by Wendy Elizabeth Middleton
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Be prepared
Self-control in both our actions and our reactions requires that we decide before hand how we will act and react to any situation. We must decide before we get punched in the face that we will turn the other cheek because our natural reaction is to punch back. When we are yelled at we yell back.
When we are hurt adrenaline floods our systems and we are prepared for fight or flight. We must be prepared, in advance of this flood, to stand. This is our third option and it is a conscious choice, in spite of the adrenaline, to stand.
Stand Guard
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
The hurts of this world pale in comparison to the healing of heaven. If we guard our hearts by being prepared for the hurts that will come our way then the joy in our hearts will overflow, like a constantly running fountain. We will remain refreshed even in the midst of an otherwise parched day.
Be wise
We must not accept everything that life throws at us at face value. On the face of it an angry person is, well, angry. But it has been my experience that many other emotions sound like anger.
Fear sounds like anger. When a child runs into the road and a parent snatches them back from in front of traffic, the parent may yell at the child with what sounds like an angry tirade. But the parent isn’t angry, that parent is terrified. They saw what might have been. They see their child hit by a car, injured, or worse.
Frustration and remorse also, often sound like anger. When circumstances stomp on our last nerve we lash out and whoever happens to be there at that moment gets hit. We get angry when we are caught doing something wrong. We blame those who catch us. Adam did it: he blamed Eve and God in the same sentence, “That woman that you gave me caused me to eat that apple.”
A party without adult interference sounds like a good idea. But is it really?
A holy rolling preacher, on fire with “God says…” and “Hallelujahs” and “Can I get an “amen”” sounds inspirational. But if there is no actual scripture behind his “God says…” then God didn’t say it and we should run, no matter how inspired we feel.
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
God gave us a brain for a reason. Use it before you lose it. Use your brain before you lose your cool. Decide now how you will react then.
Make the most of every opportunity
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine, or in other words, “Walk the walk, and talk the talk.” Our own words should have scripture to back them up. And if we do not obey God then how dare we ask others to do so?
Because the days are evil
In this world you will have trouble… (John 16:33) Jesus said we will have trouble, no maybes about it. This world hates Christ, and since it hates Christ it will hate us as well. The days are evil, but Jesus has overcome the world and so our days are good, even in the midst of the storm. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Live for Christ
So in this world that hates us we must control our actions and our reactions because we must live in this world but also live for Christ. We carry His name and must represent His priorities, not our own.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
Simple – Ain’t – Easy
But it is worth it
Wendy
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