How easy it is to forget what our Lord Jesus has done for
us! When a person does something kind and loving for another, the hope is that
it will be appreciated. We appreciate people who display an attitude of
gratitude in response to an act of kindness. This response naturally surfaces
when a person pauses to reflect on what has been done for them through the
selfless generosity of another. How much greater should be our wonder and
appreciation at the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. As the holy Son of God Almighty,
knowing no sin, yet becoming sin for you and I, so that we might become right
with the Father, Jesus came as a selfless, helpless baby! Personally I am
grieved to think of the times I flippantly say: "Yes, Jesus loves
me", but fail to ponder and truly understand just how deep that love goes.
Is it possible I become numb to the depth of His love, has my heart become
calloused? Have I become so self-centered
that all I think about is what satisfies me?
"I’m sorry Lord, please forgive me!"
An everyday opportunity to show Jesus my appreciation for
His loving actions is through my decisions. I must ask myself: Do I truly
believe that there are consequences to ALL of my actions? Everything I do, say or think does impact my
life in some way, either positively or negatively. If I believe the lie that states, “it’s not
hurting anyone” or “it’s only hurting me, so what does it matter?”, then I am
sadly mistaken. Everything I do brings about a cause and effect; therefore I
want the results of my actions to be beneficial, uplifting, and
transforming. I want to model my life
after Jesus Christ, who has impacted the world through His birth, life, death,
and resurrection. The effect left on the world has been beneficial, uplifting,
and transforming! "Lord, please help me to remember that my everyday
choices will have consequences." I must pause and consider what I want the
results to be before I choose my actions. Our daily choices could range from
small ones which do not need a second thought, all the way to crucial decisions
we have considered for weeks that could determine a drastic change of course
for the path we are traveling! None-the-less, we are wise to remember that ALL
of our choices have consequences!
Would you like to say "Thank You!" to Jesus in a different
way this year? Terrific! Pause and give consideration to the potential impact of your
thoughts, words or actions...before you turn them loose! Develop the selfless
attitude that Jesus modeled for us. Think of others first! Merry Christmas! May
this be your year of intentional decision-making.
guest writer: Kathy Voogd
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