Character is the sum total of all our everyday choices; our “Reaction” to events to external stimulus.
Some people succeed by What they Know; some by What they Do; and a few by What they ARE!
C.S. Lewis observed, “Every time you make a Choice you are turning the central part of you, the part that chooses, into something a little different than it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into hellish creature.”
Nobody desires to take the path that leads downward. Each of us aspires to be something more, something bigger, something better. The secret to the uphill path comes in the individual Reaction; in the responses we make.
Listen, the hard cold truth is Tribulations, trials, troubles, tears they come to everyone, but they make some people Bitter and some Better. You either become a Burden or a Blessing to those around you based on your Reaction to these things.
There is a tremendous difference between people who have big problems and the people who make a problem big…… Reaction!
“Love is the Christlike reaction to people’s malice.
Joy is the Christlike reaction to depressing circumstances.
Peace is the Christlike reaction to troubles, threats and invitations to anxiety.
Patience is the Christlike reaction to all that is maddening.
Kindness is the Christlike reaction to all that are unkind.
Goodness is the Christlike reaction to bad people and bad behavior.
Faithfulness and gentleness are the Christlike reactions to lies and fury.
Self-control is the Christlike reaction to every situation that goads you to lose your cool and hit ….” J.I. Packer in Knowing and Doing the Will of God
Let’s Strive to cultivate the Reactions necessary to be who God wants and Needs us to be. To be that successful, passionate, giving leader.
And let’s Remember someone is watching us that needs to see Jesus in us.
Deb & I want to be Better at Reacting!
We hope you React well to this Blog?
We hope you React by using the attached study tool
The People You Meet “in” a Problem.
What’s Your Reaction? Respond with a Comment Below!!!!
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4 comments:
What an important lesson Pastor, one that is so often missed. We get so caught up in how "we feel" that we react according to the flesh, without concern for others. While reacting positively can help a situation, reacting negatively can hurt it and those involved -- including yourself. I experienced this personally, and God used it to show me where I needed "improvement". I prayed for humility (and do on a regular basis)and God started to change me. The more I sought God the more He showed me what to pray for...peace, patience, and so many other fruits of the Spirit that we need each day.
I have always been an observer, but now I am aware of the reactions of others (along with my own)all the time...on a plane with a sudden delay, on line at the pharmacy, or in the grocery store. The world tells us that we have the right to react however we'd like, even if it is ugly. God wants us to react with the fruits listed above; they will transform your life and have a profound effect on those around you.
Take action to change your reactions: jot down Gal. 5:22&23 on an index card and put it on your fridge or table... memorize it WITH your family and discuss it as it applies to your daily lives. OR tape it to your cell phone - you'll be reminded every time you speak!
I was raised to try my best to think and look beyond before any decision or action. And finally, after serving Christ for 21 years, I know for sure that it is not self control that accomplishes this - it's "Christ Control" that gets us from day to day. Jesus TRULY does get "Sweeter as the days go by".
Great Study and Selah today PM
I agree so much with you "Anonymous".....I too have often felt the sting or for that matter the atomic blast of a "WRONG" reaction to something the devil throws at me. It's painful. I desperately need to ask for God's Spirit to work by my side so that I do respond to what the devil throws at me as God would have us to.....it would benefit every aspect of our lives....I know this by all the mistakes I've made myself. You are right, if we keep Gal.5:22-23 on our minds then we will be able to say as the Psalmist did, in Psalm 71:14-16
14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. 16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
As for the Selah and what we celebrate this Veteran's Day, take a look at this fanastic talk by David Barton, historian and author, on the In-Touch ministries website below....listen to it. It will amaze you to hear how our country got started with GOD and theBIBLE as it's foundation by the founding fathers themselves. We may not agree with all of In Touch's "theology", but there's amazing stuff in this program.
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943195/k.95DD/This_Week_on_TV.htm
David Barton's website:
http://www.wallbuilders.com/ABTbioDB.asp
Praise Him Always \O/
Goooood Selah today PM
Self Control......
"We are all born with it, I just used mine..." Oh brother, how true.
Remember when Felix, the Governor of Caesarea, and his wife had come to Paul to listen to him speak about faith in Jesus.....
Acts 24:24-25
24Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
Whooooa....that self control stuff is tooo scarey for me. = "His Reaction".
That's where the faith in Jesus comes knocking. I love the end of the Selah prayer PM...."With Your Help and Power flowing through me I will discipline myself to become the person You NEED me to be. In Jesus Name. ~ Amen".
Wheeew!!!! Praise Him \o/
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