Today is day one in our new home. Yesterday, we unpacked the trucks and got the beds ready so at least we had a place to sleep. We went out and had dinner at a restaurant and laughed so much. It felt like family. This feels like home. I am so excited and feel so loved by the Father. This is also the time when we will take our first steps as a new family in the area.
When you teach a baby to walk, you know it will be a process. No parent has ever spanked their little one for falling when they are learning to walk, right? That would be crazy! Why then, do we expect each other to walk perfectly, without any missteps?
Today, as our family begins to acclimate to this new “culture”, we will undoubtedly make some missteps. It’s not the if really, but when. And when we do, what matters most is, how do we act next?
Do we pridefully scoff about it? Do we humbly repent and try again?
I hope we can do the latter.
As you are learning to walk as Jesus did, a process that will take a lifetime, how will you act when you make a mistake? How will you respond when you realize you had faulty thinking that needs correcting? These are the moments. The times when we decide whether or not we will allow the Father to come alongside us as our Teacher.
Likewise, how do you treat others as they are learning? Do you hold other believers to an even higher or unequal standard than yourself? Or do you offer others the grace to be where they are, knowing God is their Teacher as well?
How we answer these questions is something that will define our influence, or lack thereof, over others.
It matters because God is love. It matters because His nature is patient and kind. It matters because as co-heirs with Christ we represent the Kingdom everywhere we go. It’s our responsibility and privilege to be ambassadors of Christ.
Take a moment this morning and evaluate how you represent Him. Really look deep inside and allow the Father to shine light on any place that needs to be rearranged.
You do have the strength to change, because it’s in His strength that we are transformed.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
365 Days in the Presence 