“Response-ability . . . the ability to choose your response in any set of circumstances . . . being accountable for your response no matter what.”- Mark Batterson
“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”- Romans 8:6 (NRSV)
Mark Batterson (If– Chapter 9) has a habit of dividing as well as combining words. For example, he believes the word responsibility makes more sense with a hyphen; response-ability. On the other hand, Mark prefers that the words mind and set in Romans 8:6 be one word- mindset.
Pastor Batterson states the Greek word phronema means to fix one’s mind on something- aka anchoring. This doesn’t happen by chance. A great deal of intentionality is required.
Positive feedback also is important for the proper mindset. Organizational psychologist Marcial Losada’s studies on positive and negative feedback have produced what is know as the Losada ratio: the ratio of positive to negative feedback in a system. Because negative feedback tends to carry more weight and last longer, 2.9 positive feedbacks are necessary to counteract each negative feedback.
Mark suggests positive feedback all starts with a mindset: catch people doing things right (emphasis author’s). The author explains:
“I’m advocating for an optimism that is anchored to the thousands of what if promises God has given us. And living as if they’re true!”
Pastor Batterson offers four simple tactics that enable you to stay positive:
1. Get into God’s Word on a daily basis. This is the most obvious and practical way of anchoring yourself to God’s promises.
2. Start keeping a gratitude journal. Mark says keeping a gratitude journal is “a high leverage point for positivity.”
3. Find a way to share wins in your family or in your workplace. This third tactic can change the culture and anchor you to your family or colleagues in a powerful new way.
4. Worship. Worship, Mark states, is “a powerful way of anchoring to the reality of what’s happening in heaven.”
Today’s question: How might you need to change your response-ability to your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Your ‘Say Not” List”
