Relationships

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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Happiness, Science, Jesus

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

“my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is”   Lamentations 3:17

The founding fathers of the United States believed in God. The Declaration of Independence states HE gave humanity certain unalienable Rights. These include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Most children growing up in the United States are familiar with this statement. The pursuit of happiness is indoctrinated into their belief system from an early age. Yet for many people, happiness is a mirage never obtained. Over time, despondency sets in. So how does one live a happy life?

An ongoing 85-year scientific study conducted by Harvard University has investigated this subject. Their conclusion may surprise many. They followed the life of over 700 diverse people from around the world. They started in 1938 and interviewed them every two years. Their conclusion? Long-term happiness isn’t a byproduct of accomplishments, wealth, nor health. But instead the social fitness of one’s relationships.

Isn’t that what Jesus emphasized?

HE reiterated the same some two thousand years ago. When asked what is the most important rule to follow in one’s life, He replied quoting from the Bible. In summary HE stated to love God with your whole being and others as yourself.

HE also highlighted the importance of relationships throughout HIS life. First with HIS heavenly Father, then with His disciples, and lasting with HIS family. Today, HE relates and intervenes for all who seek HIM.

When Jesus becomes your reference point, you then have a north star to follow. You also have a mentor to emulate. Plus you find purpose and meaning for your life. All built on eternal values which are long lasting and fruitful.

You have a proven King to govern and protect you. You develop relationships with others who have accepted HIM. You discover a way of life that produces freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment. Not just for yourself, but for all who practice HIS merits.

One doesn’t chase happiness. Happiness is the byproduct of a well lived life. It begins when one accepts responsibility to serve others for their success. When both sides of the relationship mutually serve each other, good things happen.

When Jesus made the statement that HE is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), HE emphasized what HE brings to the table for all humanity. A unifying relationship that brings God the Father and the Holy Spirit with HIM into your life. In fact, HE brings something better than happiness into your life. He brings heavenly joy into your being. Happiness is temporary and fleeting. But joy lasts a lifetime. HIS peace and joy HE gives you when you start hanging out with HIM.

When HE is the core of your life, circumstances may stink, but life is still good. HE fills you with HIS love, joy, and peace even when life around you is crazy. It starts and grows as you seek a personal relationship with HIM. HE becomes your Savior, King, and Friend. Pursue HIM and something better than happiness is the byproduct.

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:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

The Prison of Unforgiveness

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;  Romans 4:7

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,”  Luke 17:3

“ if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Luke 17:4

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt. 6:14-15

Why do you think Jesus emphasize forgiveness in relationships?  He not only spoke about the subject, but also demonstrated the action. When hanging on the cross in those final earthly moments, HE forgave those crucifying him (Lk. 23:34).

What happens in life when one doesn’t forgive others for any abuse caused by them?

My mom was a prisoner of war during WW2. At sixteen she was taken away from her family in Ukraine to Germany. There she spent almost five years working in a prison labor camp. She wouldn’t talk much about the ordeal with us, but we saw the scars.

She remained bitter against the people who harmed her. From the local Jewish people who sold their loyalty to the enemy, to the German enemy who enslaved her. She never forgave them for her pain. The bitterness remained with her till the end.

On the other hand, my father also was a prisoner of war. He served in the Polish army. He was captured and spent the majority of the war also enslaved in a labor camp. After the war though, he met mom. They married. Packed up their bags. And traveled to America to start a new life. Dad put everything behind him. Left the family farm and blacksmith business to start a new life. They came to America with $3 in their name.

They both had life challenges. The difference was in their attitude and focus. Mom lived in the past. She would bring up those ugly events and relive them. She blamed others for her problems. She was a prisoner of the crimes committed against her. A true victim unwilling to escape.

Dad though, thank God for HIS interventions during the war. As painful a trial they were, he survived and grew from the experience. He walked humbly with confidence. He was a free man from his past and lived it. He raised a family. He lived and died fulfilling all his obligations. He left behind three sons each successful by worldly standards. But more importantly, walking with their God.

Mom remained in the unforgiveness prison till her death. She rarely experienced the joy and freedom Dad exemplified.

Forgiveness keeps relationships healthy. Forgiveness also allows God’s Spirit more room to maneuver your heart into a mirror image of Jesus.  Forgiveness keeps you free from the bondage of hatred. When one fails to forgive, one chooses to live in the confines of a spiritual prison cell. It is a lonely, gray place without comfort and hope.

Better to forgive and experience the freedom love offers, than to withdraw into one’s prison cell. When in doubt between two options, love is the best choice to make. To forgive is too love.

Unforgiveness leads to an emotional prison cell. Forgiveness allows you to remain free.  Jesus’ apprentices learn to forgive as HE did for us.

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:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved