By James Dodwell - Hammers of Hope
Good Morning,
I read once “The value of life is measured by how much of
one’s life was given away.” Occasionally, I do ponder if I have done and am
doing enough. Doing enough of what, is more the question, because I can do many
things, but am I doing the right things to have my” life giving” measured in a
way that is proven to be positive, to have been constructive and somewhat
successful, or are the things I am doing more of a selfish nature, done for my
benefit, without regard to others. Sometimes I think the latter could be true,
not really, the former fits better in my toolbox, so this is the path I prefer
to follow, trying to live a life filled with faith, hope, love and joy,
sometimes it’s a simple task, other times not so much.
There are days when I feel challenged to do what is right,
because sometimes the right circumstances make it easy to just walk away and
not look back. However, somewhere within is a need, a yearning to reach out, do
what is right, offer a helping hand, a kind word of encouragement, a little
sage advice, or a lift up. Sometimes we pay a heavy price, getting involved, we
think we can just step in, mediate the issue away and all will be good. But we
get caught in the whirlwind created by the issue and we have to work our way
out. Other times it is a simple repair, a little help, a push to get it moving
in the right direction, then a quick check up just to insure the issue has been
put to bed for good. We don’t even get our hands dirty. Either way, we do this
because we as leaders have set pre-determined values and principles to dictate
our actions when certain events in our lives create an opportunity to fight or
flee.
David tells us in Psalm 15:1-2 a righteous man who walks in
integrity and gains not only respect of others, but also an audience with God.
These few words demonstrate to us as leaders why pre-determined values and
ethics, not expediency, must drive our leadership. To become a leader who
displays the qualities we must first possess integrity. We must do what is
right. We must be honest and trustworthy. We must not gossip. We must not
listen to gossip. Do no harm to others and speak out against wrong.
We have to honor others who walk in truth. We should always
keep our word, our promise even when it cost us to fulfill the words or
promise. We shouldn’t be greedy to gain at the expense of others. We shouldn’t
take bribes against anyone. We must always be strong and stable. We are in a
position in life to add value to people and do for others what they cannot do
for themselves. So all we can do is offer our very best. The other part to
pre-determined values and principles is the leaders who have a lasting legacy
are not the ones who react to their culture. They base their leadership on
timeless and universal values and principles gifted to us through His word.
These values and principles are a guide. They help us stay
on the right path. They are a guard. They keep our hearts, mind and bodies
protected. They are a gauge. The enable us to evaluate where we are so we can
make the adjustments needed to continue on path. These values and principles
practiced daily by us build our character, direct our decisions, and correct
our lifestyles. As I said before, some days I feel challenged to do what is right.
Some days it would be much easier to go with the flow and just mindlessly allow
the world to control my heart and mind. I am reminded of being in a large
airport and hundreds of people walking to and from the gates. There seems to
always be one person walking toward a gate against the crowd of people walking
from the gate.
In my life, I want to be that person, determined to move
forward in the right direction based on good values and principles, no matter
how much opposition I meet along the way. Leaning into life, focused, with a
little baggage, but knowing where I need to be and resisting the temptation of
a few hundred people moving in the opposite direction to alter my values and
principles.
I encourage each of us each day to follow our pre-determined
values and principles set for us through the study of His word. Our life
example and our decisions can help mold the young minds of our children and
others around us by providing a good influence in their life for their future
endeavors and challenges. It will make a difference and add value. Psalm 15:1-2
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