Chapter 85
The Eagle of Divine Justice
Now in his word, sole, ruminating, joy’d That blessed spirit; and I fed on mine, Tempting the sweet with bitter: she meanwhile, Who led me unto God, admonish’d: “Muse On other thoughts: bethink thee, that near Him I dwell, who recompenseth every wrong.” At the sweet sounds of comfort straight I turn’d; And, in the saintly eyes what love was seen, I leave in silence here: nor through distrust Of my words only, but that to such bliss The mind remounts not without aid. Thus much Yet may I speak; that, as I gaz’d on her, Affection found no room…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Authority Audit: Self-Serving vs. Mission-Serving
Think of someone in authority over you (boss, politician, coach, pastor). List three recent decisions they made. For each decision, ask: 'Who really benefited from this choice?' Then flip it: think of a time when you had authority over others (as a parent, trainer, team lead). Apply the same test to your own decisions.
Consider:
- •Look for patterns—do their decisions consistently benefit the mission or consistently benefit them personally?
- •Consider both obvious benefits (money, status) and subtle ones (avoiding difficult conversations, maintaining popularity)
- •Notice the difference between leaders who sacrifice for the mission versus those who sacrifice the mission for themselves
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between what was easy for you personally and what was right for the people counting on you. How did you decide, and what would you do differently now?
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