We all know how important physical health is; here's a plan for keeping your soul in shape:
- Don’t question your faith, question your doubts. We spend too much time dwelling on our misgivings, experiencing faith as an occasional flash-in-the-pan. God's promises are for believers.
- Don't be a “lone ranger.” It’s no accident that the Old Testament contains the story of God’s people, and that the Epistles were written to congregations. We grow as we relate - not isolate!
- Guard your thought life. If your “thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if [it’s] controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NCV). Practice mind management!
- Fall asleep and wake up immersed in gratitude. It will transform your day. “In every thing give thanks!” (1st Thessalonians 5:18).
- Ditch anything that distracts you from God. Toss the junk reading material, and if you have got the guts, throw in the TV!
- Always err on the side of mercy. Philip Yancey writes: “I marvel at the humility of a God who descends to live inside...his ‘flawed’ creatures... Do I show that same attitude towards people of whom I disapprove?”
- Be specific and don’t revert to generalities when discussing your faith. Paul wasn't “ashamed of the Gospel” (Romans 1:16); neither should you be.
- Be gracious to the people who irk you. God chose them too! Sometimes it is easier to be gracious to non-believers than to uptight, moralistic Christians. But that just makes you a different kind of judgmental.
- Forgive those who’ve hurt you. Harboring hatred hinders healing, so bring your hurts to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment