"The good, the right, the true-these are the actions apropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ and then do it." Ephesians 5:9
The verse in the book was printed from The Message, which is a bit different from my NIV. I think the information is similar. They are both saying that what other people can see us doing (our fruit) should be good, right, and true. If we would apply the last sentence to everything we do, we would never need to check our actions. Seeking to please Christ takes out the yelling at our kids, the ignoring our husbands when they make us angry, and all of the selfish actions we take part in everyday.
I have a 1 year old, and he doesn't really get my words. I can't tell him how he is disobeying and expect him to understand. I can, however, use my body language and my tone of voice to influence him. If only we would pay the same attention to how we act toward everyone. How did my tone escalate the heated conversation with my mom? How did my lack of eye contact due to some distraction leave the visitor at church feeling the cold shoulder?
I can't say that I agree completely with each of the mannerisms that were listed...I sometimes prop my head on my hands and lean forward when I am actually trying to pay attention...but the idea is to focus on the signals you are sending and those that are coming back to you. What pleases the Lord? Keep asking that question. We know that He was well pleased with His Son, so there is our example. Jesus spoke directly to people. He did not avoid the sinners or the sick. He put his hands on people. I really need to work on that one. Okay, so I am not a hugger...some of you know this. I'm not against it, I just don't do it. I'm still trying to psychoanalyze why, but that's a different issue. But I have finally come to the realization that other people are huggers, and it might be odd for them when they hug me. I mean, I live in the South and people here really hug each other. I don't want my actions to discourage someone, so I am working through that. I encourage each of you to take the 24 hour challenge and then continue to think about your actions toward your husband, kids, strangers, etc. Pray that God will reveal how you can be more like Him and send signals of His love to those around you.
Let me know how it goes and if you have any suggestions for my hug issues!
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Heather,
ReplyDeleteI think your blog posting was well thought out, inspiring, and personal. Thank you for sharing with all of us. You have set the bar high as I prepare for this week's post.
When I first read this past week's reflection, the body language of hugging came to my mind. Heather, like you, I was NOT into hugging when I went to school in Troy. As a Northeast transplant, hugging was not my norm. Over the years I tried to embrace the thoughtful hugs of others but I know at times I would be tense rather than embracing - what message did that send to friends?
Hugging at home seems so different though. We're always having family hugs - they're so warm and refreshing. Owen is a hugger too... hugging all his little friends. A few weeks ago we were at the library and Owen decided to hug (or should I say very tightly embrace) another toddler who we have never met before. I encouraged him to let go and the toddler's father said, "it's ok, he's just not used to being hugged." I'm hoping that he meant he's not used to being hug by strangers or other little toddlers. Hug your children today and embrace your spouse (for at least 12 seconds each day!). Hugs will warm your heart, your home, and your marriage.