Guiding Principles, part deux

In continuation from yesterday regarding my Guiding Principles.

In everything give thanks (Phl. 4:6). A thankful heart is a bendable, teachable, and willing heart. By giving thanks we are acknowledging that what comes to us is a gift from Him. Even if those things seem to be bad or are uncomfortable. By giving thanks we are admitting that we have needs and can't do everything ourselves. By giving thanks for things outside of our control, we realize the power of healing, and learning, and taking from every situation something that will benefit us and others as we comfort them with the same comfort.

Humility (Isa. 57:15). A humble and contrite heart is one that makes itself low. It doesn't belive that it's more important or better than anyone else. Humily see's others and their needs, not just first, but instead of. To be humble is to have knowledge and meekness. Meekness can be defined as power restrained. To know the truth and not demand to be heard, to be right, or to win is true humilty, unless those things are truly better for others.

Positive optimistic attitude. Optimism is seeing problems as opportunities, seeing weaknesses as places to grow, seeing failures as training for what comes next. Optimism holds on to what can be; it is hope for a better way. Positive Optimism is tenacious, even unyielding, not willing to let now be the end, and always looking forward. Being optimistic opens doors, sees good, does not give up, trusts and is trustworthy, motivating, empowering, and inspirational.

Empathy, Compassion (Mat. 18:33), Comfort (2Cor. 1:3). The heart of these characteristics is love. They are the ability to identify with and have concern for another person. To have empathy and compassion is to be in the other person's shoes, to have a shared or similar experience, to connect with someone else in a substantive way. It is an mental, emotional, and perhaps spiritual understanding of their situation as seen from their point of view. Comfort is the action step that results from experiencing the other persons pain with them. We comfort them because we know that we have needed comfort as well. As a Christian, we can comfort those around us with the comfort we've received from God. 

Self Control (Gal. 5:23). Dee Hock said that, "without managment of self, no one is fit for authority no matter how much they acquire, for the more authority they acquire, the more dangerous they become." (Hesselbein, 2002, pg 67). Jesus said, "those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Gal. 5:23, NKJV). Again Jesus, in Luke 6:42 said to not be a hypocrite; first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you'll be able to see clearly to remove the spec from your brother's eye. Self control is knowing where your weaknesses are and not going there. It is achieved by not feeding your flesh, your sinful human nature, but instead by feeding your spirit so that it will be strong. It is achieved by mixing a strong spirit with a strong dose of reality and true introspection. It is also a gift of the Holy Spirit to give as He chooses; a gift which is usually comes, as with all gifts, through close association with the Giver.

Well, that's all for now. More to come.

Tonight I'm really challenged by the Spirit to seek self-control. This is an area of weakness for me (in multiple areas of life). I know that I cannot be a good or great leader if I don't first have self-control. I will seek out practical methods to further that ability and be a better steward make use of that gift within me. (1Cor 1:3). I will also work hard to ensure that my schedule is more regular and even, that I don't eat when I shouldn't, that I'll exercise every day, and that I will move forward with gusto on doing things with my family (according to a newly balanced schedule). Of course, I'll be continuing to bathe this in payer.