Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Lessons I AM Still Learning, Most Of Them The Hard Way! Life is a series of learning experiences, and all of us have some to learn. These are some that any preacher has to learn, and for the most part they are lessons every Christian has to learn. Whether we learn the “easy way” or the “hard way” is up to us. Unfortunately, some never learn them, and their influence is diminished. I don’t claim to be your role model; nevertheless, ask yourself if these are some lessons you also need to learn. Someone you view as an enemy may turn out to be a better friend than you thought. He/she will tell you what your weaknesses are when your friend may not want to do so. An enemy may be wrong in their assessment of you, but they will often give you a straight answer to serious question, Proverbs 27:5 As hard as it is to please myself, it is impossible to please everyone. We must make sure we are living in harmony with God’s word, then stay on track, and “keep on keeping on”. I’ve learned that I must be more patient with others, the young, the immature, or the new Christians. If you can believe it, some folks have to be patient with me! It took a while, but I learned that the skills I have are quite limited, and that others are much more capable than I in some areas. Though I try to improve, I may just have to live with who I am and what I am. I know that there are times when I must defend myself and my actions, but also that at other times doing so may make things even worse. I still need more wisdom here. While recognizing my limitations, I also know that some things I thought were beyond me can be attained by more self- discipline and better effort. Some battles must be fought, but others are not worth fighting. I must not avoid significant issues, but I also must be honest with myself and wiser in my judgment. I don’t need to debate or argue with every fellow that comes down the road. They have their games, but I don’t have to play them. One of the hardest lessons for many of us to learn is not to be the first to jump on the bandwagon for the latest ideas or fads that come along. I also learned that it’s not wise to be the last to accept a new idea just because it’s new to me. Learn how to read – and enjoy reading – the works of great men and women of the past. They had to learn many of the same lessons you and I have to learn. It didn’t take long for me to realize that there are others who are smarter, wiser, and more skillful at preaching than I am – and that many of them are much younger! Don’t stay on the sidelines when others are trying to deter the change agents who would make the church over to fit their preferences. Be well prepared, and don’t just sit and watch while others are doing their best to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints,” Jude 1:3. If you have faith or behavior problems, take care of them before you try to correct or seek to solve other folks’ problems. If you are blessed to be part of a congregation with elders, show your respect and your gratitude for their work by what you say and how you use the opportunities that come your way. Be grateful and gracious when someone cares enough for your soul to give you constructive criticism. If they care enough to do so, be quick enough to give them the thanks they deserve. Try to start learning those lessons earlier in life. I’m still learning mine. Carl Garner

Monkey See, Monkey Do Children mimic grownups, They ape us to the letter, No matter how much time we take To try to teach them better. Suzanne Douglas

Being Disliked In some ways, those who dislike us are our best friends. They teach us caution. They are an exterior conscience to warn us against indiscretions and imprudence. We do not learn prudence from those who profess to love us. Dislike is always honest, for no one hopes to gain our favors through dislike as someone might by professing friendship. Dislike is sobering; it makes us recognize that there may be something about us which provokes dislike. It may be about carelessness in our appearance, a flaw in our personality, a thoughtlessness in our attitude toward others. Whatever it is, those who dislike us make us aware of it; not our friends. And by making us aware of our shortcomings, they may goad us into trying to overcome them. And there is something consoling in knowing that someone dislikes us. It shows that we are important enough to attract the attention of someone who has no reason to be our friend.         There is always a challenge in being disliked—a challenge to make ourselves a better person so that our enemy may one day wonder if he is mistaken. Author Not Known