How to Plan Your Life

Part 1 - Get a Plan

Where will you be two years from now? What will you be doing? Will you be in high school? Will you be
in college by then? What about five or 10 years from now? What do you want to be doing, or have you
given it any thought? If you are in the workforce by then, what kind of job do you think you'll have? Will it
be a minimum wage job in the fast—food industry, or will you be working at a meaningful and challenging
job?

The natural tendency for all of us is to assume the best will happen to us. We like to think that when it
comes our time to get a job that it will be an interesting and productive one where we will feel a sense of
accomplishment. We like to believe we will have an appreciative boss, or that perhaps we'll be our own boss
and that our work environment will be one of our own making.

But the fact is most people tend to drift in life. Some have goals for their lives, and actively work toward
those goals. But more often than not, people tend to drift along allowing the currents of life to push them
first one direction then the other. Like a leaf floating along in a swiftly moving stream, they allow
themselves to be at the mercy of outside forces as their lives unfold.

It is true that life throws us curves. There are many external forces that sometimes seem to converge on our
lives, pushing us one direction or the other. There are times when life seems to demand that we make
choices about our future, and sometimes it seems we are very limited in the options we have. Still, the fact is
we have choices.

A leaf being carried along on a stream has no choice. It is bound by the laws of nature to go where the
currents carry it. But God has given human beings minds with the ability to make choices. And He tells us
we must make choices in life, as He instructed the fledgling nation of Israel after He freed them from
captivity and led them to the land He promised their ancestors (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Where do you want to go?

Many years ago I read a book titled If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably End Up
Somewhere Else by David Campbell, Ph.D. Somehow that title stuck with me. It seemed to make such a
simple yet profound statement all by itself. To this day I think of that title often, especially when I read
passages like Proverbs 22:3 that address the importance of looking ahead in life and watching where you're
going. That verse says, "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are
punished."

It is only by looking beyond our next immediate step that we will be able to keep from being washed along
by the currents of life. By looking farther up the path of life, we greatly improve our chances of steering
away from some of the troubles that could be waiting for us.

To improve your ability to look ahead in the road of life and prepare yourself, you will have to do some
thinking and planning for the future. The book, If You Don't Know Where You're Going, You'll Probably
End Up Somewhere Else, talks about the inevitable fact that in life everyone will come upon forks in the
road where they will have to choose the direction they will go. Those forks are often like gates, and unless
you have the skills, education and/or developed abilities that are needed to unlock that gate, you will be
forced to go another direction—even if you would really like to explore what lies along that path beyond a
particular gate (pp. 18—20).

This emphasizes the importance of accumulating and cultivating personal assets which will allow you to
open those gates. Personal assets take the form of education and experience with your skills and aptitudes.
At the very least, you need to know what your assets are—what you can do well or have the best possibility
of doing well.

Initiative needed

Whether or not you will be able to choose certain paths in life will depend entirely upon you. It will depend
on whether you have the required personal assets. This means you will have to take the initiative to discover
and develop them. As the previously mentioned book points out in its conclusion, "People who want milk
should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of a field in hopes that the cow will back up to them" (p.
130). Each person needs to take the initiative to improve his or her chances for success in life. That's why
planning for the future is so important.

Many people dream of success, but the planning that is needed to accomplish our goals goes well beyond
just dreaming. Dreaming about future success can be enjoyable. But dreaming does little to bring that dream
into reality. It doesn't develop any personal assets. The critical difference between dreaming and planning is
that planning takes one beyond the dream. It involves working toward a means of making the dream a
reality.

For example, a young person who is interested in aviation can dream about flying. He can imagine what it
would be like to have the freedom of a bird to soar above the clouds. He can dream of how it would feel to
have the freedom to go in any direction. But those dreams will never become reality unless some steps are
taken to make that dream come true. It will take work to move that dream into the category of a plan for the
future. This requires action and doing some research. It requires finding and talking to people in the field of
aviation. It requires finding out what steps need to be taken and how to come up with the money for flying
lessons or to attend a school of aeronautics.

Make no mistake about it. It does require work on your part. Perhaps this is why so many people find it
easier to just dream and not develop a plan for life. Proverbs 13:11 (Living Bible) teaches the benefit of hard
work saying, "Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows." Other passages
also point out the benefit of work and that mere talk without work is of no benefit (Proverbs 14:23; 28:19).

The effort of creating a plan for your life will be well worth it. It will help you discover and accumulate
your own personal assets, which will allow you to be more in control of your future.

Anyone can just drift and take life as it comes. Those who do so will be like that leaf that is totally at the
mercy of the currents in a stream. But those who make definite plans in life will find they are more like a
person with a paddle in a canoe or raft. They will not just be at the mercy of the currents. They will have the
ability to choose the direction they want to go as they travel the river of life. It will take some work. But it is
well worth it in the end.
Where will you be in a few years? The answer to that question is largely up to you. An old German proverb
says, "You have to take life as it happens, but you should try to make it happen the way you want to take it."
Don't just drift in life. Create a plan for it so you can help shape it.

In the next article in this series, we will consider how people can find career paths that "fit" them. Be sure to
continue reading "How
What Is SUCCESS to You?
Some years ago, a bumper sticker made the rounds on many vehicles in the United States. It simply said,
"He Who Dies With the Most Toys--WINS!" While such a statement can make us chuckle, it did,
nonetheless, express the growing trend in our society to define our happiness and main pursuit in life in
terms of "things." What about you?

With a new year and century beginning, many people reflect on goals, plans and their desire to achieve
success. Not just anyone's definition of success—but their own vision of fulfillment and happiness.

Do you have goals and achievements you are shooting for during the next year? The next 10 years? Many
people know they want to "succeed," but are often confused about what it is they are really after. You don't
have to fall into that trap.

We are living at a time when a growing number of people in the developed nations define success by a
certain dollar amount or annual salary. Whether it is money itself or the possession of "things"—computers,
new cars, the latest clothing or the most current electronic gadgetry—this generation often focuses on the
possession of wealth in some form to determine "success."

In this issue of YOUTH United we look at the subject of success and happiness from several different
angles. The authors examine the growing preoccupation with materialism in our society, and the guidance
that God's Word gives us about covetousness. They look at how to give yourself the advantage of preparing
and planning for your future. This issue's "Your Education" feature focuses on the importance of developing
often overlooked aspects of your intelligence—your emotions and character.

As you'll discover in the articles in this issue, success is not as superficial as it is painted in the media. Truer
words were never spoken than when Jesus Christ instructed His disciples in Luke 12:15, "And He said to
them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things
he possesses.'"

As Christ instructed His followers, true success in the long run involves satisfaction and accomplishment
beyond our wildest dreams. It means discovering the true potential given to you and all of mankind by your
Creator and enjoying the journey of life to achieve it. The obstacles we might face on the course are not
worthy to be compared to the prize. You'll find that helping others in their journey adds joy and happiness to
the trip.
A Revealing Look at Modesty
Does it really make any difference whether we are modest or not? Surprisingly to many, God's Word does
give us guidelines on this important subject that work in the 21st century.

Have you ever been at a gathering when a gorgeous, stunningly dressed female walks in the room? (Maybe
she was you.) Heads turn and it isn't just male attention that is captured. There is power in how we dress.
That power can be used for good or for bad, so the Creator who made us male and female has given us
principles to help us use it rightly. He gives us answers if we are truly seeking to love Him and link our
decisions to Him. Many of the Ten Commandments apply to this subject—a subject often called modesty.

But modesty is often openly ridiculed today. It is definitely not in vogue. The world of Hollywood, fashion
designers, the music industry, advertising and many publications promote vulgarities, sexual promiscuity
and even violence as the norm. "Free" expression is worshiped at a great cost to us. Those who choose to
behave differently are considered "inhibited"—implying there is something wrong with them. Maybe we
need to recapture a few inhibitions and apply God's commandments to this subject.

Obedience to the first of God's Ten Commandments means we recognize God as God and that we respect
His views on how we live. Looking deeper into God's Word we'll find that such respect includes modesty.

Placing value on decency in our dress and behavior enhances our lives in ways many do not realize.
Modesty is more than what meets the eye; it is a virtue that comes from within.

Modesty may be more than skin deep but, let's face it, most of us, especially females, are very interested in
what does or doesn't cover our skin! That covering is symbolic and tells the world much about us. Clothing
can send powerful messages: "I'm cool." "I want attention." "I'm a slob." "I don't like authority." "I have a
sense of dignity and I respect others."

How we clothe ourselves usually consumes much of the attention given to the topic of modesty, and rightly
so. I must admit that I'm interested in clothing and all the accessories that go with it. I even confess to a
fashion faux pas or two hidden in my large closet. The articles that went into my closet are a reflection of
my personality. Whether conscious or subconscious, those purchases were a product of personal feelings,
thoughts and motivations just as what comes out of my closet reflects those things to the world, for better or
worse.

Personal responsibility

In effect, I can't escape personal responsibility for what I wear. Liking appropriate fashion is OK and fun;
letting it control or consume us is not. For some it becomes an idol. So we must also consider the possibility
that if our attire reflects our self-absorption, we might be worshiping at the altar of self. Anything that
separates us from God is not good for us. It won't bring happiness. The Second Commandment teaches us
not to place anything above God.
We live in a culture whose influences separate us from God. Vulgarities and disrespect for God's name flow
off many people's tongues without thought. Such actions break the Third Commandment. Have you ever
considered that the way we dress can be equally vulgar, only in a nonverbal way?

Observance of the Sabbath, the Fourth Commandment, is rare in this world. Part of our Sabbath observance
is how we dress. Those of us who congregate on the Sabbath are to make a conscious effort in our behavior
and dress to respect God and the opinions and traditions of those He has placed in authority.

Relationships with parents

Modesty affects our sense of dignity and our most important relationships—thus, our happiness. How does
modesty affect our relationships? A good example is that of typical parent/teen relationships. Honoring our
parents is a command from God (the Fifth Commandment). A fundamental principle from this
commandment is to respect parental guidelines in our behavior and dress.

Disagreements in this regard are not rare and often result in strained relationships. Perhaps we should ask
ourselves if pursuing self-gratification is worth the fallout—both with parents and with God? What happens
when you go to school? Do you hike your skirt up or adjust your clothes in some other way so you can "be
cool" in the eyes of some at school rather than respect your parents' wishes? In other words, do we sneak or
lie (a violation of the Ninth Commandment) to avoid conflict—skirting the issue? Dress is one way we
express ourselves and we should never allow self-expression to become more important than love for God
and love and respect for our parents.

The power of dress

Back to the gathering when a stunningly dressed female walks in the room. Heads turn and everyone pays
attention. There is power in how we dress. But the female craving to be an object of desire sells females
short. Such a woman is asking to be treated as an object rather than a person and all that she is. In fact,
craving this type of attention is devaluing yourself, whether you are male or female.

Girls should ask themselves if they want to be taken seriously. Provocative dress can inspire lust. It is an
inescapable fact that males are sexually stimulated by sight. An insatiable need for reassurance that
manifests itself by advertising physical assets to the world is not a sign of confidence, nor does it inspire a
healthy relationship.

Secure, godly women

The truly secure woman is often the most modestly dressed one. The lust that, wittingly or unwittingly,
women all too often inspire in males may cause them to stumble. Christ, in the New Testament, expounds
on the Seventh Commandment saying that a man who looks at a woman and lusts has sinned (Matthew
5:27-28).

We are reminded by many New Testament writers not to cause anyone to stumble. Don't forget that the
wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)! We must be careful not to sin ourselves or cause others to sin.
Have you ever considered that we may create feelings of jealousy or covetousness in others of the same sex
by the way we dress? The Tenth Commandment tells us to avoid covetousness. So we need to consider not
only the significance of peer pressure when we dress, but also the element of competition. Sadly, there are
those in our society who give in to the temptation to steal and even murder for items of clothing (breaking
the Eighth and Sixth Commandments). Are we living life as though it were a fashion competition?

Modesty protects

Modesty protects others as mentioned above, and it protects us! It is an awesome task to teach men to be
gentle, protective and honorable in their dealings with women when the world around us sends the opposite
message. Men and women are equal in God's eyes, but not the same. The boundaries that value the
uniqueness of the sexes have become blurred, much to our Creator's disappointment.

Secure women have no compulsion to flaunt themselves. And women who value their worth are more likely
to inspire men to value and honor them. On the other hand, is it fair for women to expect men to be
honorable when the women's behavior sends the message that they don't have to be? Modesty battles the
crude and vulgar in our society. Modesty gives us a base of reference regarding how we view and interact
with one another.

Modesty is a fascinating and revealing topic. If you are interested in an insightful indictment on modern
society's lack of this virtue and the subsequent fallout, I highly recommend Wendy Shalit's book, A Return
to Modesty. The book of Esther in the Old Testament is also inspirational. Esther had great outward beauty,
but it was her inward beauty (her courage and obedience to God) that left a legacy affecting an entire nation.
When it comes to modesty, remember the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20). These
laws are not just physical, but spiritual and should be written on our hearts. YU
Going After the Good Stuff
Are you going to buy an expensive Sony Playstation? Would you believe a good book can be far more
valuable? Benjamin Franklin said, "The great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon
them by false estimates they have made of the value of things."

We live in fascinating times, especially in the Western world where many teens have more toys, machines,
gismos and gadgets than they know what to do with. When Sony announced the long-awaited debut of its
Playstation, it did so with the caution that not enough units would be available to supply demand.

The pricey personal video game machine selling for several hundred dollars a pop sold out in hours in major
retailers. The black market geared up to supply the demand at premium prices. I checked on eBay shortly
before writing this article and found that some sellers were asking up to $800 for the video game.

What ever happened to Atari, the must-have game of a few years ago? It wouldn't be a paperweight today
for most teens. New technologies make the old obsolete faster and faster.

In the clutter of a dizzying array of expensive toys that often feature violent or lewd games, there are
symptoms to notice. The emotional and spiritual makeup of kids who have lots of things, but little vision of
the future, is troubling. Life is more than just a vicarious experience and hours wasted on climbing to the top
of a game leader board. The hollowness of a gadget-filled world is more than obvious when kids kill kids,
sometimes just for kicks. Recently in Japan, a juvenile was arrested for murdering someone. When asked
why he did it, he said he wanted to know what it felt like to kill someone. Experts are now wondering if the
violent games (many produced in Japan) could have anything to do with the rise of juvenile crime in that
country.

In his book, Slouching Towards Gomorrah, Modern Liberalism and American Decline, Judge Robert H.
Bork discusses the rage of rap music. "Its performers don't just sing about criminals; some of them are
criminals. Which does not seem to diminish their popularity. What we hear in rap is paralleled elsewhere in
popular culture in varying degrees. That the movies feature sex, violence, and vile language is not news. Car
chases ending in flaming crashes, the machine gunning of masses of people, explosions of helicopters, the
liberal production of corpses, language previously not heard in semipolite society, these are not standard. It
is no doubt true that Hollywood is appealing to a profitable adolescent audience, which appears to think that
dismemberments and obscenities are an excellent evening's entertainment" (p. 126).

Jim Nelson Black in his book, When Nations Die, quotes Charles Colson: "Societies are tragically
vulnerable when the men and women who compose them lack character. A nation or a culture cannot endure
for long unless it is undergirded by common values such as valor, public-spiritedness, respect for others and
for the law; it cannot stand unless it is populated by people who will act on motives superior to their own
immediate interest" (p. 155).

What does your future hold? Is the new Playstation the highest rung on your ladder? One of the reasons we
offer the Youth United e-magazine is to speak to the vision needed in leaders for a new world.
Those who have some vision of the future and an awareness that God is working out His purpose and plan
can prepare for awesome service. The world is waiting for young people to wake up and see the need for
honesty, hard work, integrity, service and concern for others. Newt Gingrich wrote: "Precisely because our
rights are endowed by our Creator, the individual burden of responsibility borne by each citizen is greater
than in any other country?. The fact that God has empowered us puts an enormous burden on our shoulders"
(To New America, p. 38). Will you be up to the challenge in the years ahead?

Sound societies require people with character. Yet many do not understand this important principle. As Os
Guinness notes: "Americans with a purely secular view of life have too much to live with and too little to
live for" (The American Hour, p. 414).

In the lifetime of most reading this article, the standard of living has dramatically increased. The next time
you have a chance to talk with your grandparents (or great-grandparents, if they are still living), ask them
when they remember getting electricity, indoor plumbing and a private phone line—most were party lines
when I was a teenager. You had to first listen to see if someone else was on the line. And you had to use a
rotary dial—no call waiting or caller ID.

Most today ride to school. I'm sure you have heard the stories from your grandparents (or your parents, if
they are old enough), about walking to school, rain, snow or shine. My parents walked uphill both ways in
two or three feet of snow without boots most of the time. At least that is what I remember. The parking lots
of most high schools today are filled with some pretty amazing vehicles. I'm not shocked to see the latest
Viper or BMW anymore.

Leaders are needed

When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done. What are your goals for your future? What
if the world goes into a recession or even a depression? Many experts predict that the standard of living for
your children will actually decrease. How will you cope with a changing world in which more and more
people will have less and less? In his book, The Twilight of American Culture, Morris Berman writes, "By
1996, the 447 richest people on the planet had assets equal to that of the poorest 2.5 billion-42 percent of the
world population." His point is that the majority of people are getting poorer" (p. 24).

Mr. Berman continues, "The truth is that it is a bitter brew; that the affluence of the few is purchased at the
misery of the many" (p. 24). In spite of the fact that many Americans have so much, the literacy rate of the
United States ranks 49th out of 158 countries. Only 6 percent of Americans read as much as one book a
year, where a book is defined to include Harlequin romances and self-help manuals. Something like 120
million adults are illiterate or read no better than a fifth-grade level (ibid., p. 36). These are staggering
statistics. Where will the leaders of the world tomorrow come from? You need to redeem the time! Take
advantage of marvelous opportunities to learn and prepare for the future.

A better way is coming

Biblical prophecies describe a wonderful world tomorrow in which there will be peace and abundance for
all in the context of a world government under Jesus Christ. The Bible also explains that the vast wealth and
prosperity of the United States is the direct result of Divine blessings to one man, Abraham, and his
descendants. Sadly, before this wonderful time of peace can come, the United States will go through some
very difficult times. Jeremiah 30 calls this the time of "Jacob's trouble." Before the return of Christ, the great
financial bounty of the United States will be taken away.

To learn more about these issues that will affect the United States, request our new booklet, The United
States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.

God wants people of character

Our challenge today is to learn to obey God, by keeping His Commandments and preparing to be part of the
coming government of Jesus Christ. The articles in this e-magazine and the literature available from the
United Church of God, an International Association, are designed to be guides for you. Take your future
into your own hands. Study, pray, prepare for a new world.

Instead of lusting for the latest electronic game with faster and more realistic graphics, sound, etc., why not
read a serious book such as the Bible? How about reading a classic piece of literature so you can learn that
the power of ideas is much more stimulating than imaginary head kicks or shooting down invaders from a
far away planet? Educate yourself! Take a course to improve your skills! After all, today's must-have toys
will soon be tomorrow's paperweights. YU
How to Increase Your Intelligence
Are people just born either smart or dumb? Is there anything you can do about it?

Is "book smarts" all that counts? No doubt, obtaining a good education is a great investment for the future.
Parents, teachers and community leaders regularly give such advice. And it is well founded. The book of
Proverbs, written specifically to younger people, tells its readers to "Get wisdom. Get understanding"
because "Wisdom is the principal thing" (Proverbs 4:5, 7). But what if you don't do well in school? Is there
anything you can do to increase your chances for success?

Over the last century, American psychologists have tried to find ways to measure wisdom or intelligence.
Testing a person's IQ (intelligence quotient) has been one of the most widely used measures of potential
success. For example, a test developed by psychologist Lewis Terman at Stanford University was widely
administered to approximately two million American men during World War I to determine their
intelligence. It was assumed that people were simply born smart or dumb and there was nothing they could
do about it. Based on this newly devised test to measure IQ, the men serving in the U.S. military during
World War I were assigned duties according to their perceived intelligence.

Similar to the IQ test, grade point averages and college entrance exams (such as the SAT and ACT) have
also been used to determine a person's intelligence and as predictors of success. But over the years, many
people began to realize that these indicators of intelligence were not guarantees of success. In fact, many
apparently intelligent people have failed to live up to their perceived abilities. Valedictorians and people
with perfect scores on their college entrance exams have been known to flounder in the real world outside of
the classroom. And others with much lower scores have often turned out to be more successful in life than it
was thought possible.

How could so many apparent contradictions be explained? Furthermore, is it possible to increase your
intelligence? The surprising answer to this second question is, "Yes, some forms of intelligence can be
developed." The purpose of this article is to identify things a young person can do to increase his or her
intelligence and overall success in life. But before we consider these questions, we need to understand what
is meant by intelligence.

Measuring intelligence

Intelligence can be measured in many ways. Psychologist Howard Gardner of the Harvard School of
Education wrote in his book, Frames of Mind, in 1983 that intelligence leading to success should be
measured over a wide spectrum of intelligences, with seven key varieties. His list included the typical verbal
and mathematical tests plus five other measures including spatial capacities, kinesthetic abilities, musical
gifts, interpersonal skills and inner contentment.

In 1995, Daniel Goleman added to the collective understanding on this subject with a book titled Emotional
Intelligence. Addressing the failure of traditional tests to accurately predict success, he wrote: "There are
widespread exceptions to the rule that IQ predicts success...[more] exceptions than cases that fit the rule. At
best, IQ contributes about 20 percent to the factors that determine life success, which leaves 80 percent to
other forces" (p. 34).
According to this noted psychologist, one of the concepts representing these "other forces" is emotional
intelligence - a brain function quite distinct from the verbal and mathematical-logical functions most often
measured. As Goleman explained, "In a sense we have two brains, two minds - and two different kinds of
intelligence: rational and emotional. How we do in life is determined by both - it is not just IQ, but
emotional intelligence that matters" (p. 28). When Goleman speaks of emotional intelligence, he is referring
to self-awareness, character and the ability to control impulse. The presence of these characteristics seems to
be a better indicator of future success than the purely rational skills.

Character

Interestingly, when the Bible instructs us to seek wisdom and understanding, it does so with the expectation
that we can obtain this kind of emotional intelligence - it makes no sense to encourage someone to attempt
something that is impossible to obtain. The importance of developing character—the ability to control our
emotions and actions—is also addressed in the Bible. Proverbs 16:32 says, "He who is slow to anger is
better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." Learning to rule our spirit, that
is, control our thoughts and feelings, is a form of intelligence that can be developed.

News stories abound where emotionally unstable people seemingly go crazy and shoot up a school or
business when they feel that they have been mistreated. In such cases, rational thought and emotional
control seem to be thrown out the proverbial window. The missing ingredient in so many of these tragedies
is character - the ability to know right from wrong, choose right and carry out the right, godly action
regardless of the circumstances.

Some people mistakenly believe character means denying all emotions. But such is not the case. Emotions
have the potential to provide richness to life that is simply unattainable through other means. Those who
have watched the television show Star Trek: The Next Generation have seen the curious observations of the
character Data, an emotionless android, who tries to learn what it is like to have human emotions. This
character comes to understand that though he has more rational knowledge and dexterity than any human,
his lack of emotions prevents him from being human. He is emotionally neutral since he is unable to relish a
great accomplishment or feel the sorrow of defeat or loss of a friend.

Emotional intelligence or character simply means living in a balanced way. Rational thought and emotions
are balanced - neither completely dominating the other. When balance is not maintained, our life flounders.
While the absence of emotion makes life bland and boring, overly intense emotions held for too long a
period of time can undermine stability. Given this understanding, managing our moods and thoughts
becomes a full-time job.

The key to emotional intelligence

Psychologists have discovered that emotionally intelligent people have a number of coping skills to balance
the ups and downs that seem to accompany everyone's life. Such individuals seem to be keenly aware of
their feelings and able to adjust their moods as needed. Relationship skills and dealing with anger are two
areas where the presence of emotional intelligence is quickly apparent.

Concerning relationships, those possessing this type of intelligence are able to sense the feelings of others
around them and positively influence others as the occasion may warrant. In dealing with anger, these same
people have learned how to soften or dissuade their anger. They are not necessarily push-overs or apathetic;
they may clearly explain their dissatisfaction. But they do so without losing control or going into a senseless
rage.

According to the Bible, the key to this emotional intelligence lies in the mind. As a man "thinks in his heart,
so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). To help us develop and grow into our fullest potential, the Bible is filled with
scriptures explaining how to think and act. In simplest terms, we are told to imitate Christ in the way He
thought and conducted Himself (Philippians 2:5; 1 John 2:6). We are to let His mind be in us.

Increasing our intelligence

Now that we understand the emotional side of intelligence, we can address the question of how to increase
our overall intelligence. Developing emotional maturity through the study of God's Word and learning to
model the behavior He desires are vital parts of living a successful life. Unfortunately, many people do not
realize the critical importance God places upon this aspect of our education.

If you would like to learn more about the behaviors and thinking God expects of us, request your copies of
Making Life Work and Transforming Your Life. They are also available for viewing or downloading from
our literature library on the same site.

Learning to think like God definitely increases our emotional intelligence. Why not enhance your education
in this vital field as well as in the more traditional areas? You have nothing to lose and much to gain. YU
Where Lions Stand Guard
Two lion statues stand guard over the ruins of a once elegant estate. What message do they have for
us?

It was the most exclusive club in the world. The list of members included the celebrated names of
Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, Macy and Goodyear.

The small island off the coast of Georgia was covered with lush vegetation, secluded beaches and abundant
wildlife. In 1886 Jekyll Island became the private resort of the richest families in the United States.

This was the playground where those who had it all came a few weeks out of the year to swim, hunt and
relax in their "cottages." Only, these cottages had 15 to 25 rooms including formal dining rooms, lavish
parlors, five to 20 bedrooms and servants' quarters.

The Club House, opened in 1887, provided accommodations for a hundred guests. The dining room featured
fine cuisine and the best wines. An evening meal could contain 10 courses and last three hours. Jekyll Island
offered many recreational facilities including a golf course, stables, tennis courts, boating and hunting—all
for the exclusive use of its members. A gamekeeper was hired to keep the area well stocked.

For over 50 years this private island was the paradise of many peoples' dreams. The dream to have it all:
money, prestige, expensive clothing, quality furniture, mansions. It's what some strive a lifetime to achieve.
It's what some sell their souls to possess.

If only I could be rich

Maybe you don't want it all, just a piece of the action. It starts out simple. You notice a new car, the latest
CD player, stylish clothes. Having these things would make all the difference in the world. You could be
happy. It would impress your friends and make others envious.

Soon it's all you think about. You've picked the exact color, the bucket seats and all your favorite
accessories. You plan strategies on how to get what you want. The strategy becomes an obsession. It takes
some anxiety and sweat, but the new car, the right clothes, the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood is
finally yours.

You experience pleasure—until the new styles appear, or the engine breaks down, or everybody else has the
same thing. Now you want something more and the cycle begins all over again. The real problem isn't in
having things; it's arriving at how much is enough.

Solomon, king of ancient Israel, had it all: houses, furniture, land, clothes, gold and women. His experiences
led him to this conclusion: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves
abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what
profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes? The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he
eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. There is a severe evil which I
have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt" (Ecclesiastes 5:10-13).
Putting prosperity in perspective

Wealth isn't evil. It's a matter of priorities. A man asked Jesus to settle an inheritance squabble. Jesus
refused. He then spoke a parable of a rich man who spent his entire life creating more and more wealth. The
rich man's goal was to accumulate as much as he could and someday retire to enjoy life. Jesus then
explained that the man died and his wealth became the property of someone else. He ended the parable by
stating, "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:13-21).

Jesus' point isn't that owing land, running a profitable business or saving for the future is wrong. Solomon,
in Proverbs 6:6-11, admonishes his son to follow the example of the ants who store food for the time when
there is no food. Jesus adds, though, that it is wrong to concentrate on storing treasure while ignoring God.
He says to be "rich toward God."

But what could Someone who owns the universe possibly want from us? What about sharing our dreams,
our hopes, our lives with Him and accepting His dreams and hopes for us?

It never dawns on many people that the Creator has a desire for the well-being and success of His children.
Enjoying the resources and wealth of His physical creation is part of His plan for humanity. He desires for
us to work hard and reap the rewards of our labors. He also wants us to interact with Him as our Father
while learning to share, be content and showing gratitude.

Physical things can bring temporary happiness and excitement, but real contentment comes not from what
you own, or status, but from who you are. Character is the only wealth we truly possess.

Beware of covetousness

There are no multimillionaires living on Jekyll Island today. Their beautiful mansions are monuments to a
bygone era. Tourists take "cottage" tours and eat lunch in the Club House dining room where once only the
wealthy dined.

During World War II the island was evacuated and after the war the younger generation had more exciting
places to go. Within a few years the island and all of its estates were sold to the state of Georgia.

Most visitors hardly notice the two hand-carved stone statues of Corinthian lions standing before the ruins
of a once lavish house. The ruins are what's left of the grand cottage of Edwin Gould. One day, while
hunting on the island, Mr. Gould's son was killed in an accident. In his grief, Mr. Gould left Jekyll Island
and never returned. After years of neglect, the cottage was finally torn down.

What better illustration than two stone lions, standing guard over a ruined, ghostly estate, of Christ's
warning, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the
things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).

Next time you find yourself consumed in the race to make money or envious of people who seen to have it
all, remember to take time to enjoy what God has given you. Take time to enjoy a family meal, appreciate
nature, listen to fine music, read a book and remember your Creator. Take time to remember the island of
the rich and the ruins where lions once stood guard. YU
Change Your Expectations to Change Your Marriage
What expectations do you have for your marriage? Like many other couples, you and your spouse may
expect to achieve goals ranging from financial security to regular sex. But you also may experience the
disappointment that so many other husbands and wives encounter when their expectations don't become
reality. The greater the gap between what you expect and what you actually experience in your marriage,
the more tension will come between you and your spouse.

But if you learn to recognize which expectations are unreasonable or unhealthy - and how to change them -
you can change your marriage for the better in the process. Here's how:

Quiz each other. Think about the various expectations that you and your spouse each have for your
marriage: that you'll have children, attend church regularly, live in a nice house, have deep conversations,
spend time with friends, enjoy good health, pursue fulfilling careers, avoid struggles with addiction (such as
to pornography or alcohol), live free of the pressures of debt, pray together, cook meals for each other,
present a united front to others, enjoy healthy relationships with in-laws, have sex regularly, give generously
to your church, serve others together, etc. After you've each listed your expectations, think about the gaps
between what you've hoped for and what you've actually gotten in your marriage. Identify the areas where
the greatest gaps exist; these are the expectations you likely need to change the most.

Expose the roots of your responses to each other. Discover where the expectations that each of you
brought to your marriage came from, and how they affect your current attitudes and actions. Talk about
your childhoods and previous relationships, and what your parents and significant others (like past
boyfriends or girlfriends) taught you about what to expect in life and how to respond to certain situations in
certain ways. Ask God to help you heal from unhealthy influences and overcome them to make better
decisions now.

Balance cultural influences with biblical truth. Regularly evaluate what media content you've been
feeding your mind and emotions - and how that's influencing your expectations of marriage. Are you
watching, listening to, and reading material that aligns with biblical truth and helps your marriage, or
material that's contributing to unhealthy attitudes and harming your marriage? Don't just accept whatever
messages come at you through the media. Filter the world's messages through the Word's messages. Focus
on God's plan for your marriage.

Resolve expectations about each other's personalities. Accept the unique person that God made your
spouse to be. Realize that personality differences between the two of you can strengthen your marriage
when you figure out how to use them to complement each other. Don't judge or criticize each other.
Instead of looking for what you think is wrong about your spouse, notice what's right. Ask God to help you
love your spouse as he or she actually is, rather than who you want your spouse to be. Listen well to each
other; be humble, gentle, kind, and patient with each other; and forgive each other for mistakes. If your
spouse is struggling to overcome some weaknesses, pray for him or her, but understand that God alone can
empower your spouse to change. You can't change your spouse, so don't waste time or energy trying.
Instead, focus on changing yourself to live as faithfully as you can to God's calling for you.

Work on your unmet expectations one at a time. Answer three questions about each unmet expectation
you have: "Do I need to change or adjust this expectation?", "Is my expectation fear and reasonable?", and
"If I express my expectation, will my spouse find it to be reasonable?". Change what you can (your own
behavior) and release what you can't change (everything else) to God, praying for Him to intervene and
trusting Him to help according to His will. Work with your spouse to create new, realistic, and biblical
expectations for the future. Recharge your batteries through rest, relaxation, and prayer on a regular basis.
Choose to enjoy life even when some of your expectations go unmet. And remember that your relationship
with God through Christ should always be your main focus. You can expect the best in any situation when
God is your source of fulfillment.

Love each other extravagantly. Seek God's love daily so it can flow through your life into your spouse's
life. Ask God to empower you to lavish your spouse with His love, in ways such as doing chores that need
to be done and speaking encouraging words. Regularly thank God for what He has done for you, and let
that habit of expressing gratitude motivate you to express appreciation to your spouse for his or her good
qualities and loving words and actions toward you.
Remain committed. Remember that God's purpose for your marriage is to teach both you and your spouse
how to love more deeply and to grow to become more like Jesus. In order to fulfill that purpose, you must
remain committed to the relationship, even when it becomes difficult. So, every day, seek to learn
something new about one another and keep your marriage growing. Be willing to help and forgive each
other. Praise and encourage each other often with your words. Stop blaming your spouse for problems in
your marriage; take responsibility for your own mistakes and weaknesses, and work on changing your own
attitudes and actions. Deal with unresolved hurts. Consider joining a marriage support group or getting
Christian counseling. Trust God to restore your marriage to what He intends it to be.

Keep investing in your marriage. Every day, work to keep your marriage healthy. Aim to be a constant
source of hope and encouragement to each other. Pray for each other. Whenever you encounter an issue or
situation that you wish would change in your marriage, be willing to change yourself rather than demanding
that your spouse change. Ask God to empower you to make changes in your own life to help solve
problems. Rely on God's love and wisdom to guide you each day.
"Are We Right for Each Other?"
These 10 questions can help you gauge the godly potential of your relationship.

The minister sat down and looked at us inquiringly. We gazed giddily back at him, hands clasped tightly
under the table. We had been dating for three months. It wasn't too early for a little "pre-premarital
counseling," was it? We were smitten, and we knew it.

When hopes are high and hormones are pulsing, it's easy for logic and sound decision making to get lost in
all the excitement. We were brimming with questions. Are we right for each other? How can we think
critically and objectively without our higher brain functions being in control? How do we know if this is a
healthy relationship? Answers weren’t coming fast enough. But one thing was clear: Our dating had become
serious, and we needed to ask the right questions to get the right answers.

What are the right questions? They're the ones with clear-cut answers that don't change, regardless of how
"in love" you are. With the help of our parents, pastors, books and married friends, we discovered what
questions to ask to gauge the godly potential of our relationship. We hope they will prove useful tools for
you too.

1. Are you best friends or becoming best friends?

Okay, great, you love this person. But would you enjoy being around each other if you were only friends?
Couples that thrive are made up of great friends who make the decision daily to delight in and serve one
another, knowing each other's faults as well as strengths. Spending the rest of your life with someone means
you're going to be stuck with each other even when you are moody or stressed. You're going to have to
choose to love one another even at those moments when you don't really like each other. After all, marriage
isn't a long date—it's a lifelong friendship (Proverbs 17:17; Song of Solomon 5:16).

2. What do you talk about?

Your dialogue reflects the state of your relationship. Aside from rhapsodizing about how great you are
together and texting each other sweet nothings, what topics do you both find interesting? Are most of your
conversations superficial, or do you often discuss the deeper aspects of life? Remember that after decades of
togetherness, all you may have left to do is talk (Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 4:29).

3. Does the other person have a few good friends or at least one very close friend?

As the saying goes, "Show me a man's friends, and I will show you the man." If the person can't maintain
friendships, what makes you think he or she can maintain a relationship? If your love interest is a long-term
loner, ask yourself why. There may be a sensible reason, such as frequent moves or other circumstances that
prevent lasting friendships. However, getting to know the other person's friends is always a wise move
(Proverbs 13:20; 22:11).

4. How does this person treat others?

How the person treats you isn't necessarily evidence of good character. Pay attention to how he or she treats
family members and others. Do people want to be around him or her? How does the person treat his or her
parents? These are all good indicators of how he or she will eventually treat you (Philippians 2:3-4; Romans
12:10).

5. How do you deal with conflict?

If you want to make yourself miserable, marry someone you're constantly fighting with. While arguments
are inevitable, how the two of you deal with conflict can make or break an otherwise good relationship.
You're going to need to find a constructive way of handling strife—one that works for you. If you want to
learn how you deal with conflict, find some simple projects to work on together (like writing a magazine
article!). You may be surprised at how soon the opportunity to deal constructively with conflict presents
itself (Proverbs 19:11; James 1:19).

6. Do you share the same values?

Two people who don't share the same values will inevitably grow apart over time. Putting God first in your
relationship ensures that you are working toward the same goals. Begin with the end in mind, and you are
more likely to follow the same path to get there. Understanding and living by God's laws and His plan must
be the foundation of a lasting partnership (Amos 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

7. Is the person happy?

If you weren't happy before you got together, you probably aren't going to be happy while you're together in
the long run. Everyone is ecstatic at the beginning of a relationship, but people eventually return to their
typical level of happiness or gloom after the hormones subside. Inaccurate or poor self-image problems are
a big roadblock to healthy, happy relationships. Misery is contagious. If the person you're dating was
unhappy before meeting you, don't expect him or her to be joy and sunshine after the chemical high wears
off (Proverbs 15:13, 15).

8. What do people whom you respect think of your relationship?

This person is absolutely spectacular, right? Why don't you compare notes with people who aren't infatuated
with him or her? Close friends know you, in some ways, better than you know yourself. An objective
observer is able to see potential problems you may have overlooked or dismissed as trivial. These people
aren't out to ruin your life. Take their opinions seriously (Proverbs 15:22; 12:15).

9. Are you making good use of the time you spend together?

You should be doing more than just absorbing oxygen together. Hollow distractions can easily supplant
good communication. Healthy relationships are constantly maturing because time is being spent learning
more about one another and encouraging each other. If a relationship isn't growing, it is regressing.
Spending time wisely building each other up will keep things fresh and exciting (Romans 14:19; Hebrews
3:13).

10. What fruits has your relationship yielded?

In the end, you can evaluate a relationship by what it produces. What character traits have you gained
because of your friendship with this person? What impact has your relationship had on others? A healthy
relationship involves two people who both challenge and sharpen each other, positively affecting themselves
as well as the people with whom they come into contact (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24).

Whether that first twitterpated "counseling" session was a premature pipe dream or prudent forethought, it
sent us down the right path. After nearly three years of questions, there's only one more to ask. We're pretty
sure we're going to like the answer.

God tells us that if we commit everything that we do to Him, our plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). So,
seek out wise counsel and God's will. Ask the right questions, and you, too, will find the right answers
(Luke 11:9). VT
Education: Why Bother?
Is it really worth it? Yes, indeed! Here's why.

King Solomon of Israel, a man of great wisdom, wrote, "Of making many books there is no end, and much
study is wearisome to the flesh" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Just a few sentences prior, he had also denounced life
as "vanity of vanities," wearily adding, "All is vanity" (verse 8).

That settles it, then. If the man with wisdom imparted by God Himself describes learning as wearisome and
vain, who are we to argue? The only conclusion to draw here is that education is a waste of time, right?

Well, not quite. Also recorded in the pages of the Bible are God's laments over backsliding Israel, namely,
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject
you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your
children" (Hosea 4:6).

What we need to understand about Ecclesiastes is that Solomon wrote it after seeking knowledge and
understanding through all kinds of physical pursuits. In the end, he cautioned his readers that one cannot be
truly happy and successful apart from God. The melancholy overtones of the book stem from his realization
that a life without God is empty.

We can see this with learning. Suppose, for example, that you dedicate your life to becoming the foremost
expert on the matter of breeding whippets (we are also supposing that, for some inexplicable reason, you are
big on whippets—a breed of dog). At the peak of your career, you are renowned across the globe for your
invaluable contributions to the field of whippet breeding. When the world thinks of whippet puppies, they
think of you. You are Dr. Whippet, legend.

But at the end of your life, you are a very dead Dr. Whippet, however legendary. Even supposing your eager
students compile your veritable hoard of whippet wisdom into The Analects of the Late Dr. Whippet,
Legend and garner you an impressive cult following within whippet circles, you have no idea. Six feet
under, you can no longer enjoy the fruit of your whippet labor.

In other words: Congratulations, you accomplished something and then died.

Which brings us to that age-old question: Why bother? What's the point of learning if the end result is that
you still end up as a corpse in the ground?

Here's the answer: When you factor God into the equation, that whole death problem disappears. When you
take into account that God's plan for all humanity involves ultimately giving eternal life to those who choose
to follow Him, and establishing those called in this life as kings and priests in His perfect, everlasting
Kingdom, the question becomes not "Why should I learn?" but rather "What should I learn?"

What follows is practical advice for becoming an effective learner now in order to maximize your
experience in this life—and the next.
Remember the Source

It's all well and good if you want to gain a better understanding of the world around you, but you won't get
very far unless you recognize where both the understanding and the world comes from. Solomon wrote,
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7).

Without a healthy respect for and knowledge of the God who created the universe, we are limited in what
we can understand about His creation. While the world's scientists have intimate and detailed knowledge
about certain pieces of the puzzle, they do not understand that what they are looking at is a puzzle.

Understanding the character and plan of God allows us to look at the same pieces that are mysteries to the
world's top minds, examine them and see where they fit in the big picture.

Class is always in session

American historian George Iles once said, "Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." In
other words, being a student is a lifelong state of mind, not a role limited to classrooms stuffed with desks
and with posters of atoms, prepositions and of famous battles. A true student's classroom is life and
everything in it. His or her goal? To find the lesson in every situation and apply it personally.

When our approach to any scenario we encounter is, "What should I learn from this?" we will haul away
treasure troves of useful knowledge. We may learn conflict resolution skills, refine communication skills or
even come to understand ourselves better. We may learn patience, trust, self-control and kindness. There is
no end to the possibilities as long as we keep our eyes open for them.

Pursue what you love

True, not everyone is excited about breeding whippets (sorry, whippet breeders). And although we all have
different tastes and interests, there is bound to be something that excites you—something that, at your core
level, you just connect with and enjoy.

Once you've found that something, I urge you to pursue it. Don't just dabble in it every now and then. As
much as possible, integrate it into your day-to-day life. Whatever your something is, it can strengthen your
relationship with God.

Why? Because "from the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God
made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20, New
Living Translation).

God's handiwork is present in all His creation. Science teaches us about the myriad intricacies of His
designs. Math teaches us about His detailed sense of order and consistency. History shows the perils of
disobeying His commands and His faithfulness to His people. Languages teach us the beauty and depths of
the communication He has enabled between mankind and Himself. Art gives us a glimpse into the creative
ability He has designed into us.
The list goes on, but the point remains: In pursuing the fields we enjoy, we will come to understand with
increased clarity who God is and grow closer to Him as a result.

By the time this article goes to print, I will be returning from a 2 1/2 week trip to Africa. I'm going because
it's an opportunity to serve. But I'm also going because it's an opportunity to grow. I have no doubt that there
will be much to learn from my brothers and sisters in Christ living halfway across the world—and I can't
wait to learn it.

I can think of no better way to conclude an article on the importance of learning than by borrowing from the
apostle Peter's conclusion in 2 Peter 3:14, 18: "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be
diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless...[and] grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." VT
11 Steps for Studying the Bible in Community
There can be a limit to how much you can gain from reading and interpreting the Bible on your own. But
when you do so in community with people, you might discover much more within the pages of God's Word.

Here's how the Holy Spirit can help you can interpret the Bible as part of a community of believers:

Look through new lenses. The various "interpretive lenses" (biases) that each person has shape the way
they interpret the Bible. Be aware of your own biases that lead you to emphasize certain conclusions and
assertions, while discounting or ignoring other possibilities. Some of these may include the lenses of:

• "Systemic theology" (your organized system of belief) which may lead you to try to fit Scripture into
your existing beliefs rather than letting Scripture shape your beliefs),
• "Science and the scientific method," which may lead you to try to force all Scripture to fit the criteria
of scientific facts and rejecting that which goes beyond that into the realm of faith,
• "Rights and causes," which may lead you to read Scripture to affirm and ordain your way of life and
the causes you stand for - making God all about what you want, without noticing His call to you to
change,
• "Success and growth," which may lead you to assume that your faith should lead to greater wealth
and push you to manipulate Scripture to justify a materialistic lifestyle,
• "Nationalism and sentimentality," which may lead you to trivialize Scripture's scope by reducing its
cosmic and transcendent message to one that supports national ideas (such as: "America is God's
favored nation") or sentimental concepts (such as "People used to fear God in the good old days"),
• "Moralism and heroism," which may lead you to reduce Scripture to simply a collection of moral
principles and heroic characters rather than noticing God's redemptive work in the midst of great
human failure, and
• "Tribal loyalty," which may lead you to place limits on Scripture to try to make it align only with
your particular church denomination's perspective

When you read and discuss the Bible within a community of other people, you can break out of your biases
and look through new lenses at Scripture's meaning.

Let the words come off the page and shape your life. Keep in mind that God's Word is alive and
dynamic, not dead and stagnant. It has the power to change you as you read, discuss, interpret, and apply it
with others. Approach the Bible as canon by remembering that its stories don't fit neatly together and
therefore must be studied well. Respect its catholicity by remembering that many generations of people
have read and interpreted it throughout history, and your culture and context differs from theirs. Learn how
to practice and embody Scripture's messages in your own community well.

Pursue reconciliation with others. You need to reconcile relationships with other people in your
community so you all can be free to interpret the Bible together well. Be willing to forgive and serve each
other while relying on God's love working through you daily. Then you won't have unnecessary barriers
standing in the way of discovering Scripture's meaning together.
Let Scripture take on a voice of its own as you listen together. Discussing what meanings of you hears
in Scripture as you listen to it in community helps expand and deepen your interpretation. The Bible
passage can become a prayer for all of you, connecting you with each other and God.

Discover something new about familiar texts. The diversity of responses to familiar Scripture texts in
community brings fresh layers of meaning to your attention. Together, you all can apply those Bible
passages in new ways, as well.

Take on controversial issues. Don't hesitate to broach conversations with others about biblical topics that
generate controversy. Open and honest dialogue about issues such as homosexuality can help everyone
involved wrestle thoughtfully and prayerfully with God's Word.

Give people plenty of opportunities to participate. Schedule a series of conversation sessions each week
to invite everyone in your church community to discuss biblical perspectives on the week's sermon, timely
articles, and anything else that's currently impacting your community. Give people the chance to speak
about how their own experiences may relate to the topic you're discussing. Learn from other people's
unique perspectives on Scripture (such as hearing someone who was once abused discuss injustice, or
hearing a poor person discuss poverty). Hold each other accountable to speak in loving ways, and ask
thoughtful and respectful questions.

Move beyond ethics to changed lives. Encourage each other to see how the Bible offers much more than
just simple ethical principles to follow. As you interpret it together, you'll find out how God is working in
complex ways in each person's life to transform them from the inside out.

Embrace hospitality. Read and discuss the Bible over meals at each other's homes whenever possible. As
you open your lives up more to each other, you'll find that you'll be able to open yourself up more to God, as
well. Share each other's stories and how those stories relate to the Scripture you're interpreting. Your
various perspectives will expand the text's meaning for you all.

Learn to give your best to your mission. When you discuss Scripture with others, you must learn to let go
of defensive attitudes and be willing to let others motivate, encourage, and hold you accountable as you live
out your God-given mission. Listen to the call to pursue something more important than your own
concerns. Offer your life to God by serving others in your community and beyond.

Use your imagination. Encourage each other to discover new perspectives on Scripture texts that pull you
into seeing God, each other, and life in fresh ways. Suspend the rules of rational thought and detach
yourselves from cultural norms to free yourselves to be creative when discussing the possible meanings of
various passages. Look forward to what you'll learn together as you use the imagination God gave you to
get deeper into the Bible's stories.
Seven Types of Intelligence
You may be smarter than you think. You just need to know what type of "intelligence" is being
considered.

Imagine being told by your elementary school principal that "you will never amount to much." Years later,
you end up dropping out of high school and then fail the university entrance exams.

After finally entering university, you realize most of the professors are against you. And after graduating,
your classmates land nice jobs while you are unemployed. You're turned down for all the university
positions you apply for. Finally, friends help you land a temporary job in a government patent office at the
bottom of the pay scale.

Doesn't sound like a very promising career, does it?

Meanwhile, in a nearby country, a student fails miserably in elementary school. His teachers are
exasperated. The boy will do nothing but draw! No matter what incentives or threats are used, he refuses to
focus on reading, writing or math. He finally drops out of elementary school.

Both these descriptions are of real people—famous figures in 20th-century history. The first is probably the
most brilliant thinker of modern times: Albert Einstein. The second is regarded as one of the most influential
painters of his time: Pablo Picasso.

What their elementary school educators failed to see was that these individuals each excelled in a particular
type of intelligence—to the detriment of the other types.

Most people are familiar with only one type of intelligence. It's the same one that IQ (intelligence quotient)
exams are based on: the ability for logical reasoning.

Yet today we know there are at least seven key types of intelligence, and they can be as different from each
other as night and day. This is a reason some intelligent people have performed poorly in school; their
category of intelligence was not readily recognized. Most people excel in one class of intelligence and are
average in the other types.

Today, many teachers are taught to identify which of these seven types of intelligence is found in a student
and to then encourage the student to focus on that strength. Most successful people, as the stories of Einstein
and Picasso show, focus on their particular type of intelligence and learn to get the maximum benefit out of
it. You can learn to do the same.

What are the seven basic types of intelligence, and what can they mean to your life and career?

1. Logical-mathematical intelligence
This is the ability to apply logic to systems and numbers. People who have this type are natural problem
solvers. They usually perform well on traditional IQ tests. Engineers, scientists, economists and
mathematicians have this type of intelligence. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if you...

• Are good at solving mysteries and logic problems.

• Excel in math.

• Organize concepts and things well.

• Are acutely interested in scientific discoveries.

• Figure out how things work.

• Are good with computers.

2. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

People with this type of intelligence learn best through bodily movement and usually excel in physical
activities such as dancing and sports. They have excellent motor skills and balance. They often have a
difficult time sitting still in traditional classrooms and want to get up and "do" the activity. Athletes, doctors,
soldiers, dancers and actors are strong in this intelligence. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if
you...

• Excel in sports.

• Are a good dancer.

• Are expressive and skilled at acting.

• Can build things.

• Can accurately throw or hit a ball.

3. Visual-spatial intelligence

This is the ability to perceive the world and re-create it without physical stimuli. This type of intelligence
allows you to literally think in pictures and draw the images on paper. Architects, designers, artists and
sculptors are generally strong in this type of intelligence. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if
you...

• Are good at assembling puzzles.

• Are a good judge of art or photography.

• Grasp geometry over algebra.

• Study more effectively with charts and pictures.

• Doodle or draw.

• Notice details.

4. Interpersonal (or emotional) intelligence

This is the ability to empathize with people—the skill of understanding the moods and motivations of
others. People with this intelligence tend to be extroverts and work in fields where they interact with others
on a daily basis. This type of intelligence is generally found in politicians, teachers, managers, salespeople,
church pastors and social workers. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if you...

• Feel people's moods.

• Are sociable.

• Are sensitive to injustices or dishonesty.

• Are a good listener and encourager.

• Have difficulty treating others unkindly.

• Engage productively in deep conversations.

5. Intrapersonal intelligence

This is the ability to understand yourself and your inner thoughts. People with this skill are usually
introverts, have a strong sense of independence, are self-confident and tend to be perfectionists. They are the
"deep thinkers" in our society. Philosophers, writers and scientists exhibit this intelligence. This may be one
of your strongest intelligences if you...

• Are often pondering matters.

• Daydream imaginatively.

• Are self-critical.

• Really get absorbed in a good book.

• Can break down complicated ideas.

• Judge people accurately.

6. Musical intelligence
This is the ability to use and understand music. People with this intelligence typically have good pitch, can
sing, and play different musical instruments. They like to have music playing in the background and often
use music and rhythms to help memorize information. Musicians, composers and singers have this type of
intelligence. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if you...

• Can perform well in a band.

• Can read music and remember old songs.

• Will analyze a new song critically.

• Can figure out how to play a tune on an instrument.

• Are able to compose music.

7. Verbal-linguistic intelligence

Those with this form of intelligence can easily learn a new language and are good at reading and writing.
They learn best in a traditional setting and are good debaters. Demonstrating such intelligence are writers,
journalists, politicians, poets, teachers and philosophers. This may be one of your strongest intelligences if
you...

• Write well.

• Are good with crossword puzzles.

• Are eloquent.

• Tell good stories.

• Are funny.

• Enjoy debates or arguments.

• Explain things well.

• Have a great vocabulary and are keen to learn new words and their origins.

Did you note what types of intelligence you have and which ones you excel in? Once you find out where
your talents lie and identify your passion, then you can better apply the wise directive in Ecclesiastes 9:10 of
ancient Israel's King Solomon to be successful in your life: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your
might." VT