I just typed the number in the title and realized that I started the Monday Memo eight years ago this month. I didn't know how long I would write, but I was convinced that I would eventually run out of material. Here I am, however, eight years and 390 Memos later and I'm still enjoying it and hope you are. too. What's more, I hope it is still relevant. When it isn't, that will be the time to quit.
You know I am passionate to see you not just talk about your ideas but do something about them. I think the Lord feels the same way. I think I can prove it, but to know for sure, you will have to read on.
INEFFECTIVE AND UNPRODUCTIVE
Let's start by reading what Peter wrote in his second epistle:
I put the two words in bold that I want you to notice: ineffective and unproductive. The King James translates those two words: barren and unfruitful. The Greek word translated barren literally mean "lazy, not performing the work that one ought to perform." The second word translated unfruitful means "not yielding the fruit that one ought to yield."
I think the message is clear. You make every effort to live a holy life and grow in knowledge so you can be fruitful. In this context, holiness is not the end, it is the means to the end.
HOLY ACTION
If you are holy, then you will take holy action. What is holy action for you? It is tied to your purpose and emanates from the ideas and dreams that you have. So ask yourself this week whether or not you are shunning the work you ought to perform and if, in fact, you are yielding the fruit that you were created to yield. If not, what can you do to take steps to do so.
You know my website has a lot of material to help you be purposeful and productive. Why not visit there for some help? Maybe there is someone who inspires or mentors you whom you can visit this week to get your action plan together. Whatever it is you can do, don't put it off any longer. While you grow in holiness, you should also grow in holy action. It is the natural expression of a godly life. Have a great week!
Feel free to write your comments to this entry on the site where it is posted.
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THE SOPHIA FUND: Even though I just returned from Africa, it doesn't mean that The Sophia Fund will be suspended. I
will continue to receive contributions and send them to Africa through
reliable sources. Therefore, if you haven't sent anything yet, you can
still do so. Every penny you send will go to feed the poor in Zimbabwe
and Kenya.
You can read about my rationale for The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more. You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.
The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.
FREE PURPOSEQUEST ASSESSMENT: Don't forget about the free PurposeQuest assessment available on my website. This is not a scientific survey, but something that is meant to stimulate your thought and direct your study on my site concerning where you stand in your PurposeQuest. About 800 people have taken the survey so far. I hope that every Monday Memo reader will eventually take the assessment and heed the follow up email from me on how you can be even more purposeful than you already are.
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Good memo John, thanks for reminding us to use our gifts in holy action.
Joe Sarria
Posted by: Joe Sarria | March 10, 2009 at 11:32 AM