As Tempting As It May Be . . .

Every day, we have twenty-four hours to invest our lives in what will matter for eternity, and more often than not, it is in the seemingly insignificant moments of our lives when nobility, civility, and graciousness must flow from our hearts. We will often be tempted to act in a manner that is harsh, impatient, unloving, judgmental of others, and quick to lash out when we feel attacked. Yet, the only way to overcome these temptations is to invest in our spiritual lives every day by spending time with the Source of all goodness and loving-kindness, the Lord Jesus Himself. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) tells us that He is the exact representation of God—He speaks God’s words, He shows His heart, He manifests His wisdom.

Jesus said, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29, NIV). This seems to be my pondering of the year. Learn from Him. He didn’t revile when He was reviled. He loved and gave grace to Peter when he fell. He washed 120 toes the night before He was crucified, serving those for whom He would die.

The more we regularly invest our hearts, our commitments, our faith, our love in our relationship to our Lord, the more our own hearts will be noble and pure. Each second, each moment, each day, seek to emulate His life, choosing to obey, against your feelings, those things He speaks to your heart in the privacy of your time with Him.

His Promises

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

True humility and fear of the LORD

lead to riches, honor, and long life.