How to Not Screw Up in 2011
- Posted on January 03, 2011
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Again last year, we saw a good number of pastors fall from grace. An affair here; an indiscretion there. No doubt we will see more of this during 2011. But how do you make sure that YOU are not one of the casualties?
I'm reading Andy Stanley's book "The Principle of the Path" as my first read of the new year. It's a great book to start out the year. I'd highly recommend it!
In the book, Andy talks about why people make bad decisions. Much of it has to do with our heart, and how our heart has the ability to deceive us. Andy suggests that we need to keep our brains alert to the fact that we just can't trust our heart most of the time.
So... let's cut to the chase. How do you make good decisions and keep on the straight and narrow during the next year? Andy suggests that you keep your heart in check by asking yourself three questions every day. Ask these questions of yourself as if no one would be holding you accountable. That will help you to tell yourself the truth. OK... here are the three questions that will keep your name out of the newspaper (and off this blog) for the next year:
1. Why am I doing this, really?
2. If someone in my circumstances came to me for advice, what course of action would I recommend?
3. In light of my past experience, my future hopes, and my dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
Tell the truth. Give yourself an honest inventory of your decision, what it means, and where it will take you.
Andy points out the fact that when we see other people have to deal with life issues, we kind of chuckle and say... 'they HAD to have seen that coming'.
But when it comes to ourselves... we seldom do see it coming. We think that we'll be the exception to the rule. The the consequences won't hit us.
We are very seldom the exception to the rule.
So, as you look at 2011 and where you want to go and who you want to be... ask yourself these three questions. They will help move you in the right direction; and not get you sidetracked with hopeless or sinful detours.
And it may save you and your family and your church immeasurable embarrassment and humiliation.
You can pick up your copy of The Principle of the Path right here.
Todd
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Peter Hamm on Mon, January 03, 2011
I thought that “Principle of the Path” was a re-telling of “The Best Question Ever” actually, although still a good book to read (especialy if you haven’t read “Best Question”.
That said…
“3. In light of my past experience, my future hopes, and my dreams, what is the wise thing to do?”
It’s all right there…
Q. on Mon, January 03, 2011
I thought this was great. Too often we hear about how “your boundaries will save you”...it was good to get something a little more realistic that gets to the heart of the matter. Two thumbs up…
Welcome back Todd, I’m very excited to see what interesting conversations we will all share in 2011…
BunnyB1802 on Mon, January 03, 2011
I thought this was a very good post for the start of the year, Todd. When everyone is busy making NY resolutions and the good intentions that inevitably peeter out by end of Jan (if not beforehand), this seems a much better and more honest way of keeping on track. Of course, you have to remember to ask the questions and also to answer them truthfully!
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