Witness the wonders of God in the world

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

God, Others, Self

Luke 22:36-39
" 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
 Lately I have been looking at the priorities in my life. What comes first? What do I put my time and energy into? God, others, and then self is what it should look like. This order will change your life. Think about it. When I'm having a bad day, I think about all the things that I have to deal with and how tired I am or how I wish someone else would intentionally listen to and encourage ME. So stupid, I could complain all day and it wouldn't make things any better.
Now try the new order of thinking.
First: God. Pray, this is the most powerful solution and one that is often taken lightly. Instead of saying to yourself, "A good Christian would pray right about now," offering up a quick one and then expect God to make everything easy, talk to Him! Prayer means you are standing before the throne of the mighty God of the universe, your heavenly Father and friend. Pour out your heart. Admit you can't do it all and that you feel discouraged. God never says that life will be easy or that prayer is a magic spell that will fix everything. However, surrendering your cares and worries will be a relief and praying can give you a change of attitude. Dig into your Bible and look for insights from God. What is he trying to teach you in this tough time? You may have prayed, but have you taken time to listen for an answer?
Second: Others. Encouraging and serving others can lift your spirit. Making someone else's day better has an affect on your own. Little things go a long way. Even smiling and calling someone by name gives them attention and makes them feel good. Compliments or doing something for them is a nice surprise. This will all help you take your mind off yourself and your own struggles.
Thirdly, yourself: Know yourself. Figure out what you need to do to feel re-energized. For introverts, like me, this may mean quiet time by yourself relaxing. For extroverts this could mean doing something with friends or roommates. Sports, a walk, a book, music, friends, journaling or all of the above.
God loves you and wants a personal relationship, bring him into your life.
To God be glory