"External Voices".

We are subject to so many inputs, from the secular media, prevailing culture, family, friends, and even our own internal voices of doubt and disbelief. It’s what we do with this input that determines our outlook upon life.

While we must carefully discern which of the many voices we choose to listen to (and it is our choice); one qualifier to bear in mind is the issue of failure. Failure can be a lesson, which leads to experience, which in turn can be an effective teacher. So in this we need not disregard those voices that have experienced past failure for they may have valuable lessons to teach.

The qualifying issue must be the issue of consistent failure within a single area for that is the dis-qualifier. It reveals not experience but a failure to learn the lessons at hand despite repeated attempts. Therefore this “voice” is not qualified to speak into anyone’s life, it is wholly detrimental and we would be foolish to give heed to its instruction.

Luke 6:40 (NASB)

“A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher”.

One must never give ear to someone (something) who has demonstrated consistent failure in an area. For if you do you will learn to repeat their mistakes and your life will pattern theirs.

Luther.

“Guru Meditation Error”.

2018.

I recently found myself discussing some aspect of computer programming with a colleague. I don't quite know how we got on the particular subject of loosing ones work due to a computer crash, but he mentioned an antiquated error from some of the earlier systems he was familiar with. Hence -"Guru Meditation Error". This error frequently (as I understand it) resulted in the loss of ones total work. It was the hard stop, the reset, for all of ones efforts. The cure?  to re-boot and start over. It is with this in mind that I recall the events of the past year.

The past year has seen us through a season of difficulty and change, it has been marked by fractured relationships, the incarceration of close family, negative legal settlements, and a break from familiar community involvement. All of which has led to a peculiar kind of isolation.

Now entering 2019 the theme (by necessity) has become one of re-focusing, re-committing and re-establishing foundational priorities. It’s this shift that has not only brought a level of humility (that if I’m honest I’ve resisted) but also one of hope or better to say renewed faith.

There are some things that have remained constant; surprisingly so. Yet I wrestle with the question, am I following what is merely familiar and comfortable or are these inherent qualities? And if so – should they be?

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”.

This is the launching pad for 2019. As we navigate forward into an unknown future my confidence is found in the One who has sustained me.

Luther.