What's Yours is...

As I was "organizing" my office I came across an outline for an old thought or teaching. I first saw it when I.D.E.S. presented in some of their literature and thought it rang true as much for today as it did back in the day. The text was Luke 10:30-37 and in it we find 3 levels of spiritual understanding and they are revealed with how people regard money, possessions and people.

Level 1 is characterized by LUST: "What you have is mine and I'll take it." (Luke 10:30)

Level 2 is characterized by LAW: "What I have is mine, and I'll keep it." (Luke 10:31-32)

Level 3 is characterized by LOVE: "What I have is yours and I'll share it." (Luke 10:33-35) 

The ability to give to those in need reveals what it means live life  in Love. In fact it may even suggest a 4th level that is characterized as STEWARDSHIP: "What I have is God's and I will use it for His purposes." (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Psalm 50:10).

My hope is that I along with you can start living out Love and Stewardship so more may know of the Love God has for them.

Later Eh!

Steve

GREAT QUOTE

"If your church is serious about reaching the unchurched, you must be willing to put up with people who have a lot of problems…Fishing is often messy and smelly. Many churches want the fish they catch to be already scaled, gutted, cleaned, and cooked. That is why they never reach anyone." - Rick Warren

Later EH!

Steve

Dealing With Difficult People

I came across the following article by Rick Warren in his weekly newsletter known as Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox and thought I would share it. Happy Reading!!

When asked what he considered the most valuable skill in employees, John D. Rockefeller once replied, "The ability to get along with people!" One of the most important skills needed to succeed in life is knowing how to handle troublemakers. Learning to deal with difficult people will enable to avoid needless conflicts.

Troublemakers come in all shapes:
THE SHERMAN TANK - will run over you if you let him.
THE MEGAPHONE - will talk your ear off.
THE BUBBLE BUSTER - deflates everyone's enthusiasm.
THE VOLCANO - has a temper like Mt. St. Helens.
THE CRY BABY - is a chronic complainer.
THE NIT PICKER - is the unpleasable perfectionist.
THE SPACE CADET - is on a different wavelength.

Jesus had to deal with a lot of difficult people. Four methods he modeled through his life:

1. Realize you can't please everybody (John 5:30). Even God can't do that! One wants rain while the other demands sunshine.

2. Refuse to play their game (Matt. 22:18). Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. Confront them by "telling the truth in love."

3. Never retaliate (Matt. 5:38-39). It only lowers you to their level.

4. Pray for them (Matt. 5:44). It will help both of you. Let God handle them.