a real man. He was tall and strong, handsome and intelligent, and a brave warrior.

However, God rejected him and withdrew his blessing and protection because Saul’s behaviors and decisions were in conflict with God. A real man loves God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His desire is to live for God and serve him to the best of his ability.

God honors such a man and will bless him all the days of his life.  

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Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

~John 8:31-32 Contemporary English Version

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What Is Essential for Dependency to Be Healthy?

 Dependency is a given for all relationships. The essential quality of that dependency actually defines a healthy marriage, friendship, or parent-child relationship. A young woman announced she intended to have a baby who would love her unconditionally.

She failed to realize dependency can be demanding and costly, but also is a privilege and a blessing. In our society discovering what dependency includes is progressive and sometimes surprising but usually follows a timeline that is adaptable for most individuals.

God intended for there to be dependency in relationships regardless of how any relationship is defined. Realignment and adjustments are required for healthy dependency that seeks to reap the blessings God intended. Adapting to dependency is achievable as we accept that our relationships are a gift from God and that he gives guidance to help us adapt to making them workable. 

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But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.   

~John 15:7-8 New Living Translation

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What Are the Positive Attributes of Dependency?

As a six-year-old child growing up in rural Texas, I asked my mother if I could change my first name to a more popular one like James, Bill, or Joe. I immediately realized my request deeply hurt Mother’s feelings and, being dependent on my parents' approval, I never asked that question again.

Dependency is a lifelong need, although we tend to believe that independence is preferable at intervening moments. It’s interesting how dependency and independence tend to fluctuate when relationships are redefined. God never intended for dependency to be laden with negative overtones.

Dependency should project strength, love, and commitment. So the key to healthy relationships is finding the appropriate balance between dependency and independence. One person’s strengths and skills should not negate someone else’s. The more we praise and thank God for each other’s healthy qualities, the greater will be our contentment.                       

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

~John 15:5 New International Version

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How Good Are You at Being Dependent?

The word co-dependency became popular in the 1980’s and is indicative of someone whose harmful patterns of behavior negatively impact another person. These people may realize how someone causes pain and suffering but fail to identify their own complicity in the conflict.

Dependency, however, plays a vital role for every relationship. It’s indicative of relying on someone to meet specific needs that they alone can meet. This is seen in healthy marital relationships and parent-child relationships. Every friendship will have varying degrees of dependency.

Think of dependency as providing safety and security for family members and also includes trusted friendships. Your supreme dependency should be with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Listen to Psalm 32:7: “You are my hiding place from every storm of life. You protect me and surround me with deliverance.” This can be your security and confidence as you go forward. 

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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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

~2 Chronicles 7:14 New International Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

What Character Strengths Are Needed to Satisfy Ambition?

Young people dream of being successful so they can reap the joy and pleasure of their future. What is not anticipated is the stress that automatically accompanies success. An issue in this ascension is being accountable to and dependent on a problematic boss or supervisor.

This is not to imply that adjustments cannot be made, but that transitioning from one frame of mind to another can be difficult when compliance is out of place with one’s character. Success in a career or business is dependent on how well a person can adapt and adjust mentally and emotionally to every challenge.

However, faith in God and trust in his faithfulness provide strength of character to survive, as it did for Joseph. 

He overcame so much in his ascent to power, second only to the pharaoh of Egypt. Godly character and values will sustain you in every stressful situation.                  

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My body and mind may fail, but you [O God] are my strength and my choice forever.

~Psalm 73:26 Contemporary English Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.