Tag Archives: humble

Teetotalism in Religion

Posted on June 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As dictionaries are updated annually, important words from history are fading from the forefront.  Instead, slang, tech terms and pop culture is redefining societies vocabulary.  One of these obsolete words is teetotalism, a stringent form of following the rules.  Islam or Muslims  is one of the few faiths which practice teetotalism in adherence to the 5 pillars.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

In his classic book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis addresses teetotalism in a chapter called The Cardinal Virtues, values that anyone can possess.  Lewis suggests that initially, teetotalism was a form of temperance, going the right distance and no further.  Like anything in life, context, time and understanding alter the meaning of words.  Thus, teetotalism in the context of religion is merely knowing the boundaries between the right and wrong and failing to cross over this line.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, Matthew 11:29.

However, when faith is limited to an adherence to rules, meaning can be lost like Pharisees who strayed from God’s commands.  Rather, Jesus doesn’t care what you wear to church on Sunday; only that you come as you are, ditching the facade the fake put on.  Once souls reach the understanding that you can’t do it on your own, Romans 6:23, spiritual hunger is conceived.  Free will enables hearts to wait until they are ready.  When this day arrives, believers won’t have to rely on teetotalism anymore.  Instead, a desire for biblical truth will prompt individuals to pray, read the Bible and worship the Lord 7 days a week.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Real Life Superhero

Posted on April 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are referring to one of Marvel Comics fictional characters, watching a Super Friends episode or analyzing films like Unbreakable, superheros often have 3 things in common.  First, each possess some sort of super human power which defies the laws of physics and gravity.  Second,  individuals keep a low profile, developing an alias to keep their true identity a secret.  Finally, most have an arch enemy who seeks to ascertain a weakness, trying to uncover their krytonite.

While reading the gospel of Mark, I stumbled upon an interesting thought, Jesus was a real life superhero.  Like Superman, Jesus came from another world, Colossians 1:15-17.  Before the day came to reveal his special powers, Jesus lived in obscurity as a carpenter in the lowly town of Nazareth.  Jesus flew under the radar for thirty years until John the Baptist was imprisoned, then killed.  However, before his three years of public service began, a real Devil threatened to destroy Jesus’ ministry before it began.

Following the calling of his first four disciples, Mark 1:16-20, Jesus introduced himself to the Jewish community.  Meanwhile, a demonic spirit tried to spoil his coming out party, Mark 1:23-26.  Foiling his enemies first plot, the legend of Jesus began to spread.  Similar to modern superheros, Jesus remained humble.  Rather than proclaiming, “look what I’ve done,” Jesus gave his heavenly Father the credit.  Nearly 2,000 years following his resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit has been left behind so that those who believe, Romans 10:9-10, may experience an extraordinary life, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Great Vindication

Posted on March 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Absolve, exonerate and uphold are terms associated with vindication.  Unfortunately, print media and cable television often run stories with gossip, innuendos and rumors without complete assurance of the facts.  Thus, when uncovered evidence disproves false accusations, the damage has already been done.  By the time an apology is made, reputations are usually ruined, tattered by the piling on of public opinion.

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17

In the spiritual realm, nothing is hidden from God, Hebrews 4:13.  Any flaw, mistake or trespass is exposed, revealing the imperfections of human beings like jars of clay, 2 Corinthians 4:7.  There is no one who is righteous, for all have fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:9-12.  Despite this lowly state, sinners have an advocate in their corner, gaining access to the great vindication through grace, Ephesians 2:8.

For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. – Psalm 135:14

Although critics, enemies and naysayers will always exist, the Lord promises that a day will come when his people will be vindicated.  While scoffers may hurt your feelings, God’s compassion and forgiveness will wipe away your tears.  In the end, you will get the last laugh for trusting in an invisible God.  Therefore, put aside your fears and reservations by approaching the throne of grace with a humble heart.  This will lead you to the great vindication.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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When Critics Tear You to Pieces

Posted on February 11, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As an aspiring writer, sometimes you have to go outside of your comfort zone to sharper your skills.  Subsequently, when the opportunity arises, I try to attend local Meet Up groups for writers.  On this evening, the round table of critics I was assigned didn’t hold back any punches.  By the time the critique of my latest screen play was over, I wanted to crawl underneath the table to hide my tears.

 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? – Hebrews 12:7

After this humbling experience brought disappointment, the feedback I received will do one of two things.  First, their criticism could light a fire in my soul to prove each of them wrong.  On the other hand, this devastating blow to my confidence might lead me to give up writing completely.  When the rubber meets the road, you have to dig down deep to see if the pain you endure is worth the journey.  Whenever the critics in life tear you to pieces, consider the cost before you proceed any further.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. – Proverbs 12:1

In the end, you have to take another person’s advice with a grain of salt.  Rather, trust in the Lord and lean on His understanding to ascertain God’s will, Proverbs 3:5-6.  Take the good with the bad, considering trials a pure joy so that through it all, you will grow in faith, perseverance and maturity, James 1:2-4.  Therefore, whether your critics love or hate you, take each opinion in stride as you keep your eyes on the Big Guy in the sky.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Compare and Pride Spreads Fast

Posted on January 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. – Galatians 6:3

As English classes increase in difficulty, students will eventually be introduced to compare and contrast papers.  The purpose of these essays involves emphasizing the differences of two topics, highlighting dissimilar entities, objects or traits.  This exercise enables individuals to examine, evaluate and develop necessary problem solving skills in life.

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. – Proverbs 11:12

Outside of the classroom, its not uncommon for adults and youth to compare themselves to others.  This often occurs to help build up one’s self-esteem by choosing lesser souls in their comparison.  Subsequently, instead of striving to improve one’s own life, people would rather attack and or tear down others to improve their own situation.  If these comparisons continue, pride will spread like gangrene, poisoning the hearts and minds within society.

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – Romans 2:1

Christians aren’t exempt from this temptation, with a long history of falling prey to this desire.  The apostle Paul calls out first century believers for passing judgment on the low lifes of their day.  Since no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, there aren’t any who are able or worthy to throw the first stone, John 8:10-11.  Therefore, before a spirit of pride runs rampant across America and throughout the world, these comparisons must cease, replaced by humble hearts which seek God first.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Voice of Experience

Posted on December 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Confidence isn’t lacking in society today as narcissists can be found in nearly every work place.  However, a humble voice of experience is missing from many segments, replaced by pride and arrogance.  When absent, people can lose their way, often repeating the same mistakes that have led past empires to disappear.

 Psalm 118

8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

The words of Psalm 118:8-10 sound like something King David would have said.  After calling for and taking a census of Israel’s tribes, a spirit of conviction falls upon David.  Failing to listen to his commander Joab, a voice of experience, God punishes Israel’s for David’s sin of pride, 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.  When given three options for his penalty, David opts for the hand of God, 1 Chronicles 21:9-15.

Although Public Service Announcements for the Boys & Girls Clubs are important, its essential for mentors to rise up to begin influencing a generation looking for positive role models.  On the other hand, its also vital for adults to remain teachable so that advice from the Joab’s in your life aren’t ignored.  May you take heed of the Psalmist by learning to take refuge in God rather than trusting the hands of men.

by Jay Mankus

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When Winning Isn’t As Important

Posted on November 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the days following 9/11/01, many Americans used professional sporting events as a vehicle for healing.  In Major League Baseball, the singing of Talk Me Out to the Ball Game was replaced with God Bless America.  At the first Monday Night Football Game in the NFL, a sense of patriotism swept through the crowd, causing tears to flow from my eyes as a giant flag, shaped like the United States of America was stretched across the entire field.  During this period in time, winning wasn’t the only thing.  Rather, playing these games symbolized a sense of normalcy to proclaim to the world, “America will carry on.”

Meanwhile, another community experienced a similar tragedy, placing sports into its proper perspective.  The 2006 film We Are Marshall is based upon the death of 37 football players, 5 coaches, 25 boosters and other staff who perished in a plane crash near Huntington, West Virginia.  Despite wanting to remain competitive, winning had to be placed on the back burner.  To honor the memory of these people, the school president was nudged by students to field a team to fill the void left behind.  In a stirring scene, Matthew McConaughey, who plays head coach Jack Lengyel, redefines winning to include playing with all your heart for 60 minutes.  “If you do this, we can not lose!”

Today, competition has a wide scope from school districts who have banned keeping score to the hard core who keep score in everything they do.  For me, sports was a refuge, a place where I excelled.  The more success I tasted, the cockier I became.  Yet, like many things in life, athletic competition has a way of humbling the proud, bringing each star back down to earth.  However, when I finally gave up my pursuit of playing professional golf, only then did I understand winning isn;t everything.  Whether you have the talent or not, give your dream a shot and let the chips fall where they may.  In the end, winning isn’t as important as knowing that you did everything you could to maximize your God given talents.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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God Doesn’t Need a Superstar

Posted on November 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you observe the titles of today’s most popular reality television shows: American Idol, America’s Next Top Model and America’s Got Talent, Hollywood is searching for the next superstar.  Meanwhile, media’s elite are longing for a politician with gravitas, believing that once this person arrives, everything will be fine.  Yet, when its all said and done, God is in control and He doesn’t need a superstar.

After the flood, the Lord didn’t amass an all-star team of individuals to carry on His plan for earth.  Nor did God recruit the best of the best of the best like Men in Black.  Rather, He chose an ordinary group of people, eventually named Israel, after Jacob, the son of Isaac, whose father was Abraham.  While many have different opinions behind God’s rationale, I believe the Lord selected a nation who could not steal credit for the prosperity He provided.

Thousands of years later, God still opposes the proud and supplies grace to the humble.  Whenever someone reaches a Matthew 16:24 state, you become a willing vessel for the Lord.  If you want to continue this journey, God’s anointing is awaiting those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, Matthew 5:6.  May the Holy Spirit fill eager servants so that one day you might be transformed into a spiritual superstar.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Read the Fine Print

Posted on October 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Its amazing how dishonest commercials have become in this age of disclaimers.  By the time you try to listen to and or read the warning at the bottom of your television screen, another ad appears.  In a rush to strike it big, reward stock owners or pay for future projects, imperfections abound when you read the fine print.

Meanwhile, walking billboards are just as guilty.  Whenever you hear words like “I’ve never done that, my pastor’s never sinned or you struggle with that,” wait a couple days or weeks and sin will flow like rain.  Christians that sound too good to be true aren’t doing anyone any good.  Rather, the closer you are to God, the more humble you become.  Yet, the opposite is true as the further you stray from the Lord, the better you feel initially until pride sets people up for a fall.

If you want to read the fine print, just open up one of the 4 gospels in the Bible.  Although Jesus spoke in parables to drive home a point, he doesn’t beat around the bush.  Jesus set high expectations for his disciples, causing many to walk away, unable to meet his standards, Luke 9:57-63.  Despite our own inabilities to achieve holiness, John 3:16-17 provides a highlighted reminder of God’s eternal plan.  Don’t let bad examples keep you from the truth.  Rather, read the fine print for yourself to reserve a room in eternity, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Desperation: A Recipe for Restoration

Posted on July 31, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In the 1971, Carly Simon released Anticipation, featuring the song that inspired this album.  Eight years later, Heinz Ketchup developed the slogan, “Anticipation is making me wait,” by mixing Carly Simon’s song with images of ketchup slowly flowing out of a bottle.  During an interview on National Public Radio, also known as NPR, Carly Simon shared the meaning of Anticipation.  While waiting for Cat Stevens to pick her up on their first date, the lyrics to this song were formed and the rest is history.

Although ketchup and God don’t have any thing in common, Heinz’ marketing campaign and Carly Simon’s song illustrate how the Lord works behind the scenes.  God allows individuals to experience desperation, causing hearts to develop a sense of urgency.  As one hungers for something more in life like the prodigal son in Luke 15:16-20, a recipe for restoration is generated.  Thus, despite any anguish, brokenness and heartache people have to endure, the Lord uses desperation to lead hurting souls beside still waters, Psalm 23:1-6.

Everyone understands how painful waiting can be.  Whether you’re at the hospital anticipating news from a doctor regarding life or death, impatiently waiting for God to answer your prayers or searching for clues to understand the trial you are currently undergoing, each scenario breeds desperation.  Like Nicodemus, seeking out Jesus at night in John 3:1, sometimes you have to humble yourself, realize you’re not in control and kneel before God, Luke 7:37-38.  May any lukewarm spirit holding you down be expelled as God uses desperation as a recipe for restoration.

by Jay Mankus

 

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