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7 Steps to a better life
It’s the New Year and for me it has come with alarming speed. They say
as you get older time goes more quickly. Well, here we are at the beginning of 2012 – I wonder what
it holds for each one of us?
The New Year can be viewed with a hopeful
and optimistic outlook or it can be a time of worry and trepidation with fear for the future.
We all have differing perspectives, whether it is a new start of some sort, or sadly looking to a future of loss as we learn
to live without a loved one. What will 2012 hold for my life you may well think?
Some
of us may look to improve our lives and so we make some New Year resolutions such as; losing weight, praying more, being kinder,
spending more wisely.
Whatever your thoughts there are always magazines and morning chat
shows telling us how we can improve ourselves, our lifestyles. Yet surely, we know as Christians how to
do that without being told by others? What has God to say about our lives?
I
would like to share some pearls of wisdom with you from scripture which I have called: 7 steps to a
better life.
I hope that you feel
encouraged especially as we are in the aftermath of the shopping, parties, and cultural focus on gift giving, it can be tempting
to miss the purpose of our God given lives and what Jesus taught us. What better time than to contemplate
our lives than after the holiday, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ?
Let us receive seven messages that Jesus taught during His three
years of public ministry. And as you contemplate the true meaning of a Christian life, consider these words of wisdom that
Jesus offered for living your best life.
1. Do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew
6:34)
Too often in life
(and especially around Christmas), we worry about issues that work themselves out over time. Worrying does not change anything.
It is a waste of time, energy, and life itself. Plan your steps, but refuse to allow the fear of what might go wrong to consume
you. Instead, focus on what you can do in the present moment to create the kind of future you want.
2.
Do not judge and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37)
There may be people in your life who are doing things you don't agree with,
perhaps even engaging in behaviour that is destructive to them. Choose to love them and pray for them, without judgment. Choose
compassion and empathy, perhaps even tough love, but reserve judgment.
3. Be careful
not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. (Matthew 6:1)
Christmas is an excellent example of this principle, it is a great time
to help others. Be careful to do good and treat people well because it is the right thing to do, not because of the accolades
or rewards you might receive from others. Allow the Holy Spirit to be in full control, so that your motives are pure.
4. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be
exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
Humility is freedom - freedom from the pressure to be perfect, keep
up appearances, or be better than everyone else. Success is a combination of working hard and being blessed with opportunities,
abilities, and people who support you. None of us achieves or succeeds solely by our own power. Focus on serving, learning,
and loving, and then the rewards will come.
5. Everything is possible for him who
believes. (Mark 9:23)
Consider your biggest dream for your
life. It is not enough to say you will achieve it. You must believe it. You may not know exactly how it will become true for
you.
Your first step is to simply
believe it's possible. Say it out loud and often, “It's possible!” With God, all things are possible
that are within His will.
6. For God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Most
know this scripture as a foundational statement for the Christian faith. But there is something I find intriguing in its wording.
It is the connection between loving and giving. God loved us; therefore, He gave us this miraculous Saviour on Christmas Day.
When you love others,
you give of yourself, sometimes in very unselfish and sacrificial ways. Saying you love someone is not enough. Give of yourself
- your time, energy, affection, and resources and they will truly know you love them.
7.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
The truth sets you free in many ways. Be truthful with yourself about the issues
of your life. Speak your truth in your relationships. Countless relationships fail because people refuse to speak from their
hearts. Be truthful about what you want and what you are afraid of, and you will gain the strength to step fully into the
rich, abundant life you were created to live.
And having just celebrated this Christmas
season let each one of us embrace its truth and seek God’s gift of Divine wisdom to guide our interactions with others
and the decisions we need to make.
THEN WE CAN LIVE THE BETTER LIFE GOD GIVES TO EACH
ONE OF US.
Amen and Amen.
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