Ego Food

 

Ego Food

Acts 24: Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. ² When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. ³ Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. ⁴ But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

 

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Bowing down to the rich and powerful was a lesson in the leadership class I attended. “Feed their ego” was part of the lesson. After doing this for a number of years, I found human success, but felt I failed miserably following GOD.

 

• There were times when I bowed down to celebrities.
• There were times when I worshiped those in power.
• There were times when I overlooked the lack of true relationship with JESUS and flattered people, in hopes of getting my way.

 

The church leaders got their story together and went to present it against Paul. The lawyer started his argument with flattery, showing his alliance with the governor. A few days prior, they met with people who wanted to secretly murder Paul for preaching about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be impressed by what HE does every day.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for what I give credit to humans.

 

GOD is not impressed by fake flattery. HE has no ego, because HE is the Most High. HE is already the most powerful, all knowing, all seeing being. Any flattery I give to another human in hopes to get something is practically wasted.

 

I mean, genuinely complimenting someone is welcome, but fake flattery to manipulate the circumstance is not. GOD hears every word I say and will use them for or against me when I stand In front of HIM someday. I give my praise to JESUS today, who is my Savior.

 

• Who are you following?
• In the past year, who’s name have you mentioned the most?
• Will you stop flattering the rich and powerful or stop flattering yourself, and point others to the one who has true power, namely JESUS?

Feel Sorry for the Rich and Powerful

Ezekiel 32: ² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
    you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
    churning the water with your feet
    and muddying the streams.

³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘With a great throng of people
    I will cast my net over you,
    and they will haul you up in my net.

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GOD sees. GOD Hears. GOD knows. Sometimes I wondered if HE does. I mean those who are in power seem to flaunt it recklessly, meanwhile “I’m sitting on this bus next to the man smelling like who knows what”, I thought to myself. “Is this fair?” I would exclaim to GOD!

• There have been times I have compared my life to those who are extremely rich.
• There have been times I have pointed at the rich and powerful as being the problem.
• There have been times I have wondered why those who possibly lie and cheat their way to the top seem to get away with everything and I have count my bus fare.

Back then I thought it was appropriate to wish the rich to fall and the poor to rise, but then they would become rich and the cycle would continue with bad attitudes in different people. GOD wants me to lament over what is coming.

• GOD says to me “Lament over those in power today for if they do not turn to ME they will fall.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be envious over those in power today for I will hold every word against them if they do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Every action, every penny is being held accountable for all, turn to ME before it is too late.

JESUS did not have a dime as HE walked the earth. HE was the poorest of the poor, yet HE was rich in that HE owned everything. Monetary wealth can bring blindness to the fact that I am related to the ONE who owns everything, namely JESUS. HE wants me to focus on HIM in the times of trouble rather than pointing at the rich and becoming jealous. HE wants me to see that HE is the Sovereign LORD.

• Are you holding multiple conversations about the rich and powerful?
• Do you get disturbed about what the wealthy are doing?
• What happen if you held this many conversations about JESUS with the same amount of passion?
• Can you speak about GOD to someone today as freely as you speak about the rich and powerful?

Placing My Trust

Isaiah 47: ⁴ Our Redeemer—the Lord Almighty is his name—
    is the Holy One of Israel.

⁵ “Sit in silence, go into darkness,
    queen city of the Babylonians;
no more will you be called
    queen of kingdoms.
⁶ I was angry with my people
    and desecrated my inheritance;
I gave them into your hand,
    and you showed them no mercy.
Even on the aged
    you laid a very heavy yoke.

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“Can you get rid of a third of the department” was the killer question in my interview. I was at a point in my life where firing people was no longer where I wanted to be. I remember my hand trembled during the discussion. I could not lie. “No” I answered. I did not get the position.

• There were places that I have been where I had to be “tough.”
• There were places that I have been where I had to be “thick skinned.”
• There were places that I have been where I had to be “so cool that I was cold.”

Praised many times over for firing people, I felt strange for a change. Would my legacy be that of a wealthy cold hearted person without compassion? That was my course. BUT GOD rescued me from myself.

• GOD said to me “Do not focus on Babylon as your redeemer” meaning GOD is my only savior.
• GOD said to me “Do not put your trust in Egypt” meaning my trust needs to be focused on HIM and HIM alone.
• GOD said to me “Do not fear those who can hurt the body, but fear the ONE who can hurt the soul” meaning I need to have a healthy fear of the LORD and follow HIS way.

The world cheers after cold hearted, non-compassionate heroes and that was my path. BUT GOD saw fit to remove me from that path and open my eyes. HE wants me to pray for people not blame them for their existence. HE wants me to point them to HIS ark of salvation while there is still time. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

• Are you being “tough?”
• Do you feel you need to be combative with those people?
• Can you allow GOD to melt you heart and to provide compassion?
• Will you truly seek GOD rather than mouthing the words and allow HIM to ruin you to the world while building you up for HIS kingdom?

Slander Strengthens

Nehemiah 6: ⁵ Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter ⁶ in which was written:

“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king ⁷ and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

⁸ I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”

⁹ They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

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Careful tip-toeing around the boss’s buddy was a daily ritual. He was actually a pitiful worker who would challenge everything we were trying to do, yet did nothing himself. Finally I got tired of the charade. I did not blow up, but I did say “You are no longer going to cause confusion to my team.” I knew he would go run back and twist my words. What was my next step?

• There are people who will cause confusion around me.
• There are people who will slander my name.
• There are people who will try to intimidate or even harm me.

Sometimes the situation seemed hopeless. I mean no matter what good was done I had someone twisting it for their political gain. BUT GOD wanted me to believe in something different.

• Instead of replaying the slander in my mind GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.
• Instead of walking down the path of fear GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.
• Instead of looking around me to see what is falling down around me GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.

Nervousness ensues when I listen to and replay slanderous words. They are poisonous and should never be uttered by anyone. BUT GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”  This allows me to continue my work for HIM.

• Are you being slandered?
• Are you in the middle of confusion?
• Are you frightened, angry, or disappointed?
• Can you ask GOD for strength today?

Grant Me an Ear

Nehemian 1: ¹¹ Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer to the king.

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You should go see the President of the company one person suggested. My problem was I didn’t understand why or how I was going to do that. I was new in my post and trying to make my way through the fog. I timidly walked over to the administrative assistant and asked for time on the calendar. To my surprise I got an appointment.

Nervous and almost shaking, I sat outside the office of the President trying to think of what I was going to say. I honestly didn’t believe the President would want to see me.

• Power has a strange way of blinding me of my ability.
• Power has a strange way of deafening me to the truth.
• Power has a strange way of dumbing my thoughts into thinking one person is “better” than the next.

GOD is “no respect of persons” meaning HE can leverage what humans would consider the lowest person to do great things. My confidence was shaken when I placed senior management on a pedestal. It’s not that I shouldn’t respect their accomplishments or their office. The problem was I put them over GOD by placing my trust in them.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than worrying about humans.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM rather than thinking humans can raise souls out of debauchery.
• GOD wants me to serve HIM with acknowledgement of sin, prayer and praise.

There is no other human who can save me outside of JESUS. Yes, I need humans to survive, but my trust has to be in GOD. Those who seek power will only find it in GOD. HE repays.

• Are you trying to gain power?
• Do you feel like you would be better off if you aligned yourself with the “correct” side?
• Can you stop focusing on the power of humans and focus on GOD’s great might and authority?

GOD appoints leaders

Numbers 27: ¹⁸ So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader. Get him and place your hand on him. ¹⁹ Have him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community. Put him in charge while everyone is watching. ²⁰ Give him some of your authority. Then the whole community of Israel will obey him.

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“Who put her in charge?” was our thought when we got a new “go-getter” boss. She seemed to never stop working. Her diplomacy skills seemed sharp when she spoke to her boss but when it came to us it was a different story.  I thought about complaining, but could never find the words.

She then approached me and asked me to be the primary speaker on one of the projects we were working on.  “Maybe she isn’t so bad after all.”

• Sometimes I get mad at leaders when I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I think poorly of leaders based on my negative attitude.
• Sometimes I feel the leader is crazy because I didn’t take the time to understand them.

Being a leader is difficult especially when leading a group of whiners and complainers.  Each criticism is but another jab to the face that the leader must take. I wonder how I can make the leaders’ job easier.

• GOD wants me to respect the leader even if I don’t agree with their direction.
• GOD wants me to be creative with the leader because HE never wants me to hide my talent.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE appointed the leader and any criticism of them is a criticism of HIM.

Some leadership styles are more difficult for me to serve under; however it is my responsibility to use my GOD given talents and abilities to their fullest.  GOD appoints leaders and my complaints to HIM are about HIS decision of appointing this person to their post. Every complaint is heard and noted.

I must respect GOD’s decision and ask HIM for help when I don’t feel like following the appointed person.

• Is there a leader that you have complained about?
• Do you think GOD is excited about your complaints or actions?
• Are you performing up to your best when the leader isn’t acting like a leader?

Hate is such a strong word!

1 John 2: ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

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If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bully. I mean it seems like I have run into them all my life.  I mean there was the guy in fifth grade and there was another in high school and some more at work only they bullied with words. 

“I just HATE them” is what I felt so I began pushing back.  I mean bullies aren’t going to push me around anymore! I lifted weights to fend off the physical bully, and learned snappy, cutting retorts to slice down the political bully. Soon I found myself going after these bullies because I could stand toe to toe with them.

• Mild forms of hatred turn into large forms of hatred with me.
• Mild forms of hatred are disguised in me as “things I don’t like” about that person.
• Mild forms of hatred expose themselves when I could care less what happens to the person.

Even when I isolate myself or segregate myself or even separate myself from them it still doesn’t seem to work. I still think about them and stew over what they have done. I don’t want them to have mercy, BUT GOD does.

• GOD wants me to love people, especially my enemies.
• GOD wants me to love people, even those who are difficult to love.
• GOD wants me to love people, ignoring their sin to win them over.

It is not GOD’s wish that anyone perish so why do I give up on that person so easily? GOD desires that I have patience with them because HE has patience with me.

• Do you dislike someone?
• Is there someone in your life who just makes you sick?
• Is there a popular person who you just rile about?
• Can you turn your thoughts into positive ones for “that” person?
• Won’t you try to understand GOD’s love for you AND “that” person?

Cuts you like a knife!

James 3: ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

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Being laughed at was the norm when I grew up.  I had messy hair, clothes with holes in them that were too short and I was skinny. Oh yes, I forgot to mention I had thick framed black glasses. If you looked up the word ridicule you would have seen my picture. I spent an enormous amount of time and money trying to fit in.

After amassing my small fortune of eight hundred dollars, I bought some clothes, glasses and joined a health club. Soon I got on the other side of ridicule.  It felt good laughing at those broke weaklings who weren’t in style!

• My praise of GOD is faulty when I complain about other humans.
• My praise of the FATHER is broken when I look at other humans as the problem.
• My praise of our LORD and SAVIOR is defective when I think other humans have problems and “I’m okay.”

My tongue can be full of poison and is potentially a dangerous weapon. From slander to degradation my words can be quite harmful.  I don’t even have to be speaking directly to a person to harm them.  I can have side conversations that slam the person even when I have never met them nor understood them. GOD hears every word I say.

• My purpose is to spread GOD’s message of love and this is tainted when I dog the person out.
• My purpose is to show love so others will be drawn to GOD and this is spoiled when I use slander instead of praise.
• My purpose is to sow a good message of salvation but if my attitude towards other people is bad then my message is useless.

How in the world can I love people and hate people with the same tongue? “Hate” is such a strong word, maybe I should say “dislike” or maybe use “annoyed” to make myself feel comfortable. All I know is that I am not praising that person and GOD is not excited about my words. HE wants me to be able to speak well of my friends AND my enemies.

HE wants me to be single minded and focus my tongue with love.

• Are you complaining about “those” people or “that” person?
• Are you engaged in conversation that is pleasing to GOD or pleasing to a specific group?
• Can you try to tame your tongue enough to speak about the LORD to “that” person?
• Won’t you cut off the source of your poison so that you can learn to speak well of others?

Do you like the “Me” team?

Hebrews 3: ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

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After many hours of work we finally released our new product.  At the convention, people crowded into our booth clamoring to see it. Some of those people came over to me and pat me on the back. “Yeah I did do a good job” I thought to myself. I mean “I” oops we put a lot of hard work into this!

• When I look for accolades I sometimes point to myself.
• When I build a group I sometimes want those who follow to follow “me.”
• When I am part of a group I usually want that group to be the “winning” group so I can be associated with winners no matter how the group is acting.

Team “Me” is a wonderful team that I try to promote as often as I can.  Either I’m voicing my stance on something to be associated with a group or I’m just dropping subtle hints to make sure people know I’m pretty great. Don’t get me wrong, I treat my people well as long as they like “me.” I wonder if I should be pointing to team “Me.”

• GOD says everything I own is HIS.
• GOD says every group given to me was given by HIM.
• GOD says every leader put in place was placed there by HIM for HIS purposes.

I am not greater than GOD so I need to point all of my accomplishments to HIM.  Every team he has me lead I need to point to HIM and not team “Me.” Every group I am associated with I need to point to GOD and not in a false, selfish way.

GOD needs to receive the accolades for everything accomplished. If HIS SON is falsely followed then HE will know and not respond. I need to point my team to GOD for HE is the builder of everything.

• Are you pointing at yourself?
• Are you trying to push a human into the spotlight without pushing GOD into the spotlight?
• Are you mentioning the sins of others without examining your own sins?
• Can you mention the name “JESUS” with the way you are acting towards “that” person?

Which politician do I want to go to hell?

Titus 3: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

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Competition was thick in our environment. It took hours of conversations discussing viewpoints and perspectives on which direction we would go. I had to let everyone know how poor the other person’s idea was. Finally when the decision was made mine emerged victorious! My gloating could not be withheld. “People above me… I’m coming after you!” was the look on my face.

• When I act with slander I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act disobedient I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act with malice and envy I’m on the wrong path.

Really, really wanting my way makes me act in ways that don’t please GOD. I justify in my mind that since everyone else is acting with slander, malice and strife then maybe I should too. But I wonder what GOD wants me to do.

• GOD wants me to give my leaders respect and remain in doing what is good.
• GOD wants me to slander “NO ONE” because HE loves them just as much as HE loves HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to live in peace even with those who dislike me for HIS SON died in my place in the middle of my sins.

GOD is not a political party for “all have sinned.” When I esteem one human over another I lose focus on the only human who was perfect, namely JESUS. My prayers should be that all politicians worldwide bow to the SAVIOR who is the CHRIST.

• Are you caught up in the media frenzy of political races?
• Do you get tired of slanderous remarks or are you making them?
• Can you use the same energy you use talking about your candidate to speak about CHRIST?

Say the “hard to say” stuff too

2 Timothy 4:¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

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As I listened to the final message in our four week class I felt ready to change the world!  Now that I know exactly which scripture to use, surely people would hear the message and automatically believe in CHRIST.  I approached a person with Bible in hand and he said “Get away from me with that (expletive delete).”

I then changed my approach to that of a judge. Maybe if I told them what was wrong with them then they would see the err of their ways. I judged everyone and well, you know how that ended. I know, maybe I should teach what they wanted to hear. This would get “more people!”

• When I want to sin, I don’t want to hear a message about GOD because I “want” to sin.
• When I want to stay away from GOD, I harden my heart to any message that could tell me to act differently.
• When I want to be accepted by the world, I look for as many people to support my lifestyle so I can stay in my lifestyle and not change.

Living for CHRIST is not easy I must admit.  I mean it’s becoming more and more accepted to openly sin and hide behind the “Christian” label. Sloshing in sensuality or stepping up to power or slandering a political candidate have become widely accepted in churches around the nation. What message should I be preaching?

• I should always be prepared to speak about JESUS who died “because” of me and now lives.
• I should lovingly correct a CHRIST follower when there is an err in doctrinal soundness.
• I should patiently rebuke those who preach “against” CHRIST, not to win an argument but in hopes they might believe and be rescued.
• I should look for opportunities to encourage as many people as possible because that is what people are looking for.

The Bible is full of loving promises and encouragement, but it also has GOD’s wrath and judgment. I can’t just tickle ears to get big numbers. HIS message penetrates deep and cuts me too! 

• Are you scared of telling people about GOD?
• Are you so politically blind that you cannot see your own sin or your candidates’ sin?
• Have you lost your “fear of GOD” because you are with a community who teaches what you want to hear?
• Isn’t it time you moved out of your comfort zone to live for GOD?

How should I pray?

1 Timothy 2:¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

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Puny was over exaggerating my size growing up. I had to gain weight just to be called puny. When the bullies would surface I had my escape plan handy. To this day I still abhor bully-ish behavior. When I see people trying to flex their control I get my boxing gloves out and dig in for a fight. This person needs to be taught a lesson.

• Fighting other people does not draw them to CHRIST.
• When I dig in to “teach someone a lesson” I may be pushing them away from CHRIST.
• Entrenching my position does not yield an atmosphere where GOD can work through me.

GOD wants me to ask HIM to do something “for” the person not “about” the person. This requires that I get to know them and actually want something better “for” them. HE wants me to discuss them and talk about them in a way that HE would say something about them.

When they don’t act like they should HE wants me to step up and speak on their behalf to HIM. Most of all HE wants me to be thankful for the person because a thankful attitude yields a better relationship.

• GOD wants me to have peace so I’m the one who starts it.
• GOD wants me to have a quiet life so I have to douse my rage with forgiveness.
• GOD wants me to have a godly life so I must intercede for those who may not have my best interest in mind.
• GOD wants me to be holy and since I am a sinner my holiness only comes by understanding I am an enemy of GOD unless I believe in HIS SON as my mediator.

It’s easy to pray for friends and family who treat me right. It’s a little harder to desire the “best” for those who treat me like dirt. GOD wants my intercession as an act of worship to HIM.

• Is there someone in your life who has done you wrong?
• Can you stop looking for them to ne changed and start praying for GOD to treat them with peace?
• Will you act as a mediator for the person, asking GOD to treat them well so they can be saved?
• Do you know that maybe someone needs to intercede for you?

Who should I be focused on?

Colossians 1: ¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

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Generosity was taught to me by my in-laws. Investing was taught to me by one of my best friend’s parents. Cooking was taught to me by many of my “mothers” and “uncles” from neighborhoods far and wide. My parents taught me about GOD.

These were people to admire yet they do not quite match up to the ONE I am supposed to look at.

• JESUS is the SON of GOD who created all things with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS is the one who all things were created for.
• JESUS is the authority who puts rulers in charge of governments.
• JESUS is the one who is supreme over any force or power.
• JESUS is the glue that holds all things together.
• JESUS is the church and HE chose to die just for me.

In these days of people looking at other people to admire, it’s difficult to find someone who is truly in my corner. I mean what is the hidden agenda “that” person holds? JESUS is above everything so HE has no need to have a hidden agenda.

HE willingly and purposefully died for me to serve a sentence HE declared. HE said I should die because of my sins yet HE turned around and died for me.  Now that HE is alive HE is busy building a place for me and those who believe in HIS supremacy.  HE is the one I should focus on.

• Are you wearing yourself out trying to be a role model?
• Are you disappointed in someone?
• Have people pulled away from you?
• Can you focus on JESUS today and ponder what HE has done for you?
• Will you give HIM your cares today?

Aw do I have to do that LORD?

Philippians 2: ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

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My parents told me to do the dishes. “Aw man” I thought to myself. I wanted to watch TV. My supervisor seemed to give me busy work. “Aw man” I thought to myself. I wanted to hide and possibly get a nap in at work. In my career stage my boss made me take notes in a meeting. “Aw man” now they want me to act like an admin instead of sitting at the table. Can’t I do what I want?

• When I am blind I grumble at tasks handed to me.
• When I am immature I fuss and fight to get out of doing things.
• When I think too highly of myself I get upset at doing tasks I feel are beneath me.

Wow! GOD wants me to do “everything” without grumbling or arguing?! That seems to be a pretty tall order.  I mean what if the person who is barking out orders to me is a jerk? GOD says look at things a little differently.

• GOD doesn’t want me looking at the task rather look at the person as HE does.
• GOD doesn’t want me to view myself higher than the task rather be an example to others.
• GOD doesn’t want me to fuss and fight with people rather HE wants HIS light to shine through me when I humble myself.

It’s not the task that is important it’s the “purpose” of the task. Sometimes GOD raises me up to heights I never would have imagined and sometimes HE makes me lower than the lowest but the purpose is still the same. GOD wants HIS SON to be recognized and worshipped.

Our generation is “warped and crooked” and it is difficult to find a person who seems to carry a smile during difficult times. GOD wants me to be alright with the mundane menial tasks that no one wants to do. HIS light will shine in all of my grumble-less efforts.

• Are you grumbling over what you are doing?
• Do you feel tired of doing “that” thing again?
• Are you doing something for someone who doesn’t deserve your talents?
• Can you do your tasks for GOD instead of doing them for people today?

Respecting Leaders

Romans 13: ¹Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

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Death number two had come within the span of one year and while everyone mourned, I could see people positioning themselves to take on their responsibilities. When the new CEO was announced the ripple effect throughout the company was greatly felt. I got a new boss and I really did not like this guy.

“How can we take this guy down?” wasn’t said but it showed in our actions.

• When I disrespect leaders I am really trying to escalate my opinion.
• When I drag my feet trying to create inertia I am actually trying to make the leader fail.
• When I complain about the leader I complain about GOD’s decision.

Sometimes the leader who was placed above me wasn’t as talented or moral as the last but they were placed over me for a reason.  My responsibility to that leader is to make them look as good as possible while continuing to maintain my integrity.

• I can still have ambition to become a leader, but until GOD raises me up I should serve with fervor.
• I can still desire to have a boss who thinks like me, but until GOD delivers that person I should learn to work with a person who has a different opinion.
• I can still like to have the work done towards my standards, but until GOD changes everyone’s mind I should work with the consensus of the group.

Politics, jobs, school teams and households all have leaders who don’t do their jobs well. GOD has placed people in authority as HE saw fit and these people require my full respect as an act of worship to GOD. HE will hold the person HE puts in place accountable.

• Are you balking about a new boss or political figure?
• Can you use the words you think and say about “that” person on yourself?
• Are your actions honorable towards “that” person?
• Will you continue to do your best even if “that” person is difficult?

I’m going to take you down!

John 11: ⁴⁷ Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

   “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. ⁴⁸ If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

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“It’s not personal, it’s business” was the lesson taught to me by many leaders. We purposefully excluded someone so we could discuss taking over their project. First the transition plan was built in secret then the communication as to why the leader of the project was no longer leading the project. It wasn’t personal as I effectively built a smear campaign to take the person down.

• It’s easy to hurl insults at others.
• It’s easy to get a group together to drag someone down.
• It’s easy to whine and moan about someone to get sympathy or to get my way.

The same tactics were used to eliminate our positions as well. In business and politics, credibility must be attacked and we were not excluded from this truth. Many would say it has made me a better leader and they are probably right, but I would say it has made me a better follower.

• Business says point out flaws, GOD says build people up.
• Business says keep attacking their weaknesses; GOD says strengthen those who can’t do for themselves.
• Business says make them look bad and me look good, GOD says whoever calls someone an idiot, they will have to deal with ME.

The Pharisees wanted to kill JESUS for helping people, healing people and mostly, raising people from the dead. Their wealthy lifestyle was at stake so they created the best smear campaign they could imagine. It wasn’t personal, just business! When I behave like this, GOD accounts for all my actions.

• Do you think your sin is smaller than someone else’s sin?
• Do you think that just because someone’s sins are in the news, your hidden sins are not being watched?
• Have you developed a smear campaign of your own for “that” person?
• Won’t you take GOD’s example and build “that” person up