One word that will change your life.
Today is the day to make your New Year's resolutions. Here is a thought...a challenge...something unique and different that I read about and I wanted to share with you.
Instead of making several resolutions, choose one word...perhaps a discipline, fruit of the spirit, character trait or attribute of God...to focus on in 2014. This one word should bring simplicity and focus. It should stretch you in all areas: Spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and relationally. It should be something that God has shown to you in which He wants to transform you.
My word that I have chosen for 2014 is "critical".
My verses that I have chosen is Galatians 5:13-15. "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, BUT BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER. For all the law is fulfilled in ONE WORD, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. BUT IF YE BITE AND DEVOUR ONE ANOTHER, TAKE HEED THAT YE BE NOT CONSUMED ONE OF ANOTHER."
Recently, I took a personality test. The results were spot on...the following is my results.
Reliable realists are more quiet and serious persons, they do not talk a lot but they are good listeners. They sometimes seem reserved and distant to outsiders although they often have a great deal of wit and esprit. Their strong points are thoroughness, a marked sense of justice, doggedness bordering on pigheadedness and a pragmatic, vigorous and purposeful manner. Reliable Realists do not dither about if something has to be done. They do what is necessary without wasting words.
This personality type not only expects a lot of himself but also of others. Once Reliable Realists have set their mind on something, it is difficult to persuade them otherwise. They do not like to leave anything to chance. Planning means safety to Reliable Realists, as well as order and discipline. They have no problem respecting authorities and hierarchies but do not like to delegate tasks. They are certain that others would not deal with them as conscientiously as they do. In management positions, they are very task-oriented - they make sure that things are well done; however, they do not have a great deal of interest in personal contacts at work.
This personality type not only expects a lot of himself but also of others. Once Reliable Realists have set their mind on something, it is difficult to persuade them otherwise. They do not like to leave anything to chance. Planning means safety to Reliable Realists, as well as order and discipline. They have no problem respecting authorities and hierarchies but do not like to delegate tasks. They are certain that others would not deal with them as conscientiously as they do. In management positions, they are very task-oriented - they make sure that things are well done; however, they do not have a great deal of interest in personal contacts at work.
In just reading over my personality traits, I really understand my strengths. And you also realize your strengths can be a weakness. I know that I can be critical in the process of getting things done. I can be critical of those who do not work the way I do. I am pigheaded and stubborn. I concentrate on the task and not on the person. I am this way with my family, my church family and just any person I am in contact with.
So this year, I want to focus daily on watching my spirit. To treat people with the right spirit. To allow the Holy Spirit to guide my mind and my tongue. To guard against being critical.
What "one word" will you allow to change your life in 2014?
