Thursday, August 15, 2013

Peace Be with You

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you

Wow, I’m not sure I could give those instructions to those I love.  He’s saying here that if the people to whom he’s writing will take what they’ve heard and seen in Paul and practice it – then peace will be theirs.

Do we want the God of peace to go with those we love, namely our children and spouse?  Then it is a sobering thought to realize that what we teach them, and what they see us practice, is what they will learn and do themselves.

If our kids hear us constantly complain, talk about our husbands behind their back, listen to our directions to eat well but see us eat poorly, etc. they will follow suit – and the same discontent we feel will be theirs.

But the opposite is true as well!  If they listen to words of adoration come out of our mouths daily, see us give and serve others, and observe a kind heart and a gentle spirit – the same peace we experience will be theirs.

I love the word in these last two verses, “whatever.”  Whatever we think on will set our course.  And whatever we say and do will set the course of those who are listening and watching us.


No comments:

Post a Comment