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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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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