Several months ago, God convicted me that I had work to do when responding to frustrating or irritating circumstances. Although my actions may have been appropriate from a society perspective, they certainly weren’t when viewed through God’s standard of grace, mercy, kindness, and patience. I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences, maybe during a phone call to discuss your mobile phone service or a medical bill when the representative just wasn’t interested in resolving your concern. A right perspective of my relationship with Jesus and his gracious kindness to me, especially when I’ve been rebellious and selfish, should bring my behavior toward others into opportunities to express God’s love for them.
So, the question I asked myself is how do I change my behavior to be in alignment with God’s plan and purposes for my life? God laid on my heart a need to “pray first” before responding to difficult situations. I need to ask for wisdom, understanding, empathy, and a desire to share the love of Jesus instead of simply solving my problem or getting what I want. Asking God to help me isn’t difficult, developing the habit of praying first is where the work begins.
For several years, I've been blessed to have a mutual mentoring relationship with two godly men. We meet once a week to run, share life, and pray. I asked them to help me develop the habit of praying first. For the next 40 days we would text one another with a simple phrase that we had prayed first or not. As you know, there isn’t anything special about sending a text between good friends. Having friends who pray for me and have godly influence in my life encourages me to act in a manner that is pleasing to God.
God tells us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and through that relationship all things needed for daily living will be provided. Living out a righteous life in an unrighteous society can be very difficult, or we can see it as an opportunity to be salt and light to so many that are bitter and rejected.
I’d love to tell you that my forty-day journey of seeking to pray first before responding in a manner that draws others to Jesus is complete, that I’ve successfully mastered that aspect of righteous living. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I’m still working on my attitude, perspective, and actions to bring those into alignment with God’s character. As I continue to mature in this area, may I ask you to help me along my journey? As you see me please have the freedom to ask me if I’m praying first!
Steve Howard, Small Groups Coordinator