Ask Yourself

1 Peter 2:21
"...because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." NIV

With this passage in mind, ask yourself the following:

What Would Jesus Think?

Circumstances of our everyday lives often leads us into some perplexing dilemmas and situations that bring on problems that are more than we can stand. A housewife for example, may find it overbearing trying to take care of a house and dealing with the maintenance of it, buying groceries, preparing meals, being a good mother and raising the children, while at the same time, being a good wife. The juggling of all these things may lead to frustration and a non-caring attitude.

The person who has to go to work each and every day also has his/her load to carry. There is, of course, the mere getting up in the morning and preparing for the day's work. Then, there's the traffic—the rude and impolite people—the accidents that delay and build toward anger and rage! Once at work, this person is subjected to the directions and commands of the boss and the "system". For years the people may have to keep a tight reign on their own emotions in order to keep the job.

All of this leads to negativism, discouragement, or possibly despondency. Turn in your own Bibles to Phil 4:8.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." NIV

This is what Jesus would do. He would think positively on those things of good report, expecting the best.

The trials and tribulations of this life are short at the most. At times, we think that the things we have to endure will never end. And it's this perception that brings us down. There was a humorist one time that said something along these lines: "The longest two years of my life was the weekend I spent in San Francisco."

There are many things in this life that brings us down--- that makes the joy in our lives disappear. We worry whether or not we'll be able to pay our bills. Or, perhaps we worry if we'll get a certain job or promotion. Perhaps, we worry and fret about our health or a loved one's health. But we must remember that it's attitude that leads us on. But we're told not to dwell on these things. Instead, we're to dwell on those things that are lovely, pure, noble, etc. Jesus says to us in Luke 12:25-26

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" NIV

But how can we have this attitude, when it seems like all the world is against us?—when the creditors are at the door or someone else gets the promotion that you had counted on at work or everything in life just seems to be going to pieces or our health is in danger?

The "secret" is knowing that this life is short! If you don't believe me that life is short, ask some elderly person what he/she thinks. Chances are they will tell you that it seems like only yesterday this or that happened—and that there are so few days left.

So, you say OK. Life is short. Now what? Well, the "now what" is the apex of the "secret." For you see, we are destined as children of God to live for all eternity. God the Father has given us this great gift through His Son Jesus Christ. In John 3:16 we read: 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV

If we dwell on the destination of our lives—if we keep the faith in the promises of our Holy Father—if obey His commands, observe the Sabbath day and the Holy Days, and do His will—we will have eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

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