We Don’t Need More To Be Joyful – We are many times deceived by Satan when we become discontent with what we have and focus on having more, because we believe the next “thing” will bring us contentment. Perhaps for a moment, but the discontentment sets in as soon as another friend purchases something we believe we would like better. The images we build in our minds is not reality. It is as elusive as a butterfly. Contentment comes in serving God and having a grateful heart and being contented with such things as we have.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
Blaming Others – I heard this yesterday. Men were blaming women for their failure in getting to destinations when they were traveling. I told them the first case of “passing the buck” was found in Genesis. Adam blamed God for his disobedience, and Eve blamed the serpent. They still told me it was the woman’s fault. I told them she had responsibility as well as the man and man did not have to listen. Let us own up to our responsibilities and stop blaming others for our failures. When we recognize our weaknesses and mistakes, we are on the road to taking full responsibility and working on ourselves as Christians by adding the virtues described in the fruit of the Spirit.
“And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Genesis 3:11-13
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Worrying is a Waste of Time – Our Lord gave us 21st century medicine when He told us worry is useless. As Mark Twain once said, “Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway.” Put another way. “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives us something to do, but doesn’t get us anywhere.” This is one of the most prevalent problems in our lives. Our stomachs churn, we fret, won’t eat, or eat too much, and in the end worry never changed a thing.
“But seek ye fist the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34
Our Best Lessons Come From the Hardest Days – When we have bad days, we think they will never end, but when placed into perspective, we learn more from the bad days than the good. Growth in our Christian lives is hard and the low points teach us truths we never would otherwise have. Persevere and work through the times you feel the lowest. You won’t always feel that way, but will come through with a better understanding of life, empathy and sympathy for others.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1
Focus on the Depth of Life, Not the Length – Most of us sit around talking about how long we might potentially live. And foolishly so, for we never know the hour of our departure. We cannot control how long we will live, but we can add depth to our lives by focusing on God’s Word.
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalms 90:10
Confusing Busy With Being Productive – I know of many like this. Busy, busy, busy. It is true we have many things which daily pull on us. Focus on the essential and drop off the non-essential. Focusing only on those things which truly matter in our lives and give depth and meaning, purpose and direction. Associate with those who build you up in the faith and keep you focused on your goal (heaven).
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes: 12:13-14
“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Eileen Light