Matt's Muzings
To help you think, ponder and reflect on the human side of leadership
December 2008 Volume 10, Issue 90
Without some kind of relationship, there is no leadership. It is that simple.
Ever wonder what God's non-negotiable guidelines for any relationship is?
I have been thinking a lot about the Ten Commandments and what must be on God's heart for relationship through them. These are my translations of the Ten Commandmentsfor relationships.
Here are my thoughts:
1) One common source of authority, God. Without agreement on "who" has final authority, all relationships will have a hard time.
2) Agreed upon values that are in alignment with God's kingdom. Anything else is
idolatry and that will limit and eventually kill any relationship.
3) The language (names) we use to define the world is vital. If we can't agree on
the meaning of words, we can't agree on a relationship. It all begins with the words
we use to 'hold' our concept of God.
4) Relationships that are built only around work are not enough. Purposeful time
off with out any agenda is vital for any "whole" relationship.
5) We must work at maintaining our family relationships at all costs. They give
us a foundation for all other relationships.
6) How you deal with conflict is vital for long-term relationships. Don't let things
escalate out of control.
7) Watch over your sexuality. It is important part of who you are and should be
used wisely within God's boundaries.
8) Develop a mentality of 'ownership'. We live in a material world and so possessions are vital to maintaining any relationship. Celebrate what you and others own, as this will teach you how to give and receive.
9) Words are vital to any relationship. Let them match reality as closely as possible
and be full of grace. As your conversations go, so go your relationships.
10) Celebrate where you are and don't believe the lie that owning more stuff, copying others or even taking others stuff will make your relationships better. If you can't relate being who you are right now, nothing else you get will help you relate better.
May you know abounding comfort in the midst of anxiety and wisdom in the midst fear!
May you be overcome by the love of God in all areas of your life.
We trust you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Matt, Celia, Joshua Rawlins
FAMILY MATTERS:
MATT: Our time with Josh was a gift from God. It is good to be home and catch up
after a season of travel. It is fun to hang with our friends here in Singapore
before we start the New Year. I trust you have a great Christmas and faith for a
New Year.
CELIA: I am so grateful for the time with Joshua these last couple of months. We
had the opportunity to be in Or, Hi, Cambodia and Singapore this year together as
a family and I can't think of anything better in the whole world! I love you Joshua!
Mele Kalikimaka to all!
JOSHUA: He is in a very cold, snowy Oregon right now and trying to keep warm. He
is thinking of moving back to Hawaii, the place of his heart.
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