Steady now!

You do not have to be over there. Come to Jesus and He will show you love. 

James chapter 1 verse 25.

If anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does. 

Do you get along with others? Do you adjust yourself to fit in? Do you know what it means to take your opinion and keep it to yourself? Do you know what it means to listen and obey?

   I like what James chapter 1 verses 23 and 24 say. "For if a person just listens and does not obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like." We are challenged each day with tasks and in most cases those tasks involve other people. No matter whether we work directly or indirectly with others, the things we do have an affect on them. 

   Are you someone who likes to be in control of the situation so that you are at peace with the outcome? Left to our own decisions we will be the only ones to blame for the mistakes that get made. However we may end being the only ones there are because others do not see the situation the same as we do and we are not going to give in and listen or adjust our ways. 

   Have you ever tried to listen to others and put aside your own stubbornness, adjusting your way of thinking to incorporate an agreement that all are happy with? Have you experienced a successful accomplishment that gets praise and gratitude? Have you been humble and open to what others are saying? 

   It's ok to have an opinion but it is even better to be confident in the challenge by listening to what others have to say and then forming a plan that works best for everyone. To get along means that we want to be involved and are willing to happily listen as others lead. A good leader is someone who is willing to see the challenge and work together so that there is success and joy in accomplishment. 

   Will everyone get along? Probably not. When it comes to getting along we all need to listen and see the best route to success. Are you married? Are you in a relationship? Do you have children? Do you work alone or in amongst many people? Do you like to stop and get a coffee in the morning? Has your drive in been quiet and peaceful?

   There are many ways that we interact with others and that they interact with us. Talking financial stability with a spouse is never easy. Asking someone questions that require an immediate decision can be uneasy, especially first thing in the morning. At work you may be asked for your opinion, and you may or may not be ready with a response. There are those who speak up and have something to say about everything. There are those who stay quiet when others are talking and then state their opinions to those who will listen, they usually are critical and have judgements. Gossip is never good and being a smart-aleck with silly statements, looking for laughter and others support can make others uncomfortable. 

   Having a life with God, leads us to know Jesus and being filled with God's Holy Spirit. We may need to get along with others so that we do not become left out and isolated. And being left out or isolated can leave us with hurtful feelings and a bitter attitude. And that can leave us living with our own thoughts to guide us. God leads us in His love, being thankful to Jesus and watching as the Holy Spirit fills us with righteous living. 

   1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8 says, "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults." 

   Before seeking after God, I was isolated and alone. My lifestyle was blurred by drugs and alcohol. The only people I met were like myself and I preferred the way I lived over my family. My work had warned me about getting along. I was not a nice person. I was bitter and isolated. That does not mean that there were not people in my life, but those people were also alone. 

   That all changed when I talked with God. The result was His love showing me the direction I needed. Jesus did for me what God wants all people to do. To praise and worship Him. Galatians chapter 5 verses 13 and 14 say, "You have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other. For the whole Law can be summed up in this one command; Love others as you love yourself." 

   Steady now! That means you have to let go of your old ways and seek after the love and protection of God. Jesus will work miracles in you and the Holy Spirit will guide you, leaving you standing before God in praise and thanksgiving.

   Hebrews chapter 12 verses 11-14 say, "Being punished is not enjoyable while it is happening---it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character. So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong. Try to stay out of quarrels and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord."

   Your old habits will fight against your will power to walk with God. God has sent Jesus as our strength to overcome. You and others will love what God does in your life. And the paths will be clearly marked for you, so that you will not stumble and if you do fall, Jesus is there to pick you up. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You that we can be steady, like a person whose house is built on rock and and not on sinking sand. 😊

Romans chapter 12 verses 12-16.

"Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God's children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, do not curse him; pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrows. Work happily together. Do not try to act big. Do not try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And do not think you know it all."

Mathew chapter 5 verse 9.  

Happy are those who strive for peace---they shall be called the sons of God.        

Romans chapter 5 verse 11.

"Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God---all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins---making us friends of God."