Keeping Our Bearings
This Week's Theme: Motivation
Saturday, February 3, 2001
 1 of 1
Q. What determines the way we live?
A. According to one management guru, we either live by a clock or by a compass. The clock represents our obligations and plans—things that drive our behavior and condition our responses toward success. The compass, on the other hand, represents our beliefs and motives—what we feel should lead our lives toward significance.
Will living by the compass keep us on course?
Yes, but we must be constantly mindful of the influences on the direction of our lives. What guides our decisions? influences our plans? conditions our interactions with others?
If we're arriving at destinations we didn't expect or desire, perhaps our bearings are off. Our compass needs calibration. Over time, the hull of a ship builds up magnetism that interferes with the ship's compass. True north is not really true north. To remove this interference, a ship passes over special coils in the ocean floor. Similarly, our internal compass must be periodically demagnetized if we're to continue our journey along accurate bearings.
How can our lives be "calibrated"?
The coils, in this analogy, are the Bible. First, we must allow God's Word to bring us into alignment with Christ. The Bible is an accurate judge of our heart.
Second, live a value-centered life with godliness at the core. Integrity means that we live in accordance with our values.
Then, guard your heart because the enemy looks for weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Our behavior reflects what's stored in our hearts.
Finally, submit to mentors. They'll help us keep on course if we let them hold us accountable.
Greg Bourgond is dean of academic affairs and instructional technology at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Adapted from Life@Work Journal (1-2/00). 1 of 1
Oh, God, show me your thoughts and your ways. Lead me into your goodness and mercy.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| 
