Values: Boundary Markers for Living - Part 3

The idea that God is interested in you may be difficult to believe and accept. He not only has an interest in his creation, but he pursues you for his purpose so your days on the earth will be worthwhile. What does he ask in return? To love him with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

This command is not easy because it requires identifying and analyzing your values. Someone told me her priorities were her career first, then family, her social life, and finally God. Then she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. Confined to convalescence for an extended time, she was forced to rethink her purpose and goals for her life.

Identifying and analyzing your values may result in life-changing decisions. That God is interested in you and will pursue you is validated by Jesus' words, "I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." To accept that God is interested in you may require rearranging your values to include his love and purpose for you.  

Finding God's Purpose in Difficult Times - Part 2

A nation's moral and spiritual values seem to ebb and flow with the character of its leaders. Great Britain evolved into a great nation during the nineteenth century because of innate inventiveness, which was the moving force behind its manufacturing industry. Naval supremacy gave Britain a political edge in the affairs of the world during that century.

However these points of power did not define Britain's total character. Personal values derived from a strong Christian faith defined their integrity, as hard work was a benchmark for success. These character strengths gave rise to a concern for the welfare of mankind. During World War II, their faith and trust in God got them through the dark days of war.

Personal crisis eventually will visit everyone. Surviving a crisis demands change in the arrangement of priorities. Coming back to God by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life is required for making healthy choices. Surviving the consequences of a crisis takes endurance and a resilience that faith in God provides. Faith is God's gift to you.  

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 3

What does it take for the family to survive intact from all the troubles that are bound to surface? Family members will change, so wisdom and emotional energy are required to strengthen and hold the family together as it changes. The spiritual integrity of the family depends on parents' personal choices and what they model for their children.

The alternative is to avoid conflict and problems that are difficult to manage. It's an absolute necessity to believe the fact that the family is vulnerable to troubles, so taking time to evaluate priorities is a critical choice for strengthening the family. Few would argue that a successful career requires a constant investment of time and energy. Your time, skills and wisdom are a requirement for keeping your family together.

Prayer and determination are required for changing bad habits in the family system. The good news is that God stands ready to help by giving strength to the needy. Listen to Isaiah 12:2. "God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid. The Lord gives me strength and power." Hold fast to these promises.

Accomplishment: A Fresh Look - Part 3

Taking stock of how you spend your time and what you've achieved is critical to establishing new objectives and goals. Employers consistently outline objectives and goals they expect employees to accomplish. Your job security depends on complying with what's expected. Taking stock includes seriously and honestly evaluating compliance and performance with what is expected.

I heard someone say, "My golf game has improved a hundred percent this year, but my work and family life have suffered." These words may be an honest assessment, but they imply neglect and irresponsibility. Jesus, speaking to the religious teachers of the day, accused them of neglecting the important matters of the law - mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

There are times when neglect can produce grave consequences, but by  choosing to change, repenting, and requesting God's help, a fresh start is possible. Romans 12:21 offers this initiative. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Christ in you is your hope for change.  

Accomplishment: A Fresh Look - Part 2

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in the time frame God has given you so far? It's helpful to measure our progress against the goals we set in place at an earlier date because we encounter distractions. Distractions may have been associated with a crisis or with opportunities that couldn't be passed up. Sometimes original objectives need to be re-prioritized.

In some cases it's appropriate to let go of a hope or dream that could not come to fruition. It may be impossible to reach an objective because of issues and factors beyond our control. It's important to evaluate carefully and prayerfully what role God's purpose and objectives play when disappointments or downright failure are unpreventable.

Celebrating what you have accomplished and what God has provided is a positive way to take stock and accept what could not come to fruition. Philippians 3:14 instructs us press on to what is possible. "Forgetting what is behind, I press onward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me." This is a good and godly choice.  

Work: A Gift from God - Part 2

Most people go to college to qualify for a career that provides great benefits. Those who graduate usually achieve their objective. Should money be the major reason for working? Most everyone would say, "I work to make a living, to provide for my family." To be able to work, to express and exercise your full range of talents is indeed a privilege and a blessing from God.

Creative work is God's gift of love to you. However when the gift of work is used primarily for self-gain, saturation begins to dulls your sense of appreciation for what's been achieved. Saturation is indicative of the need to redefine what's important. Using the gift of work for the betterment others and the Kingdom of God avoids self-absorption and stagnation.

Accepting work as God's gift is a step toward making essential changes. Work that benefits others produces joyful feelings of accomplishment. It pleases God, as Hebrews 6:10 explains. "He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help his people and continue to help them." This is indeed a godly choice.  

Treasure Hunting - Part 2

Glen and Mary built a life around his profession. While he worked, she did  everything to be supportive. She made sure the children looked good and performed well. She managed homework and school projects to ensure good grades to keep their father happy. Glen seldom made it home before the children's bedtime. Weekends meant relaxation to refuel himself for work. 

          This seems like an exaggerated account of family life and pushing self-absorption to the extreme, but this was the self-deception that pervaded both Mary and Glen's lives. Glen justified his life style: "I work long hours to ensure Mary and the children of a good life." "Someday we will have time to be together," was Mary's rationalization.

          Change involves examination of attitudes and values. Be honest about your commitments. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, therein resides the desires of your heart." You pass on to your children your treasures regardless of their eternal value. It may be late, but you can change. Be sure God occupies first place in your life so you can pass that on.  

Harmony at Home and Work - Part 1

In our culture men and women in their twenties jump on a fast track that hopefully secures their place within a career field. To maintain a competitive edge, self-confidence and competence is a necessity. A paradox is that choosing a career as the solitary pathway to happiness with a commitment to do so often generates a disconnect from intimate others.

Inaugurating change includes honestly assessing your priorities. A job is important, for it contributes significantly to structuring your identity. However when elevated to the position of highest priority, a career may create distance from loved ones. Establishing a healthy balance demands a thorough examination of workplace expectations and personal values.

God intended for you to find meaning and purpose in work. He also designed you for relationships, for here you receive the physical, emotional, and spiritual nurturing that brings contentment. When your identity is anchored to Christ Jesus, continuous harmony between a career and intimate relationships can flow with confidence.