In a previous post, I wrote about making sure my attitude is focused on things that please the Lord and bring glory to Him. (click here for post) I quoted Charles Swindoll as saying, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” I have been convicted over the last week that the 90% reference is not just my attitude re-action. I think that the actions I take in life based on conviction have a huge part in my walk with the Lord.It is true that my attitude is the joy others see in me. I do desire that my light shines before men and glorifies the Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16), but I would have to debate that it is also equally true that the Father does require ACTION on our part in following Him. The action is displayed by the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. It is our gift of service to others; our un-merited forgiveness of others; our committed prayer for others; our unconditional love to and for everyone, etc. etc. When God is active in our lives we are ACTIVE in our walk.
Last week, while waiting for Matt to get out of a meeting, the kids and I went down to the lake to kill a little time. We found several stones just right for skipping. We, of course, could not resist the temptation to throw them into the lake...which, of course, led to dirt, sticks and everything else that could be tossed. Then it happened...we found to best stick of all! It was HUGE (by little boy standards)! We began to discuss how BIG of a splash this prize log was going to make. Truly, this was going to be the best splash yet. With a great heave hoe William tossed it into the lake...no splash...the log floated? What a disappointment!
With a long face William looked at me and said, “That log was full of nothing.” Don’t you just love the simple truths that often come out of the mouth of a child.
Yes, the log was rotten/dead. It was full of nothing! What am I full of? When life “happens” to me, what will my attitude and action response be. I pray I am so full of the Spirit that I make a HUGE splash for the glory of God when I am tossed into the lake. I pray that my attitude is that of joy and that my actions are that of service to others.
Filling up with HIM today...so that when tossed I make a positive difference!
AT
