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Called to a Higher Standard

Called to a Higher Standard

Last updated on: November 3, 2024 at 12:56 pm by Dorian Scott Cole

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Called to a Higher Standard 2024-11-03T12:56:11-06:00 Dorian Scott Cole

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Christians and Jews all recognize that they aren’t worthy of God. We all broken. We’re all human beings full of faults and learning to be better. God showed he doesn’t call the perfect, but the imperfect as messengers and leaders, such as Moses. Yet we’re called to a higher purpose. Not because we’re better than others, but because we have a message from God to others.

Love Others image by Meta AI from a suggestion, and modified by, Dorian Scott Cole

To the Jews:

“’… and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” – Exodus 19: 6

To the Christians:

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.” – 1 Peter 2:9-10

Unworthy people with a message

I know I’m not better than anyone. There but for the grace of God go I, as any of the lowliest people. There are much better people than me in this world.

Despite my unworthiness, I can’t diminish what Christianity is. Nor Judaism. Judaism is a nation spread across the world. While its physical boundaries were seemingly destroyed by the Romans, their physical boundaries were actually expanded across the entire world. They are to be an example to others.

Christians are spread across the world with an important message from Jesus. You can reconcile with God by seeking forgiveness for anything and everything you’ve done wrong. And then have an abundant life. And I might add, make things right with others. Be an example to others by letting your light shine.

What kind of message are we sending?

Each of us has to look at our own conduct and see what kind of message we telegraph to others. It’s not for me to judge, but there is a lot wrong in our world that we tolerate.

Israel has become myopic

To Israel, about their politics and political boundaries, the ideology of mainstream Zionist factions is to support a Jewish demographic majority in Palestine through colonization. They have immense power compared to their neighbors in Palestine, in Lebanon, and in Iran. They have the upper hand and powerful allies at their side.

Many in Israel are sympathetic with their Palestinian neighbors, but this sentiment is weakening as things do during periods of animosity and war.

Might doesn’t make right. Both sides in this endless war have significant grievances. Many Israelis understand this and weep for their fellow human beings.

We’re called to a higher standard. I implore Israel to look at their conduct toward others and make it right. This is the only way to stand justified before God. End the war and treat others with the same love God has shown you.

Conclusion

We aren’t chosen to be mighty in war. We’re chosen as holy priests to be examples and message carriers. We’re chosen to show God’s love by example, and treat others as we would like to be treated.

Probability Space

What probability spaces can we open in our minds to consider that we carry a message from God?

Potential Space

If you think creatively and allow your mind to wander and explore how we can more effectively present this message?

Hey! How can churches minister to new generations if they won’t come to church?

Our bucket has had a hole in it since 1925. We can’t find the plug!

Church attendance decline from 1925 to present as a percentage of the population

I developed and presented a course on understanding and working with new generations. I would like to say I had rave reviews, but on a scale of 1 to 5 it averaged 4.5. Well, some of the people were raving.

The course helps people understand new generations, their values, and their differences. It helps people understand how to build a bridge to them and minister to them. The old worn-out things we used to do don’t work, and for good reason.

This solutions focused course enables people to find new ways, appropriate ways, to minister to these generations in their local circumstances. It’s for church groups and creates deep discussion.

Free video preview of the course:

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My friend, David Ketcherside, former Christian broadcaster, has written a book series that I gave feedback on. It’s for men, written from his experience, thoughtful analysis, and heart. Gen A, Z, and X (Millennials) would find it very helpful. It’s available in print, on Kindle, and as an audiobook on Audible. Check out The Whole Dude. His description: “My hope is to remind readers what being whole looks like, and help them recognize the distortions that stop us from feeling totally awesome all the time.” He’s also excellent at marketing if you have marketing needs.

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– Dorian

Our answer is God. God’s answer is us. Together we make the world better.

Restore and recreate. Take time to celebrate life. Laugh, sing, and dance regularly, even every day. Happy. This is why we dance to celebrate life: Reindeer actually running and dancing.

Civic service opportunities

Do Unto Others Kindness Campaign, and civic engagement.

UCC service opportunities.

PC USA programs and services.

United Methodist Church Volunteer Opportunities.

Join or support Zero Hour and amplify the voices of youth organizing for climate action.

Peoples Hub. Resistance, Resilience, Restoration, Re-imagination. Online Popular Education. For movement workers to learn, connect, collaborate, and strategize – in and across the disability justice and solidarity economy movements.

Stakeholder Capitalism – a video podcast series from the World Economic Forum. Can capitalism be made to work for all of us – and to improve rather than destroy the state of the planet?

General service and aid opportunities (on One Spirit Resources Website). To add your service opportunity to the One Spirit Resources list, contact the author (me) through Facebook Messenger. Note that I only friend people I know.

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Education Opportunities for new generations

Becoming an Entrepreneur – MITx online

Evaluating Social Programs – MITx online

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Bible scripture verses are New American Standard Version (NASB), unless noted.

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Author and books

Appease the Volcano: What does God require from people? The voices of the ancients from many religions echo much of the same things: It starts with law, then mercy and forgiveness, then love. Love is a major emphasis in all major religions and replaces law.

The Prophetic Pattern: Ancient and Modern Prophecy: How to distinguish the intent of various types of prophecies and oracles, both ancient and modern.

Preparing For the Future Of Work and Education: Analysis of the kinds of jobs that AI and Robotics will displace, and the educational requirements for them. AI will replace or augment thirty percent of jobs. This is an in-depth analysis citing many authoritative sources.

Author Website: Dorian Scott Cole

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