We Are All A Work In Progress
We all get the opportunity to wake up and decide what kind of a day we are going to have. Each day we have a choice on how we are going to act with whatever is thrown at us. No one can choose it for us. Our attitude is our responsibility. Peace and joy don’t come from money, objects or even other people. Peace and joy come from God working in us. All too often we allow whats around us to define us. Who we are is not defined by our failures. Our successes show us that we didn’t give up through the hard parts- but success doesn’t define us either. What defines us is the character that we gained along the way. The strength we found deep inside ourselves when we thought we couldn’t go any further. The willpower to overcome something that scared us, but was defeated with the amazing force of God. Character is gained and built at some of our lowest times.
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4.
As I’ve written before, hope is a wonderful gift. Hope is trusting that God is there and will always be there for you no matter what. We need to gain our strength from God and His Word. The world is not our friend. The world lies, and shows us how to live by what the eye sees. Our eyes do not always see the truth. The world does not give us the kind of character that God wants us to have. He wants us to have a character that honors Him. The world tries to take that from us. People around us try to take our God given character.
“Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Jesus says to love each other, but He never said that we had to be around people or places that wear down on our character. We don’t need to change who we are for people to like us. We need to represent God so that people will want to know God because of the Light that He shines through us.
We are all a work in progress. We have a chance to believe God’s truths and live full lives each day- if we choose to. God’s not done with us yet. We will all make mistakes, we will all fall short. We will all wander off God’s path once in awhile. But, He still loves us, and wants what is best for us. And He instills us, throughout our lives, with character. No one can steal your character- you give it away. Be the Light. Let the character God has given you shine so bright, people can’t help but ask you where your joy comes from. It’s perfectly normal to be different. At the end of the day, God’s children will be the ones standing. And the ones standing are the ones that didn’t hand over their character to the world. God is good.
“Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best of every opportunity because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.
“Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most out of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 3:5-6.