If you’re like me, you've done some reflection leading to the New Year. I’ve done plenty of that, and in the process, I’ve decided to recommit to four values in a fresh way in 2015, and I want to encourage you to do the same. I’ve written these reflections from a Christian perspective, but if you don't believe that stuff, then I’m sure you can still benefit, just interpret them in light of your own beliefs... I believe that these are four foundational values you must have to truly succeed at what you're doing. (This year, you can expect a new blog here at least on the first of every month, all about issues pertaining to following Jesus in the media and the arts realm.)
Value #1 I’m recommitting to this year: HUMILITY
“Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18, HCSV)
Proverbs 15:33: “...humility comes before honor.”
(Note: I’ve been studying the “wisdom literature” for a college course over the summer, so a lot of Proverbs will find their way into this months post :).)
The Holy Spirit’s been really getting at me about pride lately.
“Too much pride brings disgrace;
humility leads to honor.” (Prov 29:33)
humility leads to honor.” (Prov 29:33)
For me, most of the time, pride is tied to insecurity. When I’m aware of who God made me to be, and that He’s in me, I’m secure and confident. But way too often, just when I have a way of thinking I’m going alright, pride sneaks up. And it usually has its own inbuilt blindspot! That’s why I desperately need the Holy Spirit, & community around me, to help me to stay humble.
Pride is very hard to sum up fully in just a few sentences, but basically, for now let’s just say it’s the opposite of humility.
Humility is seeing yourself how God sees you. Awesome, but not God.
You are made in the image of God. And God is awesome… amazing, intelligent, AND gifted. And so are you! Whatever gifts you have in particular - humility will put them to good use!
You are amazing. However………
Compared to God, you ain't all that. Everything you have and are, comes from God. As amazing as you and I are, we all pale when compared to Jesus Himself.
Humility is understanding both those things in tension.
“He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9)
and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9)
This is a prayer I need to pray again leading into 2015, and you’re welcome to join me.
“Lord, teach me humility…”
Value #2 I’m recommitting to this year: FEAR OF THE LORD
Proverbs 15:16 NIV
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
As Chuck Swindoll says, “the fear of the Lord refers to our viewing Him with the respect He deserves. It means living our lives in light of what we know of Him, holding Him in the highest estimation, and depending on Him with humble trust.”
Fear of God is linked closely with humility in the Proverbs.
“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord
Are riches, honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
Proverbs 15:33:
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
and humility comes before honor.
“Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.” (Proverbs 16:6)
The fear of the Lord will stop you and I from sinning.
If you’re brave – ask God for more fear of the Lord this coming year.
Value #3 I’m recommitting to this year: HARD WORK
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” (Prov 12:11)
I’ve yet to hear of anyone who managed to find meaningful success in the music industry, or any media related industry, who didn’t work extremely hard for it.
If you want influence, it won’t come any other way than by hard work. (See Prov 12:24)
In the Bible, God made many promises to the Israelites, but they still had to fight to get to the promised land.
Yes, we need to work smart, and not hard, just for the sake of it.
But don’t think for a second, that you’ll find success by being lazy.
“Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.” (Prov 10:4)
Also, there’s nothing wrong with making a good income doing what you do.
“The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Prov 10:22)
Value #4 I’m recommitting to this year: FORWARD THINKING
Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. We need to have a glimpse, and continually think about the bigger picture. That is what will motivate us, and push us to do the hard work, and keep grinding, when we get weary, and the excitement about the new year wears off.
Forward thinking is thinking about the long term effects of daily decisions and habits.
It’s about making necessary changes now, that will in time reap benefits long term.
Forward thinking – is a value that I want to have, not just at the start of this coming year, but half way through the year, and ¾ of the way through the year.
Even though I know I’m going to mess up regularly, and miss prayer times that I planned on having, I want to continually get back on with things, and make those small investments that will really pay off in the long-run.
“Lord, give me your vision for 2015, and give me the grace to stick at it, even when I don’t feel like it.”
Proverbs 14:23 NIV
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
