If you are new to this site, please know that it is just a random collection of my various writings and observations. It is not systematic, and it may not be particularly helpful. Nevertheless, I have begun to add this information as a means of providing access to my work. I am grateful that you have taken the time to visit.
- Flint McGlaughlin
Observations/Reflections: On the Nuance between Management and Mentoring
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/05/08
Written: 09/23/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I need to draw a distinction between those I manage who need to be mentored/discipled and those who need to be directed and empowered per my formula as outlined in management model 19b. It is not possible to mentor each of your leaders. One must know the difference and direct his time accordingly.
Observations/Reflections: On the Spiritual Development of My Children in 2008 and 2009
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/04/08
Written: 09/23/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I see two new practices that I need to start with my children for the sake of their spiritual formation:
Slowly but surely the whole picture is coming together.
Observations/Reflections: On Proverbs 28:23
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/03/08
Written: 12/07/06
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I am struck by a principle that I have recently taught on, but which I see within this passage again.
The verse says that, "if you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you." Notice that wisdom is the result more than study. "If you turn at my reproof" is the key phrase. A behavioral change attracts greater wisdom.
This is a message that is consistent throughout scripture. Wisdom speaks, one responds with a turning or a new way of life; then wisdom comes in greater depth.
In a sense it might be described as follows: Call, Response, Understanding.
Observations/Reflections: In the Face of My Inadequacy
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/28/08
Written: 09/08/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Despite my earlier writings, I still feel as though at times I am working out of an inaccurate sense of adequacy. At times I realize how inadequate I am for what God has called me to do. That recognition is followed by a cycle of emotions which end in some form of contriteness. It brings me back again to those three key insights that have framed my approach to the present tense living.
Observations/Reflections: On Jeremiah 6:16 - The Path
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/27/08
Written: 03/01/07
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I absolutely love this passage: Jeremiah 6:16 says, "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."
I don't know if I have ever read a passage that more aptly describes the process I find myself in, the process which I am asking others to engage. I recorded this text, now, not so that I might expound on it, but so that I can preserve its impact. I don't think it needs expounding. I think it needs obeying.
Observations/Reflections: On the Opposite of Certainty
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/24/08
Written: 09/20/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
What is the antonym for certainty? Is it uncertainty? I do not think so, because certainty represents an absolute state, but uncertainty represents a measured (perhaps fluctuating) state. Is the opposite of certainty not being certain?
I am not sure either because this is only another way to express a kind of partial certainty. Thus, there is no clear opposite condition. Let's apply this thinking to a particular:
One might be certain that Jesus is the Son of God or one might be uncertain that Jesus is the Son of God. It seems that if one were absolutely uncertain that Jesus is the Son of God, then one is actually certain that He is not. In this case, rather than discovering the opposite of certainty, we have just considered two extreme polls within the same concept. I could go on, but suffice to say, I am certain that I am uncertain about the nature of certainty.
Observations/Reflections: On Philippians 2:7
Status: Transcribed and Reviewed
Published: 10/22/08
Written: 11/11/05
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I have read this passage many times, and it has been a constant source of encouragement or correction to me. But as I studied it, yet again, this afternoon, I was impacted by the phrase, "taking the very nature of a servant." I think there is a difference between taking the form of a servant and taking the nature of a servant.
It is possible for me to assume the form of a servant, while in my heart, in my nature, I am holding on to my ego. I must consider what it means to take on "the very nature" of a servant. It requires a fundamental change in my essence, not just in my actions. The Greek here is Morphene Doulou. It is translated in other places as "form." Wuest says, "The Greek word for 'form' refers to that outward expression which a person gives to his inmost nature." Wuest explains that it "proceeds directly from within."
Marvin Vincent says that it "was a complete and characteristic expression of the slave's being." It is interesting to note that the word "God" in this passage does not have the definite article in front of it. It seems to be referring to the very essence or nature of God. As Wuest notes, he is not referring specifically to the three persons of the Godhead, but rather to the essence of God.
It seems that this passage is talking about one's essence.
If I am to have the mind of Christ, if I am to be a true servant, then something must change beside my actions. There must be a reformation of my essence.
Observations/Reflections: On the Transcendence of Worship as Enabler of Sanity
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/21/08
Written: 09/04/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Throughout the mental meanderings that characterize my soul search, and throughout my interest in everything from XEL Defense to Offer Response Optimization, I find my soul returning over and over again to the notion of each of these efforts/engagements as worship engagement. It is this single understanding which prevents me from overload.
Reality defies classification. In my attempt to fit all pieces in some kind of whole, I experience great distress. At times this distress is dangerous. But when I let go of my need to become or know and focus on the Knower, when I intentionally engage in worship as I explore, everything changes. I work not from anguish but from exultation. There is a kind of pervasive joy that powers my activity.
Observations/Reflections: On Proverbs 1:20-33
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/20/08
Written: 12/07/06
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I have written elsewhere on other verses within this passage but I notice a pattern, here, that is worth attention. First wisdom calls. If there is no response on the part of the person wisdom is calling to, then a calamity comes at which point the person now calls upon wisdom. But it is too late.
So in a sense, I might observe a pattern in the calls. First the call comes through wisdom. Last the call comes from me. I need to respond to the call before I become the one calling. The first call is an attempt to turn me; the second call (my own) is an attempt to escape.
Copyright © 2008 Flint McGlaughlin. All rights reserved.