In frustration or tiredness, I sometimes snap at someone with a snarky comment.
One morning at Home Depot—after working an overnight shift at the hospital—I shuffled endlessly through the vast aisles trying to find a simple list of five items. I had stopped at the customer service desk on my way in to get a list of aisle numbers for my shopping list. However, the clerk gave me the wrong directions.
In the paint department—frustrated and tired and trying desperately to locate cheesecloth—I sternly asked the lady at the counter to call a manager to help me. She told me she was occupied, and I retorted, “Well, that’s why I asked you to call a manager.” Not my finest hour.
Some can relate. Some have more self-control or are filled with a deeper sense of peace, but on occasion my reaction overtakes what I know I should do.
God offers an alternative through Paul’s letter to the Colossians when he says to do everything in the name of Jesus. The verse summarizes the call on our lives to be the most Christ-like humans possible.
What we say matters as much as what we do. Paul gives both equal weight. Often, we speak without thinking, tell crass jokes, participate in gossip, curse, and offer commitments we don’t work to keep without batting an eye.
All we speak should be said in the name of Jesus. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t laugh or that we need to preach every time we open our mouths. But we should practice awareness of the words we choose to say and how they affect others.
We can be too prideful or busy to put accolades where they rightly belong: with God. Slowing down and taking time to thank God for opportunities, people, and abilities creates space for gratitude to blossom.
We need to give thanks in all circumstances, even when we grapple to stay afloat or control our emotions. Cultivating an attitude of thanks helps alleviate struggles by removing our eyes from ourselves and reminding us of God’s power and grace.
Remember, you are the light of Christ in the world. Speak and act in His name.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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K.A. Wypych is a Christian writer, speaker, and athlete who inspires people to courageously persevere through challenges to reach their big dreams and better their lives. She has been published in numerous articles and devotionals. Wypych is currently under contract with Ambassador International to publish her book, Ten Iron Principles. The book is a Christian living memoir about perseverance and salvation through playing football on a boys’ junior varsity team and her road to the Ironman triathlon. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and works as a surgical physician assistant in Baltimore. You can follow her at www.kawypych.com.