IDEAL (The Call to be Fully Human)

Kingdoms Mineral - existence Plant - life Animal Animal - instinct Man - rational

Man’s Superiority (3 Main Reasons) Intellect to think and seek the truth Freedom to choose to determine preference to make decisions Will to act, to pursue that which is desirable

Consequences of Superiority Humans go beyond their own lives Humans shape their own destiny Humans are responsible for their free actions Humans can lose their essence and identity

Dehumanization Materialism – toward the purely material Man can lose his human identity: Materialism – toward the purely material desire to acquire material possessions Angelism – toward the purely spiritual disengages from the needs and cares of others detached from reality

Limitations & Possibilities of Being Human Evil, Injustice & Unhappiness Still Exist Desire for Happiness (self-fulfillment) Self-Centeredness (greatest limitation) Possibilities Enormous Potential Due to Innate Talents Potential is Best Realized by Setting Goals

Human Development Giving of oneself can be directed to 4 areas: The primary motivating force in life is love - it is the highest level of human development Giving of oneself can be directed to 4 areas: Self – achieving goals Objects – accomplishing a project Ideas – striving for a cause Persons – helping others in need

Process of Becoming Fully Human (requirements for the individual) 1. Choose a goal 2. Gain conviction for that goal 3. Let the goal fulfill aspirations 4. The goal sets the criteria for actions 5. Achieving the goal becomes a way of life

What is an Ideal? The Center of our Goals The Combination of our Ideas, Aspirations, and Preferences Sums up Happiness for the person Axis of the person’s life

Ideals (2 Elements) Vision – the combination of ideas, aspirations and preferences of life (static) Motivation – the force that moves a person to achieve the vision (dynamic)

Goals IDEAL Happiness Peace Ideas Aspirations Achievement Honor Perfection Justice Glory Knowledge Preferences

Authentic Ideal Vital – provides great meaning Capable of satisfying a person’s every need Vital – provides great meaning Complete – will lead us toward maturity Attainable – will prevent discouragement Motivational – provides strength and courage Gives us a purpose in life, to rise above self

Influence of the Ideal on Life Authentic Ideal Gives purpose to life Causes a person to rise above self Forms persons who are vital, hopeful, realistic and in love with life Gives direction to life

Discover Your Ideal YOUR IDEAL Where do my Thoughts go? Where does my Time go? Where does my Money go? Where does my Energy go? … There, You Will Find … YOUR IDEAL