Heather and I have made it a habit to pray with our kids each morning before they go to school. In the midst of our prayers, we read a little portion of Scripture. Today's snippet was from Colossians. I just loved the simplicity of the apostle Paul's words here and thought I'd share them with you in hopes of encouraging you.
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."
Perhaps there is one phrase or sentence in this tidbit of Scripture that particularly speaks to you. If so, feel free to leave a comment and let me know which one.
For me, the admonition "be even-tempered, content with second place" stuck out. Sometimes, that's hard for me...
7 comments:
"...thanking God the Father every step of the way."
I love the reminder that the lives we live and love are given to us by God and that we should truly enjoy them, but never forget that the thanks goes to God all the way!
Thanks for sharing, Marlis. Yes, that it a wonderful part, too. I love the imagery of it: "every step of the way."
"And regardles of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
I love the reminder that everything that we are and our behavior are wrapped up in love. We are Christians because of love....the love of God.....and, because of that, everything that we do should come from that love and be seasoned by that love. It is our "all-purpose", basic, utilitarian clothing.
'And cultivate thankfulness.'
This is something that I always remember you saying to me/us; Be grateful. Letting our attitude be one of gratefulness. I always remember that from you. Thanks for teaching me- no matter the circumstance, there is always something I can thank God for.
That last post was me by the way:)
Thanks for sharing, Steve. Very well put, friend.
Shani,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Very true: gratitude is often a forgotten practice. It is good to remember we always have something for which to be grateful. Thanks for that reminder.
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