It is not easy being a Christian in today's time. There are so many distractions and events that keep us busy, that sometimes I feel it is difficult to stay focused on God.
Our places of work don't always steer us in the right direction, especially when there are co-workers that are non-Christians. Sometimes we are easily influenced by their actions and we tend to fall into their habits. It always seems easier to take the road that doesn't require thinking before acting. If we are not as strong in our faith as we should be, or it is not a wide known fact that we are Christians, we seem to be easily swayed to make choices that we later regret or think "I know that is not how I should have reacted."
Children are one of my weakest links. Although I view myself as a great teacher, it is draining to come home after working with children all day long (who somewhat mind and listen due to their age) and then return to the house with two small children who I have to continue teaching the difference between right and wrong. I don't always have the patience to deal with temper tantrums and crying. I feel that there are times when I react when I should respond.
So how do I stay on track? How does it seem as if I have it all together? Well, I will tell you that I don't always have the answers. I don't always stop and think before I act or speak. It has been an inner struggle most of my life to travel the narrow path. Growing up in a household where God was not the center of everyday tasks and decisions, I find that I have to really put a lot of work and effort into how I decide to live my life. There are however, several things that I have felt compelled by God to start putting at the top of my priority list.
1)PRAYER! PRAYER! PRAYER! If I did not have the personal relationship with the Lord that I do now, I am not sure how I would be able to cope with everyday things. I have come to notice that if I am presented with a situation, even something very minute, when I pray about it and really give it to God, then I immediately feel better. I of course don't see immediate results to my problem, but I know that the Lord has given me comfort and I am able to have a clearer vision in how to respond.
2)Knowing that it is okay to not follow the "in crowd". I am fortunate that I don't have too much negative influence where I work as far as the people and their actions. Teaching doesn't really lend itself to cussing and unwise choices while I work. However, I do tend to get riled up and frustrated at the students, it is more of that voice in my head that I have to control. I may tend to think things, just not say them aloud. I know that is not the right thing to do, which leads me to my next point.
3)Stopping and thinking how to respond rather than react. Understanding that the Lord puts obstacles and situations in front of me, help me to know that He is also on my side. If I get frustrated or upset, I know that I first and foremost need to go to Him. Having an understanding of how I am and the type of personality I posses, I think helps me be able to have more control over things.
4)Letting things just roll right off my back. I can't sit around and dwell on things that people have said or do. Being in the children's ministry at my church, I am open to criticism and doubt. People may look at me one way or say things that hurt. I have to remember that God called me to be in this position. I am responsible for the children and their learning about God. If someone has a comment about the decisions I make, I try to turn it around and make it positive. I will not always respond to what they are saying, but think "thanks for the suggestion". I feel I must be like a duck in water and not let actions of others get me down or upset me. If you are feeling that there is someone that "beats you down" for what you are doing with in the Lord's work, just stop and pray. Running away from it won't solve it. Jump back in and keep doing what you are doing. PRAY FOR THEM. Ask God to deal with their hearts and maybe things will turn around.
5)Reading the Bible. Remembering that everything the Lord wants to give us is there. Even if you are not able to attend church as often as you would like due to school, work, kids, etc. The Bible is always there. Even if I don't have something I want to study, I'll pull out my Bible, pray that I just need the Lord to show me something, and I am led to read whatever the Lord needs to show me. Of course it is always better to be in church and getting spiritually fed, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. I encourage you to pick up the Bible and read.
It is a conscious decision you must make as to how to live a pleasing life for God. You will not wake up and bam! you are a better Christian. It is a choice and one that you need to stick with.
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