When asked the question, “What do you think?” This can open the door to futile thoughts or brilliant concepts. For me, it is an immediate reaction to start praying! Some thoughts are not even worth mentioning because they may be a danger to yourself or someone else. What if you responded under stress to every thought that you had about a person or a situation? If you were to be honest, many of those thoughts would be harmful to you or someone you may be thinking about.
Have you ever been cut off on the road followed by a rather rude hand gesture from a driver because you were driving too slowly for them? Was your first thought about the driver, – “Oh, it’s an emergency, may God bless him to arrive safely at his destination?” I’m sure that would not be a response from many people.
What about seeing a person in a parking space with a handicap sticker and then seeing them exit their vehicle with ease, no walker or cane needed? – Do you think that the person isn’t handicapped, because you formed an opinion on how a disabled person should look?
Has there ever been a time when you were greeting and waving at someone, and they didn’t respond? Would this lead you to respond in a negative way in the future to others who resembles them and waved at you? We should guard our thoughts and responses carefully, as they have a way of shaping our character. As you think, so do you become and react.
Let’s not rush to judgment by entertaining futile thoughts that do not edify another person. You probably can’t count the times that people misjudged you, so let’s not be guilty of the same crime. It feels good when you don’t act upon a negative thought about a person before you discover who they are. I have met some wonderful people who have become endearing friends over the years because I didn’t let ‘first impressions’ control my heart. What about you?
Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Please join us in celebrating Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium this Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are made. You can view our worship services on YouTube at www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club