Beware: Bovine Beatitudes Written August 19th, 2009
Ask the question – Who influences me? Many articles and essays have been written on the importance of influence and also the double edged sword of the same. But are we as self-aware of our influences as we need to be? When a stallion is in a field of bovines it may seem quite natural to circum to the actions and characteristics of the “bovines” and subsequently forget the ability he, the stallion, possesses.
This same risk applies to individuals: have you checked your influences lately? Have you circum to “bovine mediocracy” or do you continue to search out your God-given greatness? Have you challenged the status quo? Or have you settled your life-goals to a path of least resistance.
Talking about bovines - there was a milk campaign back awhile ago and even though I despised the corniness of the campaign I couldn’t argue with the philosophy – always grow, grow always.
Individuals who hinder your personal growth or who are intimidated by it are not friends but rather insecure relations which are trying to not loose hold of a co-dependant relationship (i.e. your dependency on them brings them a sense of significance). The friends and influencers that you need are individuals who care for you enough to never allow you to sink into mediocracy – but rather individuals who will always lovingly “provoke” you to a higher level in your life. (Hebrews 10:24)
Up to this point of the article I have been writing from a receivership position – but the question must also be asked personally: Am I a person of valuable influence to my friends, family, and relations? Have you so circum to personal insecurity that you cling on to your friends and family tightly to keep them from advancing so that you are not possibly abandoned or “left alone?” A motivational speaker once stated that in order to be successful you must help enough individuals become successful themselves. This is a universal law of reciprocity and one which God set into motion long, long ago. Love your neighbor as yourself; it is more blessed to give then to receive, etc. True significance only arrives from the giving of ourselves to a greater cause then our own contentment, happiness, or security. (Matthew 22:37-39)
But back to our original subject – The challenge still remains for you to “know yourself.” And unless we take time to analyze the “influencers” in our lives we can easily circum to “bovine mediocracy” and quickly loose sight of the inward potential God has placed within us. With this in mind, how much more important our relationship with God becomes, since we are given the incredible opportunity to be influenced by an all-knowing, all-wise, all-loving father. This week please ask yourself four simple questions:
1.Who is my influence?
2.Is this influence helping me grow beneficially?
3.Who do I influence?
4.And have I helped them grow beneficially?
P.S. I do not hold any specific grudges against bovines – actually they hold many intrinsically “tasty” characteristics – but I wouldn’t follow their lifestyles.
Rev. Kevin Mills
Kevin Mills is Executive Pastor of Prairie Community Church in Portage La Prairie
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Great Shaking Part II
The last article (The Great Shaking – Part 1) dealt with the vicious destructiveness of allowing yourself to fall into a perpetual victimized mindset in the light of the current “worldwide unrest,” since being a perpetual “victim” when the current democracy allows for freedom of innovation, attitude, liberty, freedom, and religious practice is nothing short of willful powerlessness and victimization. Consequently, we can be encouraged that our Country has allowed us the freedom to pursue our dreams, visions, and personal goals even in the light of economically and politically volatile times. It is exactly this type of “pursuit” by private citizens that made this country great in the first place.
“Part 2” is dealing with the importance of each “citizen” being willing to give back of themselves to their neighbors, towns, cities, and countries. This is the second step in leaving behind a victimization mentality and consciously deciding to be proactive and encourage and build-up others in your community. Jesus said that the entire “law” that God requires of man can be fulfilled in simply “loving your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:36-39) Why did He command it?
First-off because God is love (1Jn. 4:8) and we are to represent God’s character. Secondly, “giving” such love will take an individual out of a self-indulgent and self-centered mindset and consequently empower them, since they are no longer just receiving (passive acceptance – can lead to victimization) but they are giving (proactive giving/personal empowerment). Thirdly, our country has maintained its sovereignty and freedom due to individuals sacrificing of themselves for a greater cause (i.e. for present and future generations).
Even though many are quick to point to North America’s prosperity as being the origin of our self-centeredness and over indulgence (many point to this as the root of our current economic problems) – its not. Money and prosperity are not inherently evil – it’s the individuals who utilize them! For us to blame prosperity or “money” on our current problems allows us to “lay the blame” on something external and subsequently excuse ourselves of most personal responsibility – an action which will only repeat failure, since personal responsibility for actions must be taken before any good change will happen.
Certainly prosperity can easily lend itself to self-centered and unthinkable corruption – but these things are only perpetuated by individuals consciously deciding to utilize the resources of “prosperity” in that way. This is why we must all take quick responsibility for our own actions and realize that giving of ourselves to others is the surest road for a perpetually freedom, continuance of democracy, personal happiness, and being absolutely pleasing to God.
“Part 2” is dealing with the importance of each “citizen” being willing to give back of themselves to their neighbors, towns, cities, and countries. This is the second step in leaving behind a victimization mentality and consciously deciding to be proactive and encourage and build-up others in your community. Jesus said that the entire “law” that God requires of man can be fulfilled in simply “loving your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:36-39) Why did He command it?
First-off because God is love (1Jn. 4:8) and we are to represent God’s character. Secondly, “giving” such love will take an individual out of a self-indulgent and self-centered mindset and consequently empower them, since they are no longer just receiving (passive acceptance – can lead to victimization) but they are giving (proactive giving/personal empowerment). Thirdly, our country has maintained its sovereignty and freedom due to individuals sacrificing of themselves for a greater cause (i.e. for present and future generations).
Even though many are quick to point to North America’s prosperity as being the origin of our self-centeredness and over indulgence (many point to this as the root of our current economic problems) – its not. Money and prosperity are not inherently evil – it’s the individuals who utilize them! For us to blame prosperity or “money” on our current problems allows us to “lay the blame” on something external and subsequently excuse ourselves of most personal responsibility – an action which will only repeat failure, since personal responsibility for actions must be taken before any good change will happen.
Certainly prosperity can easily lend itself to self-centered and unthinkable corruption – but these things are only perpetuated by individuals consciously deciding to utilize the resources of “prosperity” in that way. This is why we must all take quick responsibility for our own actions and realize that giving of ourselves to others is the surest road for a perpetually freedom, continuance of democracy, personal happiness, and being absolutely pleasing to God.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Great Shaking - Part 1
There has already arisen a time of people’s core beliefs and values being tested and shaken. The current “unrest” and world-wide “uneasiness” will continue to place stress on the already shattered lives of those who placed their hope and future into the hands of others. Many people continue to feel that their lives are completely out of their control and furthermore feel that their lives have become pawns in a greater game of chance. It has always been humanity’s greatest source of contention, anxiety, and stress when we feel that our life is no longer our own and that external circumstance now dictate our actions in a way contrary to our personal desires. But herein lays the importance of realizing how true “freedom” and “happiness” are perpetuated in a democratic society.
Firstly, we must fully realize that the last of the human freedoms is to choose our “attitude.” Many things can be taken from an individual but the last of the human freedoms is the choice of how you will ultimately let circumstances shape you. The worst fallacy that anyone can fall into during this these “difficult times” is a victimization mindset. There is nothing wrong with freely admitting and realizing that some things may have “beset” you that were not fair - but to continue in this “attitude” only empowers the individual or thing that firstly victimized you and this will only continue to strip you of your own dignity, freedom, and happiness. Most individuals who have been “wronged” by an individual or institution do not desire to continue to empower the very “thing” that “victimized” them – yet this is exactly what we do if we continue in a victimization mindset.
This may appear as a silly “mind-game” but our attitude directly affects our actions, which directly affect our lives, which directly affects our community, which directly affects our country. Thankfully God has given us the ability to dictate and control such an important aspect of our lives (i.e. Phil 4:8)
Victimization in the form of fear and uncertainty will come at you in many various forms during these “uncertain times.” The reason? Because it empowers the individual or institution that is perpetuating it. This is why the first step we must take in regaining a sense of hope is the realization that God has blessed us with the ability to decide our “attitude” and subsequent approach during difficult times. We have been blessed with a free democracy which allows us to “pick ourselves up by our boot straps” and be free from a perpetual victimized mindset.
The second part of this article will deal with how freedom and happiness can only be perpetuated through the sacrificial giving of oneself to their community and country.
Firstly, we must fully realize that the last of the human freedoms is to choose our “attitude.” Many things can be taken from an individual but the last of the human freedoms is the choice of how you will ultimately let circumstances shape you. The worst fallacy that anyone can fall into during this these “difficult times” is a victimization mindset. There is nothing wrong with freely admitting and realizing that some things may have “beset” you that were not fair - but to continue in this “attitude” only empowers the individual or thing that firstly victimized you and this will only continue to strip you of your own dignity, freedom, and happiness. Most individuals who have been “wronged” by an individual or institution do not desire to continue to empower the very “thing” that “victimized” them – yet this is exactly what we do if we continue in a victimization mindset.
This may appear as a silly “mind-game” but our attitude directly affects our actions, which directly affect our lives, which directly affects our community, which directly affects our country. Thankfully God has given us the ability to dictate and control such an important aspect of our lives (i.e. Phil 4:8)
Victimization in the form of fear and uncertainty will come at you in many various forms during these “uncertain times.” The reason? Because it empowers the individual or institution that is perpetuating it. This is why the first step we must take in regaining a sense of hope is the realization that God has blessed us with the ability to decide our “attitude” and subsequent approach during difficult times. We have been blessed with a free democracy which allows us to “pick ourselves up by our boot straps” and be free from a perpetual victimized mindset.
The second part of this article will deal with how freedom and happiness can only be perpetuated through the sacrificial giving of oneself to their community and country.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Feelings for Emotivism?
“We as Christians have no authority or right to tell others how they ought to live or act just because we may feel uncomfortable with some of their actions or lifestyles.” This was a frustration expressed to me from the wife of a Main-line denominational minister. This is a true statement – since, for us to base our beliefs of morality (right or wrong) on strictly a “feeling” is faulty and quickly leads to the ethical philosophy of Emotivism. What is Emotivism? Quintessentially, (my apologies to any Emotivists for not having the space to lay out their philosophy entirely) the belief that the highest good (what is right) in society can be based on “rational feelings.” Unfortunately, what constitutes a “rational feeling” can cover a wide range of possibilities- many of which have been seen as extremely un-ethical in the past. One such example is Genocide - Whereas individuals who headed these movements “felt” thoroughly, through reason, that they were accomplishing the greatest good for society. Does this then excuse their actions? I think most of us would agree not. Thus it is also fallacy for Christians to use “feelings” as the barometer of what is moral or unethical. For us to dictate a moral stance (of what is good or bad) based on feelings effectively makes the issue “about us” and our emotions rather then the best interests and greatest good for the other people involved.
Genuine “Christian” or “Godly love,” is concerned about the individual’s well-being and commands us to live in such a manner as to protect ourselves from effective self-destruction. My response to the minister’s wife was that I agreed “feelings” should not be the motivating force behind labeling something or someone moral or immoral– rather love should be. Why? True wholly (and/or Holy) love is concerned about the whole well-being of the individual and society and seeks what is best for all people involved. In other words this is not a sentimental love – but a tenacious love. This love would not hesitate to challenge or confront a person’s actions and/or behavior if it was being detrimental to themselves - even if it wasn’t popular opinion or even politically correct. The truth will set people free (John 8:32) when based in genuine, sincere, Godly love. Be it far from us to base morals and ethics on what we “feel.” Rather let us be guided by God’s love as the moral standard– a love which is concerned for the greatest good for our neighbor, fellow worker and fellow Canadian. This is much more far-reaching and important of a matter then merely one group “stone-throwing” at another, etc., etc. This is about searching God’s word and discovering the moral and ethical law that He has placed to protect ourselves from ourselves.
Genuine “Christian” or “Godly love,” is concerned about the individual’s well-being and commands us to live in such a manner as to protect ourselves from effective self-destruction. My response to the minister’s wife was that I agreed “feelings” should not be the motivating force behind labeling something or someone moral or immoral– rather love should be. Why? True wholly (and/or Holy) love is concerned about the whole well-being of the individual and society and seeks what is best for all people involved. In other words this is not a sentimental love – but a tenacious love. This love would not hesitate to challenge or confront a person’s actions and/or behavior if it was being detrimental to themselves - even if it wasn’t popular opinion or even politically correct. The truth will set people free (John 8:32) when based in genuine, sincere, Godly love. Be it far from us to base morals and ethics on what we “feel.” Rather let us be guided by God’s love as the moral standard– a love which is concerned for the greatest good for our neighbor, fellow worker and fellow Canadian. This is much more far-reaching and important of a matter then merely one group “stone-throwing” at another, etc., etc. This is about searching God’s word and discovering the moral and ethical law that He has placed to protect ourselves from ourselves.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wall Wisdom 101
Have you ever run into a wall? Either figuratively or literally will do but I’d like to focus more on the figurative. Maybe it’s a wall in your job whereas you feel powerless to advance any further within your organization. Maybe it’s a wall in a current relationship where further intimacy or closeness seems impossible to achieve. Maybe it’s a wall financially - a wall which many are having difficulty scaling in light of the current credit and overall economic crunch. To simplify (In true Reader’s Digest form): A wall in your life represents anything that appears to be immovable and sometimes un-scalable at first appearance.
But the very fact that a “wall” exists points to a very simple and encouraging fact: Walls are only erected to protect something of value on the other side. Consequently, we realize that the very fact that a “wall” exists within our personal lives points to something of value on the other side worth having. One of the most well-known walls which comes to minds is “The Great Wall.” A wall which stretches over four-thousand miles long and was guarded by more then a million men at its peak usage. This “Great Wall” existed to protect a big country and vast dynasty.
Thus we learn another truth about walls: The “bigger the wall” the “greater the value” on the other side. Now take this principle and apply it to your personal life and “personal walls.” Suddenly we realize that even though the personal wall we may be facing is foreboding it is also promising of something of great value on the other side of it – and the more insurmountable the wall may appear the greater the victory and value on the other side.
God completely understands these principles of walls both literally and figuratively and consequently promises us that He will help us gain victory over these hindrances which many times seemingly keep us from moving forward. (Psalm. 18:29)
But that brings up a final truth about “walls:” Dealing with walls and “Scaling walls” builds endurance, strength, and experience for future “walls.” And this is preciously one reason why God allows “walls” in our lives. God says “We have need for endurance.” (Hebrews 10:36) Why? Because this endurance, “produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4) Through facing our “personal walls” a Godly character infused with hope is created, since we realize with each subsequent wall that nothing is impossible with God. As Soren Kierkegard once said, “Hope is passion for what is possible.”
The seemingly insurmountable wall in your life right now is being used by God to build endurance, character, and hope. God’s desire is for you “conquer your wall” but only after building a necessary endurance and character that will aid in building an unshakable hope and strength for your present and future.
Rev. Kevin Mills
Prairie Community Church
But the very fact that a “wall” exists points to a very simple and encouraging fact: Walls are only erected to protect something of value on the other side. Consequently, we realize that the very fact that a “wall” exists within our personal lives points to something of value on the other side worth having. One of the most well-known walls which comes to minds is “The Great Wall.” A wall which stretches over four-thousand miles long and was guarded by more then a million men at its peak usage. This “Great Wall” existed to protect a big country and vast dynasty.
Thus we learn another truth about walls: The “bigger the wall” the “greater the value” on the other side. Now take this principle and apply it to your personal life and “personal walls.” Suddenly we realize that even though the personal wall we may be facing is foreboding it is also promising of something of great value on the other side of it – and the more insurmountable the wall may appear the greater the victory and value on the other side.
God completely understands these principles of walls both literally and figuratively and consequently promises us that He will help us gain victory over these hindrances which many times seemingly keep us from moving forward. (Psalm. 18:29)
But that brings up a final truth about “walls:” Dealing with walls and “Scaling walls” builds endurance, strength, and experience for future “walls.” And this is preciously one reason why God allows “walls” in our lives. God says “We have need for endurance.” (Hebrews 10:36) Why? Because this endurance, “produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4) Through facing our “personal walls” a Godly character infused with hope is created, since we realize with each subsequent wall that nothing is impossible with God. As Soren Kierkegard once said, “Hope is passion for what is possible.”
The seemingly insurmountable wall in your life right now is being used by God to build endurance, character, and hope. God’s desire is for you “conquer your wall” but only after building a necessary endurance and character that will aid in building an unshakable hope and strength for your present and future.
Rev. Kevin Mills
Prairie Community Church
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Economic Encouragement
(As Published in the Herald Leader March 21st/2009)
I hesitated at first to join the throngs of people writing articles about the current “Economic Downturn,” but here I am – but from a completely different angle then most. Personally, I’m very hopeful. Is this only because I “feel” hopeful? No. History dictates this hopefulness. A quick breeze through the news archives of the 30’s and 80’s recession paint the same picture as today: Some were hopeful that we’d pull through – others were not. No matter what the overriding opinion was, one thing is clear – we survived, we grew, and we ended up bigger and better in the end.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to downplay the severity of the challenges which lay ahead for our country – to adopt the ever prevailing sentiment of Washington and Ottawa: “Things will probably get worse before they get better.” But on the other side there exists the possibility of us to become bigger, better, and all the much wiser. As the old business adage goes: We learn through our mistakes – just don’t repeat!
Multi-billionaire Warren Buffet echoed this same sentiment in the light of his investment company Berkshire Hathaway having experienced a sixty-two percent drop in profit from last year. Nonetheless, Buffet was found stating that, “Though the path has not been smooth, our economic system has worked extraordinarily well over time…It has unleashed human potential as no other system has, and it will continue to do so. [North] America’s best days lie ahead.” (Feb 28th/09 - Associated Press)
“It has unleashed human potential as no other system has…” Why? Because of our founding father’s possessed an unshakable belief in man possessing the inherent right by God to freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression, etc. (Constitution Act 1982, Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms – Part I; Consitution of the United States of America) And it is through the government in times past harnessing these abilities that our Countries (Canada & the U.S.) continued to pull through “challenging times.” This utilization was purely inspired through theistic (or biblical principles) being applied to our founding documents. I know many of you have been taught the knee-jerk response that “biblical principles” are automatically synonymous with laws, rules, bondage, dos & don’ts, etc. And I wish I had the space here to quickly show you otherwise – but instead, I’ll point you to the result of “theistic principles” being applied: The two greatest and free-ist countries in the World: Canada & the United States. Time and time again both of our countries have “unleashed human potential as no other system” because the founding father’s had faith in the citizens – because they realized that God had faith in them.
Canada and the United States best days continue to lay ahead because of the wisdom, knowledge, and talent that God has endowed their citizens with. We will get through this time and we will be the better for it as long as democracy continues and both of our countries continue to trust and harness the power, talent, and wisdom of its citizens. May God continue to have dominion from sea to sea – and subsequently unleash the potential of his most prized creation – mankind.
Rev. Kevin Mills – Prairie Community Church, Portage La Prairie, MB
I hesitated at first to join the throngs of people writing articles about the current “Economic Downturn,” but here I am – but from a completely different angle then most. Personally, I’m very hopeful. Is this only because I “feel” hopeful? No. History dictates this hopefulness. A quick breeze through the news archives of the 30’s and 80’s recession paint the same picture as today: Some were hopeful that we’d pull through – others were not. No matter what the overriding opinion was, one thing is clear – we survived, we grew, and we ended up bigger and better in the end.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to downplay the severity of the challenges which lay ahead for our country – to adopt the ever prevailing sentiment of Washington and Ottawa: “Things will probably get worse before they get better.” But on the other side there exists the possibility of us to become bigger, better, and all the much wiser. As the old business adage goes: We learn through our mistakes – just don’t repeat!
Multi-billionaire Warren Buffet echoed this same sentiment in the light of his investment company Berkshire Hathaway having experienced a sixty-two percent drop in profit from last year. Nonetheless, Buffet was found stating that, “Though the path has not been smooth, our economic system has worked extraordinarily well over time…It has unleashed human potential as no other system has, and it will continue to do so. [North] America’s best days lie ahead.” (Feb 28th/09 - Associated Press)
“It has unleashed human potential as no other system has…” Why? Because of our founding father’s possessed an unshakable belief in man possessing the inherent right by God to freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression, etc. (Constitution Act 1982, Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms – Part I; Consitution of the United States of America) And it is through the government in times past harnessing these abilities that our Countries (Canada & the U.S.) continued to pull through “challenging times.” This utilization was purely inspired through theistic (or biblical principles) being applied to our founding documents. I know many of you have been taught the knee-jerk response that “biblical principles” are automatically synonymous with laws, rules, bondage, dos & don’ts, etc. And I wish I had the space here to quickly show you otherwise – but instead, I’ll point you to the result of “theistic principles” being applied: The two greatest and free-ist countries in the World: Canada & the United States. Time and time again both of our countries have “unleashed human potential as no other system” because the founding father’s had faith in the citizens – because they realized that God had faith in them.
Canada and the United States best days continue to lay ahead because of the wisdom, knowledge, and talent that God has endowed their citizens with. We will get through this time and we will be the better for it as long as democracy continues and both of our countries continue to trust and harness the power, talent, and wisdom of its citizens. May God continue to have dominion from sea to sea – and subsequently unleash the potential of his most prized creation – mankind.
Rev. Kevin Mills – Prairie Community Church, Portage La Prairie, MB
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