Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Paradox of Peaceful Living

Speaking to a local Christian college I shared my rendition of the following list of life paradoxes of leadership as a Christian:

Some people are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, some people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but they follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help, but they may attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
The college students cheered because they were already discovering the paradox of Christian living when compared with wordly logic. When we realize that we are blessed for doing the right thing (as we know from Scriptures) without regard for notice, applause or credit we will have peace from God our Father.
I'm sure my list is incomplete; I'd love to hear what you think needs to be included.

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© 2008 Kay Martin

Thrive In Christ

Who I Am In Christ by Neil Anderson

For several months we will center on this book to pursue Thriving in our Christian journey.

Neil challenges us with: "Do you know who you are in God's eyes? We are no longer products of our past. We are primarily products of Christ's work on the cross. Who we are determines what we do.

You are not who you are in Christ because of the things you have done, you are in Christ because of what He has done. He died and rose again so that you and I could live in the FREEDOM of His love."

That's just the introduction. More to follow.