How Does Striving for Excellence Come into Being?

Accountability is an enduring summons that is met either with acceptance and enthusiasm or is pushed aside and rejected. Yes, it is possible to avoid responsibility for life’s choices and decisions whether  they’re positive or negative.

In truth, most people take advantage of opportunities that come their way. Pursuing excellence potentially promises an elevated meaning and purpose for life. Accountability strives to achieve the highest good that’s determined by your intelligence and other innate abilities.

For the Christian, this includes viewing life as an opportunity to be used by God to further his plan and purpose for your life. Pursuing excellence derives from believing you consistently do your best to achieve what’s possible. God is at work to give you an attitude of being worthy of the time you’re given in this life. When you are completely committed to Jesus Christ, striving for excellence is joyful.

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If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care, then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. 

~Philippians 2:1-2 The Message

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Is Belonging Required for Happiness?

“What does it take to make you happy?” is often asked out of frustration by a person who realizes they have failed to please somebody. The majority of human beings desire to be in relationships, for happiness is anchored to loving others and to belonging. From conception we are genetically linked to a mother and father.

Throughout life, belonging, accompanied by love is required for true happiness. To belong is more than being a part of an organization or family but reflects who we are as defined by our character. Belonging clearly distinguishes us from others by identifying our trustworthiness.

The wedding ring is a powerful symbol of belonging, security and love that is honored and respected by most people. By accepting God’s love, symbolized in Christ Jesus, we have his love, security and peace for all eternity. When we belong to Jesus Christ, joy and happiness will freely flow from us to others.            

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Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. Now make me completely happy! Love in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.

~Philippians 2:1-2 Contemporary English Version

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When Stress Creates Distress

Most babies are born into homes where conflict is minimal. While no home is completely exempt from conflict, some people are better equipped to manage it successfully. Sheer determination to find resolutions helps some people gain valuable skills and strategies for resolving conflicts. Others, however, permit conflict to evolve into serious power struggles that separate them from each other.

Total and complete compatibility is rare even between those who are 100% committed to their relationship. But sometimes the slightest degree of incompatibility over finances, sex, parenting, religion, in-laws or friends can cause friction that provokes quarrels and distress. The abuse of drugs and alcohol is another source of conflict.

The danger of leaving conflict unattended may distress what is outwardly a peaceful relationship. Distress can cause major arguments and battles to evolve into a means for relieving tension. Facing the truth of conflict and exposing it to God’s light and guidance is healthy, for then there is hope for a resolution.  

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You’re a fountain of cascading light, and you open our eyes to light.

~Psalm 36:9 The Message

Now if you have known anything of Christ’s encouragement and of his reassuring love; if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and of compassion and deep sympathy, do make my joy complete – live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and one spirit between you.

~Philippians 2:1-2 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English