choices

Similarities & Differences

Dr. Mike 2025 , ,

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,   Colossians 1:9

An old mentor taught me that you don’t really understand a subject until you compare it with its opposite. You need to know all its similarities and differences. When you do, then you will be able to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Only then will you have an understanding of its practical application.

It doesn’t matter what subject you are discussing. We could speak about love and hate. Or people and institutions. Males and females. Rich and poor people. Life of indulgence and sacrifice. How to lead and follow. When to submit and rebel. The list is endless on what two items you can compare. The purpose is simply to identify everything you can about the subject. Then look at its practical application within the confinements of the situation. This is taking knowledge to a level of understanding all its applications. Then you will be able to exercise your understanding into wise action on the matter.

This holds true in the fields of business, government, and education. This is true in the operations of the local faith community. This is also true in our personal relationships, including our with-God understanding.

Take for example the with-God or without-God life.

What are the similarities?

Your list may include something like this: both require a choice. Both are a worldview. Both determine who you are going to serve. Both establishes a moral basis for decision-making. Both reflect the core of one’s identity. You could list more. But these are just a beginning example.

What are the differences?

You could list these for starters. One places a higher authority of accountability on oneself and others. The without-God places supreme authority unto self or government or another person. One finds meaning for living from their eternal God and the other finds it in themselves. One finds an ultimate purpose for life with-God and the other finds life is a happen-chance. One places value on each life because they are made in God’s image. The other finds only utility value in a life – a rat is like a dog and a dog is like a person. There is no value difference between each.

By analyzing similarities and differences, you develop a better picture of each. You then can choose which way you want to live your life.

This is a modest example of an exercise to help one determine a more thorough understanding of a subject. Most of us live life under the one note music theme. We hear or think of one message and that becomes the basis of our knowledge. An educated person gains knowledge from many sources. Then integrates different scenarios for a better understanding of the matter. This allows you to better apply wisdom in the situation you find yourself in.

The same is true in spiritual matters as in physical items. Know your similarities and differences. They open the door for a greater experience with God and others.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Cause and Effect

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

“For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30.33

Every action produces a reaction. There are consequences for your actions. Every decision, every choice, and every response causes an outcome. Either you move toward a more favorable outcome or another dilemma to overcome. Doesn’t that make life more exciting or more scarier dependent on your worldview?

As the Proverb writer explained, if you want butter, you churn milk. If you strike the noise, blood is going to result. And if you want to find yourself in the middle of a quarrel, rile up the emotions. Yes, there is a cause for the effect you desire. When you know the outcome, you can put in place the process to produce the result.

But your worldview will determine the hierarchy of values to select from.

If your worldview is centered around you, than your choice will be solely to please you. If your view is to first please others, than your decision will be all about them. If your view is centered in Jesus Christ, than your choice will support HIS Will.

If you are a miserable and angry person, trouble will probably follow you wherever you go. You will have the natural inclination to press people with your temperament. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is strife, quarrels, and fights.

Yet if you are a person full of joy and peace, most people will find you pleasant to be with. You will bring happiness and calmness to every situation.

If you are insecure and indecisive of who you are, than others may bully you into submission to serve them. You will find yourself being used by others for their benefit. They will care less about your considerations.

Yes, your worldview and values will lead you down a selected path. You will either find freedom & flourishment or enslavement & poverty along the way. So the action steps you take today will determine the long-term outcome you desire. They begin with knowing HIM who is the central core of all life.

HE provides the road map to follow. HE set the example and standard. HE grants us access into HIS domain. HE shares HIS vision of a better world and invites us to take part with HIM. HE lays out the goal, process, and means. HE gives you the support you need. HE is the purpose and meaning for life.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the cause and effect of a better world for you. Get to know HIM and HIS ways will lead you to experience the richness of Kingdom living today. Whatever garbage is thrown your way, HE will provide you the support and strength. HE will hold you in HIS grip while you sort through the mess. HE will inspire you with solutions. HE will help you build the character you need to overcome the hurdles placed before you. HE wants what is best for you. Learn to trust HIM. HE may push your buttons harder than you want. But HE knows what you are capable of doing.

HE is the cause of the goodness in your life. His effect will come through you. You will also become HIS light to an upside-down world. One God-Man. One Worldview. One Choice.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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Which is the More Prudent Choice?

Dr. Mike Life Tools , , ,

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ESV.

values decision 1

What is the basis of your decision? When you have a choice to make, how much weight do you focus on the outcome? Is the basis of your decision dollars or righteousness? Do you involved God in the beginning of the process or simply ask Him to bless your final choice?

When confronted with multiple choices which is the best one?

Decisions are typically based on the values you consider most important. For most of us, our values are formed early in our childhood. We didn’t put a request of which values we wanted. They simple all arrived one day in a bundled package within you (after years of being formed in you without your consent). Then begins a lifelong process of evaluating and modifying your values. However, how do you know the values you choose are the best ones for you?

Now you may have discovered a different reason for studying the Bible. Within the pages of this Book, are gems of long standing proven values which generate positive and negative results. The Book is a historic compilation of defining what is good for humanity and what produces pain for the long term.

Sin may be a Biblical term. But sin simply outlines which values destroy relationships and prevents people from flourishing. God’s character on the other hand, demonstrates what values produce Shalom. Human flourishing, blessedness, and Shalom are key outcomes from making choices built on the eternal values of the Creator God.

When you begin to acquire this knowledge, gain understanding of its implications, and then apply these treasures in your life, you find God’s grace and generosity wherever you go. You begin to act from a position of confidence. You discover the real values which life fruitfully grows from in abundance.

These values are the seeds of choice. When decisions are built upon the eternal values of God, you are walking in alignment with the universal laws of the Creator. You are living life within HIS intrinsic character strength. You begin to view life and outcomes for the long term for the benefit of the entire community and not just one individual. Your choices and decisions become godlike.

It all begins by acknowledging and accepting and yielding to HIS involvement in your life. Ask HIM.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

*  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
*  Great Business Emulates a Good God
*  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
*  Simply The Messenger
*  Unequally Married

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