Being in IT I often hear the term baseline. Which, to me, means capturing the state of something (like a computer system) under “normal” conditions. When you baseline a system, you can then monitor its performance against the baseline and determine how much it has deviated from normal or baseline behavior. At times the computer system is functioning better than the baseline and other times it may deviate from the expected baseline to the point where users are negatively impacted and the result could lead to a loss of money.<\/p>\n
Well, I think we should do the same thing to ourselves. That is, we should start with ourselves, come up with a baseline in terms of our character. What do you use as your baseline? What do you use to monitor any deviations from your baseline or normal behavior?<\/p>\n
For me, I use Proverbs 31<\/font><\/strong>. In particular, I use Proverbs 31:9-31<\/strong><\/font> (since I am a woman) as my baseline. Read below to see the scripture included in the 31st chapter of Proverbs:<\/p>\n Proverbs 31<\/font><\/strong><\/p>\n 1 The sayings of King Lemuel\u2014an oracle [a] his mother taught him: 3 do not spend your strength on women, 4 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel\u2014 5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, 6 Give beer to those who are perishing, 7 let them drink and forget their poverty 8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 9 Speak up and judge fairly; 10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find? 11 Her husband has full confidence in her 12 She brings him good, not harm, 13 She selects wool and flax 14 She is like the merchant ships, 15 She gets up while it is still dark; 16 She considers a field and buys it; 17 She sets about her work vigorously; 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, 19 In her hand she holds the distaff 20 She opens her arms to the poor 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; 22 She makes coverings for her bed; 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; 26 She speaks with wisdom, 27 She watches over the affairs of her household 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; 29 “Many women do noble things, 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 31 Give her the reward she has earned,
\n2 “O my son, O son of my womb,
\nO son of my vows, [b]<\/font><\/p>\n
\nyour vigor on those who ruin kings.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nnot for kings to drink wine,
\nnot for rulers to crave beer,<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand deprive all the oppressed of their rights.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nwine to those who are in anguish;<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand remember their misery no more.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nfor the rights of all who are destitute.<\/font><\/p>\n
\ndefend the rights of the poor and needy.”
\nEpilogue: The Wife of Noble Character<\/font><\/p>\n
\nShe is worth far more than rubies.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand lacks nothing of value.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nall the days of her life.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand works with eager hands.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nbringing her food from afar.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nshe provides food for her family
\nand portions for her servant girls.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nout of her earnings she plants a vineyard.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nher arms are strong for her tasks.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand her lamp does not go out at night.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand grasps the spindle with her fingers.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand extends her hands to the needy.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nfor all of them are clothed in scarlet.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nshe is clothed in fine linen and purple.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nwhere he takes his seat among the elders of the land.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand supplies the merchants with sashes.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nshe can laugh at the days to come.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand faithful instruction is on her tongue.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand does not eat the bread of idleness.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nher husband also, and he praises her:<\/font><\/p>\n
\nbut you surpass them all.”<\/font><\/p>\n
\nbut a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.<\/font><\/p>\n
\nand let her works bring her praise at the city gate.<\/font><\/p>\n