“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you,” (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness is one of the principle characteristics of a spirit-controlled life. Kindness activates love, forgiveness, tenderheartedness, patience and a host of other godly virtues. Generally speaking I have grown much more patient through the years, but I am still far too easily irked. This is one of the sinister ways the kingdom of darkness attempts to maintain a foothold in my soul. When annoyances are permitted to hang around without constraint they huddle together and increase in number. In this undisciplined condition of self-indulgence, problems seem huge and God seems small; then full-fledged anger pops up like burnt toast. How foolish. Father forgive my imprudence and help me keep my bearings. I am aware of how annoying I must be to You, yet You are eternally patient and kind in spite of my deficiencies. Make me more like You LORD.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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