Resilience: Recipe for Success

One of the most difficult obstacles to contend with is our own character weaknesses. Every day we’re inundated with allurements to test our commitment to higher standards of conduct portrayed in God’s word. The challenge goes beyond succumbing to obstacles and on to moving forward to reach the potential God designed for us.

John Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage teaches, “A man does what he must despite personal consequences, obstacles, pressures and dangers. This is the basis of all human morality.”  Humankind possesses two conflicting natures. One strives to grab what we can regardless of the cost to self and others. The other seeks a higher calling in Christ Jesus. 

          In Jacob’s struggle for redemption, he permits God to change him so he can see beyond his own self-seeking ambitions, not that they ever go away, but rather a new force arises to offer different choices. God does not give us new options without extending to us the power to achieve what He has purposed for us. 

Keep Your Values in Focus - Part 2

Country singer Johnny Cash documented that the best advice he obtained as a young entertainer was to keep focused consistently on the fact that his talents were God-given. He confessed that he sometimes lost sight of this admonition and abused these gifts. Losing sight of one's values is often a prelude to personal crises.

Proverbs 22:1 states, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth." What does a good name have to do with values? A good name identifies a person with high standards. My sister-in-law speaks of my brother Carl as “a good, kind-hearted man who can be trusted because he is honest and truthful.” Carl has a good name.

Listen to these wise words of wisdom. "Morals without faith and trust in Christ Jesus will wither and die, like seed sown upon stony ground or among the briars and thorns." Maintaining a strong faith requires constant focus on Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Jesus gives special gifts to those who, when using the gifts appropriately, bring honor and glory to God.