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Monday, June 17, 2013

Connectivity

Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established." --- Proverbs 24:3

Today there's increase discussions about privacy and the use of social media. The larger issue concerns connectivity and understanding. People want to be known, not just names and dates. People are seeking connectivity through understanding; healthy relationships

Understanding is the foundation of  healthy relationships. There are three levels of understanding that provides a solid foundation: Self, God, and Fellow Man.

Understanding Self requires  facing reality --- acknowledging and accepting strengths, weaknesses, failures, and achievements. There's personal responsibility. There's an awareness and knowledge  of personal identity. Genealogy is often viewed as a pursuit of personal identity. Genealogists realize that understanding family history is more than a collection of names and dates, but requires understanding individuals (e.g. hopes and fears). Family stories, pictures, letters, and heirlooms are precious treasures to genealogists.

Understanding God requires humility  --- builds on personal responsibility and recognizes the sovereignty of God. There's no hiding behind ecclesiastical positions, ministries, or any other mundane characteristics.  There's a distinction between worshiping God and religion. Religion is an opiate of the people. When an individual understands God s/he realizes God enables man to deal with the realities of life, not engage in avoidance and denial.

Understanding Fellow Man  --- requires listening, active listening. There are many people including self-professed Christians who do not listen to fellow man, unconditionally and without judgment. Listening is a skill. Theologically speaking, listening may be liken unto breaking fallow ground. In other words, the heart of man is being prepared to receive the word of God. Patience is required to be effective listener.



Further Reading


Isaiah 9:6 ---  "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Matthew 13:1-23   --- The Parable of the Sower and Seed

Romans 10:17  --- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Video  ---  Amazing Grace