In her compelling book, Fearless Living, Rhonda Britten first encourages us to release our expectations of people and the world. She then suggests that we invest in our heartfelt intentions which lie within the core of our being. “Out of the heart flows the issues and abundance of life.” An intention embedded in the heart (the Hebrew and biblical term for the essence of a person) is stronger infinitely than a mentally determined goal. The latter may be a fleeting thought which passes easily as new ideas emerge. Investing daily in their actualization is more beneficial than expending limitless resources on ego-derived desires.
Examining motives is very fundamental to genuine spirituality. Arguably, it is difficult to be spiritual without rigorous honesty with Almighty God and one’s self. On a practical level, standing for the Truth means we honor God by adhering to our principles in all situations. Relationally, we do not play with people’s minds, hearts and feelings; to do so devalues their personhood as children of God. As it relates to jobs, we work towards excellence or we leave to pursue opportunities that are more consistent with our passions and abilities. Essentially, we determine to treat all persons and experiences with honesty, respect and dignity.
Fourth, keeping love in everything means that we emulate the unconditional love of God toward everyone. Admittedly, being an instrument of God’s love is easier said than done. It is quite hard to love some people! Their brokenness is so extensive that it seriously inhibits the willingness to love them. Yet, God requires that we do so in appreciation of the unconditional love that we receive. Taking the existential RISK of faith each day is a primary method of fully acquiring the fruit of Ephesians 3:20.
In addition to taking a daily RISK, I find it necessary to focus upon my spiritual and personal AIMS in life. The daily affirmation of a bible verse or some other spiritual principle diminishes any fears that attempt to invade my mind. Affirmations encourage me to remain faithful despite the surrounding circumstances. Moreover, they empower me to persevere toward my intentions. I focus upon the potential and possibilities for success rather the problems and perplexities. Imaging the fulfillment of my intentions equates with hope. Imagination is the blueprint of all great accomplishments in life. “If you can conceive it, then you can achieve it.” Visualizing the outcomes of hard work and persistence until they materially manifest is all that we have to rely upon sometimes. Imaging is the faith upon which we depend until the outcome concretizes.
Meditation draws deeply from the internal well to listen to the “still, small and quiet voice” of God. On its most basic level, meditation raises one’s mental consciousness to a divine plane, in order to receive an unobstructed revelation of truth. Yet, one must divest the ego, ulterior motives, self-centered fear, self-seeking desires and physical instincts of any contributions to making the most important decisions in life. Meditation equips one with the spiritual tools and willingness to sift out these unfortunate factors. Self-evaluation is a natural outgrowth of meditation. Crystallizing one’s true motives yields honesty in all affairs. Self-evaluation is an inventory of character assets and liabilities. Perfection is an elusive goal; consistent progress is preferable. Self-evaluation determines whether one is advancing towards one’s AIMS in life.
Examining motives is very fundamental to genuine spirituality. Arguably, it is difficult to be spiritual without rigorous honesty with Almighty God and one’s self. On a practical level, standing for the Truth means we honor God by adhering to our principles in all situations. Relationally, we do not play with people’s minds, hearts and feelings; to do so devalues their personhood as children of God. As it relates to jobs, we work towards excellence or we leave to pursue opportunities that are more consistent with our passions and abilities. Essentially, we determine to treat all persons and experiences with honesty, respect and dignity.
Fourth, keeping love in everything means that we emulate the unconditional love of God toward everyone. Admittedly, being an instrument of God’s love is easier said than done. It is quite hard to love some people! Their brokenness is so extensive that it seriously inhibits the willingness to love them. Yet, God requires that we do so in appreciation of the unconditional love that we receive. Taking the existential RISK of faith each day is a primary method of fully acquiring the fruit of Ephesians 3:20.
In addition to taking a daily RISK, I find it necessary to focus upon my spiritual and personal AIMS in life. The daily affirmation of a bible verse or some other spiritual principle diminishes any fears that attempt to invade my mind. Affirmations encourage me to remain faithful despite the surrounding circumstances. Moreover, they empower me to persevere toward my intentions. I focus upon the potential and possibilities for success rather the problems and perplexities. Imaging the fulfillment of my intentions equates with hope. Imagination is the blueprint of all great accomplishments in life. “If you can conceive it, then you can achieve it.” Visualizing the outcomes of hard work and persistence until they materially manifest is all that we have to rely upon sometimes. Imaging is the faith upon which we depend until the outcome concretizes.
Meditation draws deeply from the internal well to listen to the “still, small and quiet voice” of God. On its most basic level, meditation raises one’s mental consciousness to a divine plane, in order to receive an unobstructed revelation of truth. Yet, one must divest the ego, ulterior motives, self-centered fear, self-seeking desires and physical instincts of any contributions to making the most important decisions in life. Meditation equips one with the spiritual tools and willingness to sift out these unfortunate factors. Self-evaluation is a natural outgrowth of meditation. Crystallizing one’s true motives yields honesty in all affairs. Self-evaluation is an inventory of character assets and liabilities. Perfection is an elusive goal; consistent progress is preferable. Self-evaluation determines whether one is advancing towards one’s AIMS in life.
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