They Still Love You!

Today, I am thinking of all those wonderful people who have suffered strokes. Many people fail to fully understand those who are stroke survivors, especially those survivors who have suffered significant brain damage. There is a tendency to shy away from them or, somehow, to think they are mentally challenged, when, in fact, that may not be the case at all.

Perhaps they have difficulty speaking or they speak in a fashion others were never accustomed to hearing before. For many of their family and friends this is uncomfortable. They see their family member in a different light, perhaps.

This is especially true for teenagers and other youth who might be a bit embarrassed by their loved ones speech, demeanor, or actions.

One thing I would share with everyone....they are still the Dad, Mom, Grand mom and Grandpa you always knew! They may seem different on the outside, but, on the inside, they are still the same loving person you have always known. Make a special effort to let them know that you still love them and care about them.

Don't feed the loneliness they may feel by shying away from them. Remember, they still love YOU!

The 'Jericho Workshop' Concludes

The Jericho Workshop was conducted in Vero Beach, Florida on October 1-5. Hosted by The Salvation Army of Vero Beach, the workshop covered a full range of Biblical studies that foc

used on Joshua and the people of Israel at the battle of Jericho.

Central to the weeks teaching was the importance of God's people following the plan, which was given by God, and the strict requirement of obedience to God's instruction.

 

The workshop series consisted of four evening meetings with great singing and special music preliminary to each meeting. Sunday morning worship was the 5th and final session.

I am grateful to Majors Sam and Veronica Van Denberg, Corps Officers (pastors) at The Salvation Army, Dave May, Bandmaster, Major Linda Yeck of Minneapolis for providing special music. The Vero Beach Salvation Army Band was on duty each evening.  They featured a special composition of "Joshua Fit' the Battle of Jericho', which was written especially for these special meetings by David May. I trust that God touched the hearts of all those attending and that they will have found the workshop worthwhile.

Participants who attended three of the five sessions were awarded Certificates of Completion.

were awarded certificates of completion

 

Salvation Army Commando's ???

Yesterday, while 'surfing' the Web, I came across a headline which read, "Salvation Army sending Commandos to Nigeria in Search of Missing Girls!" I thought to myself that this illustrates some of the crazy stuff you can find on the internet!

Then I started mulling the thought over. As part of the Christian Church, would it be too far fetched to think of The Salvation Army sending elite fighting forces into troubled parts of the world for Jesus? After all, that is what aggressive evangelism is about, isn't it?

Now, to be clear, Salvation Army forces are 'Soldiers without Swords' who preach love and peace and, most importantly, deliverance from sin! If we had such an elite force, they would not be seeking to destroy God's creation....they would be seeking to save it!!!!

Of course, we DO have them! We call them soldiers and officers! Tens of thousands of them in 120 countries around the world. This is their mission....to save the lost!

Well, whether we call them soldiers, officers or, as the web article called them...commando's, be sure they are there fighting the forces of evil. They fight, not with hash-tags or military weapons, but with the Word of God!

Commando's...maybe not such a bad idea!

"Come, join our Army, to battle we go,
Jesus will help us to conquer the foe;
Fighting for right and opposing the wrong,
The Salvation Army is marching along.

Chorus
Marching along, marching along,
The Salvation Army is marching along;
Soldiers of Jesus, be valiant and strong;
The Salvation Army is marching along.

Come, join our Army, the foe must be driven;
To Jesus, our captain, the world shall be given;
Foes may surround us, we'll press through the throng;
The Salvation Army is marching along.

Come, join our Army, the foe we defy,
True to our colors, we'll fight till we die;
Saved from all sin is our war cry and song;
The Salvation Army is marching along.

Come, join our Army, and do not delay,
The time for enlisting is passing away;
Fierce is the battle, but victory will come;
The Salvation Army is marching along."

Not Today!

Since retiring, I have learned that it is still necessary, from time to time, to say "Not Today!" to yourself! Well, what do I mean by that? Sometimes we get so busy with commitments we make, that we work ourselves to exhaustion! As a caregiver, I have learned that care-giving is but one responsibility I face. In addition to this very special 'work', you still have to keep up with the housework, shopping, cooking, laundry and so much more. Then there are the outside commitments...perhaps work, volunteering, church and so many more activities.

I always want to be faithful to the responsibilities I have, however, there are times I get out of bed in the morning and have to say, "Not Today!" Today I will rest, recuperate, set many responsibilities aside and just take care of my physical and emotional health. Then, also, I have learned that it is OK to do this!

The problem is you can rarely plan for these occasions of rest. You need them when you need them! They just come, sometimes at the most inopportune times. Whenever they do come, know that it is OK to just 'shut down' and, as a friend recently said, take a "mental health day".

This is especially important to caregivers. You must take care to insure your help to others for years ahead.
Don't be afraid to say, "Not today", whenever it is necessary. That way you will be around much longer to fulfill all of your commitments!

Profiles in Leadership - Vero Beach, Florida

Over the past 6 years of writing ‘Soldiers Without Swords’,  my travels have taken me to Arizona, Minnesota, New York, Missouri, Florida and a host of other places while visiting a variety of churches along the way. It is always inspiring to see how others approach the task of ministry and how they apply the varied principles of leadership to their communities, churches, and administration of church affairs. I have written about many of these experiences.

Major Sam Van Denberg

Today I am focusing upon one congregation where all of the elements of leadership seem to have come together, forming a fellowship of believers that are fully integrated into the spiritual and social ministry of the church.

I am in Vero Beach, Florida. It is the community where I now live. I am worshipping at The Salvation Army whose pastors are Majors Sam and Veronica Van Denberg.

Under the Van Denbergs’ leadership, The Salvation Army provides a variety community services. This, of course, can be said of all Salvation Army centers across the United States. However, if one looks close enough, you begin to realize that there is something special about this place and this church! But, first, let me say something about the community.

Vero Beach, Florida, like many coastal cities, is a ‘destination’ community. Tourists flock here from around the world to enjoy the pristine beaches and upscale amenities. There is great wealth here and one quickly arrives at this conclusion as you pass the many multi-million dollar homes that line Route A1A, along the Atlantic Ocean.

Yet, there is another side to Vero Beach…a side that tourists do not see, unless they venture into the western and southwestern neighborhoods of this seaside town. You will not find any millionaires living on these streets! The upscale shops have disappeared and Armani and Saks are nowhere to be found! This is where you will find The Salvation Army! These ‘Soldiers without Swords’ quietly minister in neighborhoods that are crime ridden and drug infested. They are neighborhoods that the city’s elite would just as soon pretend are nonexistent. This is where the Van Denberg’s serve and spend most of their time and energy. It is to the residents of this side of ‘Vero’ that they focus their attention and resources.

Under these local leaders, The Salvation Army provides food, clothing and shelter to people who have nowhere else to turn. With little fanfare, they go about this work with a quiet humility that is the hallmark of their service to God! Yes, that’s right…their service to God! The Salvation Army, you see, is a church and a world wide ministry whose mission is to “preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need without discrimination”!

Now, what makes this Vero Beach ministry special is that the Van Denberg’s are not alone in what they do! Many of their church members are intimately involved in making this all happen. They are called ‘soldiers’ and, if you ask them, they are fighting the battle of sin and human need on all fronts!

Working alongside other community volunteers, soldiers serve
hundreds of meals each week to the poor in Vero Beach!

The first person members of the community are greeted by is soldier Barbara!

Soldier Elaine is the Corps Christian Education Director.

Corps worship services feature many different styles of music
performed by many musicians who attend weekly.

First, the soldiers are involved at every level of church service and that includes, perhaps most importantly, the Sunday Worship Services. If you are looking for a church where ‘Ecclesiastical George’ is doing it all you won’t find it here. The members have leadership in every part of the service, from leading the hymns to greeting visitors and from reading Scripture to doing the Call to Worship and calling the congregation to prayer. In fact, the only time of the service where you will hear from the Major (Pastor) is when it is time to preach! The members, ‘soldiers’ as they are called, take responsibility for all facets of the worship time and that also includes, of course, providing the music offered by a brass band, a praise and worship team and special musical offerings also. Even the church youth are involved… with dance ministries and other forms of creative worship.

Major Veronica Van Denberg

As if this is not enough, these soldiers are also involved during the week as The Salvation Army reaches out to those most in need. You will find them on the office staff providing much needed administrative and social service support. You will see them feeding hundreds of meals, each week, from the canteen (mobile feeding kitchen) which ventures into the toughest neighborhoods in the city. You will find them praying with the brokenhearted who, when they come to The Salvation Army, usually have nowhere else to go.

To build a team like this takes a special kind of leadership. It is a leadership that recognizes one cannot do it all alone. It is also a leadership which inspires the church and its members to do more than just attend church on Sunday. It is a leadership that ‘leads from the front’ yet allows its people to do their work unfettered by unreasonable rules and restrictions!

We salute Majors Sam and Veronica Van Denberg for their exceptional service with The Salvation Army! To be sure, a ‘Profile in Leadership’!

NOTE:

Gary Laws is the writer of two Christian service blogs, “Soldiers without Swords” and “By His Stripes”. He is the author of two books, ‘Glory Stories’ and ‘That God May Use Me’. He is also the Director of ‘Evangelical Media Ministries’, an internet ministry founded in 2008.

That God May Use Me Video Seminar- (Salvationist) Excerpted

Love, Patience, and Perseverance

Many stroke survivors suffer damage to the brain which, often, brings with it a change of behavior and personality. While such changes are difficult for family members to understand.....never give up on them! Tough it out with them, let them know they are loved, be patient and walk with them through this new experience and God will do wonders!

Expanding Your Ministry in Retirement

OK, so you are supposed to lay back, relax and do whatever comes to mind when you retire! Nothing wrong with that! However, for many retired ministers it is hard to sit back and no longer engage in some form of ministry and outreach. Actually, retirement is a great time to expand your ministry to include activities or missions that, up until now, you have not been able to involve yourself in. Perhaps this is a good time to 'hit the road' and do some traveling while, at the same time, preaching along the way. Making yourself available to your denomination and other traditions to fill a pulpit, conduct a workshop series, become a hospital Chaplain, or even a missionary is a wonderful way to continue you work in meaningful ways and to do it at your own pace. If you live in a retirement community, ask management if there could be a role for you to play ministering to area residents. It may be useful for you to help in the local church as a Minister of Visitation, music ministry or youth ministry. Well, perhaps you have thought of all of these things already. This list is certainly not exhaustive. You will have ideas of your own. Whatever they may be, there is still much for you to do. Take time for yourself, your family, children and grandchildren, for sure! Whatever you do, don't miss the many opportunities that God will still send your way. You will be blessed!

How I Love to Write! by Gary Laws

How I love to write! I don't write well (Book of Style, etc.), but I like to sit and share those issues and experiences I feel moved to share. Often, what I write finds it's way into the pulpit, where I am most comfortable. Most of my days are given to my first priority, Susan. She has done remarkably well this past year and is becoming more self sufficient every day but she still has a way to go. Her improvement has given me a little more time. This year we took our first road trip in 5 years. 3200 miles before returning home. All along the way finding more things to write about. I like taking pictures, too. Cathy and Doug allowed us to use their camera for our travels. Another way to tell a story. Mostly, I hope that all this is helpful or of interest to others. I know that it is most helpful to me! It helps me stay in touch with all of our friends, throughout the country. It fills something of a post ministry void, I suppose. I'll keep writing, and if I stumble across a Book of Style, I'll try using it. Blessings!

BOXCAR BILLY, SIR!

Just had a nice talk with a man who is in his 70's. He is retired. Billy talks to himself a lot. Not too many people pay attention to him. His nickname is 'Boxcar', Boxcar Billy! He is a retired Hobo. By all accounts he was never a derelict, but in the strictest sense a real Hobo, all of his adult life. There is a difference, you know! Hobos are vagabonds. They travel the countryside most of their lives, working their way along as they go.

Billy has many stories to tell of his years riding the trains, unticketed of course. Hence his nickname. He traveled the boxcars from one end of the country to the other, many times over.

He has few friends, never any visitors to his new apartment environs. He gets by on his Social Security, as he did work most of his years going from town to town.

Society is, of course, quick to criticize the life he has led. Most good folks would avoid him although he is always well groomed in his everyday blue jeans and dress t-shirts.

He is a nice man, or so it seems on the surface. Always friendly and willing to engage in conversation with others or, if need be, himself. Mostly himself I would guess.

Talking with Billy tonight it occurred to me that God loves this slight in stature, elderly man, just as much as He loves any others of His creation. When Jesus hung on the Cross He hung there for you and for me............... and for Boxcar Billy too!

Will you pray that God gives me the opportunity to let Billy know of that great love?

(picture used with permission)

Preaching in Missouri on 'The Jericho Principle'

What a wonderful time Susan and I had as we shared with friends and others at The Salvation Army in Carthage, Missouri.

My Sunday morning sermon was on 'The Jericho Principle' and we learned from scripture the importance of following God's plan for our lives.

Senior Worship In St. Paul, Minnesota

The Salvation Army in St. Paul (Maplewood), Minnesota asked that I speak to their group of senior citizens on the subject of 'The Reality of Heaven'. Many thanks to Majors Doug and Linda Yeck for the invitation.

How important it is that those growing close to eternity be reminded of a God who loves them and has prepared a place for them. We had a great time of fellowship following the worship service. 

 

"Re-Creating Church with Feats of Strength" by Gary Laws

 

"Re-Creating Church with Feats of Strength" by Gary Laws


I attended church services this past week with my son and his family. My wife and I are visiting them in Enid, Oklahoma.

The music was loud, even raucous at times. You could hardly hear yourself think. However, as I looked around I noticed how engaged everyone was in the service of worship and it's music....not in some sort of 'pied piper', reckless way, but all seemed to be enjoying what they considered to be their sincere form of worship.

The guest preacher was an 'athlete' who breaks bricks and bends iron re-bar rods then bends sturdy fry pans into unrecognizable shapes. He is a Christian with a passion to reach the youth for Jesus.

While none of this is my particular 'cup of tea', I must admit that God was in that place. It's congregants were honoring the God who had saved them. There was, in my view, the unmistakable presence of God's Holy Spirit.

More power to them.

The Reality of Jesus Christ

Thinking of the old TV classics. Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, I Remember Mama....etc. There are those in society today who would have us believe that such families never really existed in real life. We know better though, don't we? I grew up in a 'Father Knows Best' type family. It was wonderful. So have millions of others also.
Such families were very real. They are real today!

There are also those who would have us believe that Jesus Christ is only a myth and that He never really existed. They tell us that such things as abstinence or respect for life never really worked and they were part of a mythological lifestyle that did not exist. They would say that living a righteous lifestyle is all poppycock.

Well, these folks are wrong about family life in days gone by and they are wrong about how they characterize our religious faith. The Bible teaches us to hold on to those things that are true. As for the world and their cynical view? They shall have their reward. GDL

CHRISTIANS AND DIVORCE by Gary Laws

Christians and Divorce

During devotions this morning, my thoughts turned to those Christians who are considering divorce. What a great tragedy divorce is, both for those involved and for society as a whole. It is a tragedy for the Church as well.

Filing for divorce is somewhat akin to filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, at least in the minds of some. When paying off debt seems impossible, bankruptcy offers a chance to start fresh and clear the ledger, as many would say. Of course, it is also a way to avoid personal responsibility for the commitments one has made.

I do think that divorce, in some few cases, may be unavoidable. But in many cases it is a tool for those who simply do not want to go through the hard times and see the storm through. Challenges come and they just want to run away, start fresh, and clear the ledger.

Good people...Christian people, face hard decisions in all areas of life, including the marriage relationship. Even when both parties are people of faith, problems will visit us and challenge our ability to weather the storm.

For those of us on the outside, looking in...we should offer our love and support to those who are hurting and having difficulty getting through it all. We should ask God daily to bring to bear His wisdom, power, healing balm.

Like Bankruptcy, divorce leaves it's scars and is rarely the 'new start' many believe it is.

Would it not be much better to honor our commitments, pay the bills, and enjoy life as God has intended it to be? GDL

Freedom for the Consummate Outsider

Some of the most unhappy people in the world are the ‘outsiders‘. There are millions of them. We meet them everyday. You may see yourself as one of them.

Being made to feel ‘inferior’ to others can bring great pain, even anguish and it is not so easy to break from the despair that can come with feeling that ‘you just don’t fit in….anywhere’.

Many discover their outsider status in their early years. You know who they are. They are the ones who never get picked as a cheerleader! They always get selected for 5th chair in the school band. You see them sitting alone during lunch hour or getting picked on while changing classes in the hallway.

In later years they may be the ones who are always making mistakes in the workplace or never seem to advance through the hierarchy. When they do achieve, it often goes unnoticed. Few times, if ever, are they invited to lunch with their coworkers or go out with the ‘boys’ or ‘girls’ after work.

In your advanced years you may feel isolated. Perhaps you have lost your spouse and you are living alone, rarely seeing or hearing from your children and grandchildren. This pain is made even worse when you have senior neighbors who seem to have a never ending flow of family visitors. Perhaps you hear often of the full lives your children are living , and this pleases you greatly, but you never really feel that you are included in their lives. Maybe ill health has visited you and you can no longer do what you used to do and you feel very much alone. You now feel that you are, very much, an outsider!

It’s awful, just awful! However, do not despair….read on!

For those living on the outside, I have great news! You can be free from the anxiety, hurt feelings and isolation you may experience! It IS possible for the socially disenfranchised to be liberated from the rejection of the so-called ’insiders’. But before I get to this wonderful discovery, let’s take a look at who I am talking about when I refer to those on the ’outside looking in’.

For many, varied reasons, people have been taught, through the process of socialization and familial upbringing, that it is important to be identified with certain types of individuals,  groups or causes. The result is we spend a lifetime seeking to be accepted and approved of by these entities. When we fail to achieve this, we reluctantly take on the role of an ’outsider’.  

Well, what are the characteristics of the ‘Consummate Outsider’? I suspect that outsiders are:


Most Outsiders Are Unhappy

Outsiders tend to be very unhappy people. They see themselves as ‘good people’ and almost always treat others with respect and dignity and they often wonder why others do not reciprocate. They have always tried to be part of one group or another. During their lifetime they have attempted to make friends…many times. While they are most always happy to greet and be among the masses, they have a real sense that the masses do not feel the same toward them. They feel ‘tolerated’ at best.

Some are unhappy, not only because they are on the outside looking in…they are unhappy because they are constantly striving to be on the inside without any perceivable success. History is filled with very prominent people who have not been considered part of the ’in group’ and no matter what level of personal or professional success they have achieved, many have lived very unhappy lives.

Unhappiness also comes when the ‘outsider’ works feverishly at ‘pretending’ to be part of a group. Disappointment almost always will follow such delusions. Many outsiders are constantly seeking the approval of others, perhaps to validate their own self worth.

This unhappiness can last a lifetime if they do not discover how to escape and ‘find their place’ in the world.

Most Outsiders Are Lonely

Outsiders tend to be very lonely people. This is primarily due to an inability to foster deep friendships. They may ‘know’ a lot of people but these relationships tend to be superficial at best. ‘Outsiders’ DO have  a few friends, but in actuality, not very many.

Most Outsiders Suffer Anxiety

Many people (outsiders) tend to suffer a high level of anxiety and, as a result, become less and less inclined to pursue friendships due to the disappointments they have experienced.

Most Outsiders Have Feelings of Rejection

Striving to be part of groups that have no interest in you brings feelings of rejection seldom experienced by ‘the beautiful people’. Feelings of inferiority are common and they often wonder, “Why Me”!

Many Outsiders May Even Feel Rejected by Family

Outsiders may even have this experience within their extended families, although families tend to mask, more successfully, their rejection of a loved one. Over time, however, the truth comes through and feelings of rejection almost always find their way into the consciousness of the outsider.

WHY ARE THEY ON THE OUTSIDE?

So WHY do certain individuals become ’outsiders’? It may be that their behavior is different from ‘the norm’ (whatever the norm is). Perhaps they ‘look’ different than others. They may not dress as well as those around them or adapt trendy notions which are commonplace among the ‘insiders’. They may speak less articulately. Perhaps they don’t interact very effectively with the ‘right’ people or travel in acceptable circles. Maybe their occupation is of a humble nature. Perhaps their ideas are quite different from the others or it may be that they are overly opinionated or they participate too aggressively in conversation, drawing undue attention to themselves. There are many reasons for their ‘outsider’ status but one thing is for sure, they ARE on the outside looking and they are not very happy people.

Outsiders may even do and say all the right things but still fail at gaining others approval.
Many outsiders look just like ‘insiders’, but, make no mistake, they are different!

GOOD NEWS...THERE IS FREEDOM FOR THE OUTSIDER!

I have been an outsider all of my life. In each phase of my life I have had one or two very close friends, but that is about all. I have never been the one most people choose to hang around with and this reality has caused much unhappiness for me. I have always been cognizant of the fact that, while most others are polite and gracious, they really have never been accepting of me, my thoughts, positions or philosophy.

Now, I must share that this has been painful. I have not always understood why my life has taken on this status. However, over many years, I have learned to accept this and I have discovered some successful ways to deal with it.

True Freedom comes with the realization that:

First, if others refuse to allow you their fellowship, that is not always a sign that there is something wrong with you! It could very well be that ‘the insiders’ are the ones who have the personality or character flaws and not you at all!

Second, not all groups you seek to be part of will bring you the gratification or fulfillment you may think. Many ‘insiders’ may be very superficial, socially and intellectually. Being rejected by them may be more of a blessing than a curse! People who reject you are probably not worthy of your friendship.

Third, I have learned to STOP STRIVING to gain acceptance! If, in my heart, I know I am living as I should, then my comfort and my validation must flow from that reality….it does not need to come from others. The rising or setting of the sun is not dependant upon the number of ‘in crowds’ you belong to. Learn that a group of three can be as meaningful as a group of one hundred.

Fourth, I have learned to become very happy with who I am! I’m a nice guy! I care about others. I desire to make others feel good about themselves. I have my identity rooted in my religious faith and I am always there when someone need me or, at least, I try to be. I have also learned that happiness in life is more dependent upon what you think of yourself rather than what others think of you.

Fifth, embrace those who accept you, love those who reject you and recalibrate the desires of your heart. If you can’t belong….be strong! Leave behind you all those groups who have failed to incorporate you into their fellowship and cling to the knowledge of who you really are! Remember, insiders rarely have the capacity to take into consideration the feelings of outsiders! For this reason, put aside your desire to capture their attention or approval. They just don’t count! Again, recalibrate the desires of your heart!

Sixth , I have learned that, many times I have been looking for acceptance and validation in many of the wrong places. The truth is, there are groups and individuals out there who would love to include you as a friend and associate. Ask God to bring them your way all the while looking for those with whom you do relate and who relate to you.

Seventh, look around for other outsiders to become friends with. You will discover that there are many of them just waiting to have YOU include them in your life!

Last, if you exhibit behaviors that fall short, work to improve them. For example, if, while participating in conversation with others, you tend to impose your viewpoint too strongly…learn the value of listening. If you readily dismiss the views of others, learn to be more understanding. If you tend to be contentious, learn to promote agreement. If you display negative attitudes, find ways to become positive in your conversations and demeanor. If you complain about everything under the sun, stop complaining! These and other behavioral modifications may strengthen  your position while looking for new friends and new groups to associate with.

There is true freedom in discovering who you really are and how you can come to love yourself, even in the midst of a world that may not be so accepting of you.

Start paying attention to yourself and get out and live a full life. You, then, may find the ‘insiders’ wanting to be part of the life you are building for yourself!

Always be aware that you are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. You are unique. God has made you a special person!

Will the Real You Please Stand Up!

Will the Real You Please Stand Up!
Have you ever wondered who you really are and if the image you are projecting has it’s basis in truth?
by Gary Laws

Throughout life we are called upon to meet the expectations of others. We desire to make our families happy and we strive to keep our employers satisfied. We want to make (and keep) friends and we feel compelled to cultivate positive relationships all along life’s way.

This is very normal, even healthy! However, we can run the risk of being so bent on seeking, and receiving, the approval of others, that we take it to far. Sometimes we can become so obsessed with  the idea of winning others over, that we go ‘overboard’ and try to project an image that is not consistent with who we really are!

In our endeavor to please others, there can be pitfalls along the way that will, if we are not careful, totally destroy the ‘real person‘ that lives within…so much so that we become unsure of our own motives and we begin to wonder, ourselves, who we really are!

It may be that we do not believe others will respond to our true self positively, when presented honestly and without embellishment. Perhaps we have had some unpleasant experiences, in our relationships, that cause us to question our own ‘likeability’. We may even be thoroughly convinced that we are unable to cultivate friendships unless we ‘dress ourselves up’ in a cloak of deception. Maybe you are desirous of a promotion to a position of prominence and you have fallen into the trap of constantly calling attention to yourself for the purpose of ‘getting ahead‘. Whatever your objective, understand that it cannot be truly achieved if you are not truly and thoroughly genuine! Once you have convinced others that you are something other than you really are… you will, forever, have to continue the masquerade!

Depending upon how we handle this, pleasing others can be a blessing or it can become a devastating burden! For the Christian, ‘getting it right’ is absolutely essential if we are to be an effective tool in God’s hands!

To accomplish this, we must be reminded that we are called upon to lead a life that is pleasing to God… and God alone!. With our focus upon this truth, we become more and more effective in our relationship building, whether it be at home, in the workplace or among our many friends (or friends to be). This focus allows us to be truly ‘real’ as God knows everything about us and He cannot be fooled by any pretense. If we are living for Him, He will help us discover the wonderful person that lives within.

We must never allow the world to force us into being disingenuous in our manner, our speech or our representations. We must simply be who we are and let the chips fall where they may. Others may respond in a very positive way and some will dismiss any attempt at interaction. Whichever way they respond, you will at least have the assurance that they are responding to the real ‘you’!

If we are filled with the love of God and if we are striving to genuinely serve Him (and be like Him), then we are becoming the person God wants us to be. There will be no need for superficial embellishments to the way we present ourselves. All along the way we must be certain that we are not serving our own interests.

Resolve, today, to present yourself  as God has developed you and always remember that it is God you have been called to please. Do it right and everything else will fall into place!