No 19

(Attentiveness, Justice, Deference)

Attentiveness is: Learning the wishes of others through facial expressions, words and tone of voice. Listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to learn God’s moral standard and His will. Learning who to be attentive to, what to listen for and what not to listen to. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves to see if we are attentive. 1) When we are spoken to by someone, do we stop what we are doing, look at them and listen? 2) Do we look at our watches in church? 3) Do we glance at other people when someone is speaking to us?

Justice is: Recognizing our personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws. Basing our decisions on eternal values (faith) rather than on temporal values (the convenient). Here are some questions: 1) Do the decisions we make reflect a focus on God’s will? 2) Would those under our responsibility be able to give examples of generosity in our dealings with them? 3) Do we twist the rules in order to win at something? 4) Have we ever sold something we knew was not worth the price we were asking?

Deference is : Respect. Limiting our freedom in order not to offend the personal tastes of those God has called us to serve. Some questions: 1) What activities do we engage in that many Christians believe are wrong? 2) Do we use words or expressions that are offensive to others? 3) Do we justify activities such as smoking, drinking or dancing on the basis that other Christians do it?