The context of a statement, a soundbite, a headline, or a verse of Scripture is critically important to rightly interpreting and fully understanding. In an age of provocative headlines, Twitter statements, and sensational news headlines, it is increasingly important to know the setting. Too often we are guilty of judgmental attitudes, condescension, and mistrust of others based solely on a single statement. Or worse, only a few words.

Bob Knight - At It Again!

Case in point - a headline quote from former Indiana University Men's Basketball Coach, Bob Knight - "I don't respect John Wooden." On the surface, that sounds pretty offensive. After all, Coach Wooden (former UCLA Men's Basketball Coach) is one of college basketball's greatest coaches of all time. Not to mention the fact that he was a great ambassador for college sports and Christ. Coach Wooden is known for his demeanor - as is Bob Knight (though somewhat opposite) - his leadership, and his success principles. So hearing that another Hall of Fame coach thinks little of Wooden is quite a shock.

That is, until you begin to see the quote in context. It was made during an interview in which Knight was expressing his displeasure with the recruiting practices of UCLA during the 1970's and '80's. Taking the time to learn the context of the statement, you soon understand that Knight was not speaking of his dislike for John Wooden specifically. His complaint was against the UCLA system and specifically a man named Sam Gilbert that participated in unfair recruiting. Gilbert, by the way, caused UCLA to forfeit their 1980 Championship and participation in the 1981 post-season. While Wooden may have or should have had some influence or control over Gilbert, Knight's comments weren't at Wooden specifically, per se.

Right Understanding

This quote from Bob Knight only illustrates a bigger problem we have with not taking context into account. Whether it is for headlines, quotes, or more importantly, Scripture references. Too many people - preachers included - take verses out of context in an effort to support a particular viewpoint. It's called confirmation bias and it happens when we seek only information that supports an already held position. Instead of drawing on as much information as we can and then making a right interpretation, we jump on the first assumption. This does little to help us grow and even less in helping us work with and understand others.

This episode addresses the critical importance of context in gaining a right interpretation.

Your core values - what is most important to you - serves as a compass for your life. When you can identify and articulate your values, you can make decisions and set the course of your daily life with consistency. When you can't, you'll be frustrated, angry, disillusioned, chaotic, unmotivated, and a hundred other negative things. Not particularly someone others will want to be around. Living your life based on your values brings clarity, confidence, and life fulfillment.

Who You Really Are

Values the essence of who you are as an individual. In fact, they are very individualized and are neither right nor wrong...they are simply different. Your unique values express your personal uniqueness and are designed by God to bring you joy and contentment...when you live within them. Your values are also the underlying support for your vision, purpose, mission, and goals. Without them - or the ability to identify and articulate them - you will likely live life spinning your wheels and never finding your calling.

This is not the first time we've discussed your values and their importance. Previously, we discussed them in terms more directed at stress reduction. No doubt an important element. This time around we're taking a deeper look into defining them and connecting them to your vision, purpose, mission, and goals. Previously, we walked through how to identify your values. This episode focuses more on their importance. Be sure to click the previous links to revisit those episodes.

Key Question

The key question this time around is: Are you living in alignment with your values? If not, why not? They are so important in serving as a values compass for your life and daily decisions. Neglecting them in any way will only lead to dissatisfaction and continued questioning. When you catch yourself asking, why am I even doing this? You can bet the reason is due to a lack of clarity on what you value - at least in respect to living consistency with them.

Your values compass - when not calibrated by you - will be calibrated by external influences. Meaning, your at the will and whim of circumstances and other people's decisions. Not an envious position to be in, for sure. Take charge of your life and spend the effort to know what is important to you. Then, determine how to create a strategy for living that out in everyday life.

Hearing God speak to us is the desire of nearly every Christian. Why then, do so many struggle to hear His voice? Well, it could be that your expectation of "hearing" is based on a false premise. Too many preachers and teachers have taken Scripture out of context and have misled people into believing that God routinely speaks in an audible voice. This is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that God does indeed speak but not in the way most people expect.

The Word is the Key

The key to hearing from God is understanding what He wants to say and where He has said it. Many Christians want to hear God speak to them on a daily basis but refuse to spend time reading or studying His word. What God desires to say to you He has said in Scripture. What He wants you to  know, He has revealed in Scripture. How He wants you to think and behave, He has clearly stated in Scripture. He has given you Christ...He has given you "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2). If you have these already, what more could He possibly need to say to you?

The problem is in our expectation. We really want God make our decisions for us. This is not God's way. He expects you to use your own mind - a mind transformed by His word - to make your own decisions and choices. He has outlined His universal will for mankind and for Christians specifically. So long as you live in accordance to His universal will, He gives you the freedom of choice to live your life to its fullest potential. He does not desire that you be like a horse who is bridled, with bit in mouth, and hand-led in every decision. He tells us in Psalm 32:8-10, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you."

Our Advantage

When people point out God speaking to men in the Old Testament, they fail to acknowledge an advantage they did not have. We have Christ and God's word in a completed and divinely inspired, God-breathed book...the Bible! All we need to know to live our lives and make decisions consistent with His will is spelled out in the pages of the Bible. There is no need to expect or ask for new revelation. There isn't any!

Does that mean that God cannot or will not speak to your heart? Does He not impress something upon you, or use others or circumstances to try to communicate to you? No, not at all. But if and when He does, it will always be consistent with what He has already said in His word. It won't be new, it will just be recalling a truth already revealed. It might be a specific application to your context but so would the Holy Spirit doing the same thing as a result of your own personal study and time with Him in prayer and mediation on His word. Living and seeing life through the lens of Scripture is the essence of hearing God speak to you.

This episode is very closely related to episodes 14 & 15...

Understanding God's Universal Will

Understanding God's Specific Will

Check these out to clarify your understanding of God's will and how He speaks to you and your life specifically.

Happiness is circumstantial. Plain and simple - happiness is dependent on external influences and what happens to you either through other people or situations out of your control. This is the reason people are not happy. Why? Because circumstance are in a constant state of change and are unreliable. Instead, our focus should be on joy. Joy is internal, moves from the inside out and is rooted in a personal understanding of purpose and vision. Not only that, it is completely within your control because it is attitudinal and perspective based.

Three Parts

This is part three of an unintentional 3-part podcast based on a list of things I originally started keeping in an effort to change my own thinking and focus. In previous episodes, we have covered 10-12 areas of focus that tend to steal our joy and keep us from being happy. In this episode I conclude the list in hopes of possibly revisiting some items in a more direct manner later. These are things on which we tend to place our attention, that if we would simply redirect our focus, would likely change our daily disposition.

Happiness is not where you will find contentment and ultimate satisfaction - that would be joy - and joy has only one source, God! The joy of the Lord is my strength, says the Psalmist. Happiness however, often has more to do with subtraction than it does addition. Too frequently we try to add to an already full list instead of identifying those things we should eliminate. I hope that this list and podcast mini-series will help you in your daily pursuit of realizing your potential to transform.

 

Previous Episodes in this series:

Part 1 - Episode 027

Part 2 - Episode 028

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This is the second of a three part podcast - to be continued next week - on things you can stop doing to find daily happiness. Again, the emphasis should be on finding joy, an internal reality rooted in your relationship with Christ. Happiness is too often based on externals and things or people over which we have no control. There is a constant ebb and flow - an instability, really - in our circumstances and those around us. Not a good place to find security and "happiness."

Character Traits

The truth underlying much of this list is our own character and its development. The list contains items associated with perception and perspective, choices and attitudes. I've said repeatedly that there are only two things in this life over which you have absolute control: your attitude and your actions. Interestingly, one follows the other. If we can get our attitude and perspective right, the tendency will be for everything to "fall into place."

Happiness from Within

The truth is, our happiness is a byproduct of our joy and our joy must be rooted in an unchangeable reality. We must build our lives on rock and not sand, if we have any hope of being secure and stable. Too many of our external influences - in fact, all of them - change on an almost daily basis. Even people closest to us can seem to turn on a dime and present to us in ways we didn't see coming. In a world of upheaval, we need strong roots...for ourselves and our family.

 

Part I in this series

This week's episode covers a list of things we can stop doing if we want to find happiness on a daily basis. I've said in the past, happiness is circumstantial and we should seek joy instead. I still believe that to be true. However, we can have an influence on those circumstances in the way we react and respond. We all have a tendency to engage in the actions discussed but we also have the power to stop doing them. In doing so, I believe happiness has a greater opportunity to be planted and grow.

Others First

There is a right way and a wrong way of putting others first. Comparisons, complaints, and being overly concerned with what others think is not going to help you grow forward. Not only will it hinder your own progress but it will also affect those around you. Likewise, when handled more appropriately, the affect and influence becomes positive. The choice - yet again - is ours.

The myths we believe about ourselves, others, and the world around us will determine your daily happiness. All beliefs have a foundation, no matter how sandy, and all our beliefs are chosen. To move forward and live toward your potential means taking responsibility for your beliefs. Once owned, you can then start making progress toward questioning and examining the foundation of many things you have been taught. Rid yourself of falsehood, half-truths, and lies and replace those bricks with truth and your base becomes stronger. The goal is to build on a foundation rooted in truth with a commitment to seeking, believing, and living the truth.

From The Original Article

Of the biggest obstacles to finding and maintaining happiness on a daily basis, few are more substantial than the myths we belief about ourselves and our circumstances. The world – the media, those around us, family & friends – can often tell us lies that, for various reasons, we choose to believe. All of us were taught little myths as children (e.g. the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, etc.) that do very little harm. As teenagers, we learned new myths (e.g. everybody does it) that potentially put us at greater risk. Then, as adults, we have been taught additional myths (e.g. a degree guarantees a good job, it doesn’t matter what you believe so long as you're sincere) that have longer reaching and potentially eternal consequences. Some myths have had little to no long term significance, while others have robbed you of peace and led to increased anxiety, guilt, shame, or worse. There are myths about God, money, sex, relationships, your past, and a host of others. Exploding these myths is foundational to reaching your potential.

To begin evaluating the myths you may have already accepted, there are a few points you must be aware of before you start making adjustments.

Your beliefs determine your behavior…attitudes precede actions, thoughts come before conduct. Belief determines action which determines results which start with belief.

Out of your heart (i.e. your mind), come the actions of your life; you become what you think; change your thoughts/mind and transform your life. One of the principles of cognitive-behavioral theories of change is that your beliefs determine your actions. This is true even when what you believe is wrong. Wrong perceptions of yourself, your surroundings, and others will directly influence how you behave.

You cannot blame others for what you believe…your beliefs are yours by choice.

Nobody forces you to believe something you do not want to believe. You are your own person in charge of your own attitudes and beliefs. You may not be fully aware that you’ve chosen them but you do choose what you will and will not believe. This means that you can also choose to change your beliefs when evidence is provided that challenges existing positions. Also, because you can and do choose your beliefs, you are also responsible for chosing your behavior. Thus, the two things you have absolute control over are your attitudes and your actions.

Your source of truth is at the root of your beliefs…the world has taught you to believe many  wrong things.

You base your beliefs on information, evidence, and more often than not, assumptions. And you should know by now what happens when you ass-u-me! The validity, veracity, and reliability of your source ultimately determines the accuracy of your beliefs. You've heard it said that perception is reality...your reality. Perception can be defined as whatever you believe to be true is true for you in a given circumstance. The problem is, perception is not always accurate or true. The influence of the world (i.e. your environment, self-thinking, authorities), with its ever-changing perspective and sandy foundation,

Re-Creation (i.e. recreation) is a necessary, although often neglected, part of your life. Too many people claim to not have "time" to relax. Others confess to feeling guilty for taking time for themselves. In this episode, I discuss not only the importance but the outright necessity for setting yourself as a priority in your life.

Intentionality

You have to be intentional about making time to relax, renew, and refresh. Just like scheduling any other important meeting, event, or activity, unless you're intentional about it, you'll likely never "find" the time. I have challenged you before to not "find time" to work out but to "make time" to work out. Same goes for vacations and recreation...you must schedule it and make it part of your calendar.

You control your calendar, nobody else does! You do what you determine to do and you spend time on those things you set as priorities. Are you a priority in your own life? Does your health and well being matter when it comes to accomplishing your tasks and serving as you've been called? You bet your sweet bippy it matters! And it matters a lot. You cannot serve out of an empty bucket. The longer you go trying push through without re-creating yourself periodically, the more likely you are to burn out.

Burn Out Can Be Avoided

Burn out can be avoided but it must first be anticipated. Going long periods of weeks, months, or even years without adequate time away is just going to put you in the ground faster. My vacation to Colorado last week really set in stone my adamance about "Find Your Beach" and having a right perspective. Whether it's for 15-minutes a day, one day a week, or a 2-week summer vacation, you need time to rest.

Jesus commanded and demonstrated this principle for us. He took the disciples to the beach for a vacation after they had worked hard serving others (see Mark 6:31-32). God commanded it in the 10 Commandments - honor the sabbath day (Exodus 20:8) - so there is biblical precedence for making time for it. Re-creation is the purpose of recreation, relaxation, and leisure.

Don't deceive yourself into thinking you don't need it. You desperately do! And so do I. Having the potential to transform your life can only be realized when you become intentional about being who you've been called to be.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Clear your mind

You can't serve from an empty bucket

There are two things in this world you have absolute and total control over...your attitude and your actions! Attitude, perspective, and the way you respond to life's circumstances are your choice. Choose wisely.

I Don't Always Feel Like It Either

James challenges us to consider our troubles an opportunity for great joy (James 1:2). To be honest, I don't always feel that way. In fact, I have to make a conscious decision to feel that way...and so do you. It is not natural to see our trials and tests of faith as opportunities for joy. It is easy - and often more familiar and quicker to find company - to moan and complain about our situations, wallowing in our misery. How is it even doable to find or choose joy?

Without continued reading in the text, it isn't. It is only when we see the context of what James is saying that it becomes possible to see how it's done. James acknowledges the suffering of the early church but reminds them that joy is a choice and they have the power (through Christ) to make that choice. The remedy is to pause, refocus your faith, and choose joy. Why? Because whatever we're facing is temporary at best and our promised hope will soon be delivered.

Renew Your Mind

God is concerned about the way you think. That's why Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:2). In Philippians 4:8 he instructs us to think about that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Sanctified thinking - the thinking of Christians - is intentional and determined by disciplining our will to conform to Christ's image. Realize that your attitude is your choice, whatever the circumstances. Your situation does not have the power to dictate your attitude unless you let it...again, another choice.

Although enduring problems with a smile and pure joy can be difficult, doing so makes you a stronger believer and opens the door for the renewing of your mind. Out attitudes are an outward display of what is happening in our hearts. When our heart focuses on the right thing (read Jesus), our attitudes follow. The only thing you have to lose by choosing a positive attitude, is a negative one.

Take control. Focus intentionally. Focus on Christ.

Life Values Assessment - Free Download

What you value plays a pivotal role in who are, yet most people are unable to define or explain their values. All of your decisions are based on what is important to you and what you believe about yourself and others. How you act, respond to situations, and where you invest your time and energy are all results of these standards.

Life Dissatisfaction

Those people who live life inconsistent with their values will find themselves frustrated, angry, and dissatisfied with life. Many people who cannot quite put their finger on the problem soon discover that it is this inconsistency that is causing the issue. Cognitive dissonance, anxiety, depression, and the like are symptomatic of life dissatisfaction and general unhappiness.

Research shows that living according to your values increases personal levels of contentment and feelings of happiness, regardless of circumstance. Studies also show some values improve these levels while others drag them down. Not surprisingly, people of faith routinely report being more satisfied and content with their lives than do their non-faith counterparts.

Values and Meaning

Identifying your values and then living and making decisions that align with these beliefs is directly correlated to having a sense of meaning and purpose in your life. The challenge is that most people fail to invest the time necessary to work through the identification process. Once identified, decisions are easier to make and confidence in living increases.

Another key benefit is stress reduction. When you make decisions that align with your beliefs, stress hormone levels stay low because there is no reason for them to increase. You're living consistent with who you desire to be and what you claim to believe. This episode discusses these relationships and provides a tool with which you can do a personal evaluation. Remember, having a coach to walk through this process with you can pay huge dividends in the long run and save you time, money, and energy.