The invisible gorilla experiment is one of the best known psychological experiments of all time. Only about 50% of the people who watch the video actually see the gorilla. 

This is an amazing ability. We can focus so intently on something that we are actually blind to everything else.

The challenge. Focus on the right things.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:9-10 KJV

We often artificially create “sides” to issues where there are none. We also blur the lines of some issues where the “sides” should be clear.

Don’t choose sides of issues. Inform yourself and then stand on the side of truth.

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 6:17 KJV

If computers don’t think, you input data and logic and get consistent results.

If computers think, you input data and logic and get inconsistent results.

Now substitute the word computers with people. Still true?

Our expectation is, if people have the same data they will reach the same conclusions. This makes logical sense, but it just ain’t so. People not only have the ability to think, but also the ability to choose. Put those two things together and a decision tree can become almost infinite. 

Amidst all the possibilities of thoughts and decisions, there is an absolute truth. If we prune the branches of ego, selfishness, hate and pride and replace them with grace, mercy, love and patience. We just might find it.

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 5:13 KJV

A certain person will assume ownership of a vacant spot at the head of the line.

A certain person will assume ownership of a car with the keys left in it.

A certain person will assume ownership when a group decision must be made.

A certain person will assume ownership of the last donut.

A certain person will assume ownership of their own actions.

A certain person will assume ownership of problems they did not create.

When should you assume ownership?
Are you worthy?

My rule of thumb is based on the example of Jesus. He was God in the flesh, creator and owner of everything; yet, he chose the form of a servant.

Assume ownership of the problems.
Give ownership of the blessings. 🙂

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11 KJV

Compare any two people with the same intelligence, education, background, work ethic and goals. Why don’t they always have the same outcome? If you take all the common attributes off the table, you are left with luck. 

What is luck? Ask anyone on the street and they will likely say something like, “things just go your way”. 

Do we use the word luck to describe something we don’t have the capacity to understand?

Is it possible that luck has controls and obeys laws just like the rest of creation?

Give all you’ve got to achieve your goals, put forth your best effort… blood, sweat and tears. Then, as you are walking through the door of success, pause to see if someone is holding it open for you.

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8 KJV

Are you nervous about a test?

Scared to present at the company meeting?

Afraid to give your input?

You can increase your confidence and minimize your fear with preparation and repetition. There is a wealth of free training on almost any topic on the internet. Search it up, prepare like crazy and then go be a rockstar! Prepare to make your last work, your best work. 🙂

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Revelation 2:19 KJV

I love this quote by Mark Twain, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”  Question everything. Not out of disrespect, but out of a sincere desire for truth.

Be humble, you could be wrong. 

Be hungry for understanding and willing to work to get it.

Be smart about who you trust and what you believe.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:8 KJV

The scriptures tell us that judging ourselves is the right thing to do and judging others is not. Sad thing is, we tend to do the exact opposite. Back in the day, when all the family would get together at Grandma Trucks’ house, our play would inevitably turn into a squabble of some sort. I can still remember her saying, “When you are pointing a finger at someone else, there are three pointing right back at you!”. It would do us all good to remember this today.

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jude 1:10 KJV

Someone told me you were doing bad things.

Someone told me you were doing good things.

Both, either or neither of these statements might be true.

Choose to walk in love and truth; no matter what others say.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

3 John 1:3 KJV

Did they see my love?
Did they see my goodness?
Did they see my anger?
Did they see my sadness?
Did they see my peace?
Did they see my will?
Did they see my self-control?
Did they see my failure?
Did they see my success?
Did they see my kindness?
Did they see my humility?
Did they see my faithfulness?

Children learn by what they see, not by what they are told.

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

2 John 1:4 KJV