As tensions rise both regionally and nationwide, from war fronts to storefronts, we must prioritize our thoughts and train our minds to discern truth according to God’s Word.
It is easy to become reactionary in a world that appears to be trampling on morality like it is already dead. But the Word of God is living, and if you are reading this, so are you.
We are to continue to develop physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally like Christ did when he came temporarily in human form to save us from eternal death.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men,” Luke 2:52.
Physically, we are to remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, given to us by God.
Since the fall of humankind in the Garden of Eden, our bodies have been born into sin and decay. We cannot escape earthly death, disease, and aging. However, we can do our part to be caretakers of what we have within our control for the glory of God.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
If we could prevent it, we would not allow a loved one’s home to be ransacked or fall into disrepair. And yet, many of us, including myself, often do not take care of the vessel God gave us to move physically in His will.
In essence, we are not securing our home when we neglect to prioritize our physical well-being. Being weak physically can affect us in other ways, including mentally, spiritually, and relationally.
Mentally, we must daily choose our focus.
We must do our best to maintain a positive mindset, and this can only be accomplished with any consistency by trusting in God more than this world.
Then, we must put our best into whatever God puts before us.
If moaning, worrying, and criticizing occupy your thoughts and speech more than anything else, you must flip the narrative. It is easy to become immune to recognizing how negative you may have become. After all, there is usually plenty to be upset about.
However, it is imperative that we are gatekeepers of what we allow to enter our minds for a brief visit and what we allow to take up residence. When in doubt, ask God in fervent prayer and look to scripture to discern what you should pick up and what you need to put down.
Now is the time to be diligent about cleaning your house of clutter, such as unforgiveness, bitterness, incessant worry, and unhealthy fear. These are distractions of Satan and should not be allowed to take a bed or sit at the table in your home.
At our core, we are spiritual beings.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).
Being created in God’s likeness separates humans from all other creatures. We are not just a living body but also a living soul.
When we keep our thoughts bathed in God’s character and faithfulness, He will clear the path, revealing our next best step. Peace will come, even if the circumstances do not change. This is a supernatural, spiritual peace (Philippians 4:7). As a result, being grateful becomes a natural response.
God gave Adam a companion because He created us to be relational.
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’” (Genesis 2:18).
The most important relationship we have is with Christ Jesus. Without Christ as our foundation, we will continually fall into the cracks of a morally sinking society, where integrity, loyalty, honesty, love, and empathy are mere concepts rather than guiding values.
Jesus does not say that we are to stand out by how eloquently we pray, how many scriptures we have memorized, or how many times we go to church. No. Jesus brings the responsibility of being a disciple beyond us and into a realm only accessible through the power of Christ.
Beyond age, race, gender, ethnicity, politics, position, opinion, and over walls, we are called into kingdom building: God’s kingdom.
“‘As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’” says Jesus (John 13:34-35).
Being relational allows us to work toward fulfilling the Great Commission, to “go make disciples of all nations” – to share Christ’s teachings (see Matthew 28:16-20). This was Jesus Christ’s final face-to-face command.
It is easy to feel downtrodden as tensions escalate, but if we choose discipline and discipleship over doubt, anger, and disappointment, we can and will make a difference in Christ’s name.
Secure your home. The war is near, and you are needed.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.