Four things to pay attention to:
Pay attention to others. If we would obey just this much of the command, the world would be a very different place. Today, as you consider this passage, also consider how you might go “out of your way” to help someone else…especially someone who has become discouraged or disillusioned in the faith. The importance of a helping hand and an encouraging word cannot be overstated in the process of rehabilitation or restoration.
Humility is the only way this is able to work. By the way, only the humble have teachers. (further down)
Pay attention to your job. Don’t become so caught up in other affairs that you forget what your own job is. Spiritually speaking, have your devotions. Spend time in prayer. Set aside time for corporate worship. On the secular side, pay your bills, show up for work on time and give an honest day’s work for your pay. Being humble when considering your position doesn’t mean that your position isn’t important. Every role is necessary. Don’t let the devil trick you into thinking that your job doesn’t matter. It does.
Pay attention to your teachers. Only the humble have teachers, because they accept they still have things to learn. Just yesterday I learned something new about a task that I thought I was very proficient in. Humility allowed me to accept advice that shortened my labor and improved my product. Taking advice from others doesn’t make you less…it helps you grow. Those who teach you are worthy of honor. How could you express your thanks to those who are helping you grow? And if there aren’t any people instructing you…what steps can you take to change that?
Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the one who reminds us to be compassionate (others), honest (our job) and humble (teachers). In addition to these few attributes the Spirit adds the others found in the last chapter.
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self control.
These are not 9 different attributes, but one personality and mindset that undergird every decision and action we make. With patience comes kindness, and with peace comes gentleness, and with love comes self control….etc. They are all linked together. You cannot become more patient without also becoming loving or faithful or kind. The Spirit points out to us the areas in our life that we need to grow. He is our teacher, if we are humble enough to accept it.
It’s both difficult and discouraging when we realize that we have come up short in the practice of our faith. But remember that the Spirit isn’t discouraged, He is patient…and will continue to teach us and guide us if we are willing to listen. The Holy Spirit never gives up on us.
Soaking in the Good News,
PR