TEN COMMANDMENTS OF. Living as an Inspiration. Bishop E. Bernard Jordan

Transcription

1 TEN COMMANDMENTS OF Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan

2 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration

3 10 Commandments of Living As an Inspiration Copyright 2015 by Bishop E. Bernard Jordan All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1 st Commandment... 1! Ask WHY?... 1! 2 nd Commandment... 4! Do what you love... 4! 3 rd Commandment... 7! Be committed... 7! 4 th Commandment... 10! Inspire by authenticity... 10! 5 th Commandment... 13! Admit to faults... 13! 6 th Commandment... 16! Keep progressing... 16! 7 th Commandment... 19! Work to your best potential... 19! 8 th Commandment... 22! Never give up... 22! 9 th Commandment... 25! Discipline yourself... 25! 10 th Commandment... 28! Prioritize God... 28! More Resources... 31! Scriptural References... 32!

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6 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 1 st Commandment ASK WHY? People often say that motivation doesn t last. Well, neither does bathing. That s why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar Power Truth Why? As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 2 Peter 3:16 ESV Living as an inspiration means embodying inspiration itself. It is about being authentic, passionate, and driven. 1

7 1st Commandment Those who live as inspirations are the catalysts of human development, social awareness, and productivity. Those who live as inspirations are the catalysts of human development, social awareness, and productivity. If you want to live as an inspiration, the first thing you need to do is to ask yourself WHY. Why are you doing what you do? Why do you want to be an inspiration? Why is your cause meaningful to you and to the world? It is only by answering the WHY question that we are able to commit to our cause and become living inspirations to others and even to ourselves. We need to feel a deep sense of purpose and passion for what we are living for. It is only by answering the WHY question that we are able to commit to our cause and become living inspirations to others and even to ourselves. The problem with some people is that they focus too much on external gains and profit, that the intrinsic reward of what they do is often overlooked. These people are uninspired, thus, cannot expect to live as inspirations. The problem with some people is that they focus too much on external gains

8 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan and profit, that the intrinsic reward of what they do is often overlooked. Before you set out to do anything, you must ask yourself WHY you are doing it. Are you passionate about your cause? Does the world need it? Do you feel like it is your purpose in life? Are you authentically inclined to this kind of work? Or is it all about reputation or money? You need to be honest with yourself about the WHY question, because it will determine how happy, fulfilling, and passionate your life will be. When you are happy, fulfilled, and passionate, you are also inspiring. You need to be honest with yourself about the WHY question, because it will determine how happy, fulfilling, and passionate your life will be. What now 1. WHY do you do what you do? 2. Do you have a sense of purpose? 3. Does your cause make you passionate about life?

9 2 nd Commandment 2 nd Commandment DO WHAT YOU LOVE Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Power Truth Johann Wolfgang von Goethe So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

10 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Follow your heart Living as an inspiration, as previously mentioned, means you must find a cause that you are passionate about. Whatever you decide to dedicate all your time and effort to must be something you love. What many people do not realize that the only thing they really need to consider when choosing their path is what brings them the most joy. Some people have trouble determining what it is they should commit themselves to. They consider so many factors when deciphering what is right for them, such as salary, status, expectations from others, probability of success, etc. What many people do not realize that the only thing they really need to consider when choosing their path is what brings them the most joy. When we love what we do, it makes us happier because things seem in order. Our lives are given direction and purpose. When we do what we love, we feel as though we are exactly where we are meant to be in this life. 1 When we do what we love, we feel as though we are exactly where we are meant to be in this life.

11 2 nd Commandment Some might have trouble determining what they are meant to be doing because there are a number of things they enjoy doing. However, enjoying what you do is different from having it bring you true joy. While enjoyment may only last temporarily, true joy affects one s whole being and stays much longer than a moment. While enjoyment may only last temporarily, true joy affects one s whole being and stays much longer than a moment. If you want to know what will bring you joy, think of what it is you are inclined to doing. What calls your interest the most? What do you feel naturally drawn to? What do you authentically find meaning in? We must also be honest be honest with ourselves. Sometimes, we want to choose a path for reasons other than following our passion, and tend to fool ourselves into thinking we are actually happy and fulfilled. Remember, if you want to be an inspiration, be honest about what you love, and follow your passion. Money, reputation, and pressure from others should never influence your choice to be happy. What now 1. Do you love what you do? 2. Are you honest about your feelings towards your path? 3. How can you better follow your passions?

12 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 3 rd Commandment BE COMMITTED You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight Power Truth of the shore. Christopher Columbus May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

13 3 rd Commandment Commitment In order to live as an inspiration, you need to be committed to what you do, which shows through both your words and actions. 1 When your commitment becomes unquestionable, you serve as an inspiration to others. In order to live as an inspiration, you need to be committed to what you do, which shows through both your words and actions. People most often look up to those who are dedicated to what they do. They exhibit such passion for their cause that even when they are not in the work setting, they continue to remain in the spirit of that which they do. They are able to embody the cause itself. For example, a girl is studying to become an architect. She does not only commit herself to this cause while she is in school or working on her homework, but also in everyday life. She is constantly observing her surroundings, noting details in the buildings and houses she sees. During her free time, she watches shows and documentaries about architecture. Even her doodles are drafts of her future projects. This girl is committed to her cause because she embodies it, no matter where she is or what she is doing. They exhibit such passion for their cause that even when they are not in the work setting, they

14 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan continue to remain in the spirit of that which they do. We need to play an active role in actualizing our cause by constantly working towards it in everything that we say and do. We must not allow laziness or fear of failure stop us from becoming committed. Moreover, commitment is something that should come to us naturally and authentically if our cause is something that is truly meant for us. No matter how challenging or tiring the work might be, we must want to do it anyway, because we are committed and passionate about it. No matter how challenging or tiring the work might be, we must want to do it anyway, because we are committed and passionate about it. Living as an inspiration can only be possible when you have found something that inspires you, and you are able to willingly commit to this. What now 1. Are you committed to your cause? 2. Do you believe in the power of commitment? 3. How can you be more committed?

15 4 th Commandment 4 th Commandment INSPIRE BY AUTHENTICITY Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau Power Truth For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

16 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 2 Peter 1:21 ESV Authenticity Those who live as inspirations are always authentic. They do not need to hide things, twist reality, or exaggerate; they know that the truth is enough to keep them inspired, which in turn, inspire others. They do not need to hide things, twist reality, or exaggerate; they know that the truth is enough to keep them inspired, which in turn, inspire others. There reason why some people who seem to be very hard-working and have made a huge profit for themselves are not as inspiring as they ought to be is probably because they are unconvincing. A person is unconvincing when they feel the need to convince in the first place. If you feel as though you need to persuade or convince yourself or others of your cause, you are not authentically driven. If you feel as though you need to persuade or convince yourself or others of your cause, you are not authentically driven.

17 4 th Commandment Someone who is authentically driven does not need to bother with portraying their cause in any way other than the truth. Their natural and authentic self-expression should be enough to inspire. When you think about your cause, ask yourself; are you authentically passionate about this? Or are you simply going along with it because of the external gains or the recognition? Do you honestly feel inspired? The key to living as an inspiration is authenticity; you cannot inspire without being authentic. The key to living as an inspiration is authenticity; you cannot inspire without being authentic. The moment you catch yourself being dishonest with regards to your intentions, stop yourself and look towards the truth. 1 What now 1. Do you see the value of authenticity? 2. Are you always authentic? 3. How can you be more authentic?

18 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 5 th Commandment ADMIT TO FAULTS When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me. Power Truth Erma Bombeck Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3 ESV

19 5th Commandment Everyone makes mistakes As discussed, in order to live as an inspiration, you have to be authentic. A significant part of being authentic is the ability to admit to one s own mistakes, shortcomings, and weaknesses. 1 A significant part of being authentic is the ability to admit to one s own mistakes, shortcomings, and weaknesses. Everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, not everyone readily accepts and admits to their faults. Some people try to project an image of themselves that is infallible, despite the fact that there is no perfect human being. Those who cannot admit to their faults show much insecurity. They feel as though their weaknesses and shortcomings make them less valuable. Their self-worth is much too vulnerable, causing them to become defensive and to deny their weaknesses instead of confronting them. People like this are very hard to look to for inspiration. Their self-worth is much too vulnerable, causing them to become defensive and to deny their weaknesses instead of confronting them. If we want to live as inspirations, we need to accept all of who we are, including our faults and weaknesses. We need

20 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan to be honest about ourselves, even if it means becoming embarrassed or ashamed from time to time. We need humility. We need to be honest about ourselves, even if it means becoming embarrassed or ashamed from time to time. When we can admit to our faults, both to ourselves and to others, we can begin to address these faults. We can work towards improving ourselves and correcting what needs to be corrected. This kind of attitude is not only constructive, but inspiring as well. The most admired leaders are also those who are very relatable and human. They make mistakes, just like the rest of us, only they handle their faults impeccably. Good leaders are honest about what needs improvement, and work towards bettering themselves. Good leaders are honest about what needs improvement, and work towards bettering themselves. What now 1. Are you honest about your faults? 2. Do you believe that admitting to one s weaknesses leads to improvement? 3. How can you be more humble?

21 6th Commandment 6 th Commandment KEEP PROGRESSING Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him. Booker T. Washington

22 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Power Truth Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Progress never ends James 4:14 ESV Living as an inspiration means constantly seeking to progress and improve, while having no limits as to how great one can become. Living as an inspiration means constantly seeking to progress and improve, while having no limits as to how great one can become. Some people believe that at a certain point, their work is enough. They visualized the attainment of goals such that it becomes a dead end. They do not seek to progress past their actualized goal. The problem with that kind of mentality is that it leads to stagnation. Complacency causes a decline in our wellbeing. If we are not actively seeking to move forward and progress from where we are, the only other way we can move is backwards, resulting in regression or deterioration. If we are not actively seeking to move forward and progress from where we are, the only other way we can

23 6th Commandment move is backwards, resulting in regression or deterioration. That said, we must not have the mentality that our work is over the moment we have arrived at our envisioned goals. Yes, actualizing one s cause is an accomplishment, but we cannot stop there. We must further our victory by setting even more goals and developing what we have already attained. Great leaders are inspirations because they never stop 1. They never feel as though their purpose and function in this work is totally complete. They are always seeking to do more and be more. Never settle for good enough when you know that you have the energy and time to become even greater. If you want to live as in inspiration, know that progress never ceases. Never settle for good enough when you know that you have the energy and time to become even greater. What now 1. Do you believe that we should never stop progressing? 2. Are you constantly looking for development and improvement? 3. How can you push progress past your end-goals?

24 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 7 th Commandment WORK TO YOUR BEST POTENTIAL Everything you ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. George Addair Power Truth But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be

25 7th Commandment found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith Utilize your capabilities ESV Philippians 3:7-9 Those who live as inspiration are respected and admired because they make the most of what they have. They utilize all their capabilities and assets in order to bring about their cause. When you are given something, may it be a talent, intelligence, skills, or even charisma, the best thing to do would be to maximize these blessings in order to create something meaningful. When you are given something, may it be a talent, intelligence, skills, or even charisma, the best thing to do would be to maximize these blessings in order to create something meaningful. Maximizing your assets shows that you are grateful for what you have, and are putting these blessings to good use. 1 When we utilize our capabilities, we aren t only doing the practical thing, but we are also being innovative as well. Thinking up ways to use what you have requires creativity and resourcefulness that is much admired.

26 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan When we utilize our capabilities, we aren t only doing the practical thing, but we are also being innovative as well. Some are content with just doing enough to get them by. They do not seek to thrive, so they take their many skills and competencies for granted. They are not working to their best potential. With such a complacent and almost lazy attitude, it becomes impossible to live as an inspiration. Those who limit themselves by neglecting to put their assets to the best use possible are never going to generate success. They will remain to be mediocre unless they put an end to their mediocre ways. Those who limit themselves by neglecting to put their assets to the best use possible are never going to generate success. Remember, if you want to live as an inspiration, think about what you have earned and have been blessed with, and work with these to your best potential. What now 1. What are your assets? 2. Do you utilize your assets? 3. How can you be more innovative?

27 8th Commandment 8 th Commandment NEVER GIVE UP Power Truth Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see. Confucius No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

28 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Keep going When it comes to making our way in life, it is inevitable that we encounter a couple of breakdowns here and there. Breakdowns are a normal part of life that should be accepted and learned from. When it comes to making our way in life, it is inevitable that we encounter a couple of breakdowns here and there. Breakdowns are meant to stop us in our tracks so that we can reassess our methods and paths. They are meant to teach us and make us stronger. Yet still there are many people who, instead of welcoming breakdowns as a natural part of the process, end up giving in. The people who allow breakdowns to destroy their will to succeed are more likely those who will end up settling for less. Such kinds of people are hard to look to for inspiration. It is those who are able to rise up after a fall that serve as true inspirations to others. It is those who are able to rise up after a fall that serve as true inspirations to others. When life throws a hurdle on our path, we should accept this as an opportunity for growth and learning. We should challenge ourselves and remain strong, no matter how difficult a situation might be.

29 8th Commandment Many truly inspirational people have been through the worst kind of circumstances, and have come out stronger and wiser afterwards. 1 They have remarkable stories to tell of how they rose from the ashes and turned their temporary failures into great victories. Many truly inspirational people have been through the worst kind of circumstances, and have come out stronger and wiser afterwards. If you want to live as an inspiration, be strong in times of difficulty. Believe in your ability to overcome any sort of challenge. What now 1. Do you believe that breakdowns happen to everyone? 2. How do you handle breakdowns? 3. How can you better handle breakdowns?

30 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan 9 th Commandment DISCIPLINE YOURSELF Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama Power Truth For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV

31 9th Commandment It takes discipline Living as an inspiration means being able to discipline yourself in order to further your cause and perform in the best way possible. It isn t easy to self-discipline, which is why those who do serve as inspirations. 1 Living as an inspiration means being able to discipline yourself in order to further your cause and perform in the best way possible. It can be tempting to slack off and perform at a level that is beneath your potential sometimes. Everyone experiences a loss of energy and motivation from time to time. This is why self-discipline is especially important in moments of mental or physical fatigue. Discipline is also important when it comes to doing things the right way. Sometimes, we cut corners or work our way around the rules because it makes things easier or more beneficial to us. This lack of discipline not only leads to subpar outcomes, but also puts integrity into question. Sometimes, we cut corners or work our way around the rules because it makes things easier or more beneficial to us.

32 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Some people take the value of discipline for granted because they want to continue doing as they please. They refuse to sacrifice and to follow their own rules. An undisciplined and spoiled kind of attitude leads to instability and inadequacy, which is far from inspirational. An undisciplined and spoiled kind of attitude leads to instability and inadequacy, which is far from inspirational. The most admired leaders are so well-respected because they worked hard, despite the temptation to laze around. They did things the right way, and in the best way possible, instead of taking the easy route. If you want to live as an inspiration, learn the art of self-discipline. Figure out what rules you need to set for yourself in order for you to succeed, and follow through. What now Figure out what rules you need to set for yourself in order for you to succeed, and follow through. 1. Do you believe in the power of self-discipline? 2. Are you disciplined? 3. How can you be more disciplined?

33 10th Commandment 10 th Commandment PRIORITIZE GOD We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained. Marie Curie

34 10 Commandments of Living as an Inspiration Bishop E. Bernard Jordan Power Truth The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV God over everything Lastly, in order to live as an inspiration, one needs to put God over everything, as He is the one true source of inspiration, passion, and commitment. Lastly, in order to live as an inspiration, one needs to put God over everything, as He is the one true source of inspiration, passion, and commitment. Sometimes, when we set our goals and work towards them, we wind up forgetting the vital role God plays in our unique paths. He not only predetermines our purpose in life, but establishes our steps along the way. 1 Whatever our cause is, if we are authentically passionate about it, it is certain that God is behind us. He created us with unique skills and inclinations that we may carry out our purpose. It is only right that we remember Him when we go about doing what we were meant to do. He created us with unique skills and

35 10th Commandment inclinations that we may carry out our purpose. We must not let petty matters get in the way of God s will. Instead, we should seek to be pleasing to Him at all times, and follow His commandments throughout our journey towards fulfillment. When we are able to prioritize God and do His will, He blesses us with His grace. Those who are graced by God live in the inspiration that is His love and guidance. Those who are graced by God live in the inspiration that is His love and guidance. Living as an inspiration is easy when you have God by your side. Never forget Him in all that you set out to do because in the end, it s His plan that we are perusing. What now 1. Do you prioritize God? 2. Do you see how God s grace allows us to live as inspirations? 3. How can you improve your relationship with God?

36 More Resources Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why. New York: Penguin Books. Erhard, W. Jensen, M. C. Zaffron, S. & Granger, K. L. (2014). Course materials for: Being a leader and the effective exercise of leadership: An ontological/phenomenological model. Nohria, N. & Khurana, R. (2010). Handbook of leadership theory and practice. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press. Krisco, K. H. (1997). Leadership and the art of conversation. Prima Publishing. Selman, J. (2009). Leadership. Pearson Education. Hanley, J. P. (1989). Lifespring getting yourself from where you are to where you want to be. Simon & Schuster. Zaffron, S. & Logan, D. (2009). The three laws of performance: rewriting the future of your organizations and your life. Jossey-Bass. Erhard, W. Jensen, M. C. Zaffron, S. Granger, K. L. Echeverria, J. (2013). Course materials for: Being a leader and the effective exercise of leadership: an ontological/phenomenological model. Chernoff, M. (2012). 18 Ways to inspire everyone around you. Retrieved online on March 24, 2015 at Gordon, J. (2001). Ten ways to find your inspiration. Retrieved online on March 24, 2015 at ml

37 Scriptural References Chapter 1: 1 John 17:17 Chapter 2: 1 Romans 8:28 Chapter 3: 1 Numbers 30:2 Chapter 4: 1 John 8:32 Chapter 5: 1 James 4:6 Chapter 6: 1 Psalm 138:8 Chapter 7: 1 Romans 12:6-8 Chapter 8: 1 James 1:12 Chapter 9: 1 Proverbs 12:1 Chapter 10: 1 Jeremiah 29:11