A Word From The Wise.....

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect".

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

I took a line dance class once with some of my girl friends, now the objective  of the class was to stay in rhythm and in the same motion of the instructor.   This was a fast pace  class; but  when everyone finally got on track the routine looked amazing.  I see that happening as well in choir rehearsal  when  everyone is trying to learn their part, but once its all pulled together and everyone is on key the sound also can be amazing.  Dancing and singing, and dancers and singers both know the importance of being in sync.

But, and you knew that was coming; but somethings are not meant to be in sync with everyone else.  Somethings are not meant to be copied.  We know that practice makes perfect.  That's why dancers and singers sacrifice so much of their time practicing in order to reach perfection. One missed step in a dance routine, one note song out of key and everyone is looking at you funny.  We are looking to become the best at what we do, looking to gain the praises of our peers.,

Our life as a child of the most High God is different.; not always in sync,  Our gifts, our visions, are just that ours, just for us.   We cant always  follow the leader, the instructor, the choir director we cant always blend in, there are times when must stand out. Be set apart.  When we incorporate the behavior of others in our lives than their behavior becomes ours.  "Monkey see, Monkey Do" I still say that every time I see someone copying the behavior of  someone else.  Not only others behavior, but even their own behavior.  We are a people who say we want more, we want better, we want change and we are constantly executing the same behavior.  In Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy".  When God gives us mercy, he doesn't see us as we are but what we can become.

Change, how hard is it?  Difficult, yes.  Impossible, no! When you look in the mirror, when you stare in to space, when you sit in a room surrounded by people and what you see, how you feel and even that awkwardness of your surroundings lets you know there are changes that need to be made.  We can become all God wants us to be if we take the time to change our minds;  it can be as easy as adjusting our thoughts each day,.  Let's think before we speak, and chose our paths wisely.

Proverbs 4 (NIV)

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;    pay attention and gain understanding.
² I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.
⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,^[b] get understanding.
⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
⁹ She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.”

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.
¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶ For they cannot rest until they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.

¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble.

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the^[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil

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