“… and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” –Hebrews 10:24
There is something about myself that I don’t like to admit. I’m sure that I am not the only person who works within the organization who possesses this character trait. I think I have been very good at masking or minimizing this from those who work with me. I have met some people who have more of this attribute than I do, and I find myself wondering if this is how people experience me as well.
Before I disclose what this is, I must say that there is a positive side to the trait. It allows me to stick to commitments that I make and, over the years, I have learned to enjoy the experience more than the final results.
Each employee and student who composes our Loma Linda University Health family possesses character traits that, when exposed, may create tension or cause challenges to living or working with each other. After doing a quick search online, I found the following made the short list of qualities that some people find annoying: faux insecurity, actual insecurity, competitiveness, name dropping, entitlement, holier-than-thou, know-it-all, arrogance, rudeness and pessimism.
This list is far from exhaustive, however it serves as a wonderful contrast to what we are encouraged to do by the writer of Hebrews. The author asks us to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Negative mannerisms are divisive, marginalizing and upsetting. They create division instead of unity of purpose. Scripture encourages us to intentionally contemplate ways to inspire each other to love and do good deeds.
This is a tall order to fill on our own. At a time when it appears to be de rigueur to disagree without being disagreeable, it seems of utmost importance that we each look for ways to encourage each other and divest ourselves of those behaviors that impede us. This may be easier said than done; yet I know from personal experience that we can all change. How is this possible?
It requires reflection, self-assessment, transparency and accountability. Look at the list of negative traits again or go online and research others. Next, take some time to soul search. Are you in possession of some of these attributes? If the answer is yes, today is a good day to repurpose them. Do you know anyone who has those behaviors? Perhaps you are in a position to encourage them to evaluate and change. It begins with you and I working together with God’s help to become men and women who reflect the love and character of Jesus Christ.
You might be wondering if I am going to disclose my character trait. It’s confession time: I am prideful. This pride has been showing up lately in my wanting to have the last word or be right. I have become aware through reflection that I have been defensive when I should have been open to new ideas. I have also reacted when I should have listened. I confess it has been humbling to discover that I’m not perfect. With God’s help and the accountability of my co-workers, family and friends, I am listening more and talking less.
We can’t do this on our own, so I’m inviting you to join me in trusting God to help each of us become creative in encouraging each other to practice love and good deeds.
Dilys Brooks, MDiv
Associate campus chaplain
Loma Linda University