John 17:19-26

19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

At Christmas time we just celebrated Christ's birth, a wonderful way for the whole world to be reminded that we're not here for ourselves but to bring God glory - Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to all men.  I'm sure many of us sang that song, whether in Dutch or English but isn't that what the above verses also tell us?  

Jesus wants us to be one with each other, just as God the Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in God the Father.  How can we do that in the daily details of our lives?  One way is to think SOG in every situation.  Make it your default setting or operating system.

Self-aware: How am I feeling and acting? More specifically …

• What am I feeling? (Typical answers: competitive, irritated, insecure, envious, embarrassed, defensive, frustrated, fearful, angry, hopeless)
• Why do I feel this way? (I failed at something. Didn’t get what I want. Fear I’ll lose something. Someone criticized me. Tried to control me. Betrayed me.)
• What am I inclined to do? (Assume I know more than others. Clam up. Speak too much or too forcefully. Accuse or justify. Press others to see things my way.)
• What will I do instead? (Listen patiently. Seek to understand. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Speak gently and graciously.)

Other-aware: How am I affecting others? More specifically …

• What do others seem to be feeling? (Note their words, body language, tone of voice)
• What do others seem to need? Want? Fear?
• How am I impacting others? (Am I confusing, irritating, frustrating, hurting, judging, manipulating, or punishing them?)
• Is this really the best time to talk, counsel, or correct?
• How can I serve others? Look out for their interests?
• How can I demonstrate genuine love and forgiveness?

God-aware: How is God involved? More specifically …

• Who is God? What is he like?
• What could he be up to in this situation?
• Am I acting in faith or unbelief? Do I trust in him or myself?
• What difference does the gospel make?
• How can I pray? What Scriptures can guide me?

How can I show that I love, trust, and obey God above all things?