ENGAGING THOUGHT
I think we all would prefer to NOT have the charge of hypocrite leveled at us, wouldn't we? I struggle to imagine anyone would ever truly desire that others see and recognize their attitudes and actions as hypocritical. You are familiar with the term hypocrisy, I imagine? But do you know what it really means?
In popular usage a hypocrite is one who says one thing but does another. That's a bit too broad for correct understanding, though, because technically then, a liar would be acting hypocritical. You see, a hypocrite is one who claims to have a certain quality or act in a certain manner, when in fact they cannot act or behave as they espouse. In the most accurate sense of the word, a hypocrite does not simply choose to go against what they preach that others should do - a true hypocrite does not possess the capacity at all for the action they claim. For example, an alcoholic that struggles with sobriety, getting "on-and-off the wagon," may certainly declare to others that they ought not drink. That is not hypocrisy, as such. The alcoholic may not yet have arrived at their goal, may in fact relapse many times - but they are trying. The unrepentant alcoholic who never gives more than a token statement of reform, yet condemns others for drinking - that is hypocrisy.
It's a fine line isn't it? You see, it's not the mastery of the quality or value that determines whether one is or is not acting hypocritically - it's the intent and the attempt. When we make the declaration to ourselves - and to all the world - that we are in pursuit of God's DREAM for our lives, perhaps even encouraging others to discover, pursue, and live God's DREAM for their lives as well, are we acting the hypocrite? Who are we to declare that others should pursue that which we have not yet laid hold of ourselves?
The Apostle Paul encouraged some of his friends in the city of Philippi to press onward in pursuit of God's DREAM - even though he, himself, had not yet achieved it:
Personally, I find it encouraging how Paul carefully explains that he has no illusions about his own mastery (perfection in Scripture means maturity or completeness). Maybe we should also make note that Paul chose not to be held back by his past failures (and he had plenty, believe me!). If anyone in the early Church could have had the charge of hypocrite leveled at them, it was Paul the Apostle (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of the Church and murderer of the Believers). What makes those charges fall to the ground in Paul's case, however, is that he did change; he was transformed by the love, grace, and leadership of God. Paul did discover and pursue God's DREAM for his life.
So, why on earth do I include this segment in the 60 Days of Dreaming challenge? Very simple, really. As you continue implementing your strategy for the pursuit of God's DREAM you will inevitably make mistakes. Sorry. I wish I could tell you it would be perfect and flawless every time, but it won't be. You'll fail at several little things as you move forward or learn new skills or experiment. You might even feel the judgment of others upon your efforts - perhaps even those you have encouraged along the way. You are not a hypocrite - you are taking action and trying.
In popular usage a hypocrite is one who says one thing but does another. That's a bit too broad for correct understanding, though, because technically then, a liar would be acting hypocritical. You see, a hypocrite is one who claims to have a certain quality or act in a certain manner, when in fact they cannot act or behave as they espouse. In the most accurate sense of the word, a hypocrite does not simply choose to go against what they preach that others should do - a true hypocrite does not possess the capacity at all for the action they claim. For example, an alcoholic that struggles with sobriety, getting "on-and-off the wagon," may certainly declare to others that they ought not drink. That is not hypocrisy, as such. The alcoholic may not yet have arrived at their goal, may in fact relapse many times - but they are trying. The unrepentant alcoholic who never gives more than a token statement of reform, yet condemns others for drinking - that is hypocrisy.
It's a fine line isn't it? You see, it's not the mastery of the quality or value that determines whether one is or is not acting hypocritically - it's the intent and the attempt. When we make the declaration to ourselves - and to all the world - that we are in pursuit of God's DREAM for our lives, perhaps even encouraging others to discover, pursue, and live God's DREAM for their lives as well, are we acting the hypocrite? Who are we to declare that others should pursue that which we have not yet laid hold of ourselves?
The Apostle Paul encouraged some of his friends in the city of Philippi to press onward in pursuit of God's DREAM - even though he, himself, had not yet achieved it:
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of By Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3.12-14
Personally, I find it encouraging how Paul carefully explains that he has no illusions about his own mastery (perfection in Scripture means maturity or completeness). Maybe we should also make note that Paul chose not to be held back by his past failures (and he had plenty, believe me!). If anyone in the early Church could have had the charge of hypocrite leveled at them, it was Paul the Apostle (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of the Church and murderer of the Believers). What makes those charges fall to the ground in Paul's case, however, is that he did change; he was transformed by the love, grace, and leadership of God. Paul did discover and pursue God's DREAM for his life.
So, why on earth do I include this segment in the 60 Days of Dreaming challenge? Very simple, really. As you continue implementing your strategy for the pursuit of God's DREAM you will inevitably make mistakes. Sorry. I wish I could tell you it would be perfect and flawless every time, but it won't be. You'll fail at several little things as you move forward or learn new skills or experiment. You might even feel the judgment of others upon your efforts - perhaps even those you have encouraged along the way. You are not a hypocrite - you are taking action and trying.
ACTION STEP
Today's ACTION STEP just might be the most fun you've had so far in the 60 Days of Dreaming challenge.
Three steps:
1) Identify the aspect of your DREAM-pursuit that is the most frustrating to you, or the one that you have been struggling with the most. It might be helpful to list a few (or several) of them and pick the top one or two.
2) Now, for each of your top frustrations, imagine what type of encouragement you would most like to hear from someone else in regards to that specific aspect. Got it in mind? Good. Now write it down before you forget it.
3) Now find someone else who is either on a DREAM-pursuit of their own or striving toward some goal in their life and give them the encouragement you most wish you were receiving. That's right, go be a hypocrite! Encourage them in the very same aspect that you are frustrated with as if you were having a wonderful time with it.
Three steps:
1) Identify the aspect of your DREAM-pursuit that is the most frustrating to you, or the one that you have been struggling with the most. It might be helpful to list a few (or several) of them and pick the top one or two.
2) Now, for each of your top frustrations, imagine what type of encouragement you would most like to hear from someone else in regards to that specific aspect. Got it in mind? Good. Now write it down before you forget it.
3) Now find someone else who is either on a DREAM-pursuit of their own or striving toward some goal in their life and give them the encouragement you most wish you were receiving. That's right, go be a hypocrite! Encourage them in the very same aspect that you are frustrated with as if you were having a wonderful time with it.
Tomorrow we'll begin the next phase of the 60 Days of Dreaming challenge and line up some obvious alterations.
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