Hebrews 12:2  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)

Why is it that some people seem to be always ready to lend a hand, help a friend, touch a life; and for others it is work?  Why is it that others are always grumpy, caustic, or quick with a slicing comment?  Why is it that some have a verse, poem, or song for every occasion?

Haven’t you wondered about such things?  Well, I have stumbled upon the answer.  No, they aren’t just naturally gifted in helping, being cranky, or remembering poetry.  Instead, these people have practiced (sometimes on purpose and sometimes by accident) a response to life until it has become second nature.  I find that the helpful person has been brought up to be helpful by a parent, grandparent, or mentor.  I find that the caustic person usually has other caustic people around them as friends or family.  They get lots of practice!  The person who always has a verse or proverb uses them for themselves regularly. 

The Boy Scouts have a motto: Be prepared.  In our Christian life, that motto sometimes seems irrelevant.  We ask, “How can I be prepared to be loving?”  Or we ask, “How do I prepare more patience?”  The answer isn’t to pack a backpack full of love or patience (oh how I wish we could!).  The answer is to make being loving something you practice.  Make counting to 10 something you do everyday.  Over time, it will become more than an exercise.  It will become second nature.  It will become part of our character and not something we have to take out of a spiritual drawer somewhere.

So today: decide what character quality of Christ you know that you need to put into your life and begin practicing.  Doing so will prepare you for what life brings you next!

Something to think about,

Pastor John