I have decided to begin my personal reflections by talking about Faith. It is an elusive yet ubiquitous aspect of human kinds existence. It permeates all human action and interaction. It under writes every decision we make, for better or worse.

It seems to me that for a Christian Believer, the issue of faith can quickly become a complicated affair when brought to bear on the blunt realities of the finite world and everyday life. I have had numerous arguments with friends in the past about the tenebrous mindset of many sincere Christians.  Many seem hard pressed in their grasp for efficacy and consistency in the interpretation of spiritual convictions - against the backdrop of the immutable challenges  they face in the material world. There is an afflictive disconnect. For the want of a legitimate term - Psycho-Spiritual balance is sorely lacking (from an evidential standpoint).

Many Believers refer to what they call the interaction between two spheres of human existence - the spirit man and the carnal man (I would prefer to qualify the carnal man as the finite mind and body). All Christians deal with this real phenomenon in one form or another. Unfortunately, I cannot think of very many who  successfully manage their total human existence on a consistent and effectual basis. I have seen some become extra holy in an effort to " subjugate the carnal mind with all its impure and God less  thoughts". Many of them become escapists - placing all emphasis on the spirit man. These folks are constantly busy about church affairs while neglecting their family obligations. In addition, some of them damage their health in the process.  Issues of poor physical health and family dysfunction are rampant among these people.  Mental exhaustion (including nervous breakdown) is also common. They are heavenly minded but no earthly good!

There are others who are good Christians on Sunday, but lamentable examples of Christian conduct every other day. I have experienced this with many of the managers/ supervisors I worked with over the years of my career. Other Christians lead double lives, as witnesses on Sundays (or in certain spiritual settings) , while conducting adulterous affairs. Then there are those folks that constantly "see" Satan behind every tree and under every rock!

I believe that bad or incomplete information often gets us into more calamitous positions, than any particular concept of Satan! Many of the examples I highlighted above are often the result of faulty information. The human spiritual teachers and authorities are often to blame. However, these people are often poorly trained themselves in the promotion of effective psycho-spiritual balance techniques.  Furthermore, the Bible and Church Prayer Books are the only materials they compel their adherents to read.

Very few of us are encouraged to spend time with ourselves - to get to that special  space , where we are truly free to explore ourselves and our unique existence. 

I have made it an essential part of my personal work (in terms of self development) to apprehend this imbalance in my life. I do this conscientiously. I recognized that the unctuous climate I am exposed to constantly compels  me to expand my mental fortitude even as I feed my spirit. This includes reading beneficial self help material in addition to the Bible. As a matter of fact, I have found that the prudent combination of motivational  self help material and "The Good Book" not only heightens ones level of consciousness, it also serves to promote positive  lifestyle changes.  Health and personal attitude (towards one's  own strengths and imperfections) also improve. This in turn guarantees the development of a sense of appreciation for a higher authority. In other words, there is now  visible personal development and a sustainable balance between the spiritual and carnal states.

In my ongoing efforts towards self development and balance, I read  and study  reputable material. The following books are considered to be the legendary in their impact on the lives of the readers. They are:

1. The Magic of Thinking Big - David Schwartz (I've completed this one)

2. How I raised myself from failure to success in selling - Frank Bettger (I've completed this one)

3. How to have confidence and power in dealing with people - Les Giblin (I've completed this one)

4. How to win friends and influence people - Dale Carnegie

5. Positive Personality Profiles - Robert Rohm

6. The 5 Love Languages - Gary Chapman

7. Understanding the Purpose and Power of Woman - Myles Munroe (a recommendation from a friend)

I have realized positive results in the application of many of the principles and concepts outlined in the books I have covered. In addition, I regularly utilize the King James Study Bible for my private spiritual meditation. My Psycho Spiritual development is progressing rapidly and the changes are measurable.  If my pace slows down, I will still feel comfortable because I recognize that Psycho Spiritual development is a lifelong process. I am grasping a greater sense of purpose... and hence personal fulfillment!

 Its all in the process...