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Posts Tagged ‘core beliefs’

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  (Eph. 5:15-16)

 

 

How do we go about leading worthy lives? How must we walk carefully in order to be wise? Is there something you feel God wants you to do in this life that you have not yet done? Reflect on these things as you quiet your minds.

 

It’s hard to remember that Paul spent much of his later life in prison, writing letters to the various places where the new Christian churches had been established. He must have felt that his life was worthy of what God called him to do. Being incarcerated certainly gives people time for reflection.

 

Sister Theresa certainly felt she had received a calling, and she followed through admirably and not without suffering. Missionaries who head off for possibly uncivilized places must believe that they are following God’s wishes. I have often wondered if there was something that God wished me to do that I ignored because of laziness, fears, or simply a taste for the benefits civilization brings. I admire Sister Theresa and those who are missionaries—those who put themselves out for God. However, I have never felt a need to do those things.

 

I like to think our lives are worthy if we simply have a desire to live a decent life and be as caring toward others as we can. We all make sacrifices of some kind, but I am very aware that I have given up little for my faith.  I am willing to do what I can, but wonder sometimes if I should be doing more.  Today, I will try to be open to hear if God does call and hope you will do the same.

Taken from “Talks with our Creator” for November 25th

 

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Everything is possible for him who believes. (Mark 9:23)

 

 

 

As you reflect today, ask yourself what you believe.  If we walk a spiritual path, this indicates that we hold a number of core beliefs—essentials for the kind of life we want to lead.  Try to think about those things which make up your set of core beliefs.

 

Did you find it difficult to determine what you believe? Our language does a good job of allowing us to communicate for the most part.  However, when it comes to things of the spirit, our language does not serve us well. We know what we believe, but it can be quite hard to put those things into words.

 

For many of us, our intrinsic beliefs probably look a little like some of the Ten Commandments.  We believe that we should love God and one another.  We believe that we should worship only our God.  We should honor our parents, not kill others, respect others’ property, not steal, and not lie.  Most of our beliefs, however, have some qualifications attached.

 

We can kill others if we are defending ourselves and those we love, for example.  Probably most of us believe adultery is wrong, but it happens so frequently, some may wonder if we do believe it.  Many of us have been guilty of worshiping graven images like money, or automobiles, or mansions.  Because we are human, we slip easily into behaviors that are contrary to what we honestly believe.  Sometimes our definitions are at fault. Keeping the Sabbath Day holy depends on one’s definition of what is holy.

 

Today, examine your beliefs and whether or not you still believe those things. We need to know what we believe and who we are before we decide whether or not to make changes.

Taken from “Talks with our Creator” for June 5th

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