October 2020 week 2
Friday October 16, 2020
Scripture: Philippians 2:4 Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
Stop Complaining
One of my early learning experiences came from one of my supervisors who taught me a very important lesson. When she was instructed to do something that she did not agree with she did not complain but quickly completed the task as instructed. Afterward she would then voice her thoughts on the task. Usually our director would listen and agree with her concerns noted or take the time to explain why the task was necessary. I learned that people are more willing to listen after the task has been completed rather than deal with complaints as to why the task is unnecessary. Complainers do not get promotions. Do you find yourself around people who are complainers? I suggest that you quickly separate yourself from complainers who can never be satisfied. They complain about not getting a raise in pay and as soon as they get a raise they begin to wonder when they will get the next raise. The children of Israel were constant complainers and thus did not enter the promised land but Joshua and Caleb were opportunist and gained rich rewards for their willingness to do the task without complaining.
Thought for the day: In the time that you may take complaining, the job could have been completed.
Thursday October 15, 2020
Are you really listening to me?
Scripture: James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Listening is a skill that we are fast losing in this age of technology. We seldom really talk and listen to each other. One person says hello to me and another person ask ‘How are you”?. Is there a real difference in the greetings. I believe that if you are not willing to stop and listen to me then you should just say hello and I will respond hello and we can keep going our merry way. If you really want to listen and have a conversation then do not just say hello but ask “how are you?”, and be prepared for the answer. Most importantly do not just listen for the answer with your ears but also with your eyes and heart. Just because I say I am fine does not mean that all is well. I may not be fine at all but hesitant to respond how I truly feel because I am uncertain that you really care and want to take the time to listen. Oftentimes people just want someone who will really listen. I have a friend who can get on the bus and begin talking to a complete stranger and learn the stranger’s complete life story because she makes the stranger feel like she cares and wants to listen.
Thought of the day: Are you a hello person or a how are you person?
Wednesday October 14, 2020
What is your attitude today?
Scripture: 2 Kings 4: 23 So he said, “Why are you going to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath.” And she said, “It is well.”
26 Please run now to meet her, and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ ” And she answered, “It is well.”
It has often been said that your attitude will determine your altitude. How you look at each day will help to define that day for you. In the book “Freedom From Fear” the author notes that some people just want to get through the day while others want to know what will they get out of the day. Perhaps we should be looking for opportunities to learn and opportunities to serve God and make a difference in the lives of others. We can look at our circumstances and lament or we can actively seek the positive and have faith that we will find it. The Shumamite believed and was rewarded for her faith.
Thought for the day: Pray to begin each day with the right attitude that God has something special for you today and each day
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
As a teacher, I try to be the best teacher that I can be and want every parent or student to think that I am a great teacher. Students want to attend the best schools and parents will do whatever they can to ensure that their child enrolls in the.best school There is nothing wrong with students and parents wanting to find the best teachers; however there is one important factor that we often forget. There is a Chinese proverb that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Another saying is “ a bad student will make any teacher bad and a good student will make any teacher good”. We say that we should be life long learners (students) but my question is simply “Are we good students”? Do we read the Bible and do our homework and do we ask questions when we do not understand? I would suggest that we have a great teacher but sometimes we do not pay attention in class or fail to read the text book. We fail to follow the teacher’s instructions and give excuses. So perhaps the question is not do you have a great teacher but are you a great student.
Thought for the day : What kind of student are you?
Monday October 12th
Scripture James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism
Diversity and Hiring Practices
Last week I had an interesting question posed to me. The question was is it a sin to hire someone who is less qualified who is your relative or friend if you are the person doing the hiring. I took several minutes to think about it and decided to answer the person using the same scripture that initiated the discussion with the following scripture added. The Bible is very clear that we are to perform our duties at work as if we were working diretly for God and not just as if we are working for our employer. Colossians 3:23 “ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men”. As the hiring manager it is our responsibility to hire the most competent person who meets the job requirements which means we are wrong if we hire someone who is less qualified even if the person is a family member or long time friend.
Thought for the day: Remember our actions should reflect that we are Christians 7 days a week not 1 day a week and at work and at Church.