Made For More

We all want to be honest. We also want everyone to get along. Which do we want more? This priority calls upon us to put the weight of our feet on the side of truth.      TMSG:  17Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.          Proverbs  12:17

KJV:  ¹⁶These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.  Zechariah 8:16

PRIORITY #2—PRINCIPLES OVER RULES
We tend to apply rules when things are starting to spin out of control. Rules must be guided by deep principles.

GWT:  ¹³The Lord says, “These people worship me with their mouths and honor me with their lips. But their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is based on rules made by humans.   Isaiah 29:13

PRIORITY #3—ATTITUDE OVER APTITUDE
Schools, families, and society, in general, would be much healthier if we valued attitude over aptitude, effort over ability, and character over talent. We are often sent the message that successful outcomes are more important than honest efforts.

GWT: ³Entrust your efforts to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3

PRIORITY #4—SET HIGH EXPECTATIONS and LET GO OF THE OUTCOMES 
We need to aim high with our expectations and resist “lowering the bar” when we  are having difficulty achieving success. Letting go of the outcome allows us to take responsibility for our actions not the final result. The standard is perfection however ..."23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT

PRIORITY #5—VALUE SUCCESS AND FAILURE
Success is important, but failure can teach powerful lifelong lessons leading to profound personal growth.  NIV: 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

PRIORITY #6—ALLOWING OBSTACLES TO BECOME OPPORTUNITIES
We can get caught up in trying to “fix” problems instead of seeing the potential for positive learning opportunities.

TMSG:  ¹²I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect.   Phillipians 1:12

PRIORITY #7—TAKING HOLD AND LETTING GO
It is hard to watch those we love struggle with life’s challenges. When should we step in? When should we step away? NLT:  A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing; ECC 3:23 

PRIORITY #8—CREATE A CHARACTER CULTURE
This priority can help us create an atmosphere where character is valued. 

GWT: ³³Don’t let anyone deceive you. Associating with bad people will ruin decent people.   1 Corinthians 15:33

PRIORITY #9—HUMILITY TO ASK FOR AND RECEIVE HELP
While it's easy for us to seek to assist others, many avoid asking others for help.

NKJV: ²²Professing to be wise, they became fools,   Romans 1:22

PRIORITY #10—INSPIRATION: JOB #1
Regardless of what we might say or do, we all share a deep yearning to be inspired. Ironically, we are not inspired by achievements. We're best inspired when others share their struggles, reach for their best, and model daily character.

GWT: ¹²Don’t let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers.  1 Timothy 4:12

NKJV – New King James Version, TMSG – The Message, GWT – God’s Word, NIV - New International Version