BLAMING GOD? II

                   BLAMING GOD? II

        THE DISEASE OF RELATIVISM

Judges 17: 6  Back in those days, Israel didn’t yet have a king, so each person did whatever seemed right in his own opinion.(International Standard Version, ISV)
The above verse from the book of Judges tells of what transpired during the period of the Judges in Israel. This verse is employed for the purpose of this discussion. Reading this verse usually does not only inform me on the history of the Israel nation but also makes me imagine the kind of community they lived in then.
Considering this verse, it will not take one far to identify a striking similitude between what happened in Israel in those days and what is going on in Christendom today; where everybody practice what he thinks the Bible is saying. And obviously, the result is not  different from what it was then in the case of the Israelites i.e False Religion.

 It is sad how people often come to conclusions like" it's okay for you to believe what you believe, so allow me to believe what I also believe " when some of their practices are questioned. This is a clear indication of the level to which relativism has permeated Christianity. 

What then is this disease of relativism?
Relativism is the belief that there is no absolute truth. Relativists think that people can have different views about what is moral or immoral. Supposing, a question is asked; "is it okay to commit suicide?"[a]
To the relativists, the answer could be 'yes' or 'no' in relation to an individual's opinion or belief, or culture.
Relativity states that even time and space are relative concepts depending on where an observer happens to be........Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
Isn't it true what Paul told Timothy? ITim 6:20; O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.
Relativism has been sold to us under several guises.

For instance moral relativism which asserts that there is no universal or absolute set of moral principles. That is to mean bribery is okay  in some cultures or societies.[b] There are so many facets of relativism including global relativism which states that all things are relative.
One would consider the above given examples; (a) and (b) as extremes but that's what it is in reality. How many times haven't we heard the question "who am I to judge?", when discussing issues concerning salvation. 

A similar one which is also often asked is;
Who are you to condemn me? 

The lack of understanding of certain verses in scriptures coupled with relativistic mindset has made it difficult to speak about the one objective truth presented to us in the scriptures. cf Eph 4:4-5.
Defenders of relativism would suggest to you that relativism helps  to tolerate others and also allow for diversity. Which is not true at all. What if an individual also thinks that intolerance is good based on his relative views?
Also,diversity does not erase the fact that there is an independent and absolute truth. Well, if it will only be applied outside the Bible, I have no problem. But if we are going to apply relativism to the Bible, then we would be in trouble. This is because for relativism; every sort of interpretation is true depending on the angle where the interpreter is reasoning from. Likewise, the true interpretation could be false to one, depending on where one is observing the particular subject understudy from.

What is the point? 
The point is, it is because we think every denomination is right with whichever interpretation of the scriptures, that is why we don't have one interpretation and for that matter one truth.
But let me state it emphatically that the Bible present only one absolute truth and it interpretation is one. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints I Cor 14:33

So, 
which denomination's interpretation is the absolute truth?

The answer is easy to find if we do not have names of denominations in our minds, for no denomination is better than the other. For every denomination is trying to keep some part of the truth. The question is why not all the truth? 
One has to disentangle himself from denominations and seek to be a Christian and Christian only in Christ's Church.
Then with diligent study of Gods word 2Tim 2:15, one will finally come to the truth. John 8:32 .The truth can be known. Being in search for Truth is not a an hour or a day's job. It is a lifetime duty of the Christian who seeks the crown above. We must study and apply good hermeneutical principles.
Let us give up the relativistic mindset otherwise we will never come to know that one objective truth.

Let me also make it clear that I'm not however, an espouser for those who claim that their denomination has the authority to establish what the truth is. Neither do I speak of any magisterium, or any one single person who claims to have the truth.

I believe that with  non denominational, non relativistic and  sincere and obedient hearts we can come to knowledge of the truth of every topic pertaining to our salvation. Acts 2:44; And all that believed were together, and had all things in common;

Note that, it is not the problem of not understanding the scriptures but the unwillingness to accept objective truth is the problem. And so yet again, we cannot blame God.

To be continued........
The Holy Spirit and interpretation

Sense of Responsibility

A Jewish story was told of a young man called Elazar who was so immoral. He would move from the doorstep of one prostitute to the other. One day he went into the chambers of one prostitute who told him;"Elazar, you're beyond salvation and will not enter the world to come"
The statement pricked his heart and he became remorseful. He prayed to the mountains and hills to ask God to forgive him his sinful deeds. But they replied that they cannot help him. He turned to heaven and earth to ask God's pardon for him. But they also replied in like manner. He again turned to the sun and Moon to ask God's forgiveness for him. They replied "we are sorry, we cannot do that for you. You have to do it yourself"
Finally, he turned to the stars and the sky, hoping to receive a better response but it was the same story. They too could not offer him any help.
Elazar was disappointed but soon came to himself and said " I'm responsible for all that I did, it is all my fault." Suddenly Elazar heard a voice from above, saying "you shall come into the world to come because you have repented"
Lessons from this short story
The reason behind Elazar asking the mountains and hills to intervene for him is that he felt they are responsible for his immoral upbringing. The mountains and hills in the story represent parents. He was really thinking "it was my parents' fault that I turned out like this. They didn't discipline me enough, they didn't have time to invest in me, they spoiled me" But his plea was rejected by the heavenly court.
To further defend his wrongful actions, he turned to heaven and earth, both symbolizing the society in which he was raised. "It was the society I grew up in, my friends, my school, everybody was doing it and that is why I behaved the way I did. It is not my fault." This defense was also rejected.
He tried again and turned to the sun and Moon both symbols of affluence." It was the glitz and glam of how I grew up. There was so much emphasis on the material world, I could not escape it. But it's not my fault we were rich.....rich kids are raised with a different value system." This excuse was also not accepted.
His last defense was to blame the cosmos, "it was my destiny to be how I am. If I had been born under a different astrological sign, I would have had a chance. But the heavenly court did not accept this defense either.
After crying so deeply about his helpless situation, he managed to find little strength to look inward to himself. He realized that he couldn't shift the blame to anyone else. " it's all my fault " he admitted. "I'm the only one truly responsible for my behavior" And in that moment he gained the chance to enter the world to come. ( TheJewishWoman.org)

This is the behavior of many of us. We always find people to be responsible for our mistakes and troubles. We always blame other people for our failures. It is never our fault but someone else's. Until we find the courage to accept our fault and take responsibility, we are going to remain in our deplorable state eternally. But let's learn from Elazar; look within ourselves and accept our shortcomings and make amends.

Continue reading on self-discipline and responsibility
https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/09/self-discipline-and-responsibility.html?m=1

BLAMING GOD?

                          BLAMING GOD?

A program that was recently aired on Joynews TV channel dubbed "your belief, my doubts" caught my attention. The program which highlighted on some teachings in Scripture which are understood or applied if not oppositely, perhaps differently in different churches, got me thinking about why we have same Scriptures with a unified theme, which we all claim to use, yet arrived at such dichotomy of  doctrines. These teachings which include baptism, tithing, miracles, salvation, day of worship are strongly debated due to the fact that different individuals and churches have interpreted some part of scriptures erroneously. Meanwhile, our salvation depends on our understanding of the Bible. Cf Acts 8:30, 31-38
If the Bible were any ordinary book, novel, or biography, I would not have taken pains to  write this extract since this differences in understanding appears to be a common thing among people. However, the Bible is a DIVINE BOOK, A HOLY BOOK which claims inspiration (2Pet 1:20, 2Tim 3:16) and does not contradict itself. The Bible declared in; Eph 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

 5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

 6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 Yet unfortunately, many do not recognize this truth but have managed to accept and influence others that it is okay to have these dichotomies. Only a few sincere people appreciate the fact that we must belong to  the one Church, have the same teachings, practice the same teachings, and be called by the same name.

..........  and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  John 10:16

And; 

I Cor1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 
It is certain that the result of different interpretations of some parts of the scriptures is the existence of many different denominations. And the very existence of these sects will continue to breed all kinds of false and heterogeneous doctrines. 

                                      

These discrepancies produce in the minds of people the convictions that the Bible does not speak clearly and that one person's interpretation is just as good as as someone else's. There are three causes of this doctrinal confusion which I suggest;

1. The disease of denominationalism

2. The disease of relativism

3. The misunderstanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation.
4. Missing the lesson on the authority of the Bible; Which is authoritative in this Christian dispensation, Old Testament or New Testament?

Let us examine these causes one after the other:

THE DISEASE OF DENOMINATIONALISM

The Bible teaches that Christ purchased the Church with his own blood(Acts 20:28), He is the Savior of his church(Eph 5:23) and all who are saved are in His church(Act 2:41,47) Contrary to that we have taken upon ourselves various names to distinct us from others; charismatic churches, Pentecostal churches, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist, Presbyterians, Adventist etc. The very thing Paul condemned saying  12  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

 13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1st cor 1:12-13. Multiplying denominational churches is never expansion of the Kingdom of Christ. To expand the Kingdom is to preach Christ and to make disciples into his church. Matt 28:18-20

Some people hide behind verses like this to teach that denominations are biblical. 5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ROM 12:5
Taking into account the  background and context of this verse reveals that Paul was not speaking of denominations but members(individuals, persons) of the same first century Church of the Christ. Pride and covetousness has turned many people into CEOs of churches. Here we are, with different interpretations which in many cases are false. 

But who are you to say another persons interpretation of a text is false since we all hail from different master's: "Apollos, Paul, Cephas, and Christ" Let not the denomination in which you are deceive you into thinking that every interpretation whatever be it is truth. Just as we have the broad way which leads to destruction and the narrow way which leads to life. Mat 7:13-14.

Likewise, we have true interpretation and a false one. Depending which ever interpretation one has, will show if he is giving true worship or false worship. (John 4:24) And if your worship is false you will suffer loss.

I Cor 3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

 15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

And who is to be blamed, God?

To be continued with the disease of RELATIVISM

EPISODE SIX ,ON : SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE

EPISODE SIX ,ON :
 SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE.

When do we need courage?
If I may put it in another way; what have you always wanted to do but been afraid to attempt? What would you do differently if you were guaranteed success?
Identify your three biggest fears in life, right now. What are they?
I believe that in an attempt to answer these few questions, will make courage meaningful to you.
If you should just search 'courage' on the internet, then would you realize how extensively people (famous or not), have written about it. And so you cannot miss it's importance.

What is courage?
It is the strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger - Merriam - Webster Thesaurus.
To do something dangerous when no one else will. Note;I am not talking about any unproductive adventure. But for instance, speaking against injustice when no one will, is courage.  Bravery is synonymous to courage when it is invested in a profitable venture. But "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow"-Mary Anne Radmacher. Yes, physical strength alone is not a sign of courage. Remember the definition of courage....'the strength of mind'

Why (when) do you need courage?
The truth is everyone is afraid of one thing or the other- and usually many things. Fear however, is not bad, but necessary to preserve live, prevent injury and guard against financial mistakes.
**..............So if everyone is afraid, what is the difference between the brave person and the coward? The only difference is that the brave person disciplines himself to confront, deal with, and act in spite of fear.
Simply put" courage is not absence of fear; it is control of fear, mastery of fear " -Mark Twain
Life is saturated with moments of sorrow, pain, disappointments, so many difficulties, name them. Courage is demanded in such trying times. Yet still when life seems good, courage is still needed.
Maya Angelou noted,
Without courage,we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, honest.
You need courage because, you need to keep going. Hence, in all things we need courage. We need it to keep going even when there is no strength.

How do you get courage
One word that is directly antonymous to courage is fear.

Fear paralyzes action. Eliminating your fears increases your courage. In cultivating courage, one must confront his fears and deal with them by putting them behind. For instance, the fear of rejection leads to fear of public speaking. However, being not afraid to be rejected, increases your confidence.
In dealing with a situation you are worried about or fear;
1. You must define the worry situation clearly. Know that which you really fear or worried.
2. Identify the worst possible thing that could possibly happen. You will be amazed to know that in most worst case scenarios, after all, you still have a chance.
3. Resolve to accept the worst possible outcome should it occur. Once you are prepared to face the outcome, all the worry and stress will disappear.
4. Begin immediately to improve on the worst. Take the possible steps to ensure the worst does not happen. Whilst you are busily working to ensure that the worst does not happen you will not have time to worry.

"Just because you fail once doesn't mean you are going to fail at everything "
     -Marilyn Monroe
Ultimately, self - discipline is what will help one to develop courage. Discipline yourself to carry on no matter what is ahead, to hang on a bit longer, no matter how difficult it is. Self-discipline with courage will definitely take you far to achieving your goals.

                        **ADDENDUM**

There is one place where I see courage so great and real.
There was a man called Joshua who picked up the mantle after Moses. I believe this man had a great deal of hearing the word 'courage'
Right from Debut_31:6-7 throughout the book of Joshua, God, and Moses have admonished Joshua to be strong and courageous.
A few examples :

Deu 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t fear or tremble before them, because the LORD your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you—he won’t leave you or abandon you.”
7 Then Moses called on Joshua and told him in the presence of everyone in Israel, “Be strong and courageous, because you’ll bring this people to the land that the LORD your God had promised to give your ancestors. You will be the one who causes them to possess it.

Again,
Deu 31:23 Then the LORD charged Nun’s son Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, because you’ll bring the Israelis to the land that I promised to them by an oath. I’ll be with you.” 


Jos 1:9 I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be fearful or discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 


These few examples shows how Joshua has been treated with the word courage.

True to the fact, Joshua was one of the great leaders of Israel who has accomplished much more victory for Israel. He listened and applied the courage to his cause of leadership.

What made his(Joshua's) courage special?
If the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things promise you victory, then what else is your worry.
God owns the earth and everything in it. He is sovereign over all nations. Do you see why Joshua needed not to fear? So as every Child of God. 

2Co 1:20 For all God’s promises are “Yes” in him. And so through him we can say “Amen,” to the glory of God. 
None of His promises concerning Israel has failed Joshua 21:45

Knowing that the one with you is greater than your adversary-2chron 32:7-8

Sovereign over the battles- 2Samuel10:12

Through prayer. He answers prayer -Psalm 138:3

Christ is our assurance - Phil 3:14
With the assurance we receive from God's word, we are guaranteed a better courage.

Courage is of the greatest importance if one has a personal relationship with God.

And so for that matter, I invite you reading this post to submit your life to Christ as you:
Hear and believe the gospel... John 3:16
Repent from your sins......Luke 13:3
Confess Christ ..........John 11:27,Acts 8:37
Be immersed for the remission of your sins...Acts2:38.

Thank you for reading.

Reference:
**....... Brian Tracy
Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Mary Anne Radmacher
Mark Twain
Maya Angelou
-Marilyn Monroe
Success.com
Shutterstock.com
The Holy Bible ISV

TRUTH! TRUTH!! TRUTH!!!

        

 TRUTH! TRUTH!! TRUTH!!!

Many people often argue that there is no absolute TRUTH just as there is no absolute right way of doing things.

These people asserts that what might be right for you may not be right for another(relativistic view). This idea has gained grounds in our political and acadamic institutions and has finally crept into Christanity and produced disorder or confusion.

The common example about truth and confusion is what is observed in Christendom. So many churches with different doctrines and names. I am very sure anyone from another religion who decides to become a christian will pretty be confused about the divisions and confusion in christianity; why so many churches?

Also one can turn to our political organisations; where each one blames the other. It will be very difficult to detect what the truth is

It is so with all other instituitions like marriage, business, government, etc.

My concern in this article is directed toward, Truth among Christians. Not only to speak of truth but How truth was spoken in time past and how Christians should speak the truth.

Speaking of truth

God Himself is a God of truth Isa 65:16

He who has received his(Jesus') testimony has certified that God is true

These and other verses tell us countless times that God is true. He is of truth.

Jesus said to him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

However, when He, the Spirit of truth... 

John 16:13

Psalm 119:160; the entirety(sum) of your word is truth....

All these are verses that tells us the relationship between God and truth.

No wonder Jesus said that:John 4:23-24  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jehovah, requires truth, because He is true. But the truth of God is absolute. By absolute, i mean there is one objective truth.

Now if the above statement is true, and of course it is the case. Then  how would one perceive God's truth in light of these different churches with different doctrines(not just different but conflicting teachings) and names?

God is indeed true

There is one true teachings(doctrines)

And there is indeed one true body(church) of Christ. 

Let us seek truth, like the noble Bereans and defend it like Paul, the  apostle to the gentiles.

How was truth spoken in time past by God's people?

So many people in history spoke the truth without fear or doubt. In the Bible, talk of non-writing prophets like Elijah, Elisha,Noah, Nathan, etc and writing prophets like, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah etc. They spoke truth publicly and privately. They spoke it as it was

Jeremiah 7:28  But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Isaiah 30:1  Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Hosea 4:1, 6  Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 

What about Ezekiel, Daniel, Amos...etc

My point is that, do we think it was pleasant for the prophets to say to their own people 'woe to you'?

Was it easy for those prophets to say Israel was disobedient? Was it easy for them to say 'you are doomed' or 'God'sjudgement would come upon you'?

It is clear that it was not easy at all. Considering how they were reviled, persecuted, and became dejected.

What about the early Christians, 

Acts 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Huh? Peter is accusing those Jews gathered on this pentecost occassion of killing Jesus.

This a very great occasion, where Peter was blaming them publicly.

What about Stephen?

Acts 7:51-53  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Stephen said this in the presence of the council. Was it easy?

And Paul?

Speaking to the mob at Jerusalem, defending the truth in the presence of the Sanhedrin, telling to Peter's faith the truth...

What about the master defender of truth himself?

Yea, i am talking about Jesus.

He said He is the truth, ... John 14:6 can you imagine how the leaders of the Jewish community would take this?

"I am the bread which came down from heaven"

Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

The point is  that all these people spoke truth relentlessly. Of course they were persecuted here and there. But yet that did not prevent them from speaking the truth. The spoke the truth forcefully.

What about their audience?

In most cases these audience did not take time to accept these messages of truth. They reacted with anger and hatred for those speakers of truth.

On other occassions too, they were pricked by these truthful word yet they accepted and obeyed. A typical example is how Peter's audience accepted his message.

Acts 2:37-38  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

They accepted their error and asked for a solution to the problem. This should be the attitude of every Christian.

What do we see today?

Those who are supposed to speak the truth forcefully, are afraid to do so. They are afraid because they would be described as narrow minded, politically incorrect, arrogant, offensive, legalistic, intolerant etc

Some afraid because:

 they will lose their jobs, they will lose friends, they will infringe the rights of others etc.

Notwithstanding all these conditions,

The Bible commands us to speak the truth. The Bible spoke about truth so many times. The Bible itself represent truth.

Let us consider this:

Zechariah 8:16  These 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:

And what about;

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Also,

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Ephesians 4:15 | NIV

James 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Let us love truth and seek diligently for it(Heb 11:6).

2nd Timothy 3:16-17

And when we find the truth, let us defend it also.

Proverbs 23:23  Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

And do not forget: "better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie"

I believe  not everything on this subject of truth was tackled and so if you have any question or comment, you can send it to 

http://kasukose.blogspot.com

Also read

https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-truth-that-makes-men-free-is-for.html?m=1

https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/08/legend-of-seeker-of-truth-long-long-ago.html?m=1

It's a "newborn" year

               It's a "newborn" year   

                                   Shutterstock. com

It's kind of amusing to me when I  hear people recite all they have planned to do this new year.

Whilst pondering over some of the reasons why majority of people who make resolutions fail to keep them, it just came to mind a lesson I learned during a Bible Studies class at high school. Now this was about the cycle of sin during the period of the judges in Israel: the children of Israel fall into sin and idolatry- israel is enslaved -israel cries to the Lord -God raises a judge (deliverer) -Israel is delivered -Israel serves the Lord -then Israel fall into sin and idolatry again. In fact it went on and on as many times as the number of judges they had.

The lesson is this: it seems like the majority of people who cannot keep resolutions behave similarly. Last two years or last year, they made resolutions and couldn't keep them. This year too the have their resolution goals and will not be able to achieve or follow through with them. Next year God willing, they will make resolutions. They will actually follow for a very short time and get back to their former situation.It becomes like a  cycle. It should not be so.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION (GOALS).

New year resolution is all about a person resolving a firm decision to continue in positive lifestyles, to accomplish a personal goal or improve their lives.

 Or  to change certain undesirable ,negative habits, behaviors or practices

Several surveys have proven time and again that more than half of a percent of people do not make new year resolutions.

And then also, the less number of people who make new year resolutions, more than half of them do not keep their resolutions. They fail to keep them even before the year comes to end. A survey carried out in 2007 by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions failed, despite the fact that 52% of the study’s participants were confident of success at the beginning. At the end of the year, only 12% actually achieved their goal (Richard Wiseman, 2007)

According to a survey by Statista, only four percent of people who made New Year's resolutions in 2018 said they kept them.l

Many people will readily admit that they have good reasons for not making new year resolutions, including their inability to keep them. Not making resolutions at all will definitely not solve the problems.

But rather making resolutions is a good way to begin the new year. It's just like the habit of goal setting;
https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/11/self-discipline-and-goalssetting.html?m=1 

Note: Resolutions are not made with mouth only unless they are only wishes. Don’t make a fervent wish on new year's eve (Dec. 31st night). Resolutions are to be written down and reviewed as many times as possible to keep one focused.

• The most common resolutions are: losing weight, doing more exercise, quitting smoking and saving money, get more serious about establishing a career,pay off debts, eat healthy, save for retirement, or visit parents at home often. All these are good. However, I suggest in order not to have too many things to be written down, one could classify his or her resolutions  in terms of;
• Academic
• Health
• Work /career
• Relationships
• Spiritual

The main reasons why people don't stick to their new year resolutions are;

•  that they set too many goals that are unrealistic to achieve. 
• that there are false hopes about how fast and easy the consequences of the change in behavior will be. Real change in behavior is hard.
• These few steps I suggest will help :

1. Set practical goals. It should be real resolutions that you can keep. You know certainly  that you can't just stop that attitude at a sudden or you can achieve that goal overnight. So you begin gradual and not in a haste.

2. Do one thing at a time. It's not the best to 'have too many irons in fire'. Get one resolution under your control before moving to another one. Develop interest in getting them done one after the other.

3. Change your company. I mean your friendly relationships if they are not going to help keep your resolutions. In essence, the behavior should be changed with others. You cannot change a behavior when the close friend you walk with is still in that old habit. The Bible warns, '³³ Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”- (1st Cor 15:33).

4. Be determined. Do not give up on especially undesired behaviors you have resolved to end. No matter what, do not compromise today and stand your grounds tomorrow. Be consistent and persistent. Some people require radical conditions to help them change. Be careful it is not radical enough to affect your health or peace. Do not limit yourself. 

5.Be self-disciplined

6. Change in your environment. If it's possible then change your environment. It provides fresh energy and training grounds. Change in your environment reduces your 'stumbling blocks'.

• Finally, learn to accept lapses. Meaning sometimes you may do well other times too you may fail. When you fail to keep a resolution, accept it,  forgive yourself and plan again to conquer it. This is especially to those who want to stop habits like, (binge) drinking, smoking, lateness, procrastination. Do not be too guilty that you are even discouraged to continue. Accept that it's part of the learning process. 

If you have difficulty knowing where to start your resolutions from, you may ask yourself the following questions:

• What did I do that I shouldn’t have done?
• What did I spend a lot of time on? Was it a priority? 
• What didn’t I do that I should have done?
• What is the most important thing I did this immediate past year to help someone else?
• What did I do this year that helped me grow more than anything else?
• Where do I need to be more intentional?
• How can I take things to the next level?

If the idea of new year resolutions scares you, start with daily resolutions:

• Make daily goals
• Get daily goals
• Make daily continuous improvement
• Be accountable daily
• Reward yourself daily
• Audit your relationships daily
• Make personal development a daily affair
• Set daily boundaries

Spiritual Goals as part of your new year resolutions:

Your relationship with the source that sustains you, God. If we first think of resolving to have a better relationship with God and to render ourselves as instruments for accomplishing His task, the change we seek towards other aspects of our lives will follow easily.

2Cor 13:5

5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified*

Lamentations 3:40

Let us examine and probe our ways,

And let us return to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

Galatians 6:4

But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. No wonder, Paul wrote all but expect one of the above verses.

Paul taught us the importance of spiritual goal setting: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus".

Paul achieved his goal:  7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

And I quote from one writer "If you think this all sounds like too much hard work and that it’s not worth making resolutions to begin with, bear in mind that people who make New Year’s resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t" People really can succeed with their New year's resolution. It's possible. 

Wishing you a happy, commemoratory and promising new year. 

Continue to visit: kasukose.blogspot.com

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EPISODE FIVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSONAL EXCELLENCE

 EPISODE FIVE,

 SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSONAL EXCELLENCE.

 

"we are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit"--Aristotle-

Personal excellence involves one's motives,  core values and standards.

From (European Academy for Executive Education,eurac, 2012-2014), personal excellence is the ability to create solutions in difficult situations to enable you overcome these challenges successfully. And now,  it takes self-discipline to achieve personal excellence and so is the reason for today's topic: self-discipline and personal excellence.

• Your life, your potential, and your possibilities are your most valuable asset. Therefore, your great  goal in life should be to fulfill that potential and become everything you are capable of becoming.  
• Excellence comes by continuous practice and working. One needs to protect his or her "working or earning ability" .In other words, your ability to work and earn some income must be appreciating and not depreciating. 

• This means, whichever knowledge and skills which helped you to achieve 'A 'today, may not necessarily help you to achieve 'B' tomorrow. This is due to the fact that the knowledge and skills you have may become obsolete. Therefore, for continues success to personal excellence, one needs to grow continually. 
• Your potential has NO LIMITS. Excellence is not by accident but requires a definite decision and longlife commitment. You must stay focused. 

Note : extraordinary achievements were attained by ordinary men. It's all about making the decision for excellence , continue to learn and grow. Learn from the best people in your field, and do what they do and

 https://www.shutterstock.com/search/go+the+extra+mile.

Go the extra mile. 

The Seven Proposed Steps To The Top. 

1. Arise two hours before your first appointment. 

This simply means that if your day begins at 7:00am, you need to arise from sleep 5:00am.

Invest the first hour in yourself by reading something educational, motivational, or spiritual. I recommend devotion and reading of the Bible- it contains all knowledge for life on earth and beyond (2Pet 1:3,8). This habit will always help you  to be more positive, creative, alert and productive. Especially reading in your field will expose you to many things in your field thereby increase your knowledge in your field.   

2.  Rewrite your goals everyday. 

Rewrite your major  goals in present tense every morning before you start out, without looking back at what you wrote the previous day. This is the means of programming instructions into the guidance mechanism of your mind. The more you keep rewriting your goals each day, it will remind you to be focused and making you look for ways and opportunities to achieve them. 

3. Plan your day in advance.

Make a to-do- list and set priorities on your work before you start off. Your ability to choose what do  first according to the order of importance will help you to be organized and to be able to manage your time.This will in turn increase your productivity. 

4. Discipline yourself to concentrate single-mindedly on one thing.

Being able to focus on one thing at a time and working to achieve 100% of it is the best. You don't need to be doing two or three things when you know you can't finish them. 

5. Listen to educational audio programmes. 

Since one does not  necessary have to go to class to get such information, listening to them in your car, office, at your free time is helpful. According to Brian Tracy, when you do it so well, 'you will get equivalent of two full -time university semesters.'

6. Ask at least two self-analysis questions after every event or activity. Ask yourself, what did I do right? What would I do differently? You are reviewing your performance by thinking about what you did right and what you would do differently, and you psyche yourself to do better next time. 

7. Treat every person you meet like a very important person. 

The one you work with at home, office or school,  treat him or her as though she or he is the most important person in the world. They would like to be associated with you. Never miss an opportunity to treat people well. 

These seven steps if taken into action will bring astonishing improvements that can carry you onward and upward for the rest of your life.   

     I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day.......it's the language of one disciplining himself for personal excellence. 

    

The  End.   

References :

1.The Power of Self -Discipline by Brian Trac(2014).  Chap. 5, p. 79-104.

                                                              2.https://www.shutterstock.com.

3.http://www.eurac.com/en/Unsere_Ausbildungsprogramme.aspx?id=194

   

SELF-DISCIPLINE AND GOALS(SETTING) EPISODE FOUR

SELF-DISCIPLINE AND GOALS(SETTING)
EPISODE FOUR 
"you can't hit a target that you can't see"
"if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. "
You have probably heard these statements above, but to what do you relate them, if not setting of goals?
Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals for yourself and then to work toward them every day will do more to guarantee your success than other single factor........... Said by Brian Tracy

From countless of researches, it is concluded that people who set goals are more successful than those who do not.
For instance, the 3% percent adults who have written goals and plans perform more than the 97%  (who do not) put together.

But the bad news is that,  most of us think we already have goals but they are just hopes and wishes.
Goals that are not written down usually are just like wishes or hopes.

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced a goal:  America would put a
person safely on the Moon before the end of the decade. Many thought this was
impossible. To people’s amazement, Kennedy’s ambitious goal was achieved on July 20,
1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon's surface. In this context, JFK’s initial
goal setting guided and motivated Neil Armstrong’s giant step for mankind. Goals are not
only in the domain of leaders, though. They are part of our everyday lives.

WHAT AT ALL IS GOAL SETTING?
Goal setting is the process of establishing an outcome to serve as the aim of one's actions.
 SOME IMPORTANCE OF GOALS SETTING
1. Goal setting increases achievement : in that those have the habit of setting goals usually have laid down plans or strategies which guide them as to how to go about that particular thing they want to achieve.
2. It increases motivation : if one has a goal, he or she is naturally motivated to achieve that goal. Motivation and goals are closely linked.
3. Goals multiply your chances of success. And counting...
The first step is to attain;
THE DISCIPLINE OF WRITING
From the experience of many notable successful people in the past, the disciplined act of writing out  goals, making plans for accomplishing them, and then working on those goals daily increases the likelihood of achieving your goals by ten times.
Meaning if you are community where writing is a even problem for many people, it tells you that there would be lack of reasonable  goal setting skills.
However,  this does not mean that writing out your goals guarantees success a,  but rather that it increases the  probability of success. 
TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
We as humans are  purpose driven as Aristotle put it that we are teleological organisms.
You actually see yourself as the purpose driven person, when you have clear goals and working on them.
........you may not need to know how to get there,  but you just need to know and be clear about  what you want to accomplish.There is a goal-striving mechanism in your brain which will guide you to your destination.

SELF EXPLANATORY SEVEN -STEP METHOD TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS
1. Decide exactly what you want. Be specific.
2. Write it down. If it's written down, you can see, touch, read, and modify.
3. Set a deadline for your goal. Pick a reasonable time period and write down the date when you want to achieve it. You can also St subdeadlines. This a forcing system in your brain that helps you to get the work more done just as when you are under pressure.
When you don't achieve the goal before the deadline, set a new deadline. This is due to some external circumstances that may interfere with the time you need to accomplish that goal.
4. Make a list of everything you can think of that you could possibly do to achieve your goal. Including obstacles and difficulties, and knowledge, skills and people.
5. Organize the list by sequence and priority. It will help you to know what is to be done  first, second or later.
6. Take action on your plan immediately. Don't delay, get going.
Remember procrastination is not only the thief of time; it is the thief of life.
7.Do something everyday that moves you in the direction of your major goal.
Apply all these steps to  a single goal and make  plans and achieve it. Then another.
One at a time method.

EVERYONE AS WELL AS  STUDENTS,
need to learn how to set goals.
 While instructors can set course­level learning goals to help structure their content, you
can also set your own goals. It will improve your learning and motivation.
Goal setting will make you take responsibility and ownership of your own goals, giving some internal motivation and make you take proactive actions.

It's specially helpful to students with low achievement motivation.
Also, Students who invest in their goals also demonstrate greater persistence, creativity, and
risk­taking in their achievement of those goals. (Dewett, 2007; Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett,1973)
It will also help the student to self-regulated.

IN CONCLUSION,  goal setting ability is not limited to only some people everyone can learn it and make good use of it. If you don't like writing your goals down it is easy to forget. Write it down.
And whatever you think about your goal is definitely what you will achieve.Napoleon Hill, author of 'think and grow rich'(1939) put it this way "whatever the mind of man can conceive, and believe, it can achieve "

You can't leave God out of the equation.
Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. Prov16:3
At the conception of a goal, thank God and commit it to Him.


References
1.The power of self -discipline, by Brian Tracy, Chap 4.pages 64-78
2.http://vpal.harvard.edu/publications/setting-goals-who-why-how