Every Tuesday at SecureGive, we gather around for a staff meeting and devotional time. It’s a great opportunity to step out of our individual roles and talk about what is happening in the company. More than that, though, it is a time to experience God’s word. Often times, it is easy to work in the “church world” but get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks that we lose focus on the reason behind all that we do. With that in mind, we want to start sharing our Tuesday morning devotions with you.
This morning, we were reminded of Proverbs 29:11, which states “A fool gives vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” The devotion, taken from The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debbi Bryson (yes, it’s a women’s devotional; we decided it applied to the men in our office too!) went through daily disappointments and common grievances – anything from cleaning up dirty socks from the floor for the umpteenth time to encountering animosity from others. What Proverbs says to us is that we can choose to react emotionally to everything that happens in our lives, or we can exercise discretion and restraint. Our emotions don’t validate or invalidate someone else’s actions. Instead of using them as an immediate reaction (or often punishment for the offending party), we should respond to everything out of love first.
Just this morning, I read an article on Facebook that applies so well here. You’ve probably seen it; it has been making the social media rounds for the past year. The article described how we as Christians are held to a higher standard in how we treat others. It went on to show a picture of a note left by someone purporting to be a pastor on a waitress’ receipt as to why he would not be giving her a tip that day. The author of the article expressed anger, and honestly, my feelings while reading the piece were similar. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am certainly not condoning this pastor’s actions or condemning the author for bringing our attention to it. I merely recognize a tendency in myself to act in just as un-Christianlike way towards that pastor. We certainly are held towards a higher standard, and it applies in how we treat fellow Christians as well.
As we start the holiday season this year, let’s all make a little more effort to act out of love to everyone around us. When we do, not only do we bless those around us, but we will be blessed in return.
