Tag Archives: self-help material

Saving Yourself from Shame

As of now, everyone is perfect in 2015 as God has wiped everyone’s slate clean, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  However, its only a matter of time before someone says, “I can’t believe I just said that!”  It only takes a minuscule act, slight compromise or momentary lapse in judgment to ensnare a soul forever.  As this new year begins, what’s saving you from shame?

Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. – Psalm 119:6

Eve’s world began with perfection, no afflictions, illness or pain to complain about.  With only one rule to follow, Genesis 2:15-17, everything was available to the first family except for the Tree of Knowledge.  Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Lucifer to plant seeds of disobedience on the earth, Genesis 3:1.  Instead of walking away from temptation, Eve thought she could handle it own her own, excluding the Lord and her husband from this conversation, Genesis 3:2-6.  Once you engage temptation, shame often follows, Genesis 3:7.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFvIBxEC0CE

The Psalmist provides helpful hints to keep your reputation clean in 2015.

1) Be steadfast in obeying God’s decrees, Psalm 119:5.

2) Avoid careless mistakes by memorizing God’s commands in the Bible, Psalm 119:6.

3) Devote your heart to righteousness, Matthew 5:6.

4) Cling to purity by walking in the ways of the Lord, Psalm 119:9.

5) Hide God’s Word in your heart to remain on the narrow path, Psalm 119:10.

Although Calvinists might say you’re destined to fail, solely reliant on God’s grace, the apostle Paul suggests that you have some say in your day to day decisions, Philippians 2:12.  Essentially, Paul is warning individuals about getting too comfortable like Eve, 1 Corinthians 10:11-12.  As Solomon once said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.  By following this advice, God willing, you will be saved from shame in 2015 and beyond.

by Jay Mankus

 

Reinvention or Revolutionary?

K.I.S.S. is one of the first acronyms I was introduced to in high school, referring to the expression Keep It Simple Stupid.  Whether you are talking about a complex matter, difficult course or the meaning of life, individuals must be careful not to over analyze things.  As long you can narrow a topic down to its most basic ideas, the less confused you will be and if yourjob relies on explaining details to others, the clearer your message will become.

Jesus modeled K.I.S.S. by regularly talking to people on their level, using stories that a vast majority of citizens could relate to and understand.  Jesus wasn’t concerned about theology, emphasizing who God the Father is, their relation to one another and how you can enter into a personal relationship with the Creator of life, John 3:16-18.  In regards to discipleship, you don’t need a PhD to grasp how to grow a Bible Study, Church or Home Group.  Go into the world, where light is fading or snuffed out, take the gift or talent implanted within you, 2 Timothy 1:6 and go develop like minded believers just as Jesus invested 3 years of his life in 12 men.

Unfortunately, some where along the way, people have begun relying on self-help material, trying to reinvent the wheel instead of simply keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.  Book after book, theory after theory, video series and the like  claim to be revolutionary, yet are they?  If King Solomon claimed nearly 4,000 years ago there is nothing new under the sun, Ecclesiastes 1:9, why are many gullible people who are persuaded by their sales pitches?  I’m not sure what the answer is, but I do know this: Nike’s motto is noteworthy for those hungry for change, Just do It! – Matthew 28:19-20

by Jay Mankus