Some Words of Wisdom
As some of you already know, I used to be a high school English teacher. One thing I really enjoyed during that time was my ability to be a positive impact directly in the lives of students. When a colleague decided to put together a "Girl's Night Out" for the young women of our school to enrich them through mind and body, I was excited to join in. While I really just guided groups from classroom to classroom, I was able to put a smile on a few faces and take away a little bit of advice for myself.
One of the things I brought home was a print-out taken from Don Miguel Ruiz, a Mexican author and Bestseller. While he is not a Christian but a "spiritualist," he expresses some universal truths that we know are sound because they are truths we also read in Scripture. (I have supplied some references along with his text below.) These truths, from one of his books, The Four Agreements, (I haven't read it, so I can't make any recommendations) supplies four things to remember in order to free yourself from carrying the weight of the world:
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Relevant Scripture:
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. -Colossians 4:6
Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. -Proverbs 10:18
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. -Proverbs 29:11
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dreams. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
Relevant Scripture:
Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. -Ecclesiastes 7:9
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. -Matthew 10:26
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -1 Timothy 1:7
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement you can completely transform your life.
Relevant Scripture:
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. -Proverbs 15:14
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. -Philippians 2:3
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Relevant Scripture:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15
Maybe you are like me in that you need a reminder once in a while not to carry the weight of the world because Jesus has already done that for us. We are transformed by the Word of the Gospel and shall seek first the kingdom of God, letting all else fall into place through our trust in Christ. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33.
So, let's lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:30 !
In Him,
Claire McAuliffe
President, 2014-15
 |
| In the Orangery (Girl Reading) Charles Edward Perugini (1839-1918) |
- Be Impeccable with Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Relevant Scripture:
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. -Colossians 4:6
Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. -Proverbs 10:18
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. -Proverbs 29:11
- Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dreams. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
Relevant Scripture:
Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. -Ecclesiastes 7:9
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. -Matthew 10:26
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -1 Timothy 1:7
- Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement you can completely transform your life.
Relevant Scripture:
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. -Proverbs 15:14
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. -Philippians 2:3
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. -James 1:5
- Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Relevant Scripture:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15
Maybe you are like me in that you need a reminder once in a while not to carry the weight of the world because Jesus has already done that for us. We are transformed by the Word of the Gospel and shall seek first the kingdom of God, letting all else fall into place through our trust in Christ. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33.
So, let's lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:30 !
In Him,
Claire McAuliffe
President, 2014-15
Comments
Post a Comment