For What It’s Worth
It’s been a while guys, it really has. For what it’s worth, happy new year, and I hope the first month and a half has gone well. I must note I have really enjoyed this break from writing and it was much needed. I will attempt to phase back into it again as I receive inspiration- there has been a lot of internal jostling regarding what this platform will look like this year so the puzzle is getting completed gradually. As a caveat, today’s read may be slightly less fluent as I infuse scripture into my thoughts.
From the discussions I have had this year has been action-packed. Certainly for me similar to last year it has involved a lot of personal development and self-evaluation. If I were to put a theme for the year so far, it has been one of understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 NIV: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
“Though it cost all you have” shows the sacrifice of attaining understanding. The more I have searched the more I have found, and it is certainly not a question of whether the answers exist, but whether one can be bothered to look and see. Understanding in this usage has no specific context or application, but we see in the chapters preceding this verse that its central focus is on God, and God being the source, beginning and distributor of wisdom. Proverbs 2:2-7 speaks about the different aspects of wisdom and understanding: the fact that we must turn our ear to wisdom (listening dimension), whereas the heart is the centre for understanding. It then mentions the crying out for wisdom versus the lifting up of our voice for knowledge, plus silver (by implication, money) compared to the former whereas hidden treasures (something buried and concealed) relating to understanding. Through this all, knowledge of God and the fear of the Lord would become clear as fear and reverence comes when you realise that He is the true source of wisdom and you cannot find it anywhere else.
In other news. I began reading ‘The Chimp Paradox’ after listening to Steven Bartlett’s interview with Professor Steve Peters on the Diary of a CEO podcast where he spoke about one discovering their belief system and understanding how their mind operates. In praying for an understanding of my identity in Christ and who God has called me to be, the Holy Spirit has unveiled some of the underlying beliefs that impact my self perception. There were many unspoken rules of life I had internalized that had been controlling my life without my knowledge and influencing the decisions I made. Until I could break free from destructive mindsets and align my mentality to my preferred self-image I would not possess the character that I desired.
In the interview, when asked about his professional background Professor Peters spoke of his predominant desire to help people. In doing so he would ask himself what he needed to do or become to effectively help people. That deeply resonated with me because he articulated a philosophy of life that transcends a particular career but focuses on the skills he needs to achieve this goals. As someone who has struggled to grasp what my dream career is or what job I would like to do it was important to know that my focus need not be on attaining a specific title or role but to possess the skills and qualifications necessary to help people in any sector I venture into.
One of my aims for this year is to develop the characteristics that will ensure I become the person I want to be. If I want to be generous I need to think generously and not conservatively, same way if I want to be courageous fear needs casting down. The process would most likely be messy and uncomfortable, but there is no other way of transformation.
Another desire of mine is to hone in on my purpose in every area of life. As the simple life dictates, simplicity lies in living a principled life consistently. The beauty of principles is their independence from emotion, which fluctuate with the season we are in. The consistency of principles ensure I stay on track and run the race that was set before me.
When I think of myself and who I want to be, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side come to mind. Their precision, incisiveness, poise and controlled aggression ensure they always turned up for big games. Their opportunism and pragmatism ensured they need not dominate possession to be in control, and their clinical finishing meant they needed few chances to capitalize on opportunities. For my non-football fans this may go over your head, but if you know you know.
In closing, I endeavour for my year to have the below focuses:
Transformation through mental development, resulting in fulfilling purpose effectively:
Romans 12:2 (AMP): “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
Intentionally opportunistic- clinical and incisive when called upon:
Ephesians 5:15-16 AMP: “Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.”
Focused, wise and intentional- discerning of the times and seasons as life is not fair:
Luke 10:38-42 NLT: “As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.””
Asking the right questions, asking correctly, staying persistent and unwavering:
The Canaanite Woman’s faith: Taking what can be yours by force through the knowledge of God (Matt 15:22-28)
Solomon’s wisdom: He asked for a discerning heart yet his choice of request showed he already had the wisdom to lead- God added onto what he already had: 1 Kings 3:5, 9-10, James 1:5-7
Elijah’s persistence: Can you read the signs and press in?
How desperate are you? Matt 7:7-8, 11
Ask for understanding: Mark 4:10
Caution- The Seven Woes of legalism, religion, spiritual blindness, triviality, hypocrisy, shallowness, and pride (Matt 23:13-39)
Until next time; tsl.