Saturday, November 28, 2009

What is God looking for?

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously."

Micah 6:6-8 - The Message Bible - BibleGateway.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

To have real power is rare. To have influence is a privilege. Use it wisely. Use it to produce good that will leave a legacy for future generations.
--V. Nona Ogunsula

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Keeping It Real...Relationships--Pt.2: Associates

If true relationships are the things that keep our spiritual homes happy, then how do we classify those relationships that do not fall into that category? Let's look at associates. Associates are:


One associated with another: as a : partner, colleague b : companion, comrade (Webster.com)

or,

A person who has some dealings with another, possibly a friend. Often used for business partners (Wikipedia)


Continuing with the analogy of the home and structure, I would label associates as those who hang out in the front yard. You pass them everyday on your way in and out of your home. As you strive to fulfill your purpose in life, they can help you and add to your cheerfulness as our lawn and plants do when they are well-groomed. Or, they can bring you down, distract you and get you off track when they are brown and dying. Remember, they are not a part of the integral structure of your home and they are definitely not a part of its foundation.

Associates are usually only wedded to you or your success if it coincides with their interests and goals. So, don't take them inside your home. Bringing something into the home that's not suppose to be there can be detrimental. It's cheaper to replace the lawn if its dying than it is to repair structural damage .

A man of many companions may come to ruin... Proverb 18:24 (New International Version)