Soft Love; Tough Love

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV.

One day when the world wakes up and recognizes that the central core attribute built in every nook and cranny of this planet is from a heart of Love, then life will be actively lived out like God’s original intent. But until then, we who have already met our maker in the shadows of life, have the honor and privilege to share his ways with others today.

Love is one of those terms which means different things to different folks. The only example that I have learned to respect and weight carefully is how the Triune God relates and deals with me. He knows when to hold and comfort me. He also knows when to hold and discipline me. I call this soft love and tough love.

The basic heart is the same. He cares for me and knows what is best for me. He knows when to push me and when to rest me. He knows my limits and my potential. He is the Master love mechanic.

Isn’t that the way we need to learn to be with others?

When my daughter misbehaved, I didn’t have to take a rod to her. Instead, one look from the eye of Dad and she knew she needed to change. On the other hand, when I did something that was disapproving to my Mother, she knew the look wasn’t going to change anything. Instead, she took the frying pan and let me experience the full impact of a good swing.

Aren’t we the same way with each other? Some circumstances require soft love; other situations require tough love. Jesus himself extended mercy and compassion (soft love) to many of the common folk around him. Yet when he faced the religious leaders and lawyers of his day, he came at them with stronger language and emotional cuts to the heart (tough love). He knew the people involved and the best method to employ.

We need to learn the same.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

 

Broken Bodies, Pristine Souls

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , ,
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28 ESV.

This life goes by quickly.

It seems only like yesterday we graduated from high school, married, raised a family, and retired from work. Today, we barely recognize the same man in the mirror.

Hard muscles, trim abs, and smooth skin is now replaced with soft hands, a stout belly, and  bruised wrinkles. The aging process reinforces inner beauty over outer dress. The character of soul easily replaces the facade of dress.  Bodies that at one time were fully functional are now dragging along. Yet beauty becomes more alive as the soul of life takes preeminence.

We have all witness those who are physically challenge do what we believe is the impossible. Without mentioning names, there are those who have no arms nor legs yet fully  function within society. There are those wheel chair bound yet move about experience everything good that life has to offer. There are those who are blind, yet travel through life seeing more than you and I.

Physical limitations are just that – self-imposed strait jackets we place upon  ourselves. The real battle begins at the soul level. This is where the emphasis is on our heart, mind, and character. Every long lasting triumph worth pursuing begins here. Today we may call it attitudes, smarts, and inner muscle. The Bible calls these a matter of the heart, wisdom for the mind, and godly character developed through life’s battles.

The bottom-line – teach your children and grandchildren to first focus on developing the soul. Let them discover the hidden nuggets written through the pages of the Bible. Learn to listen and follow the Spirit of God. And develop a Jesus-Centered, Incarnate Triune God worldview. The end result? A soul that will positively influence every aspect of your life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Pop Theology

Dr. Mike Business & Faith
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 ESV.

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Pop psychology, fantasy football, and social networks have one thing in common. They distort reality. A little knowledge may make one feel invincible for the moment. Professionals know. They cringe whenever another book is written to provide a simple solution to a complex problem. It only makes their role more challenging. Or general managers of sports franchises laugh when one compares their role with the football fan who gains a little knowledge of building a winning team. And of course, social networks make one feel connected with others even though the person on the other end may not be who they present themselves to be. Yet each industry fulfills a need and thereby creates a large following enriching its creators.

Christianity in the western world is no different. We have distorted the knowledge of who God is through our pop theology. Typically a well-meaning author slices a small piece of the Gospel message into a short statement to emphasize its value. Instead of digging deeper into the subject matter, most of us simply take the musical one note and build our internal heavenly vault. Over time though we become frustrated. Instead of experiencing a full, enriching life with God, we struggle with anxiety and begin questioning whether or not Christianity really works.

Take, for example, the concept of Holiness. Western Theology has built a view of God based on a moral science of law. So when we discuss a Holy God, western theology generally speaks about Holiness as defined along the lines of righteousness. When one takes this legal view of God, our view of God becomes distorted. Instead of a loving Father, God becomes a judge looking to punish people. This one attribute of God then becomes our distorted major view of who God is.

However when one comes to know who God truly is, one comes to see Father-Son-Spirit as a mutual supporting Being full of love, joy, and peace. A God who is full of grace for others. A God who is for you, not against you. A God who created the entire universe and included you in His plan to share His life with you. Holiness isn’t defined any longer from a legal aspect, but from a relational sphere within the Triune God. God is Holy. Holiness is simply the full reflection of the total divine nature of God Himself.

So be careful of pop theology. Seek to understand the foundation of any statement that emphasizes one point of the gospel. Realize it is only one small part of a larger picture. And of course, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ so you will not fall victim to the latest pop fad.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 360
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved