Oh, these trying times! There is so much going on in the world right now. Things are happening that just don’t feel right. And some of those things hit a little closer to home for some. I don’t know how many times I have heard of people trying to convince others to join their way of thinking, behaving, or living. Trying to turn people around to get them to follow in their footsteps.
It doesn’t matter if it is their view on sports, politics, food, fun, money, or whatever—they try to turn your view toward their way of thinking. Sometimes it is because people long to be right. Sometimes it is because they truly believe they are right and others are wrong. And sometimes it is because if they turn your view around, it is to their advantage and builds them up. It can cause division. It can cause hate. It can absolutely disrupt lives and relationships.
This is a dangerous place to be. Being “right” does not always equal being complete. When we put our state of mind in a place of being complete only if we are right, we can miss out on the peace and confidence the Lord has for us.
You see, we have something much greater to rely on to fill us up. That something is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit fills us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, we can experience the love and mercy Jesus has for us.
Today and every day, lead with love. Lead with kindness. Have gentleness. And when it comes to being right, use self-control. Allow the Holy Spirit to calm you and Jesus to lead you. Be the light you are created to be and share mercy with those you come in contact with. Your faith will shine longer and louder than any point of view you could ever express.
Reflection:
- When was a time that your need to be right outweighed your desire to be grace-filled?
- How did you react when someone grumbled and pushed their views on you?
- How could you have handled it better?