What+is+Truth+ +Vol.+1+ +the+Complete+Draft+Oct+09

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Copyright 2007, 2008, 2009 S. J. Wickham. All rights reserved Worldwide. May not be

used without permission.

What Is TruthAnswers To Unlock Your LifeA Companion on the subject of Wisdom

Volume 1: Self-Mastery: Diligence & PrudenceBy Steve Wickham


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Preface.......................................................................................................... 6Introduction................................................................................................... 7

ThePurposeof,andEndin,LifeItself:Wisdom.................................................................................8

PrincipalValues...................................................................................................................................9

Diligence:.........................................................................................................................................9

Prudence:........................................................................................................................................9

Shalom:...........................................................................................................................................9

Balance:.........................................................................................................................................10

Trust:.............................................................................................................................................10

Respect:.........................................................................................................................................10

Wisdom:........................................................................................................................................10

Theinterdependenceandintrarelationshipoftheprincipalvalues...............................................10

PersonalMastery:DiligenceandPrudence..................................................................................12

Lifegivers:ShalomandBalance...................................................................................................14

Relationshipenhancers:TrustandRespect..................................................................................14

ThePurposeof,andEndIn,LifeItself:Wisdom............................................................................15

ReachingaHigherStandard..............................................................................................................16

Diligence...................................................................................................... 20Famous

Last

Words

Ill

Do

It

Later...

...........................................................................................

20

DefeatLazinessandAchieveAnything!............................................................................................21

DontGetTooComfortable..............................................................................................................22

BetheChange!..................................................................................................................................23

GetFit,NotInjuredRecreationChangeManagement................................................................25

FromReputationtoCharacter..........................................................................................................27


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EliminatingNegativeSelfTalk..........................................................................................................28

BadHabitsEradicatingThemForever............................................................................................30

Haste

The

Destructiveness,

Hassle

and

Problem

of

Hurry.............................................................

32

LifeisAboutWaiting.........................................................................................................................34

WeMustTranscendTheThingsThatHoldUs..................................................................................35

TheSkillofAnticipationtheWayoftheDiligent...........................................................................37

FixingProcrastinationDoitnow.................................................................................................39

RunningOutOfPatience RunningOutOfWarnings......................................................................40

MeetingDestiny

Embracing

The

Sea

Of

Opportunity

....................................................................

41

ThreeThingsThatCauseSuccessAndThreeThingsThatDont......................................................43

SpiritualityDoesNotLast..................................................................................................................44

FourTimeWasters............................................................................................................................45

Simply3ThingstoCauseSuccess(and3ThingstoAvoidDoing).....................................................47

TransformYourselfCreateNewMentalPathways........................................................................48

ReStarting

Life

Fresh

Start,

Fresh

Hope

........................................................................................

50

DemonstratingPersonalLeadership:WeOnlyGetOneGo.............................................................51

2Powerful,ResoundingWordsNoandNow..........................................................................52

ChooseLifeTheWayOfSpiritualProgress....................................................................................53

HappinessLiesInYourOwnHand....................................................................................................55

BeingStuckWithATerribleReputation...........................................................................................57

DisciplineThatWorks...UntilItDoesnt...........................................................................................59

Success,FailureOrNothing:AreYouAPlayer?............................................................................59

InternalVersusExternalLocusOfControl........................................................................................61

LifeIsLikePreparingForABullfight.................................................................................................63

TheRewardsForAGoodLifeLived..................................................................................................64

ActWhileThereYetIsTime!.............................................................................................................66


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WisdomIsMakingTheMostOfEveryOpportunity.........................................................................68

Prudence..................................................................................................... 71Communicating

Confidently

Whilst

Achieving

Restraint

..................................................................

71

CommunicationsBonanzaKeepItBrief.........................................................................................73

LooseLipsSinkPrivilege....................................................................................................................75

WhenIsItRightToComplain?..........................................................................................................77

SimplyPerfectingYourUseOfSpeech..............................................................................................78

HowtoReadBodyLanguage............................................................................................................79

Finetuning

RolesMaximising

Your

Impact

in

Life

.........................................................................

81

BecomingaTeacherparent:GivingYourChildrentheGoalofSuccess...........................................82

12StepsToRecoveryLikeACitysWallsBrokenDown,APersonLackingSelfControl...............85

TemperManagement101................................................................................................................88

DisappointingPeopleWhenTryingToSatisfyThem........................................................................89

ResistingSpeakingOrThinkingNegativelyOfPeople......................................................................90

WisdomInListeningBeforeSpeaking...............................................................................................94

OneChoice,ManyRipples................................................................................................................94

CautionAboutTakingAdvice............................................................................................................96

AGoodIdeaInLife ThinkBeforehand............................................................................................97

DistinctiveSpiritualInsight...............................................................................................................98

AnExemplarOfMaturityTheGoalOfLife.....................................................................................99

YouCanUpsetOnlyYourself..........................................................................................................100

FinalWords................................................................................................ 103GainingPersonalMasteryThroughSilenceandSolitude...............................................................103

TheBlessingofTimeReclaimingPurposeandControlOverYourLife........................................106

ManagingtheMomentEndureandEnjoy!..................................................................................108

The

Heart

Of

the

Human

Problem

Is

The...

.....................................................................................

109


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WhatLegacyAreYouLeaving?.......................................................................................................111

LinkingWisdomWithTruth............................................................................................................111


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PrefaceTobewritten.


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IntroductionBiblical Wisdom literature declares certain attributes of character that go toward wisdom

and foolishness. Among Proverbs, the key biblical offering from the ancient Near East, arearound 900 proverbs that speak on the subjects of diligence, prudence, shalom, balance,

trust, respect, and finally, wisdom overall, including personified Wisdom.

Wisdom is commonly held as thinking and living in accordance with how things actually

are. Folly, on the other hand, is a way of thinking and living that ignores how things

actually are.1 The purpose and goal of this book is the advancement of wisdom and

minimisation of folly in the readers life. Thinking and living in accordance with how

things actually are is both a wisdom activity and a commitment to truth. Truth and

wisdom are therefore inextricably joined-at-the-hip.

During a routine though intense reading of Proverbs over more than a year, a system of

thought evolved in my mind and heart; I continually noticed themes emerging from the

text and I mused on their relationships with each other. When I analysed it further I found

seven neat headings (which I now call principal values) that could categorise these

proverbs that really stood out for me personally, and the more I looked the more I could

see these seven distinctly; set apart as macro character traits.

Then I noticed how well they interlaced with each other. Again still, I noted how each of

the seven individual principal values paired up with another quite intrinsically and there

evolved in my thinking a system for the development of three wisdom schemas: the first

(the subject of this volume) is personal mastery combining the values of diligence and

prudence; the second involves life giving and regenerational attributes ofshalom(a complete

peace) and balance; and finally, a third relating to social awareness relationship enhancers

trust and respect. The totality added up to wisdom. At once, it appeared to me that one

system of thinking could assist someone with intra-personal, inter-personal, and life

sustenance, all in one.

As mentioned, this first volume is focused on two subjects within a system of philosophy,

diligence and prudence. These frame, for you the reader, ways you can align to truth and

wisdom (how things actually are) in the development of your person regarding efficiency

(diligence) and effectiveness (prudence) adding up to a life efficacy (or worth) I callpersonal

mastery. Thats the basic theory.

1John Goldingay, Proverbs: New Bible Commentary, D.A. Carson, R.T. France, J.A. Moyter & G.J.

Wenham (eds) (Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1994), pp. 584-85.


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The Purpose of, and End in, Life Itself: WisdomCan we formularise life? Can we make up or discover a system that can guide us? Nothing

is perfect except God. But we can venture intoWisdom and find within it an ideal ally andcompanion for life. I propose there are seven key virtues of life (principal values) that

can guide us in growth toward the goal of a healthy, fulfilling life which seeks to both live

abundantly now, and also leave behind a solid legacy after death. Combined and

integrated, these principal values form a neat philosophy for personal growth and

development.

Wisdom is not simply the means to life. Its an end in itself. God is wisdom, as he is love, as

he is truth, as he is light, as he is salvation, and as he is grace; among the many other things

he is. We are told wisdom existed prior to Creation. It was the first of Gods works. It isGods nature. Therefore, if we want to make sense of life we need to see this as a big part of

the key to it all.

We also need to know that acquiring wisdom requires a search, and a lifelong day-by-day

search at that! The depths of wisdom cannot be plumbed. As we search we will just keep

finding more and more; much like a wealth of a certain resource in a bottomless mine.

Using the mining analogy, we might have to employ varying techniques to get at the ore

of wisdom and retrieve it, as well as finding varying qualities and quantities of this ore as

we go. Some of our finds in this search are simply breathtaking, like the discovery of a

large gold nugget or gemstone. Sometimes it is simply hard going, with few nuggets to

find, and mainly dust, but we know we need to endure these times in order to discover

more.

Unlike mining however, wisdom proves itself miraculous in life. Its worth far more than

refined silver or gold. It proves sustainable whereas we all know that riches are transitory;

we only have to look at the fragile, ebbing and flowing stock market to see that.

The seven principal values; diligence, prudence, shalom (a Hebrew word which means a

whole peace), balance, trust, respect, and wisdom, are all interdependent on and through

each other. As one is activated and dealt with, so are the others brought in, at least in some

small way. In other words, if we improve in one value or attribute, say we become more

diligent, we will potentially affect and improve others.

There is a Model that shows the interrelationship of these seven principal values with

wisdom and truth.


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Principal ValuesWe need to define and differentiate between the principal values:

Diligence:

Diligence is orderan appreciation of the need for diligence to create order in life. It is

being resolute and seeking resolution in all situations; working with tenacity, industry, anda focus on definable action. It is commitment and a firm intentbased on a heart for

righteousness. Its an unreligious piety, which is dutifulness. A focus on carefulnessa

rejection of haste (haste is motivated by fear, laziness, and other ungodly impulses). Other

adjectives are responsible, dependability, discipline, obedience, leadership.

Prudence:

Is control over what enters and leaves the mouth. Everything in prudence can be rated on

eating, other bodily intake, and communication. Taking care to be silent in tenuous times;

adherence to temperance, moderation in all things, discretion and finery, alwaysinoffensive and impossible to offendoverlooks insults, act out of knowledge and not from

opinion, gives thought and consideration to ways/steps; always has the humility to heed

correction, seeks refuge in dangerous situations, a constant awareness of ones context and

environment.

Shalom:

Tranquillity, in a word; achieving a tranquil state, wholeness in ones being, at-peace, at-

rest, being still, and feeling good in self (and God if one believes); harmony in heart and


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soul. Its an absence of agitation/discordno cognitive dissonance; congruence of heart

and mind. Its a feeling of completeness, and a thorough sense of self-awareness. And

lastly, its probably the most important way to beway of be-ing.

Balance:

Protecting accessibility is vital to shalom. Its the ability to be autonomousto achieve

autonomy. Its a wise use of time that considers the various priorities and impacts of time.

It is essentially maintenance of balance, and the ability to do the important things always,

preferably in utter peace; it protects and enhances vitality. Is driven by, implemented

with, and uses effectively the No/Now juxtaposition(this is covered under Diligence).

Trust:

It takes trust to be courageous, and faith to trust. It takes courage and faith to be honest. Itis love never failing, and a seeking for kindness. One must trust to be patienta chief

virtue. It is forgivenessthe grace to forgive and forget, gratitude in all things, acceptance

of things that cannot be changed, detachment of one to ones desires, openness to all good

things, a call to perseverance; rarely, if ever, losing hope.

Respect:

Justice with love are capital virtuesjustice always, sincerity, giving honour to all people,

listening more than what would be expected; an unquestioned integrity, driven by

humility, compassion, gentleness, and empathy, fairness at any cost; consideration

whenever it is due, and sometimes when it is not; tolerance for all people; being socially

intelligent.

Wisdom:

Truth is wisdom; longevity based in truthit works alwaysbeing grounded in it. Truth

and wisdom are interchangeable. Health and wellbeing from true motive, a true

wholesomeness based in the fear of God; seeking to understand rather than be understood.

Its a simultaneously eternal and transitory perspective; a right curiosity and a trueappreciation of beauty and excellence.

The interdependence and intra-relationship of the principal valuesIt can be shown that if we apply trust for example, which can be demonstrated in many

ways, like being courageous or having faith etc, we become beneficiaries of more shalom. It

takes prudence and diligence to trustits not just hard work (diligence) to begin with, and


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it takes some self-control (prudence) to trust. It takes wisdom to be patient. Patience is a

big part of trust. To trust means being honest; again, honesty is an intrinsic act of courage.

To forgive anyone means we must trust, and in this way we also show respect for the

person we forgive. To effectively and honestly trust we must be reasonably balanced inlifeif our life is in chaos it will be more difficult to trust. Balance promotes the ability to

trust. Lastly, we simply cannot implement wisdom living without a whole lot of trust.

What about another principal value?

Take shalom. To receive shalom, or as I like to put it, to achieve shalom, in the moment,

we have to do our work (diligence), be careful about what we say and do (prudence), and

we must have balance in life; we must trust God (have faith); we must be respectful; and, we

need to attend to overall wisdom living, which is a summarisation of all these in anyeventas well as having its own distinct characteristics. Shalom is always a moment-by-

moment proposition. So, these principal values interact with shalom in a moment-by-

moment way.

I have just shown the interdependence of the other six principal values with trust firstly,

and then secondly with shalom. It works with each of the others as well.

Lets now break the principal values down in a different way. Its a way that illustrates the

special holistic nature of this system of thinking or philosophy.

It covers three key life functions or situations that recur over and again:

1. Personal mastery: diligence and prudence;2. Life-givers: shalom and balance; and,3. Social awareness relationship enhancers: trust and respect.Now, this theory posits that we need access to both personal mastery values and life-givingvalues to tap into the social awareness relationship enhancers, trust and respect. Again,

interdependence. We could transpose the formula and it would work out true too.

All three lead to, and complement and enhance, wisdom. They add up to wisdom.


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PersonalMastery:DiligenceandPrudence

Diligence and prudence come first because they are personal. They impact us personally,

and are most noticeably created or developed (one is [i.e. you] diligent or prudent)

because of personal reasons, drives, and motivations.

Diligence is order; an appreciation of the need for diligence to create order in life. It is

being resolute and seeking resolution in all situations, working with tenacity, industry, and

a focus on definable action. It is commitment and a firm intent, based on a heart for

righteousness, and an unreligious piety which is dutifulness; a focus on carefulness; a

rejection of haste. Other applicable adjectives as personal characteristics are: responsible,

dependability, discipline, obedience, and leadership.

Prudence is primarily self-control over what enters and leaves the mouth, and a heart thatreflects same. Everything in prudence can be rated on eating/intake and communication.

Its taking care to be silent in tenuous times, adherence to temperance, moderation in all

things, discretion and finery; its always inoffensive and impossible to offend. Proverbs

mentions that the prudent: overlook insults; act out of knowledge and not from their own

opinion; give thought and consideration to their ways and steps; always think and act with

the humility in heeding correction; seek refuge in dangerous situations; and, have a

constant awareness of ones context and environment.

Diligence and prudence are the centre-most character qualities that others look for in

making judgments about us. They assess our character critically on these values first; on

how diligent and prudent we are. If we are branded lazy or a gossip it has relevance

personally. These are character attacks that speak most cogently to our levels of

competence (or lack thereof) regarding both diligence and prudence.

If we are feeling personally fulfilled it will be largely because we consider that weve been

diligent and prudent in our attitude and behaviour. Our self-image and self-esteem is

buoyed this way. These are key personalvalues, which have a tremendous impact on thenext two. These two come first.

Diligence and prudence are two complementary factors in developing a strong, focused,

and pliable character to augment the development of wisdom. This subject is not for the

faint of heart. Its strictly for those in life who genuinely seek to grow without regard for

the personal cost. This growth is obviously counter-cultural to the flow of secular Western

life, which is so often pleasure-based and at odds with the development of character.


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It is argued that when a person can master both qualities of these principal values, and

demonstrate high competence in living them in a consistent day-in-day-out way, then they

have achieved personal maturity that God intends for them as a person. This is personal

mastery over the desires, and competence in that persons ability to test their own heartand seek God for direction along their way.

Not only does this person live in a highly diligent way, they do it for the right reasons i.e.

prudent perspective drives the diligent way. Theyre careful in their expression of

diligence. Conversely, this person is also highly prudent, yet they gird their discretion with

a level of detached accountability that oozes diligenceagain, their prudence is driven

from the right heart or motivation.

A person with low levels of prudence, but high on diligence may exhibit a brash boldnessthat gets things done hang the consequences i.e. simple greed or too carefree. The other

extreme is a person low on diligence but high on prudence; this person, although careful,

may be inclined toward motivational problemsthey might know what they need to do but

cant do it for lack of the principal value of diligence i.e. simple laziness or lack of courage.

What is confounding for people with both of these conditions is the lack of motivation or

ability to do what the wise know is rightacross the boardin spite of the personal cost.


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We can view these both on Quadrant model. People fit anywhere on the Quadrant

according to their cross-referenced proficiency in both diligence and prudence.

What people find is the hardest thing to get through is the motive wall. This is the

biggest barrier to attaining high levels of both principal values.

The key in personal mastery is determining where we fit on both scales and then its about

setting goals to improve our motivation, increasing our character around both diligence

and prudence.

Life-

givers:

Shalom

and

Balance

Shalom and balance go together because they are both life-giving. Though they are subtly

(and importantly) different, they are highly interdependent with each other and the key to

life today the present age. If there was ever a time when we have lost focus on these its

now!

Shalom is many things, and not simply peace. Its even a feeling of completeness, and a

thorough sense of self-awareness. Its tranquillity and harmony, a total absence of discord,

and absolutely no cognitive dissonance. Its the most important and best state for a human

being to achieve. Its simply heaven on earth.

If we have shalom it will be because of our level of life balance. The contra is applicable.

Balance is the thing that is missing in much of life todayits much more than simply

work/life balance. Its that and more. Its also about autonomy and being (able to be

kept) accountable. A balanced life uses time wisely and considers the various priorities and

impacts of time; its a focused life. It protects our accessibility. Its self-empowerment to

be able to do things well, all the time. Its consistently high performance. It protects and

enhances vitality.

Relationship-enhancers:TrustandRespect

Trust and Respect also go together and come last before Wisdom and are both relational.

Again, these are highly interdependent on each other; if one does not respect people, trust

is not afforded back in those relationships. If you dont trust someone, they are unlikely to

respect you its a very reciprocal arrangement.


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Trust is love never failing, and a seeking for kindness. Its the grace to forgive and forget,

gratitude in all things, and acceptance of things that cannot be changed. Its also the

detachment of one to ones desires, openness to all good things, a call to perseverance, and

its also never losing hope.

Respect is a seeking for justice and righteousness, sincerity, and giving honour to all

people; its listening more than what would normally be expected, as well as an

unquestioned integrity, driven by humility, compassion, empathy, and fairness, at any cost;

its consideration whenever it is due, and even sometimes when it is not, and tolerance for

all people; its being socially intelligent.

ThePurposeof,andEndIn,LifeItself:Wisdom

Finally, wisdom is separated out as unique and special. Nothing is like wisdom. Wisdom is

truth; the way things are. Wisdom and truth are both synonymous and highly

interchangeable.

Truth is wisdom; longevity based in truth it works always being grounded in it.

Striving for health and wellbeing, a true wholesomeness based in the right fear of God,

seeking to understand rather than be understood. Its both and simultaneously eternal and

transitory in perspective; its the totality of true perspective. Its a right curiosity and a

true appreciation of beauty and excellence.Wisdom is as broad as life, and many would suggest infinitely broader than even that.

We look at wisdom from purely a life-perspective, however. (We take into account only this

aspect of wisdom. Theologically and practically, wisdom is as broad as Creation.)

Wisdom provides the three keys2to life: long lifeand its associated benefits, prosperityin its

different forms, and honour, which is your name, fame, and reputationits what you will

take to Heaven; the only thing perhaps.

So, this philosophy is the answer to the question: What is truth? For when its all been

said and done, theres just one thing that matters: living for truth. Did you or didnt you?

That will be the question asked of you. Even at the 11thhour you may not have been, but

its the finish that counts. Will you finish strongly?

2

See Proverbs 3:2, 16; 21:21; 22:4.


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The application of these seven principal values can catapult anyone into character growth

and development that seeks only for truth; reality at any cost, even to the expense of the

individual concerned. Because there is something more important than personal comfort

and ease; its pleasing God. You can only come to know real peace, joy and love through arelationship with God.

What is truth? This question is, in my opinion, the key to the purpose of life; a life, again in

my opinion, that is only available through a true Spirit-filled relationship with Jesus Christ;

only he can effectively answer our innermost searching questions and satisfy our deepest

longings.

With him, and him alone, truth is available; truth that finally and powerfully sets us free.

Reaching a Higher Standard...Its one thing to reach a high worldly standard; its another thing entirely to reach an

inspiring heavenly standard in your living and relating in this world. The theory is

simple. There are three levels. The first dependent level is sin. At the opposite end of the

same continuum is the second independentlevel, an acceptable worldly standard. The third

interdependent level is a clean and new heavenly standard -- a criterion that is rarely met.

This third level is not on the same plain or continuum as the previous two.

Lets look at work ethic. The dependent (sin) level is laziness. The independent (acceptableworldly standard) is busyness. The interdependent (heavenly) standard is diligence -- just

enough work, just enough rest, and just enough play -- the diligent get balance right.

Theyre diligent at getting it right and they try hard until they do, and they continue

trying. They do not allow themselves to slip into selectively sluggardness.3 Bill Hybels

suggests that a lot of people get 9 out of 10 right; they expend themselves properly 90

percent of the time, only to neglect a critical area of their lives (the final 10 percent). By

virtue of this, they become plainly negligent in that area. We see this often in our Western

society in the way the family and familial relationships are mistreated. Theyre not a high

priority for many. Sure, you might work hard, but do you reallygive your husband, wife,

son or daughter the time they need or deserve?

3See Bill Hybels book, Making Life Work, Putting Gods Wisdom into Action, (Downers Grove,

Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1998) p. 36-8.


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Diligence is a commitment to industry and action, its responsible and dependable; its also

leadership, discipline, the right intent, order in ones life, tenacity, resolution, and

carefulness.

What about speech; what we say? The sin level is clearly slander and its cousins. Theworldly standard is double-talk and complaint -- it is entirely acceptable in eighty percent

of life to talk good of people one minute and criticise the next, or to sprinkle whinging with

joy. Even so-called pious people do it. The heavenly standard however, one which is

rarely reached, is that of prudence -- the ability to remain silent and utter words only

which lift people up; prudence upholds, and links to, respect. Its articulating words of

praise not complaint. The prudent get balance right. They only speak when theres

something genuinely good to say. They also reap a blessing of peace (shalom) as a result of

not having tenuous relationships to deal with. Instead they are almost universally

respected; even by those they seemingly have nothing in common with -- or those whom

might be tempted to be envious. Prudence is also about what enters our mouths, as a function

of self-control; i.e. what we drink and what we eat, and most appropriately, how much we

do of both.

Prudence overlooks insults, is temperate, discreet, and acts out of knowledge. It heeds

correction and takes refuge in the sight of danger.

Then theres peace itself. What are the levels of peace? The dependent level is chaos -- aworld where chaos reigns and theres an absence of peace. Wars with people are only

matched with the inner war that goes on within the self. There is dissonance and then

theres escape -- the vehicle is often a substance; a drug. Its all cause-and-effect. Thats

the sin level. The worldly standard is relative peace, or in real estate terms, quiet

enjoyment. One has earned the right to enjoy what one has. It is almost always a material

enjoyment. Its a house, car, boat, or toy that one derives ones peace and contentment

from. It lasts only so long before a yearning for more peace comes. The noveltys worn off.

Enter the heavenly standard; this is peace from within: peace only from faith in God. Heres

the trick. You cant experience this peace that transcends human understanding unless

youre born again. To become born again you must express what is seen as absurd faith

from the worldly standard viewpoint. Peace includes the ability to rest and be still; it is

wholeness and harmony, and ultimately a high degree of self-awareness.

You can see thus far how the heavenly standarddoes not even fit in with the predominant

sin to worldly-standard continuum. It sits a whole world above and doesnt even compare.


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Balanceis the key to it all of course, and that is what I am arguing. Balance is heavenly inan intrinsic sense. It appears to sit smack bang in between the atrophied life and the

burned out life, but in reality its on another continuum entirely as suggested above.

Balance is only reached when the motive is pure and the whole life is compartmentalised;hereselective sluggardnessis entirely corrected -- every area of life is attended to adequately

-- and therefore -- perfectly.

The work ethic is fitted to each life circumstance and a full effort is expended in each

area of life (i.e. compartmentalisation) that does justice to that area i.e. it meets objectives

whether theyre stated explicitly or implicitly. We know the objectives are being achieved

when we look at all our relationships and how well theyre going, and to how well we feel

within ourselves. Balance is consistently meeting all objectives. Im demonstrating the

intrinsic diligence-balance link here. Balance also applies to prudence, trust, and respect,

and ultimately wisdom. (The shalom-balance link has already been partially shown.)

Balance is the wise use of time, a protection of accessibility i.e. relative autonomy, and

vitality.

Trustis a key resource in life. How does it fit here? The dependent level is about mistrustand lack of trust. It is complete self-reliance. Actually, it may even not trust self. It may

rely mistakenly on others. Its certainly pre-disposed to dysfunctional and co-dependent

relationships, because mistrust drives the field of vision and this person cant see the woodfor the trees. They trust the wrong people for the wrong reasons.

At the second, worldly standard level, trust is situational and its varied in level of trust

shown. Its very much dependent on being earned. The problem with that is we, as human

beings, tend to occasionally let down our friends, family, peers, and customers (i.e. all our

fellow human beings). What happens to trust when its dependent on performance alone,

and performance standards slip? Its a major compromise and trust is bound to suffer.

At the heavenly standard level trust is implicit in the way a person lives. Trust is issued

without strings attached and it doesnt even mind too much if it is not returned. Trust is

an investment without a return required; its given freely. Of course, melding prudence

with trust ensures that people dont take advantage for long -- forgiveness happens and

wisdom removes the matter of trust being required. It simply doesnt go to the place where

it will be taken advantage of. Trust includes faith, grace, courage, honesty, kindness,

patience definitely, as well as gratitude, acceptance, detachment, openness, perseverance,

and hope. It is a very broad concept at the heavenly standard level, trust.


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Respectis next. Trust and respect are so interdependent on one another it is often hard toseparate them. For instance, if you respect someone theyre likely to trust you. At the

dependent sin level theres a lack of respect. I see this every day on the roads with people

exceeding the speed limits, cutting one another off etc. Conversely, I also see situationalrespect (the worldly standard) on the roads when people concede for one another, allowing

another car to enter traffic from a side street etc. But it all falls down when the driver who

could allow another car in doesnt, instead choosing to hurry on.

Respect at the heavenly interdependent level is about compassion, empathy, tolerance, and

social intelligence. It is consideration and fairness, sincerity, honour, and the desire to

listen rather to another rather than be heard. It is also personal integrity and humility.

The heavenly standard is the consistently courteous driver. Now this will test every personreading this, including me. And we fail. We fail to meet this heavenly standard in each of

the above areas. But, we do strive for it nonetheless.

Wisdomoversees the whole process toward living at a higher ethical heavenly standard.The wisdom I speak of is not a worldly standard of wisdom which is just intelligent and

savvy living; heavenly wisdom often cuts against the grain of worldly common sense -- it

doesnt appear very smart. And its often not in the short term. Its costlier. But in the

longer term it works out for the best. Wisdom confounds foolishness which is that base sin

dependent level. We see plenty of folly around us.

Wisdom combines the above Principles of diligence, prudence, shalom, balance, trust, and

respect. It clothes all these. It is far more valuable than fine gold or choice silver. Its

both beauty and excellence; its longevity, health, and wellbeing, perspective, and a right

curiosity. Wisdom is ultimately truth and vice versa. It is the foundation of life and it is

found only in one place: God.


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DiligenceMain Entry:

1diligence

Pronunciation: \di-l-jn(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligentia,from diligent-,

diligens

Date: 14th century

1 a:persevering application:ASSIDUITYbobsolete:SPEED, HASTE

2:the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a

contract)4

1. constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion ofbody or mind.

2. Law. the degree of care and caution required by the circumstances of a person.

3. Obsolete. care; caution.noun1. conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care

required in a given situation2. persevering determination to perform a task; "his diligence won him quick

promotions"; "frugality and industry are still regarded as virtues"3. a diligent effort; "it is a job requiring serious application" [syn: application]

Famous Last Words Ill Do It Later...Weve all done it. Weve all said, Oh, Ill do it later. Its a fair thing to put some things off

to a later time, but some things just need to be started and some projects must be steadily

and diligently progressed or well never reach our objective. Delaying action will risk

letting people down whore relying on us to do the things we need to do.

Taking the initiative requires effort.It means we have to resist the temptation to say, Illdo it later. And the truth is every one of us struggles with it. There are so many areas in

life wed want to just relax and cool our heels, or do other important stuff. Another truth:

4

Merriam-Webster Dictionary online.


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our lives travel swiftly south and well end up poorer if we dont bite the bullet and do what

we need to do, now.

Ive got a round tuit at home. Its a round plaque that illustrates this exact point. It says,

This is a round tuit. Guard it with your life. Tuits are hard to come by, especially the round ones. It

will help you to become a much more efficient worker. For years youve heard people say, Ill do it,

when I get a round tuit. So now that you have one, you can accomplish all those things you put aside

until you got your round tuit.

Doesnt that just say it? Its a constant reminder of the things we put off and put off and

again and again, put off. Bill Hybels says in Making Life Work, Excuses breed excuses. Laziness,

sluggishness, indolence, slothfulness, whichever slow moving word you choose -- they all breed more

and more of the same slimy stuff. Its a thick soup youre sinking into, and youll end up stuck in a life

of ruin.5

Ill do it later, is a famous-last-words statement. Even if we do this thing later it wont

bring us the satisfaction it could if we just do it now. We need to break the pattern of

procrastination by taking the initiative and by eliminating the excuses.

Defeat Laziness and Achieve AnythingGo to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander,

no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

-Proverbs 6:6-8Many people have problems with motivation. Truth be known we all have to learn how to

work; it never comes naturally, not to anyone. Yet, we often look at the self-motivated

5Bill Hybels, Making Life Work: Putting Gods Wisdom into Action, (Downers Grove, Illinois:

InterVarsity Press, 1998), p. 35.


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person in awe as if they were especially blessed. Perhaps they have been blessed, but not

with anything other than the knowledge that a good days work is reward all its own.

Why do people choose the easy way out when time and again theyll feel the sting of thenegative consequences? Failure to achieve, the wrath of authority figures, a messy life etc.

These sorts of people never really learnuntil they do so the hard way. The sluggard is the

type of fool who chooses not to learn. They prefer sleep and cant be bothered spending

themselves for their own (or anothers) benefit. Everything stands against them as a result.

There is no blessing for the lazy person. They may crave but invariably nothing comes.

Yet, the sluggard is wiser (in his or her own eyes) than seven others who answer discreetly.

The sluggard is commanded to go to the ant to learn (finally) how to work. And what do

ants do thats so special? They work... little by little they work. One grain of sand at a time.

One piece of food at a time, they march on and on and on. And so it is with us. If we

employ this diligence to our work, we achieve! The longer we go with this strategy the

more success we accumulate.

Rarely is there a magic bullet in life and the same applies to becoming motivated. The old

Nike by-line,Just Do It, is so relevant its not funny. Doing one thing at a time, whether its

weight loss or earning a degree or saving for a car or home, add one thing to another... to

another, and the principles of achievement are suddenly being applied and success israpidly within sight. Diligence takes discipline.

Dont Get Too ComfortableI know a manager who had achieved a marvellous amount of change and influence over

several years and lots of hard work. He had made his mark. Hed achieved everything

there was to achieve. He relaxed. The following year he was out of a job. Another man had

done the same thing; hed achieved everything in his field of endeavour, a high profile and

brilliantly successful sportsperson, and then something happened that brought it to an

abrupt endhe grew content with what hed achieved.

If theres one thing in corporate life or on the sporting field (or in any field for that matter)

which ushers in the death knell on that blossoming or successful career its getting

comfortable. Its never a good idea in life getting comfortable. Comfort zones are

dangerous areas.


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Were only as good as our last performance; each day requires its own fresh effort. We can

be on top of the world one day, yet it all starts again from scratch the very next day. Its up

to us.

I heard once that its impossible to stay still in lifewe either grow or we stagnate; we

move forwards or backwards. So, if were not consistently striving to grow, and we rest on

our laurels we can expect life to eventually go south, and go sour. Like our manager and

our sportsperson above, who both grew comfortable with their lots, were destined for

disaster if we stop trying in life.

If we ever get to a point in life where we feel comfortable and satisfied, we should watch

out. We should start looking over our shoulder. The truth is there could be a shake-up at

any given moment and we could be shaken from your restful position in that powerfultree of ours.

We need to stay hungry and competitive. Most of all we must stay on the right side of all

our relationships. We need to ensure we remain on the cutting edge of life. We need to

keep trying and failing. If weve failed and weve tried, were growing.

Be the ChangeBe the change you want to see in the world.

-Mahatma GandhiThis quote is an amazing truth regarding the doing rather than simply the saying.

Ghandi was without doubt one of the most incredible human beings who ever lived. What

was it that he saw in the world that commanded him to believe this and therefore actually

do it? There seems to be so much talk and so little action in much of life; it is wearisomebelieving people who command your attention when they promise change, when we know

to expect more of the same.

Saying and doing. These two words are poles, even worlds, apart. When weve heard it all

and seen very little, there can be an incredible sense of disillusionment that pervades us.

This might look like a form of learned helplessness, as we see things in our world requiring

change in response to the truth we see, yet there is no change, and may never be any. Now

thats not a good looking picture. It reminds me of sayings like, Nothing changes if


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nothing changes, or What is the definition of insanity: expecting vastly different results

from using the same methods. Its insanity alright.

Weve heard of the Intelligence Quotient, but what were more interested with here is the

Credibility Quotient. How is a person to become credible and maintain credibility? Im

cant suggest anything scientific, but I can suggest that if people say what they mean and

mean what they say, and prove it by actually doing it, it makes a strong case for their

credibility, and the efficacy of change. Theyre easier to trust and follow the next time

around.

Credibility and trust are crucial in leadership. Without these elements a leader will

struggle to command any sense of respect with his or her charges. So, what gives with

credibilitywhat does it look like? It means that if were a leader we must be prepared tobe part of the pain of change if we expect to see it work. A leader needs to get in and get

dirty with the change by getting involved. It is amazing how many so-called leaders simply

dont pay any interest in getting involved, and making the necessary sacrifices in leading

people through a change process. The character (humility and respect etc) of the leader

comes out when people see them actually committing to the changes they all see as

requiredthey share a common understanding and a common goal.

Change in the home is very similar. If were in a relationship and were suffering abuse or

inequity, we want and need change. If we see no commitment to change, or our partner issimply saying things to appease us, its a worry. How do we facilitate the change we want

to see? We could be the change, as Ghandi suggests. Its a good starting point. Even

more pointedly, if we are the partner who is the perpetrator of the abuse, Be the change

we want to see; actually start doing it one-day or one-moment-at-a-time. We dont make

excuses or put it off any longer: we do it now! Continuing change in this environment is

made simple if we do it one day at a time. Like giving anything up, we must simply keep

going one-moment-at-a-time; and just QUIT. The forces that seem so powerful now wont

have the same influence in a month or two. That might seem a way off; focus: one-day-at-a-time.

Doing change means staying within our sphere of influence. This is so important. How

many people get cheesed off with things that concern them, but they dont have the ability

to change? This is a waste of energy. Lets explore the remedy. Lets take a look at a

unique characteristic we all have: the ability to form originalperceptions.

Perceptions are funny things; we all have them and they are so varied, and even subtle

differences place us a long way away from each other. If we are wise well seek to test our


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perceptions far enough to say, Can I do something about this concern? If the answer is

yes it is something we can influence: we can actually dosomething about it. This reminds

me of the slogan World Vision used in their 2007 40-hour famine promotion... Do

something... Do something real... Do something else (i.e. other than procrastinate). Thereis no sense in getting all in a tizz about something we cant do anything about, so if the

answer to our question is no we need to learn to move on, and as the Serenity Prayer

suggests, we need to accept the things we cannot change.

Now, we commence a totally different ball game if the answer was yes and we feel

sufficiently passionate about it. This is where the work begins. Weve done the easy bit,

now the proof will be in the pudding as they say. Enabling a change process to the

doing requires planning, commitment, energy, and resources. It can only be limited by a

lack of passion and commitment.

I heard recently that a way to reach your goals was via the bridge of self-discipline.

Thats correct isnt it? We cant achieve any worthwhile goal without needing to restrain

our desires. Whether our desire might be stunted by laziness (procrastination) or fed by

greed, the antidote is self-discipline; diligence in one word. This word symbolises the

correct spirit inactivity. It is everything dependable, done in the right way, and with the

right intent.

Doing the things our mind and heart says are importantthose things we can actually dois really important for our self-belief and self-efficacy. Doing things, over simply just

saying them, is such a pointer of character because it shows people around us how diligent

we are, how committed to ideals we are, and how compassionate we are.

If you are able to consistently convert the things you say to the activity of doing them,

Then, my son [or daughter], as Rudyard Kipling said in his poem If, You will be a Man [or

Woman].

Get Fit, Not Injured Recreation Change ManagementI met a friend for lunch some time back and I was surprised to see him adorned in open

shoes, but otherwise dressed for business. When I inquired about it he proceeded to tell me

of the blisters hed been battling with blisters from running. He had developed the blisters

as a result of either poor footwear, excessive running, or for some other reason. One thing


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was for sure, he was sore, and what was worse hed been forced to stop his emergent fitness

regime.

I got to thinking that my friend doesnt normally run, or at least it isnt characteristic of his

routine. Then I got to thinking, Is this from an over eager desire to implement change?--

to get fit, and in getting fit had he not sufficiently attended to the delicate balance

required in the physical transition from being largely sedentary to becoming more active.

This sort of thing has happened to me also. Returning to weight training with the

availability of a gym where I worked was great; I love to work out. The only trouble was an

old war wound within my lumbar spine re-surfaced and I had to back off somewhat.

It highlights the golden truth that getting fit is harder to get right than one might think.

The degree of success of any change often depends on its sustainability over the initial

months of implementation. If we last longer than a few months, we normally adapt and

then continue the new habit, in this case the habit of exercise. There are many things that

potentially de-rail our efforts to change. Ive mentioned a couple above (risk management

for continuity and sticking to a routine).

Change Management is quite an old practice in business circles, but it is not as well known

in the business of everyday life. The principles are based in the processes of planning,

assessment, consultation, and monitoring, amongst others. The overall key is the planning.With the desire for new and improved habits and routines, achieving good change

management relies on effective thought and planning, whether it's in business or in our

personal lives.

The wisdom is this: plan to start a changed routine or new habit slowly, monitoring the

change closely. Implement it gradually, particularly exercise. Be patient. An injury will set

you back days, weeks, or months, and worse still, you could find that you NEVER actually

continue the habit, or never get back to it, and this can be very de-motivating. How many

people have failed once and never tried again? If you fail, keep trying. Dont lose yourmotivation altogether. Good planning can inspire discipline and be highly motivating in

itself.

The cost in going slowly is easy to bear when you consider the enormous benefit, in looking

back in the months to come, on how disciplined you were and what the rewards were.

Diligence in this way demonstrates your leadership over yourself, your ability to listen to

what your body and mind is saying to you, and your commitment to overcome the

significant obstacles of change.


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We need to manage change carefully and dutifully. Make sure you give sufficient thought

to the planning so that you bolster your chances of success.

From Reputation to CharacterIt never ceases to amaze me how maligned some people are in the eyes of some. It is as if

some people could do anything to the contrary and still be seen a certain, negative way. It

must be so frustrating for a person to find they have a reputation that they cant shake.

To illustrate the point, say two people have known each other for years; they grew up

together. One grew up holding the perception that the other was tight-fisted with money.

Now the perception is a reality for them, even though theres not been much to support

this perception. Every now and then they still refer and comment about this persons

apparent unreasonable frugality. The person thought to be overly frugal or miserly is not

that impressed that one story or event of frugality meant this reputation stuck for what

seems a lifetime. The reality for this situation from others viewpoints is actually contrary;

this person is actually nothing like thatin fact, they are perhaps, at times, a little wasteful

with money, and they are anything but selfish with their money, sharing without

hesitation.

This is the difference at times between our real character and the less reliable reality of a

reputation. People who seem intent on keeping negative reputations alive are usually the

ones who engage in gossip and seem to love fiction in their own livesespecially if it is at

the expense of someone else. This is obviously very damaging for relationships; they can

never mature in love in this sort of environment.

Character is a far more reliable gauge of a person; it is the truth about us. Its how youd

expect that person to respond and how they will 95 percent of the time. Character and

decision-making have an interdependent relationship with virtue. The more we actuallydecide to be good and practice good virtue, like being kind and compassionate, the more

our character is reinforced, within us and to those external to us, in these kind and

compassionate ways. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy to act a certain way, for instance,

when we exercise self-control through a decision, we strengthen our character around the

virtue of self-control.

Abraham Lincoln once said, Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The

shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Another, Thomas Paine said,


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Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of

us. Yet another, Elbert Hubbard said, Many a mans reputation would not know his

character if they met on the street.

Whether compared as a shadow to a tree, or what humans know of us as compared with

God, it seems these quotes reinforce the distance often between reputation and the truth of

our character.

Where does this leave us in the quest for a good reputation? It seems all we can really do is

decide to be good, reliable, and faithful, and then let the reputations form as they will,

hoping that our true character will actually be seen for what it is.

But, know this: If you get a negative reputation and people are not keen to shift their

perception of you even with evidence that youve changed to the contrary, know that they

are probably malicious at heart and dont fret; heaven and earth wont shake the untruth

out of them.

The good news of course is people with a commitment to living in the reality of truth will

notice your changes for the good and your reputation will change for the better.

Decide for the good, and be consistent, focussing more on your character than your

reputation.

Eliminating Negative Self-TalkHow much anxiety and stress is generated in our own minds? Stay open to this: it is basic

Toltec wisdom, and quite widely known within psychology circles, besides numerous other

sourceswe are, or become, what we think!

Say you get a phone call from your boss, and youre out of the office taking a long lunch.

He calls and you dont want to answer because youre in an environment thats not the

office and you feel guilty. You let it go to message bank. For a moment you think that he

or she is upset with you... all because of how yousee the situation; your guilt has producedfeelings that they are upset with you.

Let us get one thing straight. You are NOT thinking what the other person is This is a truthfulstatement. Yet, we think and behave as if this was not true, and figure that we not only

know what theyre thinking, but also that they think similarly to us. Test this out


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consciously during your next week or two. How much opinion-making is your mind doing

for you on automatic pilot?

We must be careful with this because not only will it mess with all your relationships, but it

causes a huge amount of stress, anxiety and fear, and it is so unnecessary.

It is surprising to find out that most of the angst we deal with begins and ends within our

own mindsyet it shouldnt be. If youre like most people you externalise the stresses of

life when there couldnt be anything further from the truth. Sure, there are things that

affect our equilibrium but how we see things matters enormously.

Were inclined to see what we see. In other words, our perception in any given

moment is affected by all our previous experience, held values and attitudes, and this

explains why people get what they expect most of the timethe self-fulfilling prophesy.

How we see or perceive things is a choice. When it comes to choosing to change its noteasy: The older we get the harder the choice is to go another way were not used to since

our brains have developed such well-worn neural pathwayswe go with habit and prior

attitudes simply because its in the groove.

Its the same with our minds and our thinking. We think all the time. We talk to ourselves

ALL the time. Not all of it is positive. In fact, if we have a negative self-image well be

saying stacks of things to undermine ourselves. How do we break the cycle?

How do we stop our negative self-talk or internal dialogue?

1. Become aware of it: try journaling about it. Write about what you discuss withyourself in your mind, and what you decide your perception is going to be. Write

when you do it and for how long, and what effect it creates (the emotions evoked)

within you. It will take some time to master this step. Be patient with yourself.

2. Make an agreement with yourself to challenge it:This is not an easy process but it is

achievable over time. Developing the habit to challenge your self-talk is not easy

but it is the first step, and it must happen in order to succeed. You need to form the

habit of screening your thoughts with the sieve of truth. Only what goes through

the sieve (i.e. is found to be entirely truthful) should be believed.

3. Make a commitment to stop it:Again, this will take time and quite a lot of effort andenergy. Focus only on this for the time, and dont try to do too much at a time.

Challenge and correct your thinking with the truth. If it isnt based in objective


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fact, simply reject and divert your thinking. You will know when youre mastering

this. When youre challenging and accepting and rejecting thoughts on a daily

basis; everything through the sieve of truth.

Remember, people are not thinking what you think they are thinking. Be concerned only

with what youre thinking. Your thought-world can be controlled to a large extent. Give it

a go.

Bad Habits Eradicating Them ForeverNew Years resolutions are notorious for not being carried through. They generally last

just a few weeks, a month at most. But its not the only time we make promises to correct

bad habits is it? The Billy Field classic song in the early 1980s summarised this sentiment

so well, Cant help myself, bad habits...

The following riddle was given to me some five years ago; see if you can work it out.

Guess who/what I am:I am your constant companion,

I have the brain of a human, and the precision of a machine,

Half your job you might as well give to me... you only need to teach me and after only a

few lessons Ill do it for you automatically!

You can use me for your success, or you can use me for your ruin.

A warning however; you need to be FIRM with me; if youre not, I have the power to

destroy you.

Who/what am I?This riddle proved prophetic in my life. On my way to an Australian airport I had a ride in a

taxi cab Ill never forget. The driver had taken me for a ride earlier and now had picked me

up again for the final leg of the day. He was nice enough, but you know, hes a driver and I

was tired so I didnt care much for his banter.

But he persisted, and this somehow intrigued me, particularly after hed parroted the

riddle the third time, commanding my attention, luring my curiosity. I listened again, and


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by virtue of this, the driver was even more intense in his rendition of it. I made a few

fumbled attempts to guess it, unsuccessfully. As we arrived at the airport, he revealed the

answer to the riddle: habits. The who/what am I? is habits. Read the riddle again if youlike.

Exactly one week later my world fell apart. And it all fell apart to a large degree because of

my habits, my bad habits. In retrospect the warnings were there, but we rarely heed the

warnings do we? If only I had done something about these problems earlier I mused and

agonised. Too late, my time was up.

Keeping in mind were defined by our habits, what are you heading towards? You do reap

what you sow in this lifeit happens that reliability that it is foolish to live any other way.

This might be your opportunity to heed the warning. What habit has the potential to

destroy you, whether it be a relationship like a marriage, your health because you smoke or

drink too much; is it your temperare you too easily angered?

What about the person with heart problems or high blood pressure and continues to eat

poorly or not exercise? It doesnt take a scientist to work out the end will not be pretty. It

will more than likely be a tragic and painful end.

Sow curses and bad things (on yourself or others) and you will reap cursing; nothing of real

worth will come. On the other hand if you sow good you will get it.

The solution is using the power of the mindto break bad habits. Did you know that through

good habits you can break bad habits? The mind has the ability to be re-programmed

through new myelination. This is a process where the neural pathways (brain wiring) aretransformed and supercharged and go from being a dirt tracks to a super highwaysthis

means your brain uses these new and enhanced pathways in preference to the old ones and

they are much quicker toothis is how habitual behaviour is created. This is what happens

when we learn new things, and persist with them long enough for good habits to form.

New and powerful pathways are created. To change a habit, you just need to stick at it long

enough and a new pathway will be created and there you go; new habit. Its not that hard

in theory.

This is why it is so important to not just give something up, but we must replacethat badhabit with an equally powerful positive habit. We then create the new myelination in

opposition to the old one.


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For instance, giving up smoking. Make a resolution to replace that habit with some others,

like having gum to chew on as a rewardusing delayed gratification it works well. Save it

up, look forward to it. Get out and walk in the fresh air and marvel at the world we live in.

Make the new habits highly personable to you. Cherish them. Think positively.

One thing for sure with habits and changing them; we need to be vigilant and must not

relent, because if you give the old habit one tenth of a chance and it will come back and

grab you and plague you worse than before as you realise it wouldnt have been as bad to

continue your resolve as it is now that youve given in. Stick at it. It is always worth the

upfront pain. You can do it, and you will, one day at a time.

Haste The Destructiveness, Hassle and Problem of HurryThough I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry, because I never

undertake more work than I can go through with calmness of Spirit.

-John WesleyWhen driving in traffic recently I was again amazed by the gall of some motorcyclists...

queue jumpers! There seems to be a mentality amongst many people who ride motorbikes

that there exists a 'third lane' on the dual-lane carriageway. That they can zip up through

the slowing traffic, to claim first place, is astounding. If someone did this while queuing at

a bank, at a coffee shop or at the shops they'd be rudely mistaken, and roundly abused!

The particular day I had this experience, I noticed something unusual--a motorcyclist

obediently following a car, staying in the one lane, and being a model motorcyclist. I was

taken by his behaviour to such an extent I was tempted to wind my driver's window down

and applaud him.

Sometimes we're disappointed in life... No sooner had I had seen this, I was confronted with

four motorbikes (one after the other) zipping past me in the left-hand lane and driving in a

manner that was not simply rude but downright haphazardas if their homes were on fire.

The long and the short of it was the model motorcyclist must have seen this behaviour

and figured he was wasting his time being so obedient and considerate of other road users.

Only a few kilometres down the road he commenced the same erratic and inconsiderate

behaviour, albeit more conservatively.


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I have often wondered what happens at a deeper level with this sort of personthe averagequeue-jumping motorcyclist. Does he become a person who seeks to be first at all times,

in other areas of his life? Do they eventually become more selfish people than those who

drive cars? What is their attitude towards obeying the law, generally? Do they flout it inother ways like they seem to on the road? Whatever the long-term psychological effect, it

can't be a positive one, can it?

I call on all motorcyclists to obey the road rules and prove they are not recalcitrants, one-

by-one. I wonder if I will see in my lifetime a reform in the way motorbikes are ridden on

the road; where they seek to courteously give way and ride responsibly. I want to respect

every human being, but it is a huge challenge to respect those who appear to utterly

disregard others. It is my prayer that something will happen that will cause reform,

however. Perhaps car motorists who see respectful motorcyclists could give them some

sort of kudos; perhaps give them the thumbs-up as they record their number plate and

report them for some sort of award! Perhaps the State could get on-board with this?

I know this was a tolerance testfor me, and Im thankful for it. It reminds me to breath-inand thank God that Im not in such a hurry; that life is a little less frenzied for me. It

reminds me to hasten slowly as the quote featured above suggests, and continue on my

patient way, and to pray that these motorcyclists make it to their destinations safelyit

might be a family member or a friend that is involved with them in a traffic accident.Needless to say (though I will say it) it causes regrettable suffering for any family who

suffers the loss or injury of one or more of their own.

When it comes to a road death, the rest is history.

Rarely do we get ahead in life in our hurrying. As Ive illustrated above, we can gain so

much more with just a little patience. Queue-jumpers never really get ahead in life. And

apart from everything else it displays a flagrant lack of respect for others. Its not worth

the negative strain. In haste (often as a consequence of fear) weve all done silly things to

get in front and then had to deal with the guilt that comes afterwards. It contributes to a

loss of inner-peace. Its ironically such a waste of timein the overall analysis of things!

Alcoholics Anonymous have a saying Just for Today, as part of their one day at a time

philosophy. They encourage newcomers with the terrible addiction, and a long journey of

recovery ahead, to say: I will save myself from two pests; hurryand indecision. These pests

have the power to rock anyones mind, shaking the resilience to continue the fight.


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Its about appreciating the truth that says, Dont fret, it only leads to evil. (Psalm 37:8) When

we worry and fret, and that emotion has control of us, we can only be a destructive

influence over those around us; think about it.

Haste is a lack of care and diligence; a lack of foresight and planning, which usually comes

from plain laziness. The most extreme form of this, of which haste is but one indicator is

biblical sluggardness. This could be defined as unbounded craving, or a total lack of

control of ones desires; zeal that is motivated from the wrong source.

Planning is key. Our approach to life should be considered, deliberate, intentional. Then

peace can be ours, as we live in harmony and shalom with others and our Creator.

Next time youre tempted to rush and do something impulsive, take the extra few seconds

because in reality thats all youll lose. You stand to lose a lot more than that in your

hurrying.

Life is About WaitingThere is a story about the Confucian saying, The ox is slow but the earth is patient. A

famous sporting coach once used it to describe the development of his struggling team.

The crux is this: change and things and patterns take time to happen, grow and emerge,and that in reality is no real issue.

We hate to recognize this but it is true. Things take forever to change and morph like we'd

want them to. A bureaucracy is the classic example--the wheels of progress turn slowly;

but they do turn! Interact with a government department (or worse, a series of them!) by

partaking in a form-filling exercise and we all too soon know about the frustration of

bureaucracy! But, its all necessary... its the process.

I was reminded of a powerful principle recently that illustrates the truth of this point.Time comes. If we put something off, a large far-off goal, because we dont have the

patience to wait for the (say) three years to come, it will eventually. If you put off going to

college or university to study that degree youve always wanted, to launch your dream

career, that three or four years will elapse anyway; do you want to arrive at that point and

have the qualification, or not? All that stands in our way is a little hard work, and that

never hurt anyone. As Morgan Freemans character of God said in Bruce Almighty

(words to the effect), Some of the happiest people alive come home each night stinking to

high heaven. Diligence is rewarded. Look at the ant.


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Patience. Were all too often impatient. The Confucian quote was used by former West

Coast Eagles coach, Michael Malthouse in describing his reflective approach after a loss.

You can tell current West Coast coach, John Worsfold, has the same approach. At times, we

just have to be patient and grin and bear it. Its going to take some time, perhaps evenyears before the football club turns its fortunes around on the ground.

If we think of it this way it might help. Life is about waiting. Its the biggest waiting room.

While were here we get to know and live with some wonderful people, we get to learn lots

of things, and if were fortunate, we experience many wondrous (and not so many painful)

things.

Just think of the journey of developing this emerging young West Coast team that cant

quite win yet; thats exciting in itself--a successful future awaits; possibly anotherpremiership. The hunger within these young players will get them there. They have all of

it in front of them, which is far better than having everything behind us. Theres

everything to live for.

All of us have to wait for things. Nothing worthwhile comes easy or straight away. But time

does come and change does happen. It often happens slowly enough for us to enter into it,

to get involved, to think, and to engage with it. Life is otherwise too quick for us. Why do

we get frustrated that we have to wait? It will all be over far too early in any event. Life...

ponder. Impatience brings discontentment.

We Must Transcend The Things That Hold UsThese words of Rubin Hurricane Carters, in the motion picture of the true story, The

Hurricane (1999) are etched in golden truth for anyone whos had a real life battle of the

titans and won. Its like the summation of the movie in one short statement; how a fighter

who had dealt with massive injustice all his life had to deal with it big time, to break atortuous 20-year incarcerationthe fight for his freedom against a system of inherent and

rampant corruption.

The part of The Hurricane when Carter (played brilliantly by Denzel Washington) says

We must transcend the things that hold us, is particularly poignant. Facing incredible

odds to fight the system, whilst simultaneously maintaining his sanity, Carter was faced

with making such a resolveit was crucial for his survival. It required a commitment to

himself; a commitment to flip his world upside down in order to stay in the game. He begun


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to work and study at night, and sleep during the dayanything really, to remain sane and

strong. Theres a key lesson here. Its one ofprotection. It is about protecting the relatively

clean spirit that exists within each one of us, guarding it against corruption. Carter

identified it. He identified it and then put a plan into place and executed it. That takescourage and discipline, or put together, faith and diligence.

So what holds people? And, how do people transcend these things? The key learning and

inspiration here is this: there are many things, people and situations (things + people) that

will make their most ardent attempt to hold us in this life. Its a hard fact of life. This is

because many people and things wantcontrol over us. This is not love-based.

To make this clear, a hold is anything or any relationship that doesnt or cant stand up to

truth; and anything that corrupts or potentially corrupts. This includes anythingdownright sinful, relationships that will never be a bles

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