I continue to be amazed at how two (seemingly unrelated) things can be connected and how God uses those connections to show me how great He is (and how great I'm not)! Yesterday, in two totally different conversations, I found a consistent thread that bound them together. In the realization of that thread, there was a conviction of my own pride, self-centeredness and self-preservation that has caused me and my family much harm. I'll share how I discovered it and how backwards and twisted those roots are planted in my heart.
In the first conversation, I was talking with a co-worker about work. Eventually, the discussion shifted to a false assumption about the presence of joy in my life. My co-worker is a very outgoing and vocal Christian who has attended several non-denominational churches since coming to Christ (in the Navy, we move frequently), with each church (I believe) somehow connected with the Vineyard Movement. With such polarized differences of opinions on how we approach God and worship, one could only imagine the office dynamics. (By the way, we both work as a part of the Chaplain's Office. I can't fathom the pleasure God gets from watching us interact.) As we talked, it became apparent that my co-worker assumed that I did not have joy in my life. I will admit that I have become very subdued when compared to when I was in my 20's. I have also become more pessimistic, but the fact someone else to think that I had no joy in life gives me cause for great concern. In my defense, I did point out that the way I express joy is much different than the way my co-worker expresses it, and that I am much more content being quiet than I am when I am vocal. In no way do the means by which I order my life signify that I have not experienced grace or God's love for me. After finishing our conversation, I was a little proud of myself for "ruffeling my charismatic co-worker's feathers." Then is when the Spirit of God brought conviction to my heart. When I was younger (in high school and college), I was quite outgoing, and I freely expressed many emotions. What happened? Thinking back, I assumed it was a maturity that came from a "school of hard knocks" and a "realistic" approach to life. What God revealed was that it actually was a defense mechanism, of sorts. It was a legalistic humility. I was convinced that it was my purpose to run counter to culture, especially cultural Christianity. What I was really doing was hiding my self-centeredness behind a pride that always said that no matter what, I was in the wrong. It was a twisted way to "keep my pride in check." I learned that it only served to feed that monster through a much larger back door.
The second conversation revealed the same backwards pride. This time, it was motivated by fear. Last night, a close friend from college called, asking for prayer. Without getting into much detail, God has blessed/burdened him with marriage problems. Last night, he called me to tell me that he was making a stand in his situation and that he would appreciate some support in the form of prayer. Admittedly, I was unsure about it, but I knew that my friend had not arrived at his decision without exhausting many other options. I tried to encourage my friend as well as I could and told him that my wife and I would pray for them. After we finished our conversation and hung up the phone, I looked at my wife. At first, I wanted to thank God that we were not like them. Before that desire finished forming, I started to think about what was going on in my friend's marriage. His marital problems were a result of a power struggle. I then turned my thoughts toward my own marriage. We've been having our share of problems as well, though they've been on a smaller scale. Ours, like theirs, is a result of a power struggle, but the struggle is backwards (or maybe inverted). In my friend's case, both he and his wife are trying to take control of the relationship. In my case, both of us are striving not to assume leadership of the relationship. It was at this point that I recognized that twinge of conviction deep within me. I knew I was wrong. I have even noticed this problem in my marriage before. The difference this time was that I began to understand why I have been doing what I have been doing. In truth, marriage is a union of a man and a wife. The man is supposed to serve as the head or leader of the family. It is a position of leadership and authority. Positions of leadership and authority are (more often than not) abused. Not wanting to abuse the "power" of authority, I have feared taking on the position as leader in my household. The Spirit of God showed me another self-serving defense mechanism. I admit that I have an issue with being wrong, even though I know that I am not perfect and that it happens. I have backed away from so many things because of the fear that I would be wrong when I had to make a "stand." I could rationalize it by thinking that if I never had the opportunity to be wrong, I would never be wrong. That self-centeredness runs directly counter to the Gospel that I claim to believe. I realized that because of fear, I have squandered away much of my life. Instead of taking a chance and possibly being wrong, my family was left without a leader. What they had was a self-serving man with a preference for his own comfort. By the end of the night, I was encouraged by the stand my friend was taking. I fully support him in what he is trying to do, even though there is a chance it would end his marriage. I hope and pray that doesn't happen, but their marriage is not in my hands. The task I have before me is not to forget the depth and subversiveness of my self-seeking pride and serve my wife and children by being the man I have been called to be. Now if that isn't a tall order, I don't know what is...
29 November 2007
19 October 2007
Convalescent Thoughts
As I sit at home, convalsecing from arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder, I am forced to think about the effects of age on my young, thirty year-old body. The doctor who performed the surgery found nothing wrong with my shoulder. I was puzzled because the pain with which I had been living was very real. If there is nothing wrong with my anatomy, is there a problem with my perception? Is it possible that mentally, I wanted something to be wrong with me, and that desire brought about a percieved pain?
I consider it. Looking at some other factors that would contribute to my overall health, I find faults. Lack of excercise, a mediocre diet, and inconsistencies in many other disciplines could have their roles. But what of age? Could my mind be more sensitive to the physical aches and pains I experience? If so, how could I adjust my life to accomodate?
Additionally, if a man is a complete being, the whole should be addressed. I could go on and on about how my soul has been neglected and how spiritually, my life is anything but active. These things, as well should be considered.
So what is the answer? Surely, I could make determinations and resolutions to live a healthier life, but without renewal, none of the requisite change will occur. It is obvious that I cannot return to my youth, when my physical health was at a peak. Nor can I return to my college years, when I believe I was mentally the sharpest.
Yet, life can not live without action. Action can not exist without determination. What am I missing? Maybe all that is missing is a positive step. ... But can I keep it up?
I consider it. Looking at some other factors that would contribute to my overall health, I find faults. Lack of excercise, a mediocre diet, and inconsistencies in many other disciplines could have their roles. But what of age? Could my mind be more sensitive to the physical aches and pains I experience? If so, how could I adjust my life to accomodate?
Additionally, if a man is a complete being, the whole should be addressed. I could go on and on about how my soul has been neglected and how spiritually, my life is anything but active. These things, as well should be considered.
So what is the answer? Surely, I could make determinations and resolutions to live a healthier life, but without renewal, none of the requisite change will occur. It is obvious that I cannot return to my youth, when my physical health was at a peak. Nor can I return to my college years, when I believe I was mentally the sharpest.
Yet, life can not live without action. Action can not exist without determination. What am I missing? Maybe all that is missing is a positive step. ... But can I keep it up?
18 September 2007
MY ONE DESIRE
If I were to be granted just one desire for the rest of my life, I would want to be fully engaged in consistent service to God.
There is nothing I despise more about my life than my own hypocritical dualism. One moment, I will maintain a strong conviction, only to change as the face of the clock changes.
There is nothing I despise more about my life than my own hypocritical dualism. One moment, I will maintain a strong conviction, only to change as the face of the clock changes.
05 September 2007
Spirit and Soul
A while back, I reasoned that a division exists between the soul and the spirit. It is difficult to suppose that there is a division within something that cannot be seen or measured. To this day, I stand by my conclusion.
It began with a look at how the Bible classifies what makes up the components a man. Most are familiar with what is explained as the three-part division of mankind: mind, body and soul. I wanted to see what the Bible said to that effect. James 2:26 says that the body without the spirit is dead. Knowing that the words spirit and soul are often used interchangeably, I could identify at least two of the elements in the three-part division and could confidently state that both are necessary for life. But what of the mind? Here is where I began to get distracted and forget about the triple division of man.
I began to wonder why two different words were used to identify the same thing. As a partial answer to that question, I turned to Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." There is a difference. According to that verse, the word of God can discern the difference between the soul and spirit, just as it can discern the difference between joints and marrow. Now, I had two different divisions of two different parts identified by Scripture. By now, the whole mind, body, soul thing had completely been lost in fascination with the difference between soul and spirit.
The words used for soul and spirit (psuke and pneuma, respectively), often are used interchangeably. If the verse in Hebrews was correct, the word of God can divide the two. Now, looking at the New Testament only, I searched to see further distinctions. Paul's first letter to the believers at Corinth gave me more insight. Paul writes in 2:14, "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." The word "psuke" is translated as "natural." It is contrasted against the word "pneuma," translated as "spirit." Looking at the verse, Paul is contrasting a natural man and the Spirit of God. The insight I gleaned was big. The soul is common, natural. We all have one. The spirit, according to this passage is not common, nor is it natural. It is only from God, and not everyone has it.
Trying to understand this, I thought about the difference through my "theological lenses." The Bible says that we are born spiritually dead. It is a difficult thing to understand that each one of us is born dead. So difficult, that I have to confess that I do not comprehend it. If the passage in Corinthians is correct, then it is common for us to have a soul. Because we are spiritually dead, our soul is corrupted. Remembering the passage in Hebrews, an implication can be made that the soul and spirit were made to be together. But if one is dead, what of the other? Maybe our souls have to pull double duty just to keep life alive. Certainly, that is not the ideal. Looking at the passage in James, we have to conclude that something keeps us living. There are billions of people on this planet who would be classified as "living." Yet, most aren't truly living. This is evident by the self-centeredness and corruption found in each person. Provided all the above is true, we are getting through this life with a soul only. This kind of living puts WAY too much emphasis on the soul, giving way to self-centeredness. Perhaps this is what God meant when He told Adam that he would die if he ate of the forbidden fruit.
If the spirit is dead, how do we make it alive again? Unfortunately, we can't. Despite many failed attempts, man has NEVER been able to completely create life. We can, however, work our souls up so much that it appears that our spirit is alive and we are whole. Simply put, it is a deception. A deception each one of us makes and continues in our pursuit of completion (perfection). Only a life giving spirit can supply that which we lack. We are so dependent. I read that the first Adam gave death. Indeed, we have little for which we can thank our ancestor. However, I am personally grateful that a second Adam came! This Man became the life giving spirit that we all need so desperately. It is with him, this cycle of deception and death is broken.
If only everyone knew...
It began with a look at how the Bible classifies what makes up the components a man. Most are familiar with what is explained as the three-part division of mankind: mind, body and soul. I wanted to see what the Bible said to that effect. James 2:26 says that the body without the spirit is dead. Knowing that the words spirit and soul are often used interchangeably, I could identify at least two of the elements in the three-part division and could confidently state that both are necessary for life. But what of the mind? Here is where I began to get distracted and forget about the triple division of man.
I began to wonder why two different words were used to identify the same thing. As a partial answer to that question, I turned to Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." There is a difference. According to that verse, the word of God can discern the difference between the soul and spirit, just as it can discern the difference between joints and marrow. Now, I had two different divisions of two different parts identified by Scripture. By now, the whole mind, body, soul thing had completely been lost in fascination with the difference between soul and spirit.
The words used for soul and spirit (psuke and pneuma, respectively), often are used interchangeably. If the verse in Hebrews was correct, the word of God can divide the two. Now, looking at the New Testament only, I searched to see further distinctions. Paul's first letter to the believers at Corinth gave me more insight. Paul writes in 2:14, "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." The word "psuke" is translated as "natural." It is contrasted against the word "pneuma," translated as "spirit." Looking at the verse, Paul is contrasting a natural man and the Spirit of God. The insight I gleaned was big. The soul is common, natural. We all have one. The spirit, according to this passage is not common, nor is it natural. It is only from God, and not everyone has it.
Trying to understand this, I thought about the difference through my "theological lenses." The Bible says that we are born spiritually dead. It is a difficult thing to understand that each one of us is born dead. So difficult, that I have to confess that I do not comprehend it. If the passage in Corinthians is correct, then it is common for us to have a soul. Because we are spiritually dead, our soul is corrupted. Remembering the passage in Hebrews, an implication can be made that the soul and spirit were made to be together. But if one is dead, what of the other? Maybe our souls have to pull double duty just to keep life alive. Certainly, that is not the ideal. Looking at the passage in James, we have to conclude that something keeps us living. There are billions of people on this planet who would be classified as "living." Yet, most aren't truly living. This is evident by the self-centeredness and corruption found in each person. Provided all the above is true, we are getting through this life with a soul only. This kind of living puts WAY too much emphasis on the soul, giving way to self-centeredness. Perhaps this is what God meant when He told Adam that he would die if he ate of the forbidden fruit.
If the spirit is dead, how do we make it alive again? Unfortunately, we can't. Despite many failed attempts, man has NEVER been able to completely create life. We can, however, work our souls up so much that it appears that our spirit is alive and we are whole. Simply put, it is a deception. A deception each one of us makes and continues in our pursuit of completion (perfection). Only a life giving spirit can supply that which we lack. We are so dependent. I read that the first Adam gave death. Indeed, we have little for which we can thank our ancestor. However, I am personally grateful that a second Adam came! This Man became the life giving spirit that we all need so desperately. It is with him, this cycle of deception and death is broken.
If only everyone knew...
30 August 2007
I Corinthians 4:13
"and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." I Cor 4:12-13, NASB
I read this passage today in the midst of some strife in my workplace. (Whether the problems at work are factual or products of my over-active imagination is not my point right now.) I glanced over this passage while at work. I had to read it again because when I first read it, I understood nothing but a bunch of words without meaning. As I read it a second time, one word in verse 13 stuck out. The NASB uses the word "conciliate." In the margin, the word "console" is printed as a reasonable substitute. The word caught my attention enough that I wanted to look up the dictionary definition. Here is what I read, "1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: … 2. to win or gain … 3. to make compatible; reconcile. 4. to become agreeable or reconciled." It says that a synonym is the word "appease."
So what does this mean? An easy answer is that we should strive for gracious living. Unfortunately, I find this, my first response to be quite shallow and in danger of not even scratching the surface of the issue. Digging deeper, I find more significant answers, but to put it mildly, I do not like what I see. I am continually appalled at how Scripture teaches believers to not just endure others when they are angry, confused or distrustful but to assist others through their problems; especially when all the negative stuff flies in the direction of the believer! It is simply impossible! Not only do I not want to, but I can not even fathom how I would begin to help someone who is mal-tempered! Enough complaining, let me look further into what is said for something encouraging…
Glossing over all the depth found around this word, I wanted to focus specifically on the word "conciliate." I finally looked up the word in its original language, and I was dumbfounded. Amidst all of Paul's other words and ideas in this letter, the word that caught my attention is transliterated from the Greek as "parakaleo." This particular word has fascinated me each and every time I have looked at it. In this particular passage, the word is used as a verb. It has the imagery of coming along side another to offer assistance and encouragement. As I consider the image, I picture Jesus as he spoke to the crowds saying, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt 11:29-30). What Paul is explaining is the very embodiment of love! Becoming "the scum of the world," Paul defends himself by saying that when someone talks bad about him, (according to the words used) he goes to that individual and seeks to win him over. I say "love" because it truly is a selfless act to go to someone who is (to use his words) "slandering" you and try to relieve the angst residing in their mind and heart (which is, by the way, directed at you) so they can be free from the mental and emotional stress behind their slander. Have you ever gone to someone who is angry at you or distrusts you? If you have, you'd understand why I continue to be appalled at how I am taught to react in these extremely volatile situations! I just can't see How I am supposed to do it!
I guess I shouldn't be too bent out of shape, Jesus promised to send the Helper, the "Paraklete." In Jesus' physical absence, the Spirit comes alongside and within me to "consiliate" with me, so I may "console" others. Wow...such a wonderful thought! I'm thinking of the many, many areas I could put that lesson to use in my life...
Now, if only I could remember it...
Oh, God, I need help!
I read this passage today in the midst of some strife in my workplace. (Whether the problems at work are factual or products of my over-active imagination is not my point right now.) I glanced over this passage while at work. I had to read it again because when I first read it, I understood nothing but a bunch of words without meaning. As I read it a second time, one word in verse 13 stuck out. The NASB uses the word "conciliate." In the margin, the word "console" is printed as a reasonable substitute. The word caught my attention enough that I wanted to look up the dictionary definition. Here is what I read, "1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: … 2. to win or gain … 3. to make compatible; reconcile. 4. to become agreeable or reconciled." It says that a synonym is the word "appease."
So what does this mean? An easy answer is that we should strive for gracious living. Unfortunately, I find this, my first response to be quite shallow and in danger of not even scratching the surface of the issue. Digging deeper, I find more significant answers, but to put it mildly, I do not like what I see. I am continually appalled at how Scripture teaches believers to not just endure others when they are angry, confused or distrustful but to assist others through their problems; especially when all the negative stuff flies in the direction of the believer! It is simply impossible! Not only do I not want to, but I can not even fathom how I would begin to help someone who is mal-tempered! Enough complaining, let me look further into what is said for something encouraging…
Glossing over all the depth found around this word, I wanted to focus specifically on the word "conciliate." I finally looked up the word in its original language, and I was dumbfounded. Amidst all of Paul's other words and ideas in this letter, the word that caught my attention is transliterated from the Greek as "parakaleo." This particular word has fascinated me each and every time I have looked at it. In this particular passage, the word is used as a verb. It has the imagery of coming along side another to offer assistance and encouragement. As I consider the image, I picture Jesus as he spoke to the crowds saying, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt 11:29-30). What Paul is explaining is the very embodiment of love! Becoming "the scum of the world," Paul defends himself by saying that when someone talks bad about him, (according to the words used) he goes to that individual and seeks to win him over. I say "love" because it truly is a selfless act to go to someone who is (to use his words) "slandering" you and try to relieve the angst residing in their mind and heart (which is, by the way, directed at you) so they can be free from the mental and emotional stress behind their slander. Have you ever gone to someone who is angry at you or distrusts you? If you have, you'd understand why I continue to be appalled at how I am taught to react in these extremely volatile situations! I just can't see How I am supposed to do it!
I guess I shouldn't be too bent out of shape, Jesus promised to send the Helper, the "Paraklete." In Jesus' physical absence, the Spirit comes alongside and within me to "consiliate" with me, so I may "console" others. Wow...such a wonderful thought! I'm thinking of the many, many areas I could put that lesson to use in my life...
Now, if only I could remember it...
Oh, God, I need help!
27 August 2007
"The Calling to Vocational Ministry"
The past few weeks, I've been seriously considering my "station in life," as a co-worker puts it. By saying that, I mean the current situation in which I find myself in life. Despite the many things I am fortunate enough to have, I find myself dissatisfied. Thinking about when this discontentment began, I can confidently say that it began 9 years, 7 months, 2 weeks, 3 days, 18 hours ago, give or take a year and some change. It was then that I resolved to stop going down the path I was going and change tracks. To fill in some detail, I was in college and had been a Christian for around 3 years. I had been awe-struck with the Bible and found myself reading it for hours at a time. Convinced that God had called me out to be a leader in His church, I changed my major to Religion and began pursuing some form of ministry. Biblical Philosophy and Protestant Theology quickly became my favorite areas of study. Missionary work also facinated me, and I took small steps that direction to "test the waters." Two week-long spring break mission trips to Charleston, West Virginia; one summer in Greenville, South Carolina; one summer in Managua, Nicaragua; and one semester in Martinsville, West Virgina later, I still found myself facinated with missions. I loved where I was, what I was doing and the life I was living, so I figured I was on the right track. I loved it so much, that I made a promise to God that I would never work in the secular world again. Even so, I was very careful not to say that I was "called into the ministry." With my love for theology and my desire to live in a foreign culture, I had no desire for the traditional ministry role of pastor, so "calling to vocational ministry" was not an issue. After my semester in West Virgina, I had close to two months before the semester started at college. I was invited by a pastor friend of mine to temporarily serve alongside him as a temporary associate pastor. Excited about the possibilities, I jumped on the opportunity. The experience was a nightmare. Shaken, I resolved to stop doing the things I was doing. With 3 semesters left before I graduated, I figured that I needed to begin looking for a "real" job that would actually pay enough to begin repaying the enormous debt I had accrued in student loans. I tried hard to forget my promise to God and the fulfillment I had experienced in those 3 years. My discontentment began. Now, close to 10 years later, I am looking back to see what happened. My conclusion is this: I stopped pursuing my dreams of being a missionary (ministry) and started living a life of self-proclaimed mediocrity and discontentment. It has been a long 10 years, but I am grateful that God is finally making me come to terms with myself and face my guilty conscience. Yet a big question remains, "Was I ever called to the ministry?" or more appropriately, "Was I called to be a missionary?"
16 August 2007
16AUG07
"Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus and Timothy-was not yes and no, but yes in Him."
II Corinthians 1:17-19, NASB
Paul is defending himself and his integrity in the passage above. It is amazing how God arranges things so that the passage I've been thinking over the past few days finds its way into a devotional that I get e-mailed to me! I've been thinking mostly of the "yes, yes" and "no, no" thing. In the New Testament, I have found this teaching three times: Matt 5:37, here in II Corinthians and James 5:12. The focus of my meditations has been how my life does not have that kind of integrity (or stability). I understand that both stability and integrity is possible, but that truth is not the point of these meditations. Paul defends himself for not doing the things which he planned to do. Knowing that Paul is defending his actions prove to me that his change of plans is not an evil thing. Of course, I cannot conclude that because Paul made plans and went back on them, I can also. But what of my making plans? Invariably, when I plan, something always comes up that will cause me to change something from my original intent. It is wrong not to plan. It is also wrong for me to plan and demand that those plans be played out exactly as I planned them. Such is the course of my life. I cannot seem to make my yes be yes and my no be no. I will make a definite statement, and there is always something (or someone) that will find its way in to prove it (or me) wrong.I think at the heart of Jesus' teachings and at the heart of Paul's defense is the condemnation of self-preservation. Paul changed his plans because he did not want to grieve the Corinthians with another visit full of grief and sorrow (2:1). His decision was made out of love for the Corinthian believers. In the other two passages, the context was in making oaths and swearing. In those passages, it is easy to understand the integrity that is condoned. In a related way, Paul defends the integrity of his decision by proving that his decision was not made out of selfishness or lack of love. He changed his plans for someone else. That is something I could stand to learn in my own life. I guess integrity is consistently making plans knowing that you may have to change them in order to prevent grieving others affected by your decisions.If only it were easier to "consider others better than myself."
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Jn 3:30
II Corinthians 1:17-19, NASB
Paul is defending himself and his integrity in the passage above. It is amazing how God arranges things so that the passage I've been thinking over the past few days finds its way into a devotional that I get e-mailed to me! I've been thinking mostly of the "yes, yes" and "no, no" thing. In the New Testament, I have found this teaching three times: Matt 5:37, here in II Corinthians and James 5:12. The focus of my meditations has been how my life does not have that kind of integrity (or stability). I understand that both stability and integrity is possible, but that truth is not the point of these meditations. Paul defends himself for not doing the things which he planned to do. Knowing that Paul is defending his actions prove to me that his change of plans is not an evil thing. Of course, I cannot conclude that because Paul made plans and went back on them, I can also. But what of my making plans? Invariably, when I plan, something always comes up that will cause me to change something from my original intent. It is wrong not to plan. It is also wrong for me to plan and demand that those plans be played out exactly as I planned them. Such is the course of my life. I cannot seem to make my yes be yes and my no be no. I will make a definite statement, and there is always something (or someone) that will find its way in to prove it (or me) wrong.I think at the heart of Jesus' teachings and at the heart of Paul's defense is the condemnation of self-preservation. Paul changed his plans because he did not want to grieve the Corinthians with another visit full of grief and sorrow (2:1). His decision was made out of love for the Corinthian believers. In the other two passages, the context was in making oaths and swearing. In those passages, it is easy to understand the integrity that is condoned. In a related way, Paul defends the integrity of his decision by proving that his decision was not made out of selfishness or lack of love. He changed his plans for someone else. That is something I could stand to learn in my own life. I guess integrity is consistently making plans knowing that you may have to change them in order to prevent grieving others affected by your decisions.If only it were easier to "consider others better than myself."
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Jn 3:30
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