I Believe

As God’s representatives, we should make it our goal to influence as many people as possible in a positive direction. Communication evolves in more ways than words. Consider the following: a smile, a greeting, a thought, or a helpful deed. Each one of us hopes for something. Hope gives us the strength to keep going in the face of need, great or small. Hope is essential to life. Even when all our physical needs are met, emotional desires, such as friendships, love, and hope, are great enhancements to life. In this life, what we have, how we look, and what we can do dominates our existence. Externally, no part of who we are is more important that whose we are.

Life is filled with positive experiences that help us make it through the bad times. The ups and downs of life become clearer as we mature. Nurturing surfaces during parenting, caring, and mentoring. Relying on Biblical principles helps distinguish between what is right and what is wrong. Often understanding is a slow process that begins early in life and happens in such ways that we don’t even realize we are learning.

Sin is an offense against God’s laws. Traditionally, the original Seven Deadly Sins are pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. Striving to eliminate sinful patterns in our lives is most praiseworthy; however, the ultimate objective is being obedient children of God. We do well to keep the faith during life’s journey. Our focus should be on areas of major importance and not quibble over incidental matters. What parents pass on to their children will be passed on to their children, who then will pass it on to children yet unborn. When we allow our anxieties rather than our faith to shape our lives, we tend to act with anger and foolishness. When we become discouraged and find it difficult to be kind and loving towards others, it helps to remember that God is supporting us.

Self-reflection is always a good exercise. What I believe is a work in progress, not limited to these statements and subject to change. What do YOU believe?