Principled Attitude

Mark 12:30
Jesus summed up the Old Testament law with two commandments referring to these as the greatest of commandments. Focusing on the first one, we also see an outline for a principled attitude in fulfilling these commandments. I believe this outline provides a framework that we can use in all aspects of our life.

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

1. With all your heart (Passion)
Our attitude toward an objective, a goal, or a way of life begins with commitment and an emotional connection. Key words to describe how we accomplish this are: integrity, and passion. Integrity is more than just honesty: it is completeness - a soundness of moral character and commitment to moral and ethical principles. Integrity describes the way we should live. Passion describes how we should live. Passion is an enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in making it happen! I want to challenge you to “Be a Baruch!” In Nehemiah 3, there are 41 references to families, and people rebuilding the temple and making repairs. But one stood out: (verse 20) Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section… I don’t know exactly how Baruch went about his task, but his approach was, apparently, different. I want that to be said of me in all that I do. Hellen Keller said, “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

2. With all your soul (Purpose)
We were made in the image of God. He has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). So, why are you here? Let me encourage you to seek God to discover the plans that he has for you. I would encourage you to write down a personal mission statement. I did so in my early 30’s and it has served as a compass for decisions in my life. He has driven me to balance in accomplishing the goals in my life: It is my mission in life to experience sustaining joy in living an abundant life spiritually, industrially, socially, and financially. If you are the leader of people or an organization, I’d encourage you to establish an organizational mission statement. At Gateway, we see our mission as “a family connecting with people and experiencing LIFE together in Christ.” That LIFE is evidenced in the purposes to which God has called us as believers:

a. Living for others (fellowship and service);
b. Inviting others to LIFE in Christ (evangelism and missions);
c. Following the teachings of God’s word (discipleship);
d. Exalting God above all (worship).

During my work in the computer industry, I found an insightful writing on the importance of purpose in the workplace in the book, The Heart Aroused, Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America, by David Whyte. Here is an excerpt: “There is … tremendous natural ‘beauty’ in an organization that allows people to bloom and grow, to be excited, to be proud of their work, and to understand the connection of the work to a greater [purpose] than the organization alone.”

3. With all your mind (Plan)
The book of Proverbs is a great management book and a handbook for living. Many verses underscore the importance of planning:

21:5 - Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
22:3 - A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Planning takes conscious effort – be intentional!

4. With all your strength (Resolve)
Difficult times will surely come. Some of the most trying times of my life came within a year after I wrote out my mission statement. Later, in my life, my mission was put to the test with a big trial in my career. Living out a purpose requires persistence through difficulties; courage to deal with conflict; and practice. Put your words into action. Try. Begin.

I’ll close with God’s promise in Ephesians 3:20:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us …