In a world that gives so much attention to what designer clothes/shoes we wear and all other STUFF we should HAVE, working on our behavior and character, i.e, WHO we ought to BE, is not always a very popular topic...
Our character, our habits, and our personality start being formed at an early age, influenced by our upbringing, experiences, people we spend time with, what we read, hear, watch, learn, do, etc. And with time, this all makes it who we are. Does that mean that's who we'll have to be for the rest of our lives?
I don't think so.
We're rarely taught about looking at ourselves and DECIDING to CHANGE (yes, it starts with a decision in our head) the bad "labels"(as in "brands") we may have: many accept the "life will teach you"-mentality or "this is who I am" excuse, and simply live their lives as it comes. They accept labels given by someone or even themselves, and as they do, these labels become the "brands" that they represent:
"Morning person" or not, "stubborn"/"flexible", "selfish"/"helpful", "smart"/"stupid", "hardworking"/"lazy", among thousands of others...
Once we recognize a characteristic we do not like, it's possible to change it!
Changing is usually quite uncomfortable, but the good news is that it is possible and there's a great reward for doing so: Our life becomes so much better and fulfilling!
The text below shows that our life can become a reflection of God. His goodness, His character, and His joy become the "brand we wear"! It is not a religion (something we force ourselves to do).
On the contrary, as we allow these things into our lives, a new version of us is born inside out.
Love, strength, goodness, and joy become a natural part of us, which is the result of working on improving ourselves, looking at our character, and changing the type of "brand" we've been carrying in our lives.
You may say: "I'm a pretty happy person, I'm good, don't really need God"...
I understand, but watch how you feel when you're by yourself, with no one around. Or when something doesn't go your way, or when you lose someone you love...
With most people I've met, and I can speak for myself, there's always a little emptiness that seems that can't be fully taken away unless we're busy doing something "fun"...
Well, if we only give it a try, God will fill the emptiness that nothing and no one on this earth really can...
See the text below:
...Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe.
Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it.
All the old fashions are now obsolete...
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:
Compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.
Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.
And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.
It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
Let the word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God!
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
(Colossians 3:5-17 MSG)
Up for a makeover?
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