The World System

In Operation Timothy, cbmc’s one on one discipleship program, we’re learning that as Christians we are soldiers in an ideological war. Our enemies are the devil, our own fleshy human nature, and the world system.

“You only go around once in life, so grab all the gusto,” “If it feels so right, it can’t be wrong,” “The one with the most toys wins,” “If it feels good, do it,” “You deserve a break today,” “Just do it,” “You are a god,” “Get all you can, can all you get, Sit on the lid, and poison the rest.” These are some of the slogans that typify the world system’s philosophy. The bible says this world system is based on 3 areas of sin, The Pride of Life, Lust of the Eye, and Lust of the Flesh.”

Contrast this with biblical philosophy, “Love the Lord God with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” “Put first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.”

Quite a contrast for us to contemplate isn’t it? It’s easy for us to slip into the mindset of our culture, but God’s word says, “Do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Are you conformed, or being transformed? How much time each day do your feed your mind on the things of God, or the things of the world system?

New Year Change Part 2

Last week I shared some thoughts and quotes about New Year’s Resolutions and the opportunity to change things in one’s life for the better. I thought I’d continue the theme and share some more thoughts from a couple of sources.

First, from a business coaching company, here are some thoughts on goal setting and keys to making effective change.

From Priority Mgmt some more keys to effective change:

1. Set high goals or stretch goals for yourself.

2.State goals in a positive way as Opportunities, rather than a negative way, as problems to overcome.

3. Put your health and physical wellbeing at the top of your agend, so you have the energy to be successful.

4. Make sure that your goals are consistent with, and an expression of your values and beliefs.

5. Focus on behavior versus thoughts. As Nike says "just do it" This year try not to think your way into a new way of acting. Rather act your way into a new way of thinking. We tend to think that ideas always come first, which leads to new behaviors. As a rule, theory seldom precedes practice. Start immediately and you'll see your performance and happiness soar.

As God said to Cain, "If you do well (behave well) will not your countenance be lifted up (Your attitude will improve!)." Cain didn't listen, and it didn't work out well for he or brother Abel.

From the biblical counseling foundation’s manual, here are a couple of more thoughts on what it takes to make effective change…

You can change biblically!

“The most significant decision you will ever make concerns your willingness to follow God’s plan for your life as revealed in the Bible. This decision directly impacts your daily life and your eternal destiny.”

“After you receive salvation by God’s grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, your growth in Christ and fitness to help others biblically will be in proportion to your faithfulness in biblically examining yourself and applying God’s truths to your life.”

Blessings as you work on positive change this year!

New Year's Resolutions

The Apostle Paul says we should put off the old and put on the new, and the beginning of a new year is a time we reflect on what we’d like to change and do a little goal setting for the future. Researchers tell us that top New Year’s Resolutions have to do with Weight Loss, Exercise,To Stop Smoking, Better money management, and Debt reduction. (Some of those are on my list.)

Researchers also say that making resolutions actually does help effect change. Here are some statistics:

· People who explicitly make resolutions are ten times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

· 64% are still keeping resolution after one month

· 46% are still keeping resolution after six month

Proactivechange.com says some keys to making resolutions successful are:

• Making the goal specific and measurable with a timeframe
• Writing your goal down
• Having accountability (getting support) Tell somebody about it.
• Tracking Your Progress against the goal
• Viewing failure as part of the process, and getting back on the wagon if you fall off

Have you thought about making some Spiritual New Year's Resolutions? Here are some possible spiritual goals for 2011:

· Attend church more regularly

· Read through the Bible this year (or for the over-achievers in 90 days)

· Establish a daily quiet time for prayer or reading the Word.

· Join a small group at church (or be more regular at the Fishersmen weekly breakfast)

· Participate in an outreach or evangelistic event this year

· Journal your prayer requests to see God’s faithfulness

· Become a mentor to someone this year (A Paul in Operation Timothy?)

How about sharing your New Year’s Resolutions with an accountability partner?

How about writing down a commitment or two at spending more time with God in 2011?