Day 37 – Fit For Life

Happy Day 37! 😀

I hope your day is off to a great start! I really do! But unfortunately, all you need to do is look around you, or watch the news to see that our world is in a state of unrest. There is so much anger, hurt, and even hatred. Everytime I see what’s going on around me, I feel the urge to pull back and hibernate at home. Sometimes I just want to retreat and isolate myself in a safe cocoon. It may seem easier to be happy, holy and close to God when no one else is around to frustrate or upset us. But that is a false, untested holiness. Isolating ourself can be deceitful because it’s easy to think we’re growing as a Christian if there’s no one around to challenge us. You may be going to work or being around people, and still be isolating yourself by not connecting with others. Real spiritual health and growth shows up in RELATIONSHIPS! No, we are not called to be a “Lone Ranger” Christian! This world needs Jesus!

When Jesus walked this Earth, God worked through his physical body. But now, He uses His spiritual body….His people! THAT IS US! We are His instruments on Earth! We are called to be the salt and light in the world. We are to be different. Salt and light change things! By different, I am not talking about adhering to a list of legalistic rules. I’m talking about being love and light in a dark world. We are his hands, feet, his eyes and his heart! He works through us everyday if we let Him. It can get us out of our comfort zone.. it may be inconvenient….BUT…We have a contribution to make!
A pretty simple thing we can do everyday in our life is just to be kind! Just a smile or a simple Hello can make a difference. There’s enough hatefulness and strife out there already. Ephesians 4:31-32 says,”Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Wow! What a difference it would make if every one of us would do that! Think of all the anger there is just on social media! Too many Christians choose between standing for truth and demonstrating grace. Why not both? This world doesn’t need mean-spirited religion! It needs humility that results in kindness while upholding biblical truth. The people around you at work, in your neighborhood, on social media, at the store, and your home don’t need more arguments or self-righteousness. Those things never do a thing for ANYONE! One thing I know.. …we will never lead our enemies to Christ, but we do lead our friends!

We sometimes want to rant before we relate; be combative before we care; and judge before we empathize. Did you know showing kindness has many positive effects on our health? Kindness releases endorphins in the brain… that is a natural pain killer! Kind people tend to have less stress than the average person. Kindness improves your mood, and helps with depression and anxiety. It stimulates the production of serotonin which can help heal wounds, calms and increases feelings of happiness! Didn’t Mom always say ,” To have friends, you must be a friend.”? Well Mom was right!

Action Step 37👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Today pray for opportunities to show kindness around you. People need that! Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the people around you through His eyes. Be the hands and feet of Jesus today!