In the midst of day-to-day life, it’s so easy to get caught up in our complaining and disputing world. At least for me, anyway. I’m as guilty as anyone. On the side, I prowl the headlines in an effort to get the scoop. As a pastor, I feel as though I ought to know (at least a little) of what’s going on. Then perhaps I won’t be caught off guard.
But, I can too easily enter the wormholes of bad information. And it influences my soul. Of course, this has probably never happened to any of you. However, on occasion, I’ve looked up from my phone, gasping for clarity. Then I ask myself, “Why am I even reading this?”
We need to protect our souls by always filling our minds with more good than bad. I hesitate to illustrate with this example, but here it goes — literally. A bathroom doesn’t stink until you do your business in it. Likewise, our minds are fresh until we pollute them. Just saying. Typically, what goes into our minds stays there for a while. Additionally, it always affects how we live.
Do All Things
These verses are undeniably chock-full of good direction.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” — Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
Simply put, we need to be disciplined in reminding ourselves that we are “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” It’s like inhaling smoke with healthy lungs. With little effort, our minds are choked with unnecessary things. May we forever be ones who “shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.”
You should make a good deal of effort to read and meditate on what will build you (and those around you) up. Equally important, in the midst of life, speak Truth in love. And ultimately, don’t get caught up in our complaining and disputing world.
In the midst with you!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor