Tag Archives: character

The Role of Failure in Life

Posted on May 28, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdOF94Ds9XI

Within a 48 hour period, my son Daniel experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.  Last Saturday he placed 5th in the state in Pole Vault earning St. Georges four points.  After the final event, his school won the state track title by three points.  On Monday, playing in an qualifier for the state golf tournament, Daniel fell 7 shots short.  A few bad holes led to his demise.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, Romans 5:3-5.

The apostle Paul writes about the role of failure in life.  Disappointment serves as teachable moments.  Failure allows suffering to change your perspective on life.  If you deal with this in a mature manner, character is developed.  If not fits of rage will likely follow.  Each failure you endure allows growth to take shape.  However, it only depends upon how you respond.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, Psalm 73:26.

No matter what you tell a younger generation, sometimes you have to let people learn the hard way.  You can only hold someone’s hand so long.  Eventually, you have to let the people you love sink or swim.  Shielding children from failure will only hurt in the long run.  Therefore, let go and let God use trials to strengthen the people you love.

by Jay Mankus

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Running with Giants

Posted on May 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Prior to the passage below, the members of the Hall of faith are introduced.  Hebrews chapter 11 serves as a summary of the great men and women of faith who have walked the face of the earth.  I guess you can refer to these individuals as spiritual giants.  The context of running likely represents those inspired to follow in the footsteps of these godly people.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:1-2.

Meanwhile, the apostle Paul eludes to a sporting event in his letter to the church at Corinth.  The Corinthians Games are similar to the modern day Summer Olympics with an emphasis on track and field.  Paul is encouraging readers to see the big picture, only one person is victorious per event.  Therefore, run in such a way which glorifies God.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it, 1 Corinthians 9:24.

In modern times, there are some who take short cuts to get ahead in life.  These decisions shape your character.  The only problem is if you get away with cutting corners, you might be tempted to continue living on the edge.  Any type of compromise will disqualify you.  Therefore, if you want to start running with the giants of the faith, take the advice of God’s Word.  If you want it enough, developing a daily spiritual regiment will get you in shape to make running with these giants possible.

by Jay Mankus

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Champ or Chump?

Posted on April 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

On the surface, it may be hard to tell the difference between a champion and a chump.  Appearances may be deceiving, misleading even the most sophisticated individual.  While time will reveal winners from losers, the prophet Samuel introduces a measuring stick to decipher one from the other.

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD‘s anointed stands here before the LORD.”  But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:6-7.

From a logical stand point, you can’t open a window to observe someone’s heart.  However, Jesus encourages people to listen what people say.  A first century doctor adds to this concept, claiming words are derived from the overflow of the heart.  While talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words.  A close observation to actions, behavior and vocabulary will distinguish champs from chumps.

“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?  But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them,” Matthew 15:17-18.

Unfortunately, modern champs, especially in the context of sports often talk too much.  Thus, someone may be a champ, but also a chump, with little or no character.  This current trend makes it tough to ascertain a champion of the faith.  Trials can radically change individuals, resulting in emotional outbursts.  Therefore, if you need to recognize a genuine champ from an imposter, perseverance and maturity will lead the way.  Emulate the qualities of Christ in this life and you too can become a champion of the faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Where Did Ethos Go?

Posted on March 7, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8QubLxJI54

While I never finished completing seminary due to my iritis, the classes I completed have provided a plethora of knowledge.  One of my favorite terms is the Greek word ethos.  Philosophers like Aristotle used ethos in the context of a person’s character.  Yet, ethos means so much more, its the expression of love, allowing others to see that you genuinely care about their lives.  Those individuals who demonstrate ethos on a daily basis earn the right to be heard.

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, Matthew 9:12.

Unfortunately, as I interact with people, listen to what others believe and watch how different worldviews treat one another, the concept of ethos is vanishing.  Narcissism, pride and stubborn hearts are leaving a trail of hate, attacking anyone who opposing their beliefs.  C.S. Lewis eludes to this oblivious trait as diabolical pride in Mere Christianity.  If this flaw continues, the concept of ethos may disappear.

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” Matthew 9:13.

There are certain areas, subjects or topics where people claim to be experts, knowing much more than most others.  Yet, it would help if individuals would learn to become humble and more teachable.  While you may think you know more than a boss, manager or teacher, showing respect breeds ethos.  If the phrase sharing is caring is employed, a generation will begin to witness the powerful effects of ethos on society.

by Jay Mankus

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When Do Dreams Become Reality?

Posted on March 1, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Dreams could be categorized as one of three possible scenarios.  Dreams could be a desire from within that you developed as a child, becoming a goal you have for life.  A dream can also derive from a vision that you receive from God while sleeping.  Finally, dreams can be random thoughts like a film playing within your mind that may or may not have any relevant meaning.  Nonetheless, the optimist wants to know when do dreams become reality.

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.  Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more, Genesis 37:4-5.

In the Old Testament, Joseph had a series of dreams which offended most of the people whom he shared this with.  Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where individuals are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.  Mr. King was killed before this day arrived and Joseph experienced a series of trials for more than two decades before seeing the hand of God at work.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives, Genesis 50:20.

Twenty years is a long time to wait.  Thus, many people give up quietly mumbling, “it’s not worth it anymore.”  Others claim “if it hasn’t happened by now, it won’t.”  Subsequently, dreams remain just a figment of your imagination rather than reality.  Yet, if you press on like Joseph, perhaps you too can boldly proclaim, “what others intended for harm, God intended for good.”  If there is such a thing as the Nike Bible, it probably says, Just Do It!

by Jay Mankus

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The Unusual Path to Success

Posted on February 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzCD4NuqJzo

During a sleepless night off, I began channeling surfing to find something entertaining.  Using the scroll down future, I found a show entitled Finding Success Through Failure.  Hosted by John Stossel, this Fox Business Channel program examined unusual beginnings of famous companies.  For example, following a forty dollar fine for forgetting to return a video to the store, the concept to Netflix was born.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, Romans 5:3-5.

For those entrepreneurs who fail multiple times, Stossel interviewed a couple of guests who honed in on grasping what went wrong during failed ventures.  These people go through a purification process using trial and error as a teaching aide.  Meanwhile, the spoiled, unprepared and weak often quit at the first sign of adversity.  Real life is not a fairy tale.  Rather, there are usually several road blocks, directional arrows and u-turns along the way before you arrive at the dream job.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

When life throws you a curve ball, sometimes you have to reinvent yourself.  Five years ago I had aspirations of becoming a college professor, starting at a new community college.  When that plan was thwarted, I went into survival mode, throwing things up in the air to see what stuck.  Although I have found a home at Amazon for now, I believe I have what it takes to write movie scripts.  While I may not get to the career my choice, I’m ready to take the unusual path to success wherever it takes me.

by Jay Mankus

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Clinging to the Vine

Posted on October 14, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever tried to climb a tree, it doesn’t take make to lose your grip.  Any type of misstep, re-positioning or weak branch can start an unexpected descent.  During a recent adventure of trying to dislodge an arrant Frisbee from a tree, I found myself in a free fall reaching out for anything that would break my fall.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John 15:5.

In the spiritual realm, I’ve faced myself in similar downward spirals where in moments of weakness I have tried to cling to the Vine.  According to one of his disciples, Jesus is compared to a vine, the life source to which branches are attached.  However, once broken or cut off, these limbs are worthless, unable to protect you from spiritual harm.

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned, John 15:6.

Subtle signs, also known as acts of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21 often rear their ugly heads when individuals try to live apart from the Vine.  Acts, behavior and character gradually declines, transforming decent human being into completely different people.  Before this sinister force takes roots, its essential to become reconnected to Jesus.  Bible Study, prayer and worship are daily avenues to reunite you with the Lord.  If you feel like your faith is wavering, don’t let it continue.  Rather, cling to the Vine and connect with like minded followers who seek to fulfill the great commission, Mark 16:15.

by Jay Mankus

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AP

Posted on October 7, 2016 by expressyourself4him

On Tuesday of this past week, a king was laid to rest.  Yet, this wasn’t your typical cast of assembled dignitaries.  Rather, this man never forgot where he came from, always remembering his humble beginnings.  Subsequently, as crowds gathered for the memorial service, those in attendance reflected upon how this individual made anyone he met feel like a special friend on each and every occasion.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel, Proverbs 27:9.

While this may be a stretch, what Arnold Palmer meant to golf is similar to Mother Teresa’s impact on the Catholic church.  Mother Teresa taught the world what is means to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ by serving the poor and less fortunate.  Meanwhile, Arnold Palmer showed professional athletes what a role model resembles by using his fame, fortune and success to make this world a better place.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:8-10.

Beside all the hospital’s Arnold and his first wife Winnie founded in Orlando, Florida, he was a visionary.  Palmer was the architect of a 24 hour golf channel, founder of the Bay Hill Classic tournament on the PGA tour and the figure which helped make the Senior PGA tour what it is today.  Despite all these great accomplishments, Arnold was a man of character, honor and integrity.  Arnie as coined by the army who followed him in droves, signed every autograph, made spectators feel a part of his round and replied to each letter with a hand written note.  May the the memory of AP inspire you to impact the lives of this generation.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Rosewood Revisited

Posted on September 19, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The 1997 film Rosewood starring Jon Voight and Don Cheadle details the horrific events of the first week of January 1923.  Known as the Rosewood massacre, a rural town in Levy County Florida, this movie depicts the events which culminated into a race riot.  This history lesson provides a painful reminder of how white parents taught their children not to play with African American kids.  When a white woman lies about being raped by a black man, all hell breaks loose throughout Rosewood.

But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, Amos 5:24.

As I watched this for this first time in years, some of the scenes are reminiscent of modern events.  Whether its Black Lives Matters protests, tension between law enforcement and the African American community or violent acts upon innocent people, a mob mentality influences one’s ability to use common sense.  The byproduct of this distraction often leads to emotionally outbursts, harsh comments and regrettable actions.  This is the climate in which we now reside, helping to explain some of the awful headlines in the news.

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers, Proverbs 21:15.

If you revisit Rosewood or watch it for the first time, its not easy to digest.  Some of the content will make you cringe.  Other parts may shock you or cause you to feel sympathy for how black were mistreated by white for centuries.  Yet, one must look toward the future while remembering the words of Dr. Martin King Jr, “its not about the color of our skin, but the content of our character.”  In view of this, may this country come together as one to live, learn and rise above past transgressions.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Standing, Kneeling or Sitting

Posted on September 18, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you have ever attended a professional sporting event, before each game begins the MC or Voice of the radio play by play makes an announcement.  The words usually go something like this, “will you now rise, take off your caps and direct your attention to the flag as we honor America with the singing of our National Anthem.”  This tradition would have likely continued.  Yet, following the stance of Colin Kaepernick during 2 NFL preseason games by sitting down, then taking a knee, the National Anthem may become a thing of the past just like saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, Psalm 1:1.

On any given Sunday, you will find most players standing, a few on one knee and perhaps a rebel sitting on the team’s bench.  Yet, what does it really mean to stand, kneel or sit.  Whenever someone stands it represents a few things.  Standing symbolizes a willing participant, taking a stance or coming together for a common cause.  To take a knee suggests someone is resting, to gather their strength before moving on.  Meanwhile, kneeling is more of an act of worship, to bow down in humility to honor God.  Finally, sitting has multiple meanings.  Individuals can participant in sit ins, join others in protest or in the biblical context, sitting down refers to completing what you set out to do.

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night, Psalm 1:2.

Going forward, I hope that singing the National Anthem doesn’t turn into the ACLU’s attack on the pledge of allegiance.  Nonetheless, how people live, the stances you take and the character displayed will be a greater factor than celebrities on television.  In this day and age, people are starving for leaders, someone you can believe in and follow.  In the absence of leadership, the Colin Kaepernick’s of this world will try to set new trends to follow.  In the end, its up to you, to either stand, kneel or sit as America’s freedom’s are under siege by those who detest the Christian heritage of this country.  What will you do?

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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