Columbia and religion class 1-18-07

1. When we were talking in class about how or if God uses the Jackass model I came to this conclusion, yes God tells us the blessings we will receive if we follow him and the consequences if we don't, sometimes we just want Him to tell us what to do, and His love for us is always there. I think God set it up like that on purpose. because He does keep us informed as to the consequences of our actions we decide how we will be governed by Him, whether by fear, blessings, doing just what he tells us to do, or out of our love for Him because he loves us. I think its the same way in the world. we decide how we will be governed by others. whether fear or love will rule our lives and how we will gain positions over others.

2. Obviously we would almost always change or act because of love. something my mom always told me growing up was that if you really want someone to join the church or change there behavior, you love them first and make sure they know you love them. because if they know that you love them for who they are, they will be more willing to change because they know you have their best interest in mind. they also know that if they should fail, they know that you will still love them. i think that this is true both in the church and the business world. people are much more willing to adjust and change if they feel the security that comes from the love that others offer.

3. Conflict is a necessary part of our lives. Something my mom taught me when i was young was that conflict between leaders in the church is how God shows all that can be done. Through different individuals God expresses different ideas. i think that this mortal world is the same. There are so many different ways problems can be handled. by discussing others ideas we can come to a clearer concept of what will work better. once conflict starts to become personal it immediately becomes competing, comparing, complaining, criticizing and/or contending. once this happens the idea changes from what is better to who can win. when this happens someone will walk away hurt or offended.