Friday, October 23, 2009

Leaders Meditate on the Right Issues

Proverbs 23:17(AMP) Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all the day long.

We all meditate: we just don’t think about it as such. Probably your mental image is a yoga position, or you pictured a cloistered monk; however, don’t be deceived! What you think about when you are working-out – jogging or walking along – where you mind wanders and settles – that is meditation.

For some that thought-time is filled with complaining, anger, bitterness, gossip, sexual images, envy (coveting): Christian leaders are called to “guard [our] hearts” and ask forgiveness for the sin that is hidden in our thoughts, and turn our hearts toward our Creator, Redeemer and Friend.

Yes, life happens. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. The “just” have been given all-weather gear to keep them dry, safe and warm no matter the storm. We just have to use it. We don’t – at least I know I don’t all the time. I sometimes like to soak in my self-pity, my envy, my coveting. Think of it this way: what was Eve thinking about when the Serpent tempted her? Was her heart inclined to God, or to the lust of the eyes and the pride of life?

What you think about – meditate upon – matters. God’s instructions to Joshua concerning His Word was very straightforward: “Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

Will you join me in a journey to righteously meditate?


Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a great post because it's true and it's powerful. In the counseling world, we call it self-talk, but it's essentially the same thing. If we allow ourselves to stew on negative things, that's where our heart goes. But if we stew on God's love, His grace, and Hi mercy, then our heart turns to Him.

Thanks for posting this!

-Aaron
My "Trutheran" Christian Living blog

P. Griffith "Griff" Lindell said...

Thanks, Aaron, and I see from you blog, you have an insightful handle on our walk of faith in a world that denies "revelation" in favor of so-called "reason." I see that we are "neighbors," since we live in Woodburn - just down the road.

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

Griff

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Griff. It's good to meet online with another Oregonian and especially someone who gives God and His Word the honor due.

I look forward to reading more of your thoughts in the future!

-Aaron
My "Trutheran" Christian Living blog