Good morning and happy Saturday. May God bless you throughout this week as you prepare your hearts for Thanksgiving. Let us strive to spend time reflecting upon all that God has done for us, the myriad of ways in which He has blessed us. May it result in the authentic and heartfelt giving of thanks to the One that so richly deserves our praise.
A couple of weeks ago, Michelle and I had the privilege of visiting some friends in Arkansas and in Mississippi. It was such a wonderful time reconnecting with some friends that we had not seen for quite a while. It was a fun time to catch up on what had been happening in their lives and to see the sights in the towns in which they live. One thing we did while visiting Rick and Marcia was to visit the school where Marcia works. As we toured her room, I noticed the various signs she had on her walls. I commented at the time that they would be good material for a future rambling. Well, the future has arrived. The first sign that caught my attention had a list of four questions. They are to help guide students to think through their situation and to make wise choices to move forward. The questions are as follows:
1. What are you doing?
2. What should you be doing?
3. Are you doing it?
4. What are you going to do about it?
Not only are these great questions to consider for elementary kids, they are good for all of us. If you want to improve as a student, an employee, a leader, in a relationship or whatever the case may be, these questions could offer a simple way to evaluate. Furthermore, as a Christian that should be dedicated to growing in our walk with Christ, they offer a point of self-evaluation. If you think about it, most of us have a fair understanding of what we should be doing. However, it is wise sometimes to ask ourselves if that is what we are actually doing. If we discover that we are not, then the final question really comes into play. What are we going to do about it? In other words, how are you going to get back on track? How do you or I start living more consistently with what we profess to believe?
Some of the other posters on her wall were meant to help the various age groups understand the behavior expected of them in the classroom. They included things like:
- Be respectful
- Act appropriately
- Be a truth teller
- Work hard
- Give 100% effort and don’t give up
Again, when I read those, I thought they were good for students but applied equally as well for all of us to consider. Seriously, in our society, it seems like we have descended from the point of civility to a lack of respect for anyone or anything. In the public arena, it seems like there is a contest to see who can be the biggest jerk. Sadly, this is true across the spectrum of society and not just the world of politics. Maybe it is time for us to go back to elementary school and learn the basics once again. What a difference it would make if people throughout our world applied even these few items.
In reality, that is precisely what God’s Word would have us to do. Here are just a few of the myriad of passages that give us insight into how we are to live.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the humble,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:3-10)
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
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