WARNING: This is a very lengthy entry but I'm sure all those who take the time to read & understand the principals behind my words will not be disappointed.
To work with our hands we are called a 'Laborer'.
To work with our hands & mind we are known as a 'Craftsman'.
To work with our hands,mind & heart we become an 'Artist'.
----Which are you?
A good part of this month(as well as in past years) I have been doing for others & neglecting myself. There is no blame or credit to or toward anyone in that statement,only acknowledgement. *I* have been a Laborer & not enjoying it completely.
The rest of the month I have been reading, researching, meditating, grasping points,learning & trying to commit them to memory so I can become better at applying what I'm learning. *I* have been a Craftsman & thoroughly enjoying my time in that!
Some things I took note of & that will aid me in my weight loss goals:
WHAT IS TRUTH?
This question was cynically asked by the Roman Governor,Pontius Pilate,to Jesus Christ,the Son of God.-John 18:38 Pilate was not really interested in the answer (& Jesus didn't give him one) *maybe* because he thought the truth was too hard to grasp or that to accept it would cost him something he wasn't willing to pay.(Comfort,Change?) To accept the truth would call for him to make an 'about-face' (that military reference is for you NM :D)
This same attitude is held by many people today. Some believe that the truth can NOT be absolute. They believe truth is relative,always changing, which implies that people can determine for themselves what is right & what is not.(Isaiah 5:20-21) Albert Einstein,a man known for his intelligence,was quoted as having this belief.(Opinions & Ideas)
According to Jesus the truth was not a vague or an incomprehensible concept.
"To earthling man his way does not belong.It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step."--Jeremiah 10:23
God didn't create humans (us) with the ability or the perogitive to be independent of his directions AND be successful at the same time. His inspired writings encourage us to "Trust in Jehovah with all our heart & do not lean upon our own understanding. In all our ways take notice of him & he himself will make our paths straight."--Proverbs 3:5-6
IF we *really* WANT the truth concerning the important issues of life & the answers that perplex humans,God has them!(And it is IMPOSSIBLE for him to lie :D Titus 1:2)
Besides Einsteins intelligent mind was another man known for his superior wisdom, Solomon. That Bible writer of the Book of Proverbs urged humans to "buy truth"--Prov 23:23
So if Pontius Pilate did indeed think accepting truth would cost him something he was correct in that thinking. Truth does cost! Solomon went on to say:" Do not sell it" Indicating truth is invaluable! What is too high of a price to pay?
Jesus promised seekers of truth:"You WILL know the truth & the truth WILL set you free."(John 8:32) Learning the truth is liberating! However,simply *knowing* facts isn't enough.
"However many holy words you read, however many you speak,what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?-- Gautama Budda
Wisdom is *application* of knowledge. Application is what gives knowledge POWER! Solomon said: "Wisdom is the *prime* thing."--Prov.4:5-7
Pontius Pilate rejected the truth. I don't know if Albert Einstein ever got it. But we can....*I* can! (Ps 119:144;Prov.8:35) & it WILL TRANSFORM ME....from the inside out!
WHAT PRICE IS TOO HIGH?
I must "buy out" from the time & energies from other pursuits to understand what changes *I* need to put into place in order to get me where I need to be.Where I want to be.
I must"accept the truth" as I learn it,& not lean upon my own understanding especially when *my* understanding has proved faulty before. By accepting the truth & showing that acceptance by my applying it in my conduct,words & thinking the internal transformation WILL effect my outward transformation because action *follows* thought. :D
THIS IS THE WAY TO LIFE;
THIS IS THE WAY.
DON'T LOOK ASIDE;NOT FOR A MOMENT STRAY!
GOD'S VOICE IS CALLING:'THIS IS THE WAY;
DO NOT LOOK BACK,FOR YES,THIS IS THE WAY.'
For my FS buddies that received a challenge invitation from me this week please know that it was a challenge also extended to me,I did not create it but look forward to doing it alongside all who participate in it. :D
Thanks to all who took out time & energy from other things to "buy" what I offered in this journal update.I hope you gain as much value as I have. I look forward to learning from all of you what is of TRUE value!
*I* am becoming an Artist!