Less and less moved by what I see. Psalm 16:7-8
Building a future that doesn't look to the future. Luke 12:17-21
Carrying the bar rather than setting it. Acts 11:26
Knowing who I am through Him. John 20:16
The rise to power in business or organizations through money, position, skills, contacts, or knowledge brings out the tendency to become harsh with others, not always intentional but harsh nevertheless. As wealth, power, and skills grow it becomes easier to rely on one's own wisdom since any behavior can be justified due to success. Leading others harshly risks intensifying their doubt rather than encouraging them in belief. What is thought of as needed encouragement comes out as criticism, often harsh criticism. Justification by success tends toward a growing self-deceit, arrogance, and harshness in dealing with others when mercy is required.
Being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit through obedience in community(living out of conviction) enables one to see and remain in the bigger picture rather than simply seeing only a bigger picture of oneself. Seeking to know and forgive others out of the joy as one in Christ enables leadership that is firm, yet with gentleness and respect. Genesis 50:19-21
Faith, not blind faith. Matthew 9:28
Error is redeemed through our relationship with God, the Father, not by focussing on error. Psalm 119:130
Godly sorrow(lights off) leads to something very different than worldly sorrow(lights out or death). Lights off reveals a spark of faith from discontent(repentance) where I begin to seek meaning rather than a reason to be certain(knowledge leading to dispute rather than action). Inspiration's spark from godly sorrow overides the belief that who is right and who is wrong must be proven in every case where there is division. Obedience out of faith becomes encouragement rather than dread of one's perceived or real inadequacies being revealed. A life lived out of conviction is made possible through the risk of living in community inspite of its struggles. 2 Corinthians 7:8-16
Where understanding deepens and perspectives change. Ephesians 1:18-23
When humor is needed in building relationships but is directed toward someone as an object of my humor rather than toward me self-deprecatingly. This often is followed by "I was just kidding" or "I was just being honest". Proverbs 26:18-19
If I see God only as a teacher, then in suffering I set my eyes on what I may learn rather than on my Holy Father. I begin to explain my situation to everyone, yet getting to know no one any better. My words become many and unnecessary, often harming more than helping. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Dependence on Him doesn't increase through suffering because of my intensifying frustration that causes me to settle for "just tell me what to do to fix this!' Since we grow up with someone telling us what to do and at times even rewarded because of it, we are trained to learn rather than to know. Matthew 23:1-12
Know Me. Then you will know how to suffer. Philippians 3:10-11
Others will court you because you are safe with whom to suffer. Isaiah 32:1-4
Son strength through panels sown into pads for the knees. Exodus 4:31
Endue time. Luke 24:49
Listening both ways before crossing. Ephesians 4:3