8-9-2024

Good Morning All,

        Proverbs 15:1; “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

     There was a cartoon a while back and it had a little boy, snow pants on, big winter coat, stocking hat, wrapped in a scarf.  His arms stuck out to the side and his mom pushed him out the front door.  He made his way down to the bus stop where another little boy was standing.  As they waited for the bus it began to snow and soon, they were covered in snow.  One boy said, “Global warming?” to which the second boy answered, “I wish!”

    There is a lot of talk about global warming or “climate change” as it is called now.  It is all the talk when we get some unusual weather.  So, when the low pressures are lower or the high pressures are higher, or the fronts are stronger or the rain is greater or the drought is greater, it is climate change.  But today I would like to look at a different type of climate change.  I want us to look at our personal climate; the way we respond or act as we go through life.

    When you meet someone, are you a spring warm front, smiles and a friendly greeting or are you a wintry cold front, all anger, and icy stares?  The interaction we have with people reflects not only our personality; it also reflects our faith.  It reflects how we receive the many blessings that God gives to us.

    Scripture gives us many different slants on this very verse.  All of them state the same basic truth.  Anger, hatred, rancid temperament, and other such negative attitudes bring about other negative attitudes.  This is what the Bible tells us.  This negative attitude brings us down and gives the devil an in.  If you are angry or upset, you are more likely to look for something that will cause you to judge or envy or despise.  Yet a happier attitude tends to help you look for the positive things in a situation.  This tends to move us away from sin.

    The challenge for us as Christians is to always remember that the world watches us.  The world will judge God by our actions.  How we react to any given situation will lead them to judge God accordingly.  If we are angry all the time, they will wonder if being a Christian has any value at all.  But if they see you calm, relaxed and at ease most of the time, they will wonder what you have that they would like.  “Why are you always so happy?” is a common question asked of a happy, contented Christian. 

    So, for the next few days, do a check on your climate.  Imagine how someone will react to the way that you behave.  If you are surly to the gal behind the register, think how you would react.  If you are grumpy to most, how would you react?  If you greet someone with a smile, how would you react to that?  Test yourself and see if you need a climate change.

    Father, too often I am not showing the love to others that you have shown to me.  Forgive me for this failure and sin.  Give me the courage to be that bright beacon for all to see.  Give me the strength to show your love to one and all.  Use me as your servant.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret