Friday, August 4, 2017

Reflection - How to consecrate our personality to the Lord for His Glory

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 1, Question 2, Page 10.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
 
Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient.
PHOTO: Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient. Those who have  different personalities from him will identify with Timothy more. Timothy had a more sensitive, retiring and shy personality. Timothy was timid and must have dread meeting different people in changing environment and situations. There are not many people with Paul's personalities. Many others would empathise with Timothy when having to face unknown, fearful situations, and every moment anticipating difficulties.

Paul because of his strong personalities could:
  • Be a passionate visionary and are self-disciplined worker with a clear mission.
  • Be able to dramatically transform his belief and act differently, which others may initially found it hard to believe.
  • Tirelessly and relentlessly pursue his mission iregardless of dangers, and other difficulties
  • Become the most significant, and outstanding worker
  • Be a man in whose heart the fire of God could not be put out, even by the most violent of persecutions.
  • Produce work that are widely recognised, for example part of the New Testament
  • Be able to inspire many others, or evoke hostile oppositions
The followings are some tips on how to respond to others with different personality types. [4]
  • Find out how other people like to work and adapt accordingly
  • Not everything has to be a battle, that is, sometime need to push and sometime should let go
  • Realize that everyone is in this together (all are the team players)
  • Prepared ourself with a response to a certain behaviour and come up with a solution that will resolve the issue in a mature and rational way.
  • Don’t take it to heart, find some common ground
  • R-E-S-P-E-C-T. One person can’t know it all or do it all, so everyone needs to respect each other’s strengths, ask others for input and work together.
How can our personality be a strength or weakness? [5]
  • Embrace our Bright Side, which is equivalent to our talents
  • Tame our Dark Side, which can become our weakness
  • Understand our personality, and how it affects our potential (strength or weakness). Try to change accordingly for the better.
Our personalities are consecrated to the Lord for His glory by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) The Lord is the supernatural factors that influence us in this process, by transforming us into his Likeness. The Lord, our God, is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. One name for all three persons. [6]
Painting by Greg Olson
Picture saved by Shirley Butler to YW from Google (Pinterest)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OgEPdbKU0DXP2QR8pRnlGahU1GpxV9D6bAnfjvmOC6y8l2bmzYRA1Tw3B6KTva7YlGYIHJDO9UT3B8HiUcMdljhMy7fVYERk2q0PH2PPbTN5jV5CPq5GUA2vF3VMZuEgS-sDhtiROzc/s1600/5ba789473bebad8074260b60c7b90aea.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5b/a7/89/5ba789473bebad8074260b60c7b90aea.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/465278205231792126/


Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient. Timothy had a more sensitive, retiring and shy personality. Which of the two do you identify with more? Reflect on those who may be different from you. How do you respond to them? How can our personality be a strength or weakness, and how can it be consecrated to the Lord for His glory? What supernatural factors may influence us in this process?

Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient. Timothy had a more sensitive, retiring and shy personality.
Introduction: A farewell [1]
Paul has a Choleric personality, meaning bad-tempered or irritable.
Saint Paul the Apostle
PHOTO: Saint Paul the Apostle
Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient.
Artwork by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni  (25 January 1708 – 4 February 1787) - St.Paul
Picture posted by West Center Baptist Church
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX8COx1HFeGI66Yki0Yga0kl8asfKe0KWG4Oa8Fl0bY00EKOAkjWS08z4L8LUzo-sse8vw0Cx8VV2VpXvysAVTR1bOFPklpn62ArwmM5pQlqTFGnNGecKADNa5dPfQq1cUi0Mn_hpTMU/s1600/2016+PP+Galatians-1.png
http://www.westcenterbaptist.com/media/westcenterbaptistcom/photos/Sermon/2016%20PP%20Galatians.jpg
http://www.westcenterbaptist.com/sundayworship/sermonseries/


A passionate visionary and a self-disciplined worker
The apostle Paul was a man with a clear mission. By nature a passionate visionary and a self-disciplined worker. Paul's life was dramatically and forever changed when the risen Christ encountered him on the road to Damascus. He was immediately and miraculously transformed from a young man "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" to one who "began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God" (Acts 9:1,20). It was indeed such a radical transformation that the leaders of the church initially found it hard to believe.
A passionate visionary and a self-disciplined worker
PHOTO: A passionate visionary and a self-disciplined worker
Also known as Saul, The Righteous Killer before his conversion. Paul's life was dramatically and forever changed when the risen Christ encountered him on the road to Damascus. He was immediately and miraculously transformed from a young man "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" to one who "began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God" (Acts 9:1,20).
Artwork by Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie - The Conversion of Saul to St Paul (1767)
Picture posted by Fr. Roger Landry on 24 April 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq7QS8O0BtlM-uWqeSVoANXCw8qOnYbMeWdA5-7pkB9C0EhAb9f0hMPIdeakNrKeS9jJM4Z_0VlAzw-1MZgnw1DOknbBVsUa2bzV2_ZqvmuKhmVlJYfgwx2zZTbhFIpuveb1fctet2LM/s1600/stpaul2015-1.png
https://i0.wp.com/catholicpreaching.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/stpaul2015.jpg
http://catholicpreaching.com/union-with-the-risen-jesus-through-food-and-filiation-third-friday-of-easter-april-24-2015/


Paul, the missionary Author [1]
The most significant apostle in the early church
The way Paul lived the rest of his life demonstrated that he was soundly converted to be one of Jesus's great disciples. He addressed himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:8) and spent his days as a tireless missionary who brought the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and Europe. In his three significant missionary journeys, recorded in the book of Acts, God used him to plant early Christian churches across the ancient Mediterranean world. In fact, a large section of the book of Acts covers the life and ministry of Paul, more than any other apostle. Paul was perhaps the most significant apostle in the early church.
Paul, the missionary Author
PHOTO: Paul, the missionary Author
Paul spent his days as a tireless missionary who brought the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and Europe. A large section of the book of Acts covers the life and ministry of Paul, more than any other apostle. Paul was perhaps the most significant apostle in the early church.
Picture posted by Dr. Lieff on 24 July 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK33tYYLUF43saKb10uLhK5sPq35XnJB193OlyKEn-lB6WZWIQSIMmWBhtlfWuU6b4_CN0T60wj1IciAvsG946AlJ8Mc-HoYFkOGlNrJflPzucGaOvyAEuy_tUIaRPwlUxYDd4swAZ5w/s1600/paul-writing-%25C2%25A9-Jeff-Ward.jpg
http://jonlieffmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/paul-writing-%C2%A9-Jeff-Ward.jpg
http://jonlieffmd.com/


A man in whose heart the fire of God could not be put out
As God's chosen instrument for bringing the gospel to the Gentiles, Paul suffered much for the gospel - just as the Lord had indicated when He called and appointed him (Acts 9:15-16). At one point in his first missionary journey, he was stoned by a violent mob in the city of Lystra, dragged outside the city and left there for dead (Acts 14:19-20). He must have been a sorry sight, lying motionless on the ground. But the disciples in that city gathered around his body - probably praying and committing him to God. But what happened next was amazing, displaying God's miraculous power and Paul's resolute desire to serve Christ. The tests says "he got up and walk back into the city." Here was a man in whose heart the fire of God could not be put out, even by the most violent of persecutions.
Paul survives stoning. (Acts 14:19-20)
PHOTO: Paul survives stoning. (Acts 14:19-20)
At one point in his first missionary journey, Paul was stoned by a violent mob in the city of Lystra, dragged outside the city and left there for dead. But what happened next was amazing, displaying God's miraculous power and Paul's resolute desire to serve Christ. The tests says "he got up and walk back into the city." Here was a man in whose heart the fire of God could not be put out, even by the most violent of persecutions.
Picture saved by Laurie Garza to  to "Jehovah Is My Shepherd..." - Psalms 23:1a
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWoxw8SniHFc2EcxTMoH0hKeZE8oLHVpCxBq_bObX5n8FVvK2drGQVV3fASYzThZ-4Yx7JyAYRQHK0A_tERc1iUlZUkU9Vq-JJiPmAjeb1GJ6qAjXgK6tvmi3ytjrhU3ODz2rtC2dVOs/s1600/3dda4b0ba031f56441d5516b2339905c.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/3d/da/4b/3dda4b0ba031f56441d5516b2339905c.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358036239098857804/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358036239098857804/?lp=true


Writer of a significant portion of the New Testament
Not only did God use Paul as a great missionary in the early church, He also used the man to write a significant portion of the New Testament. Even Peter, the lead apostle, recognised Paul's writing as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). In fact, Paul wrote 13 of the epistles in the New Testament. From the earliest days, his epistles, including 2 Timothy, were recognised by the early church as divinely inspired and had the ring of scriptural authority. Until the 19th century, Paul was recognised as the undisputed author of 2 Timothy. But modern scholars began to question this and today there is a school of thought that rejects Paul's authorship of the Pastoral Epistle (1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus) on grounds such as vocabulary differences and prevailing church structures.
Paul is the Writer of a significant portion of the New Testament
PHOTO: Paul is the Writer of a significant portion of the New Testament
Not only did God use Paul as a great missionary in the early church, He also used the man to write a significant portion of the New Testament. Paul wrote 13 of the epistles in the New Testament.
Picture is posted by Mark E. Fisher on 06 December 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxtg7VSGlc7oaW4fraryE5IoyOCWJvXSrw0lHrwkN0qkD9SdGn-cKIuWBhNjy7zJgw7NNqNtpkuXegAMg3nPMn1RPt7WRcERoDBrrWM1GmNqndoqc7g-KM60KoCIbvPo0sh7iprktYFM/s1600/Apostle-Paul-1.png
http://www.markfisherauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Apostle-Paul.jpg
http://www.markfisherauthor.com/2015/12/the-meaning-of-life-to-help-establish-local-churches/


Timothy was timid, not forceful like Paul
Though Timothy became a leader in the early church, he also had some temperamental weaknesses. He was timid, not forceful like Paul, and this might have seen as a weakness by stronger personalities in church. Paul had to advise him not to let others look down on him (1 Timothy 4:12). Some have suggested that Timothy was an introvert [2] - both a blessing and a bane for Christian leaders. In Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Church, Pastor Adam McHughs shared how introverts are often misunderstood in churches dominated by extroverts. [3]
 
imothy was timid, not forceful like Paul
PHOTO: Timothy was timid, not forceful like Paul
Though Timothy became a leader in the early church, he also had some temperamental weaknesses. He was timid, not forceful like Paul, and this might have seen as a weakness by stronger personalities in church.
Bible Illustrations by Gustave Dore, born 06 January 1832, Strasbourg, Fr., died 23 January 1883, Paris
Picture posted by Grace and peace, Pastors: Jorge Ibarra and Rodolfo Araiza
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qSqh_33AXvpKesSsJj4oIwMTLYkYTH07-kSzNnys3mJdztWgn7Jg0qXV69ZU2W1xn-uzT9SIcL8vAredU1d89akjjQ_HLunPBx7-9n73LLn0ns-yXYfYWu4UPLKHn9ZrKOFkgakzDTs/s1600/paul-in-prison.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/graciaypaz.org.mx/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/paul-in-prison.jpg
http://graciaypaz.org.mx/category/pruebas/


Timothy was timid and sensitive by nature [1i]
Timothy may have had problems with his timidity which got in the way of his duties as a pastor. Timidity is being afraid of others. It is different from gentleness, which is strength held under control. Timidity is a weakness of fear and cowardice. Paul reminded Timothy: "But God does not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). Timidity must be replaced with tenacity (persistence). Timothy was to resist any temptation to respond timidly against challenges to the true gospel. He was to exhibit courage by defending the gospel publicly - like Paul. Timothy also had a sensitive nature; he may have being more sensitive to what others said and how they responded to him. Paul urge Timothy to be thick-skinned for the sake of the gospel.


Timothy was timid and sensitive by nature
PHOTO: Timothy was timid and sensitive by nature
Timidity is being afraid of others. It is different from gentleness, which is strength held under control. Timidity is a weakness of fear and cowardice. Paul reminded Timothy: "But God does not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).
Picture posted by Dean K. Wilson on Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Which of the two do you identify with more? (Paul or Timothy)
To identify with someone means to feel that we are similar to that someone and can understand him or his situation. I identify with Timothy more because I have weaknesses of fear and cowardice. It is different from gentleness, which is strength held under control. I need to replace my timidity with tenacity (persistence) and to exhibit courage.

I am sensitive to what others said and do not how to respond to them. Just like Timothy, I am basically afraid of others and need to be thick-skinned for the sake of the gospel. These temperamental weaknesses are to be replaced by forceful and stronger personalities.


To identify with someone means to feel that we are similar to that someone and can understand him or his situation. PHOTO:To identify with someone means to feel that we are similar to that someone and can understand him or his situation. Those whose personalities are different from Paul will identify more with Timothy. Timothy has weakness of fear and cowardice. These temperamental weaknesses are to be replaced by forceful and stronger personalities.
Whether there are thorns or happy moments, sad or beautiful, we still need to travel the path of our life.


I once worked as a temp in a big "acute" hospital. It was just after my retrenchment from my previous job of 13 years. I was then in my middle age without other skills. The tasks in the temp job were different from what I had been used to do. I am supposed to go into all the places which have computers connected to the hospital network with routers, printers and other devices. I need to record their computers' Name, routers' number and the printer used. There were a few thousand of them.

Every day I venture into different areas, faced different people in different type of environment. There were  patients' wards, testing rooms, doctors, nurses, specialists, baby, reproduction, x-ray and surgical areas. People were with different personalities, expectations and professions. I was and still am, like Timothy, timid and dreading to meet new people in an ever changing environment and situations. I had been in the comfortable mode previously, for too long, with almost the same group of people all these years. I can therefore empathise with Timothy with having to face unknown, fearful situations, and every moment anticipating difficulties.


Those whose personalities are like Timothy, timid will dread to meet new people in an ever changing environment and situations.


PHOTO: Those whose personalities are like Timothy, timid will dread to meet new people in an ever changing environment and situations. Especially when all the People are with different personalities, expectations and professions. We can therefore empathise with Timothy with having to face unknown, fearful situations, and every moment anticipating difficulties.
Picture posted by Eddie Hyatt on 05 September 2016 at 5:00PM EDT


Our health was also in constant danger because of deadly outbreak of the disease called SARS. We were no longer in the comfortable zone taking things for granted. For the next day would be another uncertain and dreadful day. The staffs were in no position to be friendly and patient. That difficult time made us hesitated and stepped back whenever there was problems. Those habitual behaviours and our timid character made us "retiring" and uncooperative (shy away from problem). These make me identify more with Timothy who had timid, retiring, and shy personality.


Difficult time made us hesitated and stepped back whenever there was problems.

PHOTO: Difficult time made us hesitated and stepped back whenever there was problems. Those habitual behaviours and our timid character made us "retiring" and uncooperative (shy away from problem). These make those with different personalities from Paul identifies more with Timothy who had timid, retiring, and shy personality.
Picture posted by natalie pais on 24 October 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcKbzsKLr0alLuQUQszrQpwQRt1X1qeZM6fSF4qfUPhcODhh-dQYpGegrQXDsPGy9rsTK6Nvk8vOoltBY5tCwCxN4ZldfgTicR430UqCv6PvStXPMLIha1gyEpd1sSguaLmFITyPKteM/s1600/15+-+1.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxQa02O9BWM/Vipo18aqlbI/AAAAAAAABh8/d9vcxOOH8BE/w530-h640-p/15%2B-%2B1 - (15 - 1.jpg)
http://www.oasteadomnului.ro/2017/07/10


Reflect on those who may be different from you.
Those whose personalities may be different from me are those who are like Paul. Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient. Whereas Timothy had a more sensitive, retiring and shy personality. Like Paul, those whose personalities may be different from me could:
  • Be a passionate visionary and are self-disciplined worker with a clear mission.
  • Be able to dramatically transform his belief and act differently, which others may initially found it hard to believe.
  • Tirelessly and relentlessly pursue his mission iregardless of dangers, and other difficulties
  • Become the most significant, and outstanding worker
  • Be a man in whose heart the fire of God could not be put out, even by the most violent of persecutions.
  • Produce work that are widely recognised, for example part of the New Testament
  • Be able to inspire many others, or evoke hostile oppositions
    Reflection on those whose personalities may be different from ours.

      PHOTO: Reflection on those whose personalities may be different from ours.
      Paul is reputed to have a choleric personality - forceful, decisive, and resilient. Whereas Timothy had a more sensitive, retiring and shy personality.
      Picture posted by Jeremy Gershfeld on 29 October 2015
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUndrLwL9_x5WP0CNBwVTQ4VmNXBOWbS_AY_EdE44tLiqr5NKbh1mhRgO-lytjbAszNqTAURMu12Rz-lOderFROyXGE9JUdRfvPsoeEosCzRouBG06OANbgTp0WhSUOlvr-pQuMEa5Yb0/s1600/Fotolia_82337843_Subscription_Monthly_M.jpg
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_Q9rz1ebSF4ALMcZ9_DrzwfiEcvWUyON67EDobxf3_jWa0v4tm_5MkZvsl9XyBdceR9n6wompB6zCWR0C1pJBkAI6rF3DUSFoT42OwX4UuH8xoRZdhAV2RSjNCtw9QitIEepAIXwFT6c/s1600/Fotolia_82337843_Subscription_Monthly_M.jpg
      http://gershfeldislistening.blogspot.sg/2015/10/sensing-balance-of-dynamic-tension-in.html


      How do you respond to them (those whose personalities may be different from you)? [4]
      The world is filled with different kinds of people; and sometimes getting along with all of them can be a bit of a challenge. Different people have different characteristics, expectations and different ways of doing things. The followings are some tips on how to respond to different personality types. [4]
      • Find out how other people like to work and adapt accordingly
      • Not everything has to be a battle, that is, sometime need to push and sometime should let go
      • Realize that everyone is in this together (all are the team players)
      • Prepared ourself with a response to a certain behaviour and come up with a solution that will resolve the issue in a mature and rational way.
      • Don’t take it to heart, find some common ground
      • R-E-S-P-E-C-T. One person can’t know it all or do it all, so everyone needs to respect each other’s strengths, ask others for input and work together.
      The world is filled with different kinds of people; and sometimes getting along with all of them can be a bit of a challenge.
      PHOTO: The world is filled with different kinds of people; and sometimes getting along with all of them can be a bit of a challenge. Different people have different characteristics, expectations and different ways of doing things.
      Picture posted by Luis E Gonzalez on 27 February 2016
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadUWC0dJSSSeX1co5dDTZY3ukG7f2t-2xolR24An7HkKzJOFprWw2WCye4OMTKSnzntHMo8-c2Plhq3KPwCq7hjuWxnltLBVe2_03bJLI9MKXyVK9Wpd_kAfiOOkAowfSc4twpQtbT7M/s1600/7959127_f1024-1.png
      https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/7959127_f1024.jpg
      https://hubpages.com/art/Conceptual-Photography



      How can our personality be a strength or weakness? [5]
      Embrace our Bright Side
      Identifying our strengths is necessary but not sufficient to succeed in our career; we also need to embrace these bright-side aspects of our personality because they provide the raw materials of our talent. Talent is just another  version of our personality. Everyone brings a different set of personality-based strengths, for example ambition, extraversion, self-discipline, and curiosity. For example, if we are a confident, ambitious person who is quite extraverted (extroverted). A career in public relations could be an excellent fit. If we are less extraverted but more disciplined and curious, a technical field like programming or engineering could be a better fit.


      Embrace our Bright Side
      PHOTO: Embrace our Bright Side
      Identifying our strengths is necessary but not sufficient to succeed in our career; we also need to embrace these bright-side aspects of our personality because they provide the raw materials of our talent. Talent is just another  version of our personality, a set of personality-based strengths.
      Picture posted by Sera Valentine on Saturday, 31 December 2011 at 06:29 AM - To find you
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQrQ0srCAPeR9mJOKPYwEjt0j05JDEwsIEGv-OpYewTMOUIuDvMeXgL6ZS8iTq-dGBZP9Zfw9qBsFzFQLYA__45kvJBRuimIf7GwumDPyRcG96k-s8jdLK_bmH71bSMItPeY6YGHtSe27/s1600/66cd75b21164.jpg
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhvtKVoLYfTucnZ41nK8T-CVV4eMfGkLBi9Xw9zU7FtAaFNTuDpcn9s6oZ88lZQXTTfmq51Bny4NR4jZXq0WHZTOeEl-d1s7Gq9JoRA39mixbGtxDNl_MLxRbfsZLAwrBlPtX563q0w/s1600/66cd75b21164.jpg
      http://seravalentina.blogspot.sg/2011/12/to-find-you.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-decisions-make-following.html


      Tame our Dark Side
      First, we need to identify what our derailers (weakness) are. Just like we all have different strengths, we also differ in our dark side tendencies. Some of us may be moody and irritable; others too skeptical; others passive-aggressive; and others Machiavellian (cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous) or narcissistic.  The skeptical may be unable to trust others or build close relationships. The passive-aggressive may be immune to negative feedback. And the narcissist may be too self-centered to attend to others.  So the best way is to keep our derailers in check by avoiding not only taxing situations – events that take us out of our comfort zone – but also situations where we feel overly relaxed or complacent.


      Tame our Dark Side
      PHOTO: Tame our Dark Side
      Some of us may be moody and irritable; others too skeptical; others passive-aggressive; and others Machiavellian (cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous) or narcissistic.  The skeptical may be unable to trust others or build close relationships. The passive-aggressive may be immune to negative feedback. And the narcissist may be too self-centered to attend to others.
      Posted by Walmir Almeida on Saturday, 23 February 2013
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MIHLnCLdumFJ_dJ9456QtZE3a4LUbbcuqOSAx4PwXVBe1G9B9R-5voM_th7_PgGJrt7E9jvOCPp4bySVtd9dezW-GLvFVwG9Jt6Db7wS4jInveNrEShEGVsuhsW1-X6cXhDNsCq8URQ/s1600/Depositphotos_8664109_original.jpg
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm_jFeJj-wo3NhbKG0YlKxTyPCYGZpTGfZeEWH7-t2abo4EBt0Qes1YthGmGEaFqhbq3mcpylHTAUxFAWZFj8zqY2b2GjANPEo_NaIRCjvr9AkoB3aVKFauDxaLEJmVb2R13htI4zIhw/s1600/Depositphotos_8664109_original.jpg
      http://walmirbsb.blogspot.sg/2013/02/a-inocencia-dos-anjos.html#.VYUsJVKYQz8
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/01/reflection-quarrelling-about-words.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


      Understanding our personality and how it affects our potential (strength or weakness)
      With a little self-awareness, we can control our weak personalities and turn it into strong weapon (strength). Dysfunctional behaviors are actually misuse of our strength. For example, excessive confidence turns into arrogance, excessive prudence into counter productive perfectionism and risk-aversion, and excessive creativity into eccentricity and weirdness. If we can recognize the strengths behind our derailers, we can use them in moderation, instead of overusing or abusing them.  [5]

       Understanding our personality and how it affects our potential (strength or weakness)
      PHOTO: Understanding our personality and how it affects our potential (strength or weakness)
      With a little self-awareness, we can control our weak personalities and turn it into strong weapon (strength). If we can recognize the strengths behind our derailers, we can use them in moderation, instead of overusing or abusing them.
      Picture posted by Muminmy Erika on Wednesday, 20 August, 2014 at 20:46
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbyPbUVOsAhGfF69CPTKe0eTWZWg50jFVzDYnacC-35zIkxiBzOdosJVuWkSSGXrgj2VL4nrr2mbjw_Q88_uwUth9abM-oVY5LzCYTq2XFKC2CMJCT758K5-NOhkcFB11kfZf2fpFAKA/s1600/201482020461369101045928_sbig.jpg
      http://nattstadcdn.com/7/1050000/1050000/1045928/pics/201482020461369101045928_sbig.jpg
      http://nouw.com/muminmy/matschema-15155609


      How can it be consecrated to the Lord for His glory?
      Our personalities are consecrated to the Lord for His glory by the Spirit of the Lord
      Consecrate our personalities to the Lord means make or declare our personality sacred; dedicate formally to a religious purpose. Sacred here means holy. How can it be consecrated to the Lord for His glory? God, who is the Spirit will transform us (our personalities) into His likeness, and our unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Our transformation as a Christian must happen because God has made up his mind. Christian are drastically changed by our Lord, Jesus Christ. Making at least some baby steps, and, once in a while, as the Lord blesses, we feel we have made a leap forward. This continue until we become mature, courageous, patient and resourceful persons. [6]


      Our personalities are consecrated to the Lord for His glory by the Spirit of the Lord
      PHOTO: Our personalities are consecrated to the Lord for His glory by the Spirit of the Lord
      Consecrate our personalities to the Lord means make or declare our personality sacred; dedicate formally to a religious purpose. Sacred here means holy. God, who is the Spirit will transform us (our personalities) into His likeness, and our unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory. (      2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Our transformation as a Christian must happen because God has made up his mind.
      Picture posted by Terri Perez (Pinterest) - Woman at the shore praising the Lord
      Lord
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgSh_FI4hXPd5y8oebSbUM7j9d8ddco7cSW7HlsbwX4XU6qxvOuvv35WD_kkZQJ97QDTYi1WyaIqUd_a-OeBrwwi9z6MyZN6KiLUJujGD4o8HkMyhCOl1H7zmw-tGQCxzzChw74lDMek_/s1600/b29c88134900da3a1899475dc5576fb3.jpg
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b2/9c/88/b29c88134900da3a1899475dc5576fb3.jpg
      https://www.pinterest.com/explore/isaiah-6/
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/12/reflection-pauls-theology-of-body.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/02/reflection-prayer-for-lonely-on.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
       

      (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 states: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."


      Our transformation was planned by God long time ago
      Not only us alone, but together with a vast company of men and women – like the sands on the shores in number. A whole new constituency is envisaged (foretold), people who have their own unique personalities and have known their own combination of problems, who are now passing through a range of experiences, each one of them, as the elect of God, in the process of being divinely changed. God is at this very moment in time transforming us without destroying our own unique identity, and there are millions like us. God alone can supervise such a mighty enterprise, and God will bring all his divine resources to achieve it. Our transformation as a Christian must happen because God has planned it long time ago. [6]


      In Paul's teaching that we are embodied human beings (provide a spirit with a physical form).
      PHOTO: Our transformation was planned by God long time ago
      Not only us alone, but together with a vast company of men and women – like the sands on the shores in number. A whole new constituency is envisaged (foretold), people who have their own unique personalities and have known their own combination of problems, who are now passing through a range of experiences, each one of them, as the elect of God, in the process of being divinely changed. Our transformation as a Christian must happen because God has planned it long time ago.
      Picture posted by The Secret Real Truth on Sunday, 2 October 2016 - ARISTOTLE - THE HUMAN SOUL
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwayRIVdMA4MurX5Fkq8zNiToF8E0fCApQL28kAGzcEkOBMWywg1oovZ76DTfhOv0wmbXOYvy1Q6HVkVtxqIgNeCibZNFM7xdEn9JaaD0gDu3_PleHaGg5pcLQM42SO-N4ocVfxPIstXn/s1600/Q005520160521.gif
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbUak3-501hz1DsBFrtfi2IQx4BUjuBVy7wElOIWNWMy7MsBgojtWD6UY4HiLidhwgNDPYq36jYVhiyGxl-jr2P_sD_-pthSPtBxAvi_pcNsPgNVFIV5leddCQoepVsqagoeffUZY8MQ/s640/Q005520160521.gif
      http://thesecretrealtruth.blogspot.com/2016/10/blog-post_661.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/12/reflection-pauls-theology-of-body.html
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


      What supernatural factors may influence us in this process?
      The Lord Transforms us into his Likeness       [6]
      "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18)


      We can only be successful according to God's terms if He is with our spirits and His grace touches our lives.
      PHOTO: The Lord Transforms us into his Likeness
      "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18)
      Picture saved by Cultura Inquieta to Arte digital | Digital art
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ReqCTOu8zDmOJqvVx9bZl79g5R8dbmQSb0ZN6hwI8Iwc_zl8UPG_MKfJ4wVUHjM2aTKtTOcOlaUR2VTb7xDh8a1eSzQTOgmIpBjPOgdfBMZsuwzR-WKdN28_Wc8jGRv2vqUIbUMS1Gv2/s1600/bb49b5b86d1847e873c341e790867e8f.jpg
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bb/49/b5/bb49b5b86d1847e873c341e790867e8f.jpg
      https://www.pinterest.com/pin/373517362814832938/
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-key-lessons-learned-from-2.html


      "We," says the apostle to the whole Corinthian church with all its tensions and hang-ups. He stands in solidarity with them. “We … are being transformed." But to make the case absolutely clear he says, "We … all … are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory." Make no exceptions where God makes none. The weakest and the newest Christian here today is experiencing ever-increasing transformation. [6]


      We can only be successful according to God's terms if He is with our spirits and His grace touches our lives.
      PHOTO: "We … all … are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory." Make no exceptions where God makes none. The weakest and the newest Christian here today is experiencing ever-increasing transformation. [6]
      Artwork by James Taylor (concept art and creative advertising firm) - Human Metaformosis
      Picture posted by Hidden mana on 31 August 2016
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUieUFHlE21bsw3ngVoCBWCa7nJ2igmchllmBp9SkhfjTPgbu6bvcxIhXBiygFOosm5_yA1VqxtPsO7OjGBzDAGktc-k-1oFUR7Z4IxVUctYJpZTtdNLsHxzRGwKblPmbLQsKs3fxelfr/s1600/1+VhK0MwEh1XyOXGxhY0BcPw-1.jpeg
      https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1081/1*VhK0MwEh1XyOXGxhY0BcPw.jpeg
      https://hiddenmannapage.com/questions-and-answers-about-faith-without-action-8183597d9ece
      http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-key-lessons-learned-from-2.html


      Supernatural factors that influence us in this process is the Lord, our God, who is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost
      Paul centred his thoughts and affections on the heavenlies. It was there that the Lord who is the Spirit lives and reigns, and where he is accessible to every one of his people. From there he sends forth the Spirit which changes sinners into his glorious likeness. As we behold him we are gradually transformed into the same image, even as by the Lord the Spirit. Transformation comes directly from the Lord, who is the Spirit. It is only by the present power of Christ that the ever increasing glory is known. The Lord, our God, is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. One name for all three persons. [6]

       Supernatural factors that influence us in this process is the Lord, our God, who is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost
      PHOTO: Supernatural factors that influence us in this process is the Lord, our God, who is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost
      “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (      2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB).
      With those few words—“from glory to glory”—Paul sums up our entire Christian life, from redemption and sanctification on earth, to our glorious eternal welcome into heaven.
      The same Greek word for “glory” is used twice in the phrase from glory to glory, yet each usage refers to something different. The first “glory” is that of the Old Covenant—the Law of Moses—while the second is that of the New Covenant, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
      The transformation "to the glory of the New Covenant", forgives us of our sin and gives us sinners life (John 6:63).  It is written on believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3), so our obedience to God springs up from within us by God-given desires rather than by threats of legal punishment. In place of a cold set of writings as a guide for pleasing God, we now have Father, Son and Holy Spirit making their home with us, fellowshipping in loving intimacy, teaching us everything we must know and do (John 14:23; 16:13). That position in Christ is as permanent, eternal, and spiritual as God Himself, rather than temporary and earthly. [7]
      Picture saved by Bearpaws to Holy Spirit & Blessed Trinity from Ethelyn (Pinterest)
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YBmcAjEdzGb08OoHHDKfcPhWrXdL5ka838IpvFOPu6OXnvxvMDVALhxPhjokRwL3QQppHxuZUlwX-yOXhM_Rtt3rl2otMcbcf5Bl8ZGb4cFfPcENrVod_QeHfITTNtPNsz6yuYxx7yI/s1600/b6c8fcfb43518976def4cad82249152c--catholic-memes-catholic-prayers-1.jpg
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/c8/fc/b6c8fcfb43518976def4cad82249152c--catholic-memes-catholic-prayers.jpg
      https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342766221614836433/
      https://www.pinterest.com/abmansmith/holy-spirit-blessed-trinity/?lp=true


      If it is only as much as a baby step today. He does not cease this work. He does not neglect us. We are in God’s hands and he is working to will and to do of his good pleasure in us. He will change us into the glory of Christ. He has made up his mind. Let us be filled with hope for what God is able to do and has done in the past in transforming a grey depressing godless community into a place where Jesus dwells. "And we, who with unveiled faces all behold the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (      2 Corinthians 3:18) [6]

       If it is only as much as a baby step today. He does not cease this work.
      PHOTO: If it is only as much as a baby step today. He does not cease this work. He does not neglect us. We are in God’s hands and he is working to will and to do of his good pleasure in us. He will change us into the glory of Christ. He has made up his mind.
      Picture saved by Jose Roberto Lopez Arzate to Fauna from Photobucket
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDhJ_-Mvh1U6eeRSBpX0FlVukf3Ha5dTHO637aShKFP2nM2OYe-LGmvR4fd1QHsIFXBCm4Po0-iJSy0HTejMggWU25jrkt5Xra7JfGlCC5WBUjLKGye8DVZxekHn8CsdeLRzaxdrjc6E/s1600/33f75ae4c2cf05f556bae73f3d1283ef.jpg
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/33/f7/5a/33f75ae4c2cf05f556bae73f3d1283ef.jpg
      https://www.pinterest.com/pin/483644447462798763/

       Dear Lord, take my life, and let it be consecrated, to Thee. As in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, transformed us into Your Likeness and with Ever-increasing Glory. Please filled us with hope by transforming our grey depressing godless community into a place where the Lord dwells. And we, who with unveiled faces all behold the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Through Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!
      PHOTO: "Dear Lord, take my life, and let it be consecrated, to Thee. As in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, transformed us into Your Likeness and with Ever-increasing Glory. Please filled us with hope by transforming our grey depressing godless community into a place where the Lord dwells. And we, who with unveiled faces all behold the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Through Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!"
      Picture saved by Melody Bray to GIFS - WATER REFLECTION from theinvisibleblueprint.blogspot.com
      https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3c2m01iQ4zIo1LX_I5pagRN17a-BzDJsF4FSVPewASUx_gEIpajywUX7NoWQdFDdvTf3RedZs2jitvK3gFoldmonLiFeevQ4i_jMQ2ZacwEmVBOE-Syuvn8tHVfjjisH8VRR74s86cw/s1600/91db919b659a41c7388514c4d6305bbc.gif
      https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/91/db/91/91db919b659a41c7388514c4d6305bbc.gif
      https://www.pinterest.com/pin/335799715939497367/
       
      Reflection - How to consecrate our personality to the Lord for His Glory
      By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



      Reference
      [1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, Chapter 1 "Introduction: A farewell"  (2 Timothy 1:1-2), Page 1-6.

      [1i] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART ONE: UNITED WITH CHRIST, Chapter 4 "United with Christ in Service and Suffering" (2 Timothy 1:8-18), Page 53.

      [2] R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chappell, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit, Preaching the Word Series (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2000), 172.

      [3] Adam S. McHugh, Introverts in the Church: Finding our Place in an Extroverted Culrure (Downners Grove: InterVasity Press, 2009).

      [4]  Megan Pasche, Dealing With Different Personality Types in the Workplace, posted on 08 August 2014, http://today-magazine.com/dealing-different-personality-types-workplace/

      [5] Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, FastCompany, How To Turn Your Personality Into Your Career Advantage,  posted on 27 January 2015, https://www.fastcompany.com/3041385/how-to-turn-your-personality-into-your-career-advantage

      [6] Geoff Thomas Archive, Alfred Place Baptist Church, 2 Corinthians 3:17&18 Transformed into His Likeness with Ever-increasing Glory, http://www.alfredplacechurch.org.uk/index.php/sermons/2-corinthians/317-18-transformed-into-his-likeness-with-ever-increasing-glory/

      [7] Got Questions Ministries, What is the meaning of “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB?,   https://www.gotquestions.org/from-glory-to-glory.html

      New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

      1 Timothy 4:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A12&version=NIV

      2 Corinthians 3:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A3&version=NIV

      2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A17-18&version=NIV

      2 Corinthians 3:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A18&version=NIV

      2 Corinthians 3:18, NASB - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A18&version=NASB - (New American Standard Bible)

      2 Peter 3:15-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A15-16&version=NIV

      2 Timothy 1:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A1-2&version=NIV

      2 Timothy 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A7&version=NIV

      2 Timothy 1:8-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A8-18&version=NIV

      2 Timothy 1:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A8&version=NIV

      Acts 9:1,20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A1%2C20&version=NIV

      Acts 9:15-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A15-16&version=NIV

      Acts 14:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A19-20&version=NIV

      Ephesians 3:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A1&version=NIV

      Jeremiah 31:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A33&version=NIV

      John 6:63 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A63&version=NIV

      John 14:23; 16:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A23%3B+16%3A13&version=NIV

      Psalms 23:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+23%3A1a&version=NIV
      at