All Saints Day

We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. 

Hebrews 12:1 

As believers, we are saints.  As saints, we are to the living example of faith in action.  Sounds rather holy and sanctified, doesn't it.  I've known people who thought themselves so sanctified that they would not deign to even gaze upon anyone who did not meet their idea of saint.  Think about this for a moment, being a saint does not mean we are perfect!  Being a saint means we know we are terribly imperfect yet we continue to go to God for help, forgiveness, grace and comfort.  Being a saint means we live the example in every day small ways.

For example, there is a story I read about C.S. Lewis:  

     C.S. Lewis and a friend were walking down a road when a beggar called out to them. Lewis turned, saw the beggar’s outstretched hand, and without hesitating, he rummaged through his pocket and gave him all the coins he had. 

      After the beggar walked off, Lewis’ friend shouted, “Why did you do that?! He’s probably just going to waste it on beer!” Without skipping a beat, Lewis calmly replied, “Well if I kept the money, that’s exactly what I would’ve done with it, too.”

Not perfect was C.S. Lewis, but honest.

Today is All Saints Day and that includes YOU!  I urge you to live the example of Christ in small ways and big ways every day!
 

This Is Going To Irritate A Few People But.....

Train children to live the right way,
    and when they are old, they will not stray from it.

Proverbs 22:6 

 

What I am about to say will most likely irritate some, but here goes.....  Children do NOT come first in the marriage. I know that isn't what we are being told, but who came first....the children or the parents?  Remember, God?  Didn't He put Adam and Eve on the Earth BEFORE their children, Cain and Abel?

 

Children learn things by watching and imitating, and they soak it all up like sponges!  Don't think so?  How many times have you seen parents portrayed in the media as idiots who teach their children bad habits or that parents answer to the children?

 

Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest person in Scripture, tells us to train children to live the right way so, when they get older, they will know the right way to live.  And just how are we to do that?  By being a living example for them!  We are to EXAMPLE that the spouse comes first in the marriage.  We must EXAMPLE the proper ways to deal with life's issues.  We must EXAMPLE life for our children.  

If we don't example respect for each other in front of our children, we shouldn't be surprised when they grow up not respecting anyone else. Think about it...

 

 

Oh I Would NEVER Do That!

So be careful. If you are thinking, 

“Oh, I would never behave like that”

—let this be a warning to you. 

For you too may fall into sin. 

1 Corinthians 10:12 

 

 Think back on your life for a moment.  How many times have you ever said "Oh, I would never do that"?  How many times have you ending up doing exactly what we said we wouldn't?

 

We all have this image of ourselves and our future.  We all have made plans for our lives.  How many have thought, "I'll finish school, get a good paying job, get married, have a couple of kids, take vacations, and when I retire it will be someplace awesome!"  I was one of those people.  When reality gave me the worst thrashing I'd ever had, plans change, and goals are altered or even eliminated.

 

But here's the point I want you to focus your thoughts on: The example you set is not so much what you do, as much as it is what you do with what happens next.  We set an example for others every moment of every day.  For example, let's say I had a late night at work and was tired when my alarm went off the next morning, but I decide I need to come into work anyway.  When I arrive, I can barely keep my eyes open, so instead of asking if I can take some leave time to get some rest, I decided to take a little snooze at my desk (the snoring and drool on my desk would be a true giveaway).  What kind of example am I setting for those who see me?  "Well, if HE can sleep at his desk, then it MUST be okay."

 

We are reminded over and over in Scripture to THINK!  This includes making good decisions, because there is ALWAYS someone watching our example.  

 

There is an old adage that says: "Never say 'never' or you will ever do your 'never' forever."