Circumstances Or Principles
Circumstances Or Principles
Overlooking the pasture while watching a pony grazing I stop for a moment and I consider the different people, places, and things I have come in contact with over the last several months and have come to a conclusion. It is easier to be critical of people, places, and things we don’t understand than it is to take time to learn of them and to consider God’s view.
Regardless of the topic, in a time when more frequently than not, its about our comfort or opinion rather than God’s principles and character that rule our thoughts, words, and actions.
It takes a concerted effort to choose our thoughts rather than to allow them to just be influenced by the voices around us.
Do we allow media, technology, or public opinion determine the direction of our thoughts, words, and actions? Do we choose to base them on standards that are not based on circumstances but the principles set down by God?
I find that it is easy to get busy with the hectic pace we can have in everyday living. So much so that we can lose sight of what is important: Who do we represent? Who do we serve? To whom are we ambassadors? God or ourselves?
That thought always pulls me up short. Stops me in my tracks when I’m quick to criticize or be impatient. So how do I change? How do we change? We begin with what we choose to think.
Paul gives us some clarity:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. God’s Provision.”
Philippians 4: 4-9 English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul tells us that what we think on determines our peace quotient. If we follow his direction, we will have peace that surpasses all understanding and will guard our hearts and minds.
I’m all in! I want that kind of peace in my life and guarding my heart, yes, I’m all in. I desire peace in my heart in a world that often has no peace.
It is not enough to have peace in our hearts and minds we need to carry the rest of God’s principles throughout our lives and into the lives of those we meet. How do we navigate our circumstances and the people in our life as a reflection of God’s love?
There are only two commands: Love God with all of our mind, heart, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. Another verse says to love others as Christ has loved us.
This means we need to choose our actions and not react to our circumstances. God will provide wisdom if we bring Him into the circumstance. Paul again gives us clear direction:
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13 New International Version (NIV)
When we choose to be Jesus followers we then choose to follow. Follow His direction in our lives. Choosing to follow His commands. There are only the two: Love Him and Love others.
This is not for others but for each and every one of us individually. We are to be the reflection of our Heavenly Father. We are to be the ones that exhibit His principles in our lives. Not just in the quiet of our prayer rooms but in the midst of the hectic and chaotic situations we may find that are often filled with anger, despair, and pain.
Do we think things about ourselves in the light of the Fathers love and grace? He loves you. You are treasured and a pearl of great price; so are those we meet.
Today are you willing to bring God’s principles into your thoughts and actions?
