(99845,1,'2020-03-14 22:30:25','2020-03-14 20:30:25','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue\nthat is as half as decisive as the issue of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few takes-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having\nasserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles\nof modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our\nedification and the edification of those we have influence over. These\nprinciples are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality of others. In\nother words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the\nbenefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are\nNOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the\nshortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid\nand formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principles of modesty are a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:30:25','2020-03-14 20:30:25','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99846,1,'2020-03-14 22:30:47','2020-03-14 20:30:47','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue\nthat is as half as decisive as the issue of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few takes-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having\nasserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles\nof modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our\nedification and the edification of those we have influence over. These\nprinciples are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality of others. In\nother words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the\nbenefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are\nNOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the\nshortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid\nand formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:30:47','2020-03-14 20:30:47','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99847,1,'2020-03-14 22:31:31','2020-03-14 20:31:31','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue\nthat is as half as decisive as the issue of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few takes-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:31:31','2020-03-14 20:31:31','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99848,1,'2020-03-14 22:32:35','2020-03-14 20:32:35','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few takes-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:32:35','2020-03-14 20:32:35','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99849,1,'2020-03-14 22:33:12','2020-03-14 20:33:12','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:33:12','2020-03-14 20:33:12','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99850,1,'2020-03-14 22:35:30','2020-03-14 20:35:30','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:35:30','2020-03-14 20:35:30','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99851,1,'2020-03-14 22:38:46','2020-03-14 20:38:46','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but His defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:38:46','2020-03-14 20:38:46','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99852,1,'2020-03-14 22:40:51','2020-03-14 20:40:51','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental\nhygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio\nof zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this\nissue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere\nsocialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the\nconfines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and\nexperiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition\nis what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of\ndead formalistic traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true\nfellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence; which\nderives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human\nbeing. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are not for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-14 22:40:51','2020-03-14 20:40:51','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99855,1,'2020-03-15 07:50:13','2020-03-15 05:50:13','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged. This spirit derives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human being. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 07:50:13','2020-03-15 05:50:13','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99854,1,'2020-03-15 06:57:03','2020-03-15 04:57:03','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God in our homes, in whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. We do not go to church to meet God primarily, although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations which have nothing at all to do with God. Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged. This spirit derives from Christian love and high levels of tolerance for the next human being. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 06:57:03','2020-03-15 04:57:03','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99856,1,'2020-03-15 07:53:01','2020-03-15 05:53:01','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans that neither don\'t dress like us not conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of\ndress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to\nsubjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to\nwork with and thus inevitably undermining the wisdom of God in giving&nbsp; the principle. While superficial and\npreferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the\nprinciple are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 07:53:01','2020-03-15 05:53:01','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99857,1,'2020-03-15 07:53:39','2020-03-15 05:53:39','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans that neither don\'t dress like us not conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up  to His satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the\nprinciple of modest is to ask a few questions when dealing with the issue of\ndress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 07:53:39','2020-03-15 05:53:39','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99858,1,'2020-03-15 07:54:50','2020-03-15 05:54:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans that neither don\'t dress like us not conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie\nand a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone\nholy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 07:54:50','2020-03-15 05:54:50','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99859,1,'2020-03-15 07:56:43','2020-03-15 05:56:43','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led to the Jews crucifying their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans that neither don\'t dress like us not conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning modest yet casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those whom we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie and a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone holy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to: salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 07:56:43','2020-03-15 05:56:43','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99860,1,'2020-03-15 08:02:38','2020-03-15 06:02:38','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led the Jews to crucify their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans that neither don\'t dress like us not conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning modest yet casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those whom we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie and a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone holy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to: salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 08:02:38','2020-03-15 06:02:38','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99861,1,'2020-03-15 08:03:28','2020-03-15 06:03:28','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led the Jews to crucify their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans who neither dress like us nor conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning modest yet casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those whom we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie and a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone holy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to: salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 08:03:28','2020-03-15 06:03:28','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99862,1,'2020-03-15 08:05:58','2020-03-15 06:05:58','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.  At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore, we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led the Jews to crucify their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans who neither dress like us nor conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning modest yet casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those whom we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether or not their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie and a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone holy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to: salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 08:05:58','2020-03-15 06:05:58','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99865,1,'2020-03-15 11:03:41','2020-03-15 09:03:41','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99839} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/churh-and-dress-code-suit-and-neck-tie-bondage-1024x364.png\" alt=\"Suit and necktie bondage. Church and dress code\" class=\"wp-image-99839\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I can barely imagine any issue that is as half as divisive as the issues of dress and music in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The point of departure for\nthis post is captured in the title, “Does wearing a suit and a necktie make you\nholy?”. “Suit and necktie” are chosen for immediate resonance and are by no\nmeans used to disenfranchise the females from the discourse. By extension, the\nquestion interrogates the issue of what holiness really is and whether or not\nlegalistic impositions on conduct for corporate worship do hold water. The\nquestion that also arises, inescapably is, what attire is acceptable for\nchurch? Should such a question even arise?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Two framing contentions.</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>Some Christians feel people need to come dressed at their “best” when they come to church for they come to meet their King and as such they have to be in their best (formal) attire and conduct.</li><li>Some feel the issue of attire is a non-issue as the defining principle of true worship is worshiping God in spirit and truth.</li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<strong> Let’s delve into a few insights and then conclude with a few biblical guidelines</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let’s deal with the first\nframing contention that asserts that we should come to church at our best\nattire (and in most cases “best” is misused as synonym for “formal”) as we are\ncoming to meet our King, as a matter of fact, the King of the Universe. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This notion seems to curry favor with a lot of average Christian thinking that has been regrettably entrenched as gospel truth. The argument that when we come to church we are coming to meet our King and thus we should be in the best (formal) of our attires only holds water until we appreciate that the very King is our Father. Now, Do you really need to dress up to meet your Dad? God is many things to us but the defining principle for our relationship with Him is that He is our Father, for we are His sons and daughters.&nbsp; At this point there is no need to deconstruct the “formalistic” spat further, its flawed framing is sufficiently and defectively untenable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Secondly, God is omnipresent. This denotes that He is present everywhere without necessarily having to be physically present everywhere for He arts in heaven. The nub of this fact is that we live in the presence of God every time everywhere. In whatever business we do in our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and elsewhere (everywhere) God is ever present. Therefore,[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]we do not go to church to meet God primarily (We go to church  with God), although we ultimately do as He is the center of what we go to church for. Nonetheless we go to church primarily to fellowship with fellow humans, of course in the presence of an ever present God. Thus; most of our notions of decorum and propriety are informed more by culture and human expectations and have nothing at all to do with God. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Nothing is sad as seeing humanity anoint mere tradition on the throne of gospel truth and generations swallowing the formalistic palaver as if it were a thus saith the Lord. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In order to exercise mental hygiene on this issue, the formalistic tribe who are driven by a lopsided ratio of zeal to knowledge must interrogate the basis of their positions on this issue. In most cases the dogmatic overbearing disposition stems from mere socialisation. There is no wisdom in reason that is circumscribed within the confines of socialisation and taps not from the rich and diverse cultures and experiences outside its place of birth and imminent death. A fixation on mere tradition is what led the Jews to crucify their own messiah. Perish the thought of dead formalistic and parochial traditionalism. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest currency for true fellowship and Christianity is social literacy or social intelligence. Godly social literacy places a high premium on fellow humans and ceases to cast fellow mortals as mere objects to be judged and regulated. This spirit derives from true Christian love and a high level of tolerance for fellow mortals humans who neither dress like us nor conduct themselves as we do. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Biblical guidelines on dress</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>&nbsp;1 Peter 3:3-4 </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>3 Your beauty should not come\nfrom outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold\njewellery or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the\nunfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s\nsight.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"left\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:left\"><strong>A few take-homes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> While the preferential aspects of modesty are subjective, the principle is objective </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One fundamental principle of dress across the bible is modesty. Then there are those of us who will seek to subjectivise and relativise the issue of modesty until there is nothing left to work with and thus inevitably undermine the wisdom of God in giving out the principle. While superficial and preferential aspects of modesty can be debated, the core fundaments of the principle are sufficiently objective. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Modesty fundamentally means that whatever is chosen as dress or attire should not emphasise sexuality. If you are struggling with what this means and boils down to practically, I have no doubt in my mind that God will help you in this regard if you are sincere. Prescriptivism has been one major problem around the issue of dress and to venture into prescribing mechanically what to wear or what not to wear is to miss the point by a huge stretch. My view is that Jesus has no struggle whatsoever in dressing his children up to His divine satisfaction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The best way to assimilate the principle of modest is to ask a few questions when deciding on the issues of dress:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Does this attire deemphasise my sexuality? </strong></li><li><strong>Does the attire help me focus less on myself and more on God? </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>If you can answer “yes” (earnestly) to those two questions then go ahead and wear it. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By the way, the above questions form the reason why most people are comfortable in adorning modest yet casual attire rather than rocking up in overly formal wear at church. In most cases, encumbering formal wear like a suit or anything similar for females, tend to keep the wearer more self-conscious and self-absorbed than modest yet casual apparel that essentially divests attention from self.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Principles of Modesty are for our edification </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is very important. Having asserted the objective principle of modesty I have to state that the principles of modesty and all education on how we should conduct ourselves are for our edification and the edification of those whom we have influence over. These principles are NOT for sizing up or measuring the spirituality (Judging) of others. In other words, the biblical principles of modesty are for our benefit and the benefit of those we have access to influence positively. These principles are NOT for policing fellow mortals and curating their spirituality based on the shortness or lengths of their skirts or on whether or not their attires meet our rigid and formalistic human standards. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h2>The principle of modesty is a shield and not a weapon.</h2>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider this, “The foul spirit of forming negative and uninformed opinions about others is the outcome of the “judge” over estimating their importance and esteeming themselves better than the “judged” in a convoluted paradigm of comparative holiness.” (<strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy, Expound: 2020</a>)</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In conclusion, wearing a tie and a suit or whatever the equivalent are for females does not make anyone holy. Holiness is an outcome of: rather than a means to: salvation. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Don’t hesitate to share your\nthoughts below. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Recommended Post: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://expound.org.za/why-do-we-judge-others/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy (opens in a new tab)\">Judgementalism: The Scourge of Chronic Introspective Illiteracy</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Does wearing a suit and necktie make you holy? Mental hygiene on church and dress','','inherit','closed','closed','','99838-revision-v1','','','2020-03-15 11:03:41','2020-03-15 09:03:41','',99838,'https://expound.org.za/99838-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99892,1,'2020-03-26 16:46:27','2020-03-26 14:46:27','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly curated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have gone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then link to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you, our reader. I must emphasize though that the emphasis is more on getting yourself on a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle on them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.&nbsp; Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or experience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing off the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t complete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain is teeming with ideas, the 21 days will sure get you on a solid footing. Once you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will have certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not only have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have scoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Each lesson is personalized for the student to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. And here is the best part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do not mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are. &nbsp;If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','publish','open','open','','8-activities-plus-practical-how-to-guides-you-can-ace-in-the-21-covid-19-lockdown-days','','\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up','2020-03-26 20:03:29','2020-03-26 18:03:29','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99892',0,'post','',0),(99971,14,'2020-04-25 17:03:32','2020-04-25 15:03:32','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use the bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br>Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. The law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart, \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote the book, Christ Our Righteousness on page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br>Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Paul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by which we access salvation, the grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br> So in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace, received by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is unmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s exercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly dismisses any sense of entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. In the latter verse we just read, the bible puts it clearly that, \"Because of grace, you have salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\". As we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without faith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come to an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the point of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please God. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith rightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\" . Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold of that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are able to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our sins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as if we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ to continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find a very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>As I draw to a close, let me put this across: <br><strong>For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br></strong><br>I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted found in the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-25 17:03:32','2020-04-25 15:03:32','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99938,2,'2020-04-23 14:23:26','2020-04-23 12:23:26','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99942} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunity-1024x521.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99942\"/><figcaption>pixabay.com</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The global Covid-19 pandemic has among many things, heightened the principle of health consciousness. The crisis has also sparked many conversations around how the human body works, how it fights disease or how it succumbs to it. In this post I endeavor to explore God\'s natural defense system, the human immune system with a view to simplify it while putting a lense on how the masterpiece of human anatomy declares the wondrous glory of our Maker.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When David proclaimed,” I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, Psalms 139:14,  He probably wasn’t talking about his lavish looks and outstanding physique, although we cannot totally exclude that. He was probably talking about something deeper. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\nis evident from the multiple psalms that he wrote that he was an intelligent\nman who liked to apply his mind to great lengths on God\'s Creative work. Could\nit be that when he penned this very scripture his mind was amused by the\nwonders of human anatomy and physiology? Could it be that he considered the\nwonder of a healing wound, the mystery of how a thought is created and how your\ntongue knows how to control the food to&nbsp;make sure it doesn\'t go down your\nwindpipe? The possibilities are endless really, but I know this is the very scripture\nthat comes to mind when I look at the systems of the human body.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwant us to consider the most exquisite yet underrated systems of the human body\n- The&nbsp;Immune system. I will try to keep this as simple and informative as\nI possibly can. Do leave questions and comments and let\'s expand our knowledge\ntogether.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What\nis The Immune System?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99939} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Immunopedia-_-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99939\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><em>(IMMUNOPEDIA.ORG)</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\nprobably know about the respiratory system(your lungs) that enables you to get\noxygen into your body and the cardiac system– your heart and all the arteries.\nThe Immune system is different. It is not a single organ; it comprises of\nmultiple organs and tissues. These includes your bone marrow, tonsils, spleen,\nthymus and lymph nodes.&nbsp; The organs make\nand keep cells, proteins and chemicals that work together to keep your body\nfrom disease causing pathogens (also known as germs which include bacteria,\nviruses etc.).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nfirst line of defense is made up of structures we can see; the skin, tears, the\nhair in your nose and ears. These are known as physical barriers and prevent\npathogens from entering the body. When these barriers are compromised due to\ndysfunction or because the pathogen is too aggressive, the internal systems\nthen take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> The main role players of the internal system are cytokines and Immune cells.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cytokines\nare chemicals produced by most immune cells; they are the main line of\ncommunication in the immune system. They are responsible for the recruitment,\nactivation and growth of immune cells. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nbone marrow makes millions of immune cells and releases them into the blood.\nThese cells then travel into lymph nodes, tonsils and other Immune organs\nthrough the blood and await to be summoned by an infection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Phagocytes\nand lymphocytes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare several types of immune cells, the two groups we will focus on are\nphagocytes and lymphocytes.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Phagocytes\nare fast acting, non-specific cells. They detect a foreign object in the body\nand try to get rid of it as fast as possible before it can cause an illness.\nThey do this by either engulfing the object, producing toxic substances to\nterminate it or chemicals that will make the pathogen immobile.&nbsp;They also\ntake a sample of the foreign object and present it to the Lymphocytes. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Lymphocytes are more sophisticated, are specific and take a long time to act. They study the sample presented by the phagocytes and tailor make the attack mechanisms for the invading pathogen. They are responsible for keeping a memory of past infections—the reason why vaccines work and the reason why you can only get Chicken Pox once in your lifetime. There are two types of lymphocytes, T-cell and B-cells. T-cells are responsible for sending signals, in the form of cytokines, to other cells on what exactly to do. They also kill&nbsp;our own cells that have been infected. B-cells make substances called antibodies that flag the pathogens and help other cells of the immune system to know who the bad guy is.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These\ncells work together, constantly sending signals back and forth, optimizing the\naction of clearing an infection. More like the CSI trying to catch a hard-core\ncriminal. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How\ndoes all this work?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Imagine\nyou are running for the taxi and then you trip and fall hard. You scratch your\nknee, It starts bleeding and reddening, it’s a really bad wound. The first\nsignal your body sends is pain, telling you that there is something wrong and\nyou need to do something about it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So,\npain isn’t a very bad thing after all. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember\nthat your skin is the first line of defense, so in this case your front-line\nsoldier is down, now the internal systems need to take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99940} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunopedia-_-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99940\"/><figcaption>(Immunopedia.org)</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Damaged\nskin sends signals to the phagocytes which come rushing to clear whatever\ninfection might be starting to build up. That is why after some time you see a\nyellowish substance on the wound, those are dead immune cells that sacrificed\ntheir lives to save your knee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;Let’s say a really bad pathogen manages to\novercome your phagocytes and infects your cells.&nbsp; The B and T-cells then come to the scene.\nThese guys are aggressive and have every bit of information about the pathogen.\nThey know exactly how to attack; remember they are very specific. They also\nkeep bits and pieces of the pathogen, so the body remembers in case of a future\ninfection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All\nthis happens in our own bodies and we can’t even see any of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nthat we have an idea of what the immune system is and how it works, we can\nexplore ways to strengthen it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The\nnutritional needs of our immune system</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare Vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the optimum performance of\nyour immune system and of course other systems of your body. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nA </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (i.e. it makes sure your immune system\ndoes not get over activated which is very dangerous)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\ncan get it from foods like Carrots, Pumpkin, squash and Sweet potatoes. Try to\neat the vegetables with the skin on because that is where all the goodness is.\nThese foods contain compounds known as carotenoids that give them their color\nand this is the very compound that is turned into Vitamin A. So, cooking your\nfood until it loses color isn’t a very good idea. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nC </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nexact mechanism of how this vitamin boosts your immune system is unknown. What\nwe know is that it keeps respiratory infections away and may keep you cold free\nthrough the winter months (Coincidence that citrus fruits grow in winter? I\nthink not) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nVitamin C in not only found in citrus fruits, you can also get a good portion\nin leafy green vegetables like spinach and Broccoli.&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nD </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes,\nbasking in the sun boosts your immune system but what about the seasons when\nthe sun doesn’t shine so bright.?&nbsp; What\nif you leave your home at dawn and return at dusk? Worry not, you can get\nVitamin D from fatty fish and fortified foods such as milk, cereals and orange\njuice. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nE </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Again,\nthis is a very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Eating\nyour leafy greens, GRAINS and nuts will ensure you get sufficient supply. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99941} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pickuplimes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99941\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\">&nbsp;\n(Pickuplimes.com)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Folate\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwas under the impression that this mineral is only necessary for expecting mothers\nuntil I became vegetarian and learnt the enormous role it plays in the health\nof red blood cells and the nervous system. Folate is very important and\naccessible. With adequate consumption of beans, leafy green vegetables, peas\nand whole grain foods you’ll be good to go. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Zinc\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis a very important element. Research has shown that it prevents and aids in\nthe treatment of Diarrhea. Foods like chickpeas and yogurt contain enough zinc\nto keep your immune cells in good shape. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>I\npurposefully made a list of vitamins and minerals and not food items. What is\nimportant is that you get the essential nutrition and not only obsesses about\ncertain foods. So, go ahead, research, find out which other fruits and\nvegetables have the above-mentioned vitamins and play around with your plate! </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good\nblood circulation is important for the function of your immune system as the\nImmune cells travel to the site of infection through the blood. Exercise and\nproper hydration must be your best friends to optimize the quality of your\ncirculatory system. Turmeric and Cayenne pepper are also potent blood\ncleansers. Be careful, Turmeric consumed in high quantities can thin your blood\nand cause bleeding disorders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Regular\nand healthy sleeping patterns also improve the functioning of your immune\nsystem. Your body gets time to replenish itself and we know that healing takes\nplace while we’re resting. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\nThe insights shared above are not only helpful in this Covid-19 dispensation where our health consciousness has become central, but are universal and timeliness. \n\nTake care of your body and your body well take care of you. Let me sign off with 3 John\n1:2 <br> \n“Beloved,I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>References </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul> \n<li> Immunopedia.org </li>\n<li> Health.havard.edu  </li>\n<li> Healthline.com  </li>\n</ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','God’s Natural Defense System','','publish','open','open','','gods-natural-defense-system','','','2020-04-24 10:42:28','2020-04-24 08:42:28','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99938',0,'post','',0),(99939,1,'2020-04-23 13:55:33','2020-04-23 11:55:33','','Immunopedia-_-1','','inherit','open','closed','','immunopedia-_-1','','','2020-04-23 13:55:33','2020-04-23 11:55:33','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Immunopedia-_-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99940,1,'2020-04-23 13:56:21','2020-04-23 11:56:21','','immunopedia-_-2','','inherit','open','closed','','immunopedia-_-2','','','2020-04-23 13:56:21','2020-04-23 11:56:21','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunopedia-_-2.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99941,1,'2020-04-23 13:57:22','2020-04-23 11:57:22','','pickuplimes','','inherit','open','closed','','pickuplimes','','','2020-04-23 13:57:22','2020-04-23 11:57:22','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pickuplimes.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99875,1,'2020-03-18 15:23:49','2020-03-18 13:23:49','','Home page','','inherit','closed','closed','','5499-revision-v1','','','2020-03-18 15:23:49','2020-03-18 13:23:49','',5499,'https://expound.org.za/5499-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99876,1,'2020-03-18 15:29:41','2020-03-18 13:29:41','','expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis','','inherit','open','closed','','expound-quotables-god-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis','','','2020-03-18 15:29:41','2020-03-18 13:29:41','',0,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99878,1,'2020-03-18 15:32:15','2020-03-18 13:32:15','','covid-19-awareness-campaign-and-live-stats','','inherit','open','closed','','covid-19-awareness-campaign-and-live-stats','','','2020-03-18 15:32:15','2020-03-18 13:32:15','',0,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/covid-19-awareness-campaign-and-live-stats.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99879,1,'2020-03-18 17:21:15','2020-03-18 15:21:15','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this pandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a> publishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that struck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a single day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me” attitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent disaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and circulating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to scampering for some essentials after discovering that we did not have critical essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were able to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we were generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear view. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his disciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following his crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The disciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They could not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised yet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised when it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and sadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ when they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking activities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters. With no premier league, public drinking banned in some places, and all major events that consume the capital of modern life cancelled it is indeed a great time to reflect, reboot and focus on the most important object of life, our origin and our ultimate destiny. This is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric however the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and done, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the threat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power and influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to do the best one can to hold on to dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now it’s here and now it is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality is found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men (Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human beings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities straight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Check Out: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Expound Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','publish','open','open','','lessons-and-undying-hope-from-the-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic','','','2020-03-19 20:50:49','2020-03-19 18:50:49','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99879',0,'post','',6),(99880,1,'2020-03-18 17:18:37','2020-03-18 15:18:37','','expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1','','inherit','open','closed','','expound-quotables-god-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1','','','2020-03-18 17:18:37','2020-03-18 15:18:37','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99881,1,'2020-03-18 17:21:15','2020-03-18 15:21:15','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this\npandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a>\npublishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that\nstruck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a\nsingle day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me”\nattitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent\ndisaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and\ncirculating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to\nscampering for some essentials after discovering that we did have critical essentials\nlike masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were\nable to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we\nwere generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear\nview. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his\ndisciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following\nhis crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The\ndisciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They\ncould not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised\nyet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised\nwhen it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and\nsadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ\nwhen they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking\nactivities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters.\nThis is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric\nhowever the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and\ndone, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the\nthreat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power\nand influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to clutch at straws for\nnothing else but dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now\nit’s here and now is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality\nis found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the\nlife. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men\n(Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human\nbeings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities\nstraight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in\nevery situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your\nrequests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will\nguard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Lessons and Undying Hope from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-18 17:21:15','2020-03-18 15:21:15','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99883,1,'2020-03-18 17:25:58','2020-03-18 15:25:58','','Covid-19 Special Edition','','publish','closed','closed','','covid-19-special-edition','','','2020-12-19 14:06:04','2020-12-19 12:06:04','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99883',12,'nav_menu_item','',0),(99884,1,'2020-03-18 17:26:48','2020-03-18 15:26:48','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this\npandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a>\npublishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that\nstruck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a\nsingle day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me”\nattitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent\ndisaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and\ncirculating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to\nscampering for some essentials after discovering that we did have critical essentials\nlike masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were\nable to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we\nwere generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear\nview. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his\ndisciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following\nhis crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The\ndisciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They\ncould not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised\nyet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised\nwhen it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and\nsadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ\nwhen they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking\nactivities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters.\nThis is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric\nhowever the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and\ndone, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the\nthreat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power\nand influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to clutch at straws for\nnothing else but dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now\nit’s here and now is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality\nis found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the\nlife. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men\n(Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human\nbeings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities\nstraight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in\nevery situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your\nrequests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will\nguard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-18 17:26:48','2020-03-18 15:26:48','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99885,1,'2020-03-18 17:34:41','2020-03-18 15:34:41','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this\npandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a>\npublishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that\nstruck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a\nsingle day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me”\nattitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent\ndisaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and\ncirculating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to\nscampering for some essentials after discovering that we did have critical essentials\nlike masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were\nable to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we\nwere generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear\nview. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his\ndisciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following\nhis crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The\ndisciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They\ncould not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised\nyet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised\nwhen it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and\nsadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ\nwhen they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking\nactivities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters.\nThis is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric\nhowever the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and\ndone, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the\nthreat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power\nand influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to clutch at straws for\nnothing else but dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now\nit’s here and now is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality\nis found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the\nlife. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men\n(Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human\nbeings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities\nstraight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Recommended Post: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-18 17:34:41','2020-03-18 15:34:41','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99886,1,'2020-03-18 17:36:27','2020-03-18 15:36:27','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this\npandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a>\npublishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that\nstruck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a\nsingle day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me”\nattitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent\ndisaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and\ncirculating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to\nscampering for some essentials after discovering that we did have critical essentials\nlike masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were\nable to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we\nwere generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear\nview. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his\ndisciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following\nhis crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The\ndisciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They\ncould not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised\nyet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised\nwhen it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and\nsadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ\nwhen they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking\nactivities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters.\nThis is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric\nhowever the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and\ndone, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the\nthreat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power\nand influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to clutch at straws for\nnothing else but dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now\nit’s here and now is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality\nis found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the\nlife. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men\n(Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human\nbeings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities\nstraight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Check Out: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Expound Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-18 17:36:27','2020-03-18 15:36:27','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99887,1,'2020-03-19 09:05:53','2020-03-19 07:05:53','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this pandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.  Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a> publishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that struck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a single day.  The, “It won’t happen to me” attitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent disaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and circulating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to scampering for some essentials after discovering that we did not have critical essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were able to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we were generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear view. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his disciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following his crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The disciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.  Peter and John  literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They could not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised yet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised when it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and sadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ when they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking activities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters. With no premier league, public drinking banned in some places, and all major events that consumed the capital of modern life cancelled it is indeed a greet time to reflect, reboot and focus on the most important object of life, our origin and our ultimate destiny. This is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric however the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and done, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the threat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power and influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to do the best one can to hold on to dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now it’s here and now it is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality is found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men (Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human beings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities straight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Check Out: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Expound Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 09:05:53','2020-03-19 07:05:53','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99889,1,'2020-03-19 20:49:03','2020-03-19 18:49:03','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this pandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a> publishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that struck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a single day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me” attitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent disaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and circulating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to scampering for some essentials after discovering that we did not have critical essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were able to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we were generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear view. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his disciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following his crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The disciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They could not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised yet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised when it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and sadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ when they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking activities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters. With no premier league, public drinking banned in some places, and all major events that consume the capital of modern life cancelled it is indeed a great time to reflect, reboot and focus on the most important object of life, our origin and our ultimate destiny. This is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric however the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and done, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the threat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power and influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to do the best one can to hold on to dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now it’s here and now it is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality is found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men (Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human beings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities straight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks\nto us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pains. It is His megaphone to\nrouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Check Out: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Expound Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 20:49:03','2020-03-19 18:49:03','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99890,1,'2020-03-19 20:50:43','2020-03-19 18:50:43','<!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[99880]} -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/expound-quotables-God-whispers-to-us-through-our-pleasures-cs-lewis-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"99880\" data-link=\"https://expound.org.za/?attachment_id=99880#main\" class=\"wp-image-99880\"/></figure></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So, the Covid-19 Corona Virus is gripping the\nwhole world with every country declaring travel bans on the left, right and a\ncenter that can no longer hold. God doesn’t waste a crisis and already there\nare a few lessons we can draw from the pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 1. Things can change pretty fast </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If there is one thing,we can’t miss from this pandemic is that things can get bad pretty fast.&nbsp; Worldometers <a href=\"https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/\">https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</a> publishes live stats on the spread of Covid-19 and one piece of data that struck my mind was showing how South Africa had a double up of cases in a single day.&nbsp; The, “It won’t happen to me” attitude is the chief reason why people do not prepare even for imminent disaster. Over the past weeks we have transitioned from making jokes and circulating memes about the impact of the Coronavirus in China and Europe, to scampering for some essentials after discovering that we did not have critical essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers etc. Of course, situations vary as some were able to stock up on these before time. Nonetheless, the bottom-line is that we were generally caught under-prepared for a crisis we watched unfold in clear view. It reminds me of the scenario where Jesus had consistently told his disciples about his death and that he would be raised up the after 3 days. Following his crucifixion on a Friday Jesus resurrected on the Sunday morning. The disciples heard about His resurrection from Mary Magdalene.&nbsp; Peter and John &nbsp;literally ran to grave. (John 20: 1-9) They could not believe what had happened as relayed by Mary and they were surprised yet Jesus had made this plain to them beforehand. The disciples were surprised when it arrived. This paints a pitiful picture of the condition of humanity and sadly some Christians who will be “surprised” by the second coming of Christ when they have always preached it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 2. God has no struggle in getting our attention </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Clearly, God has no struggle in getting our\nattention. This is not the first time the world is plagued by a pandemic but\nthere is something unique about Covid-19. The virus spreads very quickly and\neasily even though it is not exactly airborne. Money, class, race or religion\nare completely irrelevant in this case. The swoop of Covid-19 is\nindiscriminate. Once more, all of us are unmistakably reminded of our\nfragilities and susceptibility. There is not much room to debate the existence\nof God and to indulge in unyielding academic arguments about God and religion.\nThe topmost priority of every soul that still breathes is survival, chances of\nwhich can easily range between slim and none in a very short space of time. In\na nutshell, if there is one thing we could all agree on, it is that people need\nthe Lord. This calls for introspection on where each person stands with God and\nwhether or not whatever anchors we have installed in our lives can hold.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is something profound the Psalmist says\nin Psalm 119: 67-71. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but\nnow I obey your word. 68 You are good, and what you do is good;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; teach me your decrees. 69 Though the\narrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. 70\nTheir hearts are callous and unfeeling,&nbsp;\nbut I delight in your law. 71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that\nI might learn your decrees.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><h3> 3. Vanity of vanities </h3></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With most public and pleasure-seeking activities called off, it is perhaps great time reflect on what really matters. With no premier league, public drinking banned in some places, and all major events that consume the capital of modern life cancelled it is indeed a great time to reflect, reboot and focus on the most important object of life, our origin and our ultimate destiny. This is not to say all public gatherings have no place in our human fabric however the salient take away from this situation is that when all is said and done, everything is vanity (perishable) including mortal life itself. At the threat of tragedy no one clutches at straws for their wealth, education, power and influence. The rallying call in face of danger is to do the best one can to hold on to dear life. While the life we have for now is just but mist (now it’s here and now it is gone) real life, embedded with true meaning and eternality is found in none other than Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. The idea of vanity of vanities as articulated by the wisest of all men (Solomon) does not seek to rubbish everything else in life and call for human beings to be hermits. Rather, it is a call to get our often lopsided priorities straight. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4.God always speaks </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>C.S. Lewis captured this thought succinctly. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a dead world.” C.S. Lewis</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. There is hope </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We have been educated that Covid-19 hits\nhardest those with weak immunity systems and we know that one way of effectively\ncompromising your immune system is to worry, to stress or to be anxious hence\nthe parting shot from Philippians 4:6-7 is apt: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3>Check Out: <a href=\"http://covid19.expound.org.za/\"> Covid-19 Expound Special Edition </a> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','Undying Hope and Lessons from the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic','','inherit','closed','closed','','99879-revision-v1','','','2020-03-19 20:50:43','2020-03-19 18:50:43','',99879,'https://expound.org.za/99879-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99894,1,'2020-03-26 16:14:52','2020-03-26 14:14:52','','khaya','','inherit','open','closed','','khaya','','','2020-03-26 16:14:52','2020-03-26 14:14:52','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/khaya.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(99895,1,'2020-03-26 16:21:38','2020-03-26 14:21:38','','Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.21.01-PM','','inherit','open','closed','','screen-shot-2020-03-26-at-4-21-01-pm','','','2020-03-26 16:21:38','2020-03-26 14:21:38','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.21.01-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99896,1,'2020-03-26 16:22:29','2020-03-26 14:22:29','','Khaya Gwebu _ Somebody_Tall','','inherit','open','closed','','screen-shot-2020-03-26-at-4-22-02-pm','','','2020-03-26 16:23:06','2020-03-26 14:23:06','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99897,1,'2020-03-26 16:46:27','2020-03-26 14:46:27','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Break that bad habit </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"I\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li><strong> 2. Write a best-selling book </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 3 Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 4. Learn music theory </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 5. Learn a music instrument </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>( MusicNotes.com <a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/\">https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/</a>)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: JustinGuitar https://www.justinguitar.com/</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore\nthis resource: At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites (<a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons</a>)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 6. Learn a computer programing language</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li><strong>Improve your Critical Thinking</strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </li> </ul>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:46:27','2020-03-26 14:46:27','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99899,1,'2020-03-26 16:54:25','2020-03-26 14:54:25','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<h3> Break that bad habit </h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"I\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 2. Write a best-selling book </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\">MusicNotes.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:54:25','2020-03-26 14:54:25','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99898,1,'2020-03-26 16:49:45','2020-03-26 14:49:45','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Break that bad habit </strong></li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"I\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 2. Write a best-selling book </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 3 Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 4. Learn music theory </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 5. Learn a music instrument </strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>( MusicNotes.com <a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/\">https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/</a>)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: JustinGuitar https://www.justinguitar.com/</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore\nthis resource: At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites (<a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons</a>)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 6. Learn a computer programing language</strong>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li><strong>Improve your Critical Thinking</strong></li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul style=\"list-type:none;\"><li><strong> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </li> </ul>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:49:45','2020-03-26 14:49:45','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99900,1,'2020-03-26 16:56:26','2020-03-26 14:56:26','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"I\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 2. Write a best-selling book </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\">MusicNotes.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:56:26','2020-03-26 14:56:26','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99901,1,'2020-03-26 16:56:41','2020-03-26 14:56:41','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"a\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 2. Write a best-selling book </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\">MusicNotes.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:56:41','2020-03-26 14:56:41','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99902,1,'2020-03-26 16:57:08','2020-03-26 14:57:08','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad\nHabits</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 2. Write a best-selling book </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\">MusicNotes.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 16:57:08','2020-03-26 14:57:08','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99905,1,'2020-03-26 17:12:08','2020-03-26 15:12:08','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:12:08','2020-03-26 15:12:08','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99904,1,'2020-03-26 17:00:28','2020-03-26 15:00:28','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\">How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</a>” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending\non your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on\nhow to go about things.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you game? Chime in at <a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\">kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"> MusicTheory.Net </a>\n </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A free course of Coursera on F<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\">undamentals of Music Theory</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with Vuyo Tshuma on <a href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\">VuyoMusic.com</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\">MusicNotes.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\">At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources <a href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\">Here.</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong><br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong><a href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle\nwith it plus, there is always room for improvement. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\">Critical Think Blog </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Other Critical Thinking Resources</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"the-law-of-attraction\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-law-of-attraction\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical\nthinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"college-info-geek\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-college-info-geek\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc from <a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"> How to Read Financial Statements </a>, to <a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"> Data Science Nano Degrees </a> across ,a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"> Digital Marketing. </a> </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:00:28','2020-03-26 15:00:28','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99906,1,'2020-03-26 17:15:38','2020-03-26 15:15:38','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 4. Learn music theory </strong></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:15:38','2020-03-26 15:15:38','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
