Read Matthew 5:10-12
Think about the many decisions you make each day from the biggest to the smallest.Boy, this one's a bit tough for me. It seems that a lot of the decisions I make daily seem mostly small and trivial. But as I dissect this question, I first ask: "What really is the big picture of what Christ values?" Based on the scriptures in this devotion, he values his followers who stick up for their belief in Him, no matter the consequences. He values our striving to be righteous (though we may fall short). Quite simply, He values our belief in Him. He values our devotion to Him. And we are to delight in that belief, even if it means that perhaps we are persecuted for it.
Write down one area where a decision you make or action you take today might become more intentional and strategic in the big picture of what Christ values.
So I have to look at the decisions that I'm making as not so small and trivial anymore. Even the little things are noticed by others. Whether I choose to react to something Ellie does with frustration or grace; whether I choose to take the few extra seconds to warmly greet the childcare provider at the gym or hurry along to my dance jam class; whether I choose to greet Ron when he comes home with attention and love, or a scowl because I think I had a rough day changing poopy diapers...it's all a reflection of whether or not I'm striving to be more like what Christ calls me to be. So I guess to answer the question, one area that might become more intentional is in the small things, though thinking through this question they don't seem so small anymore.
For me the area that may become more intentional and strategic in what Christ values would be my work environment. Pretty much everyone at work knows that I am a Christian and recognizes that with how I "act differently" then they do.
ReplyDeleteColossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
This is something that I have to remind myself of on days when I don't feel like calling that customer back right away or don't want to answer the phone because it will be another "problem".
But I find that when I keep this verse in mind, great things seem to come out of those problem areas. I also find that co-workers seem to notice my attitude, which is a great opportunity to explain why I am "different" or "act differently" then they do.
So this is the area where I am going to be more intentional and strategic in the big picture of what Christ values. Wish me luck!
- Tim
(Kenny) yep, this is a tough one. At work, I think it is the people in my unit. I have a lot of people in my aisle that are going through some pretty scary personal struggles (marital problems, uncertain future cutbacks, deployments). Instead of my kneejerk reaction to handle these issues according to procedures, I think that Jesus may have postured me to shine a light for those around me. Now the struggle is to bathe this in prayer and be purposeful while I am with these people.
ReplyDelete(Ann) I would like to be more strategic and intentional with what Christ values in my Relationships at the gym. I would say that most people at the gym know I'm a Christian but I believe that I could take more time to interact with others and invite and open the door for more Christ led discussions.
ReplyDelete(Scott) For me our neighbors came to mind. Not just being neighborly but showing care and being sure to listen and have more meaningful conversations. This could also include praying for our neighbors and being more intentional about getting together with them.
These are some really great and personally challenging comments today. I am so thankful God has placed this specific life group around me to keep me accountable.
ReplyDeleteI am spread across the board of everyone and even find it hard to narrow down to one thing. If I must, then I want to be very intentional today in thinking about how I treat the people I work with. I have to remind myself that people are different and God did that on purpose. Even that person I just seem to clash with is made in the image of God and I want to be a better reflection of the love of Christ to that person. Like Kenny mentioned some of the people around us are facing very different/difficult circumstances and it may affect their work relationships.