Tag: Other-directed

Self-Control…

A former student, Bill West, summarized Kenneson’s approach to self-control in a powerful way.

The paradox of self-control is clearly stated, self-control is about being master over self by making self the servant (224). In both cases, the master, and subject are both self. Self-control should not be focused on self. While this at first seems to be confusing, Kenneson does a great job of explaining what he means.

Most people read the fruit of the Spirit as things to be done outward, towards other people, then come to self-control and see this as being focused inwardly. This is an incorrect assumption. Self-control, like the rest, is to be focused on others, or as Kenneson puts it ‘other-directed” (237).

I encourage you to get Kenneson’s book and read the depths of his approach to this subject.

Gentleness…

Gentleness provides a contrast to pride and power. Humility and lowliness are critical components of this fruit.

The other-directed nature of gentleness stands in opposition to those who foster aggression, self-promotion, and who desire positions of power.

We cultivate gentleness by altering our posture through prayer, learning to yield, and spending time with those of “no account.”

Praying for those who wrong or anger us increases the difficulty of speaking harshly to or about them.

Humility demonstrates the power to yield our will to others.

Extending hospitality to those without a worldly status or position of power also demonstrates gentleness.

Faithfulness…

Faithfulness is rooted in the very character of God. Reliability, steadfastness, constancy, fidelity, dependability, trustworthiness are all words that describe the qualities of God’s faithfulness.

Amidst the increasing instability of our culture we discover several obstacles to faithfulness.

Nurturing the temporal and disposable elements of life challenge lasting faithfulness. Shunning commitments and focusing our loyalty on improper objects become obstacles to our faithfulness as leaders.

However, we cultivate faithfulness when we celebrate God’s abiding presence, lift Him up in worship, keep our promises, and tell the truth.

Kenneson raises several powerful questions and provides suggestions to the other-directed nature of faithfulness on pages 194-195.

Goodness…

Goodness is a fruit to be cultivated in the midst of a self-help culture. Three thoughts introduce the idea of goodness.

One, the consistent testimony in scripture that God alone is unequivocally good.

Two, if sin makes us incapable of goodness apart from God, as those created in His image, we possess the potential for goodness.

Three, knowing what counts for good can only be determined under the guidance of God’s Spirit.

We cultivate goodness by naming our sin, attending to God’s word, and imitation.

When leaders are characterized by goodness, self-awareness, upward attention, and outward activity cultivate this fruit.

Kindness…

Kindness applies to every area of the Christian life.

Kenneson’s application of kindness begins by asking how important others are to our life’s story? Reflecting on the most cherished and admired relationships, in what ways are they characterized by interdependence?

A Christian’s life is intricately woven into the lives of other people. How different would our approach to kindness be if our livelihood was dependent on others and their livelihood dependent on us?

Listening and interacting with others is crucial to demonstrating kindness. If Christians demonstrate more kindness in a culture that is characterized by self-sufficiency, imagine how different the world might look.

Joy…

Joy exceeds simple pleasure. Kenneson claims joy is the byproduct of our desire for something more outward.

The other-directedness nature of joy shows why it is so closely connected to love. If love be related to God’s grace, the gift exemplifies a significance between these two Greek words: charis (grace) and chara (joy).

Scripture connects suffering with joy, and “living joyfully despite persecution and affliction does not require one to deny the reality of suffering or pain” (63).

We cultivate joy when we rejoice in the opportunity to worship God, nurture contentment, and learn to enjoy children.

This is only the beginning.

Love…

Cultivating love is one of the greatest challenges to our Christian walk and leadership.

Considering the loose way we use love is borderline blasphemous. Kenneson says, “…some may justifiably doubt whether a word that can be applied with ease to both God and pizza can illuminate the character of the Christian life” (37).

Love is unmerited, steadfast, suffering, and knows no bounds. God’s very essence is love.

Consider the “other-directedness” nature of God’s love toward you and me in the death of Jesus.

In an environment based on self-interest, one that puts a price on everything (and everyone), cultivating love will require our devotion to building relationships.