Paradigm Shift

Paradigm shift is the buzz word for change amongst the secular and religious sector. I have heard, and I am sure many of you have heard it as well. So, I thought, I would really take a look at it what is a paradigm shift by looking up paradigm and shift. I did not want to overwhelm anyone with the several definitions. I subscribe to the keep it simple philosophy…wink.  Starting with Paradigm, it describes general accepted model how idea relates to another. As for shift, it described as something changed or exchanged for position, circumstance, or model. So, we hear the ‘paradigm shift’ in our religious or faith-based environment, what is being said, is the accepted model of doing, being, and engaging is changing. However, I would like to caution everyone that a true examination of this changes of theological engagement maybe more, than what we think it is. For the accepted model of concepts, fundamental beliefs have really been truths laced with our dogmas, traditions, and superstitions which governed us far too long. And what is really happening is, in the words of Maya Angelou, - when you know better, do better; when you learn, teach, when you get, give.  The paradigm shift is really just us as Christian letting go of what made a way but was never meant to stay with us, or sustain us forever. But in order to continue this journey, we must reevaluate what is real, true and what is ‘just us or ethnic mores.’…smiling… So we can offer a theological foundation for engagement that doesn’t negate the existence of the political and societal but teaches us how to live there without adjusting who we are in our Christian faith. See no one can get to us, when we are living what we say, we are living. The problem comes because we have chosen to be imposters, shrink when we are challenged, and seamlessly unconsciously let others cultivate our fears of inadequacy in us. All because we lack, the faith to believe the Father has not forgotten us, and He has a plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it.

But a paradigm shift also requires us ‘seeing,’ it is not the landscape, or in our case, the tenets of the bible, that needs to change but us.  The truth is victory has already been secured through the triumph of Christ on the cross; the question is why it is so necessary for us to see things, our way. Remember this is the reason, Christ was up there in the first place; people did not want to believe what they couldn’t conceive or didn’t fit in their perceptions of what should be. God forbid we continue what we supposed to get past. ”Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10. This verse is not for some of us, but for all of us to embrace into our spiritual trust of God’s pearls of wisdom.

Lastly, the paradigm shift is the awareness of the power of perception is both powerful and emotionally base; for too many times. It usually comes from a happening in our life, good or bad, where we never got the lesson, just the less than. In a paradigm shift it is time to reconcile our emotional truth with fiction, and release the ties that bind you to the place of trivial or marginal falsehood living to a place of true awesome abundance living. Which is more than material, tangible but a peace of mind; something you cannot buy or sell to the highest bidder.  Paradigm Shift is a choice, and we choose. Choose well, it’s important. Phi1. 1:15-19 -  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. NIV

Living on Purpose

 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13-14 NIV

Living our purpose is more than just one pill fits all. However, there is one first step for all to take, ‘calling a thing, a thing.’. Being honest with ourselves about what we did or didn’t do.  Not letting our circumstance limit us, or letting what someone else called us, define who we are. We must believe, we are here to serve a purpose, and live what we believe, inspite of what the cost is. See, people will usually challenge you on your belief when you have lack of conviction to what you say, because you don’t really believe it. We cannot convince another person, when we are not convinced ourselves about what we are saying, or doing. We cannot live our purpose when one is deficient in a deep-seated, vital connection to the truth about us.

Living our purpose is not a quick solution where you drive-in, and drive-out. It is a commitment to oneself to truth about who we are. It is a daily vitamin for life. It is trusting God to guide us to our purpose that He designed us to inhabit. This requires us to stop living in rewind mode of our past mistakes and victories because if we do, we metaphorically run in place. Tired we shall be, but going nowhere. Instead, we should use the momentum to propel us forward into our purpose. We must not let thoughts imprison us in past moments of joys or defeats. We will never go further than our thoughts, if we do not get the lesson provided by moments, then release them; we go nowhere. Let go, and let God with the same energy used to support your team, when they are losing. It is important.

The verses above has been repeated, stressed in lessons taught, or sermons preached. But what is amazing to me is this – they speak about letting go of the drama, the madness, and the other confusion in our lives; putting it behind us, and straining to get the higher prize heavenward. Yet, we continue to hold on to the past. We continue to seek revenge, teach someone a lesson, or laud over others our victories. The only thing we are teaching anyone is how to treat us, how to get under our skin, and to control us. This is not what the verses are talking about, and it is opposite of what we desire. It is so essential for us to get this; otherwise living our purpose shall be impossible for us all. God forbid we stay stuck on stupid and self, trying to be stellar and serving. Your choice, so choose wisely.