exercising my literacy

My wishlist.

People often have lists of what they want -- a wishlist if you will. Mostly they are filled with stuff they want. I have a wishlist too, but it's not of what things I want to buy or want people to buy for me. This is a wishlist of the characteristics that I most want to have, to develop and maturate. Just looking at the words used to describe them makes me go 'wow' under my breath. These are qualities that never cease to amaze me. People who possess them I never cease to admire.

So, here they are.

teachability
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice...
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded." Proverbs 13:10,13

humility
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Phil 2:3

consideration
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others." Philippians 2:4

self-scrutiny rather than judging others
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye', when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5

self-control
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Peter 4:7

honesty
"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." Proverbs 24:26

Christlikeness
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and life a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

And as with any wishlist, I'll add more when I think of one and go, 'wow'.


[addendum, Saturday 12.15pm]

Hahaha right after I posted this I remembered the one quality that kickstarted this list in my head in the first place. In my defense it was a few weeks ago and so much has been happening since then. But how Freudian that it be the one I should forget to write about.

helpfulness
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

posted by me. @ 6:00 PM