ORACLES: Lesson 1

“I pray your personal life matches in personality with your public display, in Jesus’ name.”

Amen

We’ve all experienced, or have been the parent who melodiously answered a ringing phone in the middle of giving stern warning. The change of temperament and sound could make you think a new person entered the room as the once contorted face turned quite pleasant.

It’s comical in hindsight, but it actually proves that we all know how to act no matter what’s going on in life, but for whatever our reasons, we excuse ourselves from what we know and allow bad attitudes and behaviors to steer our interactions with those we love most. And that should not be.

Just as you manage to pull it together for those you don’t know, you can keep it together for those you do know. It’s choosing to be disciplined and not duplicitous. For the sake of integrity, uphold the same level of kindness with those closest to you as you would towards those with whom you barely know!

Sure you can be yourself, without pretention with your family; you’re comfortable, and yes, those closest to you are forgiving, even tolerant. However, that’s not a good enough reason to disrespect, disregard or show contempt and impatience with the very people who love you much. No one deserves to be mistreated.

If you can find patience for colleagues, kind words for acquaintances and extra time for complete strangers, it means you have the ability to give the best of yourself to those who love you and need the best part of you too.

Life is filled with challenge, but this one is worth it. Restrain yourself and be the person God called you to be everyday and with all people, especially with those you claim to love.