Take Out the Garbage
When times are hard....when life is uncertain.... when we suffer emotionally, financially, or spiritually....we can start taking on 'garbage' if we are not careful. What kind of garbage?
1. Blaming others for our 'misfortune(s)'
2. Envying those who 'seem' to have it better;
3. Shutting out people who care for us;
4. Ignoring what is really going on -- the truth;
5. Doubting our abilities and God-given talents;
6. Obsessing over 'mistakes' and 'failures'
7. Worrying about what the future holds for us;
8. Hoarding possessions--and people--"just in case"
9. Denying the good that surrounds us;
10. Refusing to surrender our will to the Lord;
11. Rejecting daily blessings;
12. Living a self-centered life;
13. Looking to others to 'save' us;
14. Cluttering our surroundings (and our minds) with junk;
GET RID OF THIS GARBAGE...IT WILL ONLY KEEP YOU DOWN! Instead focus on the fruits of the Spirit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Galatians 5:22-26