Henry David Thoreau wrote: I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.It is something to be able to paint a particular picture or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful...
But it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do.
To affect the quality of the day...that is the highest of arts!
We can show our Christian enthusiasm by:
- smiling
- caring
- listening
- kind words or deeds
- simply by loving each other
The Bible also says:
Ephesians 4: 25- 5:2
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.
26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.
2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
A modern trend is to dump our problems on others, to carry a chip on our shoulder, to honk our car horns, to flip the bird, to blow the whistle. All of these behaviors add stress to both the life of the giver and of the receiver of these negative communications. It is a lose-lose proposition.
Before you vent it next time, ask yourself these questions. Am I thankful that I am safe in spite of the apparent danger? Will it matter a hundred years from now or even next week? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? And so on.
Anger, sorrow, and hatred are not worth our limited time. Life is too short, too precious, too important for these.
Of course we will always have our many problems in health, occupation, human relations, and our relationship with God. But if we ignore the petty troubles we may concentrate on positive solutions to the major problems.
By adding cheer to our own lives, we lighten both our own stresses as well as the stresses of those around us!
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