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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Jill Marin

My friend, things may seem heavy, scary and stressful right now. But, take heart. God has a way to help us through these difficult times.

God gives us clear direction on what is his best for our lives. When our choices depart from God’s best, we can open ourselves to increased problems in our lives and in society. Choosing to respect God, respect life, and respect ourselves and others is so vitally important.

Do we choose to respect God through our words and actions? We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and strength. We are to keep his commandments on our hearts, impress them on our children and talk about them often (Deut. 6:5-7).

God directs us to honor his holiness through our lives.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” — 1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

Living a holy life is freeing as it transcends living a life limited to this world. God’s best is to live and model holy lives.

Do we choose to respect life? In everything we do in life, we are to do it for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). From the time we are formed in our mother’s womb to the day we are called home, there are choices to be made (Is. 44:24, Heb. 9:27). The choices we make bring us closer to life or death.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19a

Isn’t that what we want? God’s best is to choose life. Do we choose to respect ourselves? Our thoughts produce our emotions, actions and words. God’s word directs us to, above all else, guard our heart (mind) because everything we do comes from it (Prov. 4:23).

How can we guard our mind? Are we filling our mind with negative, fleshly, vulgar or accusatory thoughts?

Instead, we are to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). Doesn’t that sound so much better?

And, yes, our thoughts are in our control, as we take our thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). God’s best is to choose self-control.

Do we choose to respect others? Are we valuing others and their opinions, or are we labeling others with differing views as enemies to be destroyed, as things to be used for our own gain, or as having no value at all?

God directs us, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:17-18

In all things, we are to set an example for others by being self-controlled, doing what is good and teaching with integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech (Titus 2:6-8).

Doesn’t that sound attractive? We are to be devoted to one another in love and to honor one another above ourselves (Rom. 12:10). God’s best is to choose goodness and love.

In these tumultuous times, God shows us a way through by choosing his best. Our choices matter. Let’s choose to live holy lives; and let’s choose life, self-control, goodness and love.

Let’s find a better way together.

Jill Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.