Throwback Moodle Post: Life Research: A Review of Heart Validity, Reliability, and Perceptions

Dust off your Masters thesis.  Pull out the research methodology books.  There are a few key terms that need to be mentioned here in the introduction of this blog:

Validity: The quality of being logical or factually sound.
----- Validation: To declare something valid or corroborate its soundness. -----

Reliability: Produces consistent and stable results.

Perception: Cognitive awareness of an attitude on a given subject or situation.

Several weeks ago, I asked a hard question that has lead into a heart quest.  The question was, "God, what are some attitudes / behaviors that I need to change that will bring me closer to You, help me love people better / well, and improve my attitude about my life?" This was a mixed methods study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data.  There were two models represented in the framework of this study.  One was theoretical (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) and the other factual (the Truth).  I realize that may be subjective to some, but this is my study.  The results were a long weepy January with realizations that were at times difficult to swallow, but hey spiritual renewal is supposed to be tough yet rewarding! (Unlike the writing of the real thesis...)

Unconsciously I have been seeking validation from people and accomplishments.  Validation is a funny thing.  It's scary how our heart can give God thanks and praise out of one side and yet also desire worldly praise and acceptance from the other.  Even when praise and prizes have been abundant they haven't been enough to fill the huge perfectionist hole I've been digging for most of my life (approx. 1 zillion centimeters deep).   I have walls full of accomplishments that I resent at times because I don't believe who I am now measures up to who I was.  Zero reliability. In relationships where reciprocation and love languages are often are on varying levels, my need for validation is at its worst.  The love is deep and real from this end, but it's easy for me to convince myself that I'm not important to the other person (perception not reality), or there is some level of disappointment.  This has often resulted in the building of communication and emotional barrier(s) or (worse) termination of an important, wishfully long-term social experiment (aka relationships).  

Thank God for my little women's study group, truth filled revelations, and heartfelt confession / counsel that lead to the following CONCLUSIONS and a tried yet renewing heart:

1.  It does not matter how hard you work, how high the goals are, or how deep the love is; all of us fall desperately short of where we should be (Romans 3:23).  Hence why grace is so sweet and sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).    

2.  Justification and fulfillment are through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 13:39, Romans 3:24).

3.  If validation comes from God then we are able to see people through the lens of Christ and can love them completely simply because we love them without expectation, resentment of the past, or fear of the future.  (1 John 4:11-21).

4.  Our work and accomplishments are not burdensome or consuming when done unto Him rather than to satisfy selfishly unrealistic expectations (Colossians 3:23-24).

5.  Rest is achievable.  ("Rest does not =not working with all our might.  Rest = working with faith that God goes before us/works through us." -- Louie Giglio)  

Applications: To be determined....

Johnson, L.  pHD.  School of Reformed Thugs and Hard Knocks.