Author: terry.a.lindsey@charter.net

A natural aptitude or skill or a special ability that allows someone to do something well. That is one definition of a talent. I believe we are all given abilities whether we think special or not. Those abilities can be used to make a difference in our life and those around us, or we can choose to hide the abilities. Sad to say that many a talented person goes to their grave never revealing their potential. Perhaps, it is fear of failure or fear of success, depending on your mindset. We shall never know until we expose ourselves to public scrutiny. Sometimes, I believe many people like to observe though fearful to participate. Social media is great for people who just want to read others experiences and occasionally hit “like”. Some people send out personal stuff expecting others to like their stuff, but selfish about liking others. Talents are for sharing and it is a two way sharing experience, in my opinion.

I believe our talents can be enhanced when we practice our abilities and are guided by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12 starting at verse 4, there are different spiritual gifts (talents) listed but the same Spirit. The list includes “Wisdom”, “Knowledge”, “Faith”, “Healing”, “Miracles”, “Prophecy”, “spirit discernment”, “gift of tongues” and “interpretation of tongues”. The Spirit is credited for all of these talents, but the challenge is to step out on faith allowing talents to be revealed. I accept that challenge. Will you?

T

Continuing to live or exist depends on many factors, in my opinion. You see reality shows with the theme of survival, but that is superficial, if you ask me. Excerpts from my first book called “Sticks and Stones” reads as follows, “Abraham Maslow wrote in 1943, “A Theory of Human Motivation” where hierarchy of needs were described. The first immediate needs for human survival are basic food, water, warmth and rest then security and safety. Once these needs are met a sense of belonging and accomplishment comes next. Finally, self-fulfillment needs can be achieved… Basic needs are essential for our very survival. The rule of threes is essential to sustain life. We cannot live without oxygen for more the 3 minutes, water 3 days, food 3 weeks and depending on the temperature in your environment most of us would not survive long.” What is my point here?

In a previous blog post back in February, 2016 called “Water, Word, Action”, I pointed out that we need water to survive, but we also need to be active. In my opinion, ultimate survival, is the combination of the act of baptism and the Word or God made flesh, living among us. In Acts 8:14-17, people were baptized in water. That was just the first step as those same people needed to receive the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus was baptized (Luke 3: 21,22), but until the Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove, there could not have been sanctification. Water without the word is just cleansing the outside body, but with the Word becomes an inner cleansing of our souls. Remember your baptism!

T

A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination. That is one definition of a route. But, what does that mean to our destination in life? Everything! In my opinion, we can stay in a state of childhood and expect everything to be given to us. If things do not go our way, we throw a temper tantrum. But, we can be in a state of maturity and consider carefully the route we take. As mentioned in my last post, we need to be flexible enough to accept growth inwardly, before we can show maturity, outwardly. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to grow into an emotional mature person. One of the attributes of maturity is to have vision beyond just what we presently know and then consider alternatives. Not everything is as it appears. I believe we need to consider our actions in conjunction with the actions of others, then make informed decisions. Politics, advertising, media sources are all about influencing us to choose a route. The destination at the end of the route may not be what we were led to believe. Who’s fault is it? Those who deliver false messages or us who do not consider all of the facts? I challenge myself this year to become a better listener to understand the facts and with that knowledge, have the vision to choose the correct route. Will you accept that challenge, as well? Matthew 2:12 says, “Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.”

I encourage you to read more for yourself to learn from the magi who experienced an intuitive grasp of realty or epiphany. Happy New Year and Happy Epiphany. T

Each year immediately after Christmas day, there seems to be a moment of reflection as we complete one year and prepare for a new year. Perhaps, it is just my perception, but I suspect many of us consider this period different than any other time in the year. We have been busy preparing for the big Day. Afterwards, it may seem to be a let down. Many of us have to go back to work to pay for what we just spent. We have tax deadlines to meet in order to get all those last minute deductions. We reflect on how much food we ate and set goals to loose all that extra weight. This year has reached its maturity but have we? O well, there is always next year. Right?

You can find a lot of information on the internet regarding maturity. One interesting article list 12 attributes defining emotional maturity. (www.liveyourtruestorey.com) I believe we can choose to live as a child doing childlike actions all of our lives or we can choose to grow. I am guilty of non-growth periods in my life and ashamed to admit perhaps a few times where I went backwards in my emotional maturity efforts. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to humble our self to accept growth. We need to be flexible enough to accept growth inwardly before we can present a state of maturity outwardly. Whatever our New Year’s resolution we claim outwardly this year, we must believe in our selves first before broadcasting to others.

There maybe times when people we know or love dislike us. The reasons may be simple or complex but if we dwell on the dislikes, we will certainly miss the likes. We need to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We need to be tolerant and show willingness to forgive. Most important, we need to love which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:12-14) If we concentrate on these attributes, the number of people who dislike us will be reduced. I believe we should not be in a contest to achieve likes for the sake of recognition. Instead, we should be in a state of maturing where we like ourselves, believe in ourselves and become more approachable.

Two stories in the old and new testaments have helped me to understand maturity. Samuel was a young boy given to Eli as an apprentice to serve the Lord. The boy kept growing up (maturing) and was more and more liked by both the Lord and the people. (1 Samuel 2:18-26) Jesus was only 12 years old when he went to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover Festival. He stayed behind to listen and question with an understanding of the answers. His parents were not happy with his 3 day absence. Jesus had the maturity even at that age to be patient and tolerant. He continued to mature in wisdom and years in favor with God and with people. (Luke 2:41-52) We can learn from these stories the state of maturity. I encourage you to learn the attributes of maturity. If we all practice and grow together, in my opinion, we can overcome many obstacles holding us from full maturity. Happy New Year!

T