Teaching Values: Walk the Walk - Part 3

Have values in your life taken a tumble because sin has lost its meaning? Carl Menninger asked, "Whatever happened to sin?" Do you think the definition of sin has lost significance? Is sin just being naughty and of no real consequence and nothing to worry about?

Values compel a person to take seriously the responsibility for the health and well-being of oneself and others. Constant exposure to depravity will numb a person's sense of what is right or wrong. Someone asked a counselor, "Why should I teach my child what's right and wrong?" The counselor’s response: "Children are self-centered and will seek what they want when they want it."

You do not have to teach children to lie or steal or be self-centered. When one of my children came home with a friend's toy, we went together to the friend's house to return the toy and apologize. Deuteronomy 4:9 commands parents to teach their children and their children's children all of God's word and his expectations so that they might live for him all of their days.  

Seize Opportunity: It's Our Responsibility - Part 3

The success of a worthy mission or project depends on participants being accountable and submissive. Some people bristle at the thought of being accountable by thinking it’s an invasion of privacy. However, most opportunities require accountability and submissiveness to rules and procedures that ensure tasks are completed within an acceptable time frame.

Regardless of how promising an opportunity appears, obstructions such as impure thoughts and motives can block success. Self-centeredness can discourage others from providing positive input that promotes your own success. If you become sealed off emotionally and spiritually, you put yourself on a narrow pathway where you may stumble and fall.

God intends for you to successfully navigate through obstructions. He encourages you to constantly renew your mind with the truth of his word so you will be ready to take advantage of opportunities sent your way. Being accountable and submissive is possible. God empowers you with strength and determination to do so.  

Listening to Your Inner Voice - Part 2

Most people want to rise above self-centeredness at some point in life's journey. Self-centeredness promotes self-indulgence and eventually creates a void within the heart and soul. What are you getting from your relationships, from the world of entertainment, or from a successful career? Sooner or later each person will have to ask, "What gives meaning and purpose to my life?"

There's an interesting paradox to this issue of self-indulgence. The incongruity lies in the connection between a deeper, underlying self-hatred and the drive to fill up one's life with everything possible. Self hatred, low self-esteem, and a wounded conscience go hand in hand. One reason for self-hatred is guilt.

Self-hatred and guilt tell you you're bad, but God provides an escape from  condemnation. Genuine sorrow for wrong-doing is what God expects within the heart of the person. Ask God to help you seek the promise of Psalm 126:5. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." This choice is the pathway to change.