How Do Others See You
1 Timothy 2:8-10 (The Message) "Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray - not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it."
I really like how The Message translates these verses! The key being humility. I find it interesting that in these verses, for men, it focuses on their anger and actions towards others. Then for women, it is more of an inner action. Primping and looking in the mirror or chasing fashion... not too many men fall victim to this. Yes, there are a few, but it is women who are wired that way.
What is "doing something beautiful for God"? Well, to me, it is actually acts of service. Things that people don't expect. Things done behind the scenes. Character. Like, being kind and gentle to others. Speaking with a smile in your voice. Helping those in need. Giving of yourself and time to others who wouldn't normally "ask". Basically, trying to be a good example and representation of Jesus to everyone in all situations. Easy? No, not always. Will we mess up? Oh yes! For sure! But are we held back or stuck because of those times? No, we shouldn't be. Praying, raising our hands up to God - is a mighty and powerful thing to practice. This is where I feel the ACTS way of praying comes in. When we focus on God first who He is and what He has done, then confess anything that we know we have done against His design - then we thank Him for things that He has done for us and others - leads to us praying for others, then ourselves. This is what helps us have an attitude of gratitude - in all things - because we lift them up to Him.
Today, follow the ABC's with thankfulness to God for things He has blessed you with that you can share with others. (attitude, bags of food, caring, dedication, enjoyment..) Ways He has blessed you with humility. Think of things that make other people "beautiful" to you, in your heart and mind. Do you see those qualities in yourself? Look for them - then thank God for them. He WANTS to bless you! Have a GREAT day being blessed and finding humility in yourself from God ;-)
I really like how The Message translates these verses! The key being humility. I find it interesting that in these verses, for men, it focuses on their anger and actions towards others. Then for women, it is more of an inner action. Primping and looking in the mirror or chasing fashion... not too many men fall victim to this. Yes, there are a few, but it is women who are wired that way.
What is "doing something beautiful for God"? Well, to me, it is actually acts of service. Things that people don't expect. Things done behind the scenes. Character. Like, being kind and gentle to others. Speaking with a smile in your voice. Helping those in need. Giving of yourself and time to others who wouldn't normally "ask". Basically, trying to be a good example and representation of Jesus to everyone in all situations. Easy? No, not always. Will we mess up? Oh yes! For sure! But are we held back or stuck because of those times? No, we shouldn't be. Praying, raising our hands up to God - is a mighty and powerful thing to practice. This is where I feel the ACTS way of praying comes in. When we focus on God first who He is and what He has done, then confess anything that we know we have done against His design - then we thank Him for things that He has done for us and others - leads to us praying for others, then ourselves. This is what helps us have an attitude of gratitude - in all things - because we lift them up to Him.
Today, follow the ABC's with thankfulness to God for things He has blessed you with that you can share with others. (attitude, bags of food, caring, dedication, enjoyment..) Ways He has blessed you with humility. Think of things that make other people "beautiful" to you, in your heart and mind. Do you see those qualities in yourself? Look for them - then thank God for them. He WANTS to bless you! Have a GREAT day being blessed and finding humility in yourself from God ;-)
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