image by Vadim Sadovski via 123rf
COVID and all its challenges have been around for almost a year now. This pandemic has become a common phenomenon globally as people are grief-stricken, tired, and anxious. Yet, some are hopeful about the upcoming year. But will things be any different or just a continuation? Will the world experience the mercy of God or His wrath? I think the character and tone of the new year will depend mainly on how we step out of this one.
How are we doing, Lord?
We can say this year exposed people for who they are; we even learned a few things about ourselves. It doesn’t matter if we are a slow learner or quick study; look around at our circumstances, and by faith, interpret God’s message to the world—it’s not that hard. He has made this clear for us all to understand. If we don’t become better behaved after all of this, well, that’s on us.
Clues of how we are to behave can be found in the books of prophecy (Isaiah through Malachi) in the Old Testament. God has some non-negotiables that the people back then disregarded, and I’m afraid we are currently discounting them, also. Throughout the ages, there’s a common thread: Worship no other god before Me, and love your neighbor as yourself. As the theme continues in the New Testament, Jesus modeled how this is done in the Gospels (Matthew through John). The Epistles (Romans through Jude) are to inspire us in our daily Christian walk. And the book of Revelation wraps it all up.
As the year ends—how am I doing, Lord?
- Has my relationship with You grown closer since all the upheaval?
- Do I worship You with my time, money, and obedience to the best of my ability?
- Do I study Your Word and apply it to my life the way I should?
- Am I harboring hate towards those with opposing views?
- Do I treat everybody the way You commanded?
- Do I look the other way and tolerate injustice when bestowed on others?
- Do I act as if I’m the only one that matters?
- Do my actions speak well of You?
- Do I boldly tell others about You?
Are we behaving any better?
© 2020
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.