I’m just saying…The work day is almost over and tomorrow is Independence Day. The question I wonder about as I prepare to leave my office is this: “Will I truly be free to enjoy tomorrow with family, or will I carry some of the accumulation of what this week and people have left behind as a deposit in my soul?” The answer rests with my attitude. Just about a year before John Wooden passed away I had the privilege of spending an entire afternoon with “Coach” at his apartment along with basketball great Keith Erickson. Among earthly men, Coach Wooden was a true hero. And among the many one-liners he spoke, one stands out for me as a favorite: “Nothing will work unless you do.” This came to mind as I think about this matter of my attitude and how I will head into tomorrow. When I really give myself time to think about these kinds of things, I am drawn to a power verse found in the Bible book of James which has much to say on the subject. I see two constants that the Lord expects of me as His child. 1) a positive attitude and (2) an appropriate action. But, I have discovered it is my application of the wisdom from above that drives these demands. James 3:13: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” When it comes to “deeds done in humility,” well that calls for a proper attitude towards power [humility] and a proper attitude towards knowledge [wisdom]. If I will be truly wise, as a child of God, then I will demonstrate both of these characteristics in my daily living. Wisdom from above (James 3:17) is in direct contrast with wisdom that comes from an envious and self-seeking heart (James 3:14,15). It is called “earthly” in that it measures its successes in terms that are devilish in their source. Instead of bringing people together wrong [earthly] wisdom drives them apart; instead of producing peace it produces strife; and it is particularly designed by Satan to agitate personal relationships. On the other hand, wisdom from above has its origins with God, not man. Its character is heavenly and not earthly. It is Gods gift and I must receive it from Him. Rather than the accumulated stuff of this week’s encounters, it is this wisdom that I want to drive my attitudes and my actions as I make my plans for tomorrow. So with my keyboard about to be closed down for the evening and for another couple of days, I have decided: I shall be free to enjoy my day, my family, and my time. “Nothing will work unless you do!” Dan
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:57:50 +0000