Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes
Published by: ACTS International
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Vol. 15– No. 0813 February 23, 2013
Thought for the week: "When you lose, don't lose the lesson." – Anonymous
It's now official: a Manchester University study has found women talk more than men. Why? Vocal chords more flexible? Yes. Different speech-making factory ('Broca's convolution') in the brain? Yes.
What's more, tall men stand closer to talk than short ones. Latin people are more likely to touch while talking.
Men talk mostly about money, work, sex, home, love, sports, politics and hobbies, in that order. Women? Love, money, home, sex, other women, hobbies and work. And in conversation, what you say is less important than the way you say it.
Lord, may my words be sweet, for some day I may have to eat them! Amen.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings ... Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible ... Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising ... Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud ... Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced ... Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous ... Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest ... Thank you, Lord, for life.
Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate, said something about the church that is eminently apropos: "In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise."
Quoted in E. Glenn Wagner, Ph.D, The
Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs,
(Dallas: Word Publishing, 1995)
Obviously, the most fundamental purpose of work is to attain adequate food and shelter. But once the essentials of survival are taken care of, attitudes about work differ.
Those who simply view work as a means of survival or attaining wealth do just what they have to do to meet their needs. People with high material ambitions may work extremely hard, sacrificing relationships and other life goals in the process. Their work is simply a means to an end. Such people are apt to stay in jobs they don't like in the hope it will buy them happiness in another venue.
Others consider their work as an intrinsic part of their lives. They identify with their jobs, and the way they do their work is an expression of their personhood. Whether they like their jobs or not, they take pride in their work and strive toward virtues like conscientiousness, reliability, devotion and the pursuit of excellence.
The most fortunate of all are those that find both meaning and pleasure in their labor. They view their jobs as careers. The great test of the perfect job is: If you could afford to, would you do it even if you weren't paid? Interestingly, the people most likely to say yes are teachers, coaches, police officers, social workers and others who derive joy and meaning out of serving others.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
"He [Jesus] did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly" (1 Peter 2:23, NLT).
"He who fears criticism," declared Thomas Jefferson, "is hopeless. Only those who do things are criticized. The idler is lost sight of in the march of events—but the doer is watched and criticized. To hesitate for fear of criticism loses the battle while the doers march on to victory and triumphs.
"If your cause is right, be not afraid of criticism: Advocate it, expound it, and, if need be, fight for it. Critics always will be, but to the strong-minded they are a help rather than a hindrance. As the horse spurts forward when prodded with the spur, so the doers forge ahead under the last of criticism. Take your part on life's stage and play your part to the end. Stand for that which is good [that which is right]. Be a doer, not a drone. Look the world in the face and let the critics criticize."
The fact is those who achieve anything worthwhile in life are bound to be the target for the jabs and jibes of jealous lesser men. Furthermore, the person who, for fear of criticism, tries to please everyone, ends up pleasing no one.
Realize, too, that an incessant, negative criticizer with a chip on his/her shoulder is basically an angry person. They have never resolved their hurts from the past and are looking for hooks to hang their anger on. That is, they are projecting their anger and/or failures onto others rather than accepting the responsibility for their own unresolved issues.
On the other hand, when constructive criticism is given, let's accept it in the spirit in which it is given, evaluate it realistically, and make changes where necessary. This is a characteristic of a mature person.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be Christ-like when criticized in that I accept all criticism in a mature manner and don't become defensive. Wherever the criticism is valid, help me to accept it gladly and make changes accordingly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen.
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