During a drive to work one morning, the sun
began to rise over the tree line to the East.
No fog in sight. Vision clear for
miles ahead. A perfect drive.
As a car approached in the opposite lane and
flashed their bright lights. Road talk
for “brighting’ someone could be perceived as a warning for danger ahead. Deer ran rampant at this time; therefore, I
thought the driver could be cautioning of deer ahead. I slowed down slightly and scanned the
surroundings. No deer in sight.
Another possible warning is a cop ahead. I was not speeding so no worries there. Oooh, maybe they were warning of a wreck and
to take caution around debris.
Nope! Not a wreck in site.
The only conclusion I could muster up is the
driver believed I should turn on my headlights.
I did not feel the need to illuminate the path ahead at this time of
day, being that the sun provided plenty of light for driving. The weather conditions showed no indication
of extra lighting required for safe driving.
Do I really need to turn my headlights on?
The people pleasing character I possess forced
me to turn the headlights on despite my belief that it was not necessary.
Hmmmm?
Have you ever faced a moment in life when your beliefs, morals and
character choose one direction while the world screams another direction? Have you ever had authority strongly suggest
an action that you don’t feel comfortable performing?
Why do we allow others to manipulate
decisions, actions and beliefs? Why do
we feel compelled to “fit in” with others by conforming to worldly patterns?
2 Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your
mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is
good and acceptable and perfect. Romans
12:2
The world is broken. Hurting people hurt people. Opinions don’t equal truth.
God did not create carbon-copy
individuals. God created each of us
uniquely and wonderfully. He created
each with a purpose and mighty plan. God
did not plan for our character to conform to the broken world; yet, he commands
we mature through the renewal of our mind.
Referring to God’s Truth on a daily basis lays a foundation on which to
stand. This foundation grows our spirit
and allows us to walk the path laid for our lives.
My plan looks different from yours. If I tried to tailor daily decisions based on
your purpose, plan and persuasion, I would lose sight of God’s Truth for my
life. God created uniqueness in hopes we
all work together to build His Kingdom.
He provided wonderful gifts inside everyone to use in this world. He desires teamwork. He provided the same Spirit to all.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service,
but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties
of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1Corinthians 12:4-6
Spend today recognizing your gifts that God
placed in you at creation. Use those
gifts for good. Avoid conforming to other’s
opinions. Stand firm on Truth. Do not waver in this broken world; hold fast
to Hope, for He is faithful.
Let us be strong in this world. If we don’t want to turn on our headlights
during daytime hours, let’s not allow someone else’s belief to change our
decision! 😊
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
