Win-Win

Several years ago a close friend of mine suggested that I read a book called "7 habits of Highly Effective People" When I first heard about this book I thought - "Oh great, another self help book!" but after reading it I discovered some truths that still help me day to day! "THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE  HABIT 4: THINK WIN-WIN

Think Win-Win isn't about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. It is a character-based code for human interaction and collaboration. Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing--that is, if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it's not fair, and I'm going to make sure you don't get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really? Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good! A person or organization that approaches conflicts with a win-win attitude possesses three vital character traits: Integrity: sticking with your true feelings, values, and commitments Maturity: expressing your ideas and feelings with courage and consideration for the ideas and feelings of others Abundance Mentality: believing there is plenty for everyone Many people think in terms of either/or: either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To go for win-win, you not only have to be empathetic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave. To do that--to achieve that balance between courage and consideration--is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win." *** Not only are these good ideals - they are also God ideals. Integrity - Will God honor a project that does not show integrity? Maturity - Would my Heavenly Father appreciate me bickering with other believers in a snatch and grab for some earthly resource?  What is my reaction when my children bicker among themselves? Abundance - If my Father really does own the cattle on a thousand hills, do I need to worry about where my supply will come from?  Is there not abundance? So if we can see that these are God ideals, and not just man made ideals - then we can also assume that when the destroyer comes - when satan wants to rip apart a ministry, cause division, create chaos from orderliness - that these attacks will come along these same lines Pressure to do things fast instead of doing things honorably. Pressure to compromise values Pressure to compromise commitments Hurt feelings, sensitivity, and bickering over details. Jealousy over 'members', Christian groups fighting for membership and popularity (this group is better than that group - our group is more exclusive than your group) Worry/Doubt about God's provision. Excessive spending to attract others, excessive saving to hoard resources.  In the last few weeks our home school co-op has been blessed, blessed beyond anything I could have imagined.  Also in the last few weeks our co-op membership and leaders have come under some MAJOR spiritual attacks. Please pray for us. Pray that we will continue to do everything we do to the Glory of God alone.   That we will keep these three keys in mind - Integrity, Maturity, and Abundance. That we will be alert to the attacks of the enemy That we will overcome these attacks in Jesus name! and that through all of this, we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our Faith, and diligently run the race set before us.  that we contend,  and run the race like one who wants to win, and realize that not only do we want to 'win' for ourselves, but we want all of our brothers and sisters in Christ to 'win' with us.  Win - Win. Blessings, Amanda *** credit https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit4.php