Page 38 - GOALS PDF

also arbitrarily adopt positions that are of benefit to us. Earlier times

and people in other parts of the world are often much more flexible
and humble than we are.

Skeptical Minded. Part of this is produced by the culture and society
we live in. We have so much advertising, and so many persuasions,

philosophies, opinions and requests thrown at us that we become ultra-

cautious. This is too often true even with people who are close to us.

We should instead try to become more receptive, trusting and

embracing.

Recognition Minded. We are recognition and reward driven. Jesus

says we most often seek honor from other people, rather than from
God. We’re reward focused, and we’re tuned into radio station WIIFM:

‘What’s in it for me?’ We all seem to have MMFI painted on our
foreheads: ‘Make me feel important.’

We see life through the lens of personal rights a lot more than we see it
as how something might apply to the common good. Earlier people and

people in other parts of the world are more ‘community minded,’ and
not so much focused on self.

Legal Minded. As a lawyer, I know how true this is. America is the
most legal-minded nation on earth. We have 10 times the lawyers, per

capita, than other nations. This produces a type of ‘judgment thinking’
that Jesus says not to engage in.

Our culture knows so little about peace and love and grace. Thus the

gospel does not set well with many Christians even. I can’t tell you how
many pastors I’ve dealt with who wouldn’t talk about reconciliation
with their wife – they just wanted a divorce. Or they wanted to sue

someone not mediate or arbitrate. And these are our spiritual leaders.

Critical Minded. Legal thinking always leads the way to critical

thinking. Something is always wrong with the other person, or persons,

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