Do you know anyone who lives their life based on Philippians 2:3-5? I knew someone like this a few years ago ... a pastor of a church in a neighboring town. I had never met anyone like Pastor Mike before. I am not being irreverent in what I am about to say, but whenever I was in his presence, I saw Jesus. He was not merely a hearer of the Word, but a doer (James 1:22). He was a visible definition of being Christlike.
All of us who are Christians should be living our lives in a Christlike manner, but few of us do. It is not an impossible goal. God would not have told us in His Word how to live like Christ if it were impossible for us to do so. Nothing is impossible with God.
How does a person act when they choose to have a good attitude? Among other things, they don't focus on the negatives of life. They don't complain. They don't blame others when things go wrong.
As I have mentioned a time or two in the past, I read a daily devotional written by Joyce Meyer. In a recent entry, she used her God-given humor to get the point across regarding how we should choose to have Christ's attitude in all things.
"Think about Jesus. Immediately after He was baptized & filled with the Holy Ghost, He was led into the wilderness to be tested & tried by the devil. He did not complain & become discouraged & depressed. He did not think or speak negatively.
Can you imagine Jesus traveling around the country with His disciples talking about how hard everything was? Can you picture Him complaining about how difficult going to the cross was going to be, or how uncomfortable it was to roam the countryside with no bed to sleep in at night?"
The next time you catch your thoughts dwelling on negative things ... the next time you feel like complaining about something ... picture Jesus being faced with whatever it is that's going on in your life at that moment & imagine how he would respond. Then you do the same.
Shine in this world like Jesus did. Pastor Mike chose to do so. We can too : )
8 comments:
Another lovely post
I also have the Joyce Meyer devotional and love the way she writes! As long as we strive to live like Jesus and remain true to those values he taught, then I believe we will know true happiness. I love your blog :-)
Tall order today Shirlee. Yikes. I read this right as I am struggling with an issue with my in-laws. Here I go then! =)
Sweet post my dear xx
Hi Shirlee, thanks for stepping on my toes today, I am bad to complain about things, I need to work on myself in that area! I need to be content in whatever situation I am in. hugs, Lecia
Wonderful post..
Continuing to pray for you.
Woolie Blessings
Hello! Truthful writings here! Hope you are recovering nicely! Hugs!
Lovely, Shirlee.
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