Have you ever come up with a bright idea of a new way to accomplish a task and decided to run it by the boss? If you are fortunate, the boss says ‘sure, give it a try’ and then the idea fails miserably. Or maybe you are the boss, or think you are, and the same thing happens. How many second chances of trying the same thing do you think you should take? How many trials would the boss give you before you are told, ‘go back to the way we know that works!’ Probably no more than a couple times before you are demoted or tapped on the head and told get back to work, otherwise you have a very forgiving boss. Sometimes the boss knows best and following orders is best for everyone. Sometimes you quit and try to do things your own way instead of taking orders with which you don’t agree. Sooner or later, you figure it out. When have you ever gone against what you have been told to do?
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
If you have a good boss, or employee, or wife, or anyone else you have offended, or told off in the past, only to realize that they were right in the first place, then you either have to pretend that you were right, or admit your mistake and one way or another, ask for forgiveness. Because if they are not very forgiving, and many are not, then they will likely tell you to get lost. We don’t always get it right every time, and having others around us who are willing to be a little gracious to us and others is important in life. When we are more gracious and forgiving toward others, they tend to be so toward us as well. When we are harsh and rigid, others act the same way toward us, and we see the consequences.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8
When God gave us rules, plans and procedures to follow, it was not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. It is also for the benefit and reputation of our team and the company we work for. When we are God’s children, we represent Him and everyone else in the company and ‘the church’ as well. He gives us the guideline of laying down our lives and letting his Spirit guide our steps in all we do in accordance with His will. Its not always an easy thing to do, as it fights against our selfish nature, but when we practice it more and more, it shows in our lives. When we go against God’s law and His guidance for our lives, it negatively impacts Him, us, and those around us. Thankfully, when we humble ourselves and seek forgiveness, he allows us a second, third, and fourth chance to try to get it right. Where is He giving you that chance today?
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Yours in Christ,
Clark
