Being the Example
Are you being an example for others to follow?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:4-9
Whether we know it or not, someone is watching and learning from us.
In today's reading, Paul tells us to be like him, and that can sound boastful, but I don't believe that is how he meant it. I think he was aware of the influence he has on others, simply by being.
He has discovered the recipe for living in grace, and it has to do with focus.
By focusing on the things that are just and true, he winds up living the way he believes God intended us to live, as examples of God's love and grace in the world.
Tapping into God's peace makes our lives so much better, and it sets us up as a shining example others can follow, not because we see ourselves as better than they are, but because they want what they see we have.
Sp, this Lent, let us find that peace that surpasses all understanding and be the shining example of light that Jesus showed us we could be.
It sure beats being grumpy and sad.
More to come...