How Narrow Are You?
I, Marie, did not vote for our current president. So upon his installation as President, I could respond in two ways: narrow or supportive.
I could go on social media and be a critic of the government's every move. Or I can celebrate the good I see, and pray for God to give them strength, insight, and boldness to correct what's wrong, and to do what's right.
I can trust in the sovereignty of God and humbly decide, "Lord, you are infinitely wiser than me. My perspective is limited. Yours is infinite. Lord, not MY will, not their will, but your plan for this country be accomplished."
Many times, we have become a nation of critics:
"I've given up on this country, I told my kids, migrate if you can."
"This president is _______________ (insert negative adjectives)."
"My kids are _______________(insert latest complaint about child.)."
"My spouse is _______________ (insert latest criticism about spouse.)."
"My job _______________(insert sucks and its other synonyms.)."
"People are so _______________ (insert latest insult about society)."
Yes, we are intelligent and educated. Yes, we may have all the answers (or think we do). Yes, some of us may be intellectually superior, or eloquent in speech. But the bottom line is that we have become professional complainers.
So we eloquently and intelligently complain, while thinking we have contributed to the good of society. We post our rants on Facebook, craft our latest complaint tweets, thinking the universe will change by our latest comment of society's stupidity or someone's ineptitude.
Ever wondered why more young people entertain suicide or thoughts of leaving this world? Why should they stay, when all they hear is criticism, doom, and gloom? Don't believe me? How are your dinner table conversations?
In contrast, here are Jesus' words:
"...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
From his mouth come words that build up, not tear down people. "But take heart," he says, "I have overcome [the problems of] the world."
If there is anyone who had a right to complain, it would be God. He could easily look down on us and tell us, "See what kind of a mess you've made of the life that I have given you/ your marriage/ your career opportunities/ your resources."
Did you ever hear God tell you that? Instead in Scripture, he writes, "Take Heart." Be encouraged.
*Unless you are God, remember, you do not know everything. So instead of Criticizing, decide to Agree with God plans. "Lord, not my will but yours be done."
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...
Philippians 2: 14-16
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was asking his dad if there was another way. Could He do a painless Plan B, instead of the cross and suffering found in Plan A? But Jesus chose to agree with his Father's plans despite his discomfort.
*Not complaining means that you have decided to become a part of the solution, not a contributor to the problem.
How do you become a part of the solution?
*Be an active INFLUENCER for GOD, instead of a passive social media critic.
Actively and wisely use your talents and skills to be a Blessing to this nation, in harmony with the Word of God. If you are a teacher, doctor, student, entrepreneur, etcetera you can actively be a godly influence in the world God gave you to occupy.
If you're a parent, dedicate to raise your children with integrity, human decency, and moral values. Give them the skills to face adversity with courage and resiliency.
If you have the passion and knowledge to run the government, then get involved, and be a god-fearing civil servant. The key word is "servant", not know-it-all.
If you are a Christian, influence your environment. Pray for your leaders.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Instead of complaining with your words, LIVE YOUR LIFE with excellence! Gods advice is in 1 Peter: 2 says,
"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God" (12)
"For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority-whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right." (13-14)
"Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king." (17)
Why be narrow in your perspective when you have a sovereign God? This is the perspective I want my children to have in this nation that God has given us:
"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."
(Psalm 16: 5-8)
My Comments Policy
While my site offers visitors the ability to converse, I have a few ground rules so that our conversations will remain civil and courteous.
1. You must register in order to leave a comment. I don’t entertain pseudo, anonymous or bogus individuals. This site is my home (it has a Home Page, get it). I don’t let strangers who don’t introduce themselves into my home.
2. I love questions. I love them because a lot of times they are similar to someone else’s questions and can even trigger other questions from others. Questions also keep us all sharp. This is also why I respond to them as best as I can and at the soonest possible time. I believe that group answering benefits more people than private email exchanges.
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