Verse I Like:

Weekly Dose

There is a certain freedom that comes when you are able to separate the results of an action from the taking of the action.

Of course, this only works when we know the action itself is right.

But assuming we are acting properly, I think it serves us better to focus on the inputs and let the outputs flow naturally.

This allows us to give ourselves positive reinforcement divorced from the outcome.

If we showed courage and spoke to a pretty girl at an event, regardless of whether a relationship came from it or whether there was a connection, we can look ourselves in the mirror and say "Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud of the work you did and the courage you showed. Well done."

Quotes I Like:

Mane Message

Some of my favorite books of the Bible are the wisdom books, which include Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs.

They tackle the complexities of life head-on.

There is no way I can do a deep dive on all three in a single edition, but I think there are some common themes running throughout them.

First, we are taught general principles for how to live. Proverbs is full of practical wisdom. Hard work is generally rewarded. Discipline is generally better than laziness. Honesty is generally better than deceit.

Second, we are taught that life is not a machine. The proper actions and the desired outcomes are not always perfectly correlated. Job is perhaps the clearest example of this. A righteous man suffers immensely, not because he failed, but despite his faithfulness.

Third, we are taught humility. Ecclesiastes repeatedly reminds us that much of life is beyond our understanding and control. There is a limit to how much we can calculate, predict, and optimize our way through existence.

There is a line that is walked between retribution theology and meaningless, random suffering, and that line seems to be exemplified in Christ.

He was the least deserving of all the bad in the world, yet He took on all of the bad in the world.

His suffering was not meaningless. Through it, He brought hope of salvation into the world. He glorified God through every step of it. He conquered the grave itself.

What an example that was set.

Our responsibility is not to control every outcome. Our responsibility is to do the next right thing.

Focus on doing the absolute best thing with what you have been given. Chasing only results is like chasing smoke.

Enjoy the good results. Bear the bad ones. But never quit doing what is right and what can be done.

Weekly Ponder

How often do I confuse a bad outcome with a bad decision?

Are you chasing wisdom or chasing results?

Enjoying our Content?

Share it with someone who could use weekly inspiration/motivation.

Onward and Upward!