We live in a time when so much information is swirling around us through multiple means of media. When we were raising our family, Dr. Spock was the author everyone was turning to for wisdom. It was a time of no discipline and wisdom crumbled into a time of anarchy.
We raised our children through insights found in the Bible–We found the book of Proverbs and the words of Jesus our best blueprint for living. It spoke about how to deal with enemies by overcoming evil with good. Julie, our daughter, was the new kid on the bus and was not greeted warmly. We made cookies and the next day she distributed them and built a bridge of friendship through kindness.
We are living in difficult days where marriages are crumbling and the suicide rate and death by bullets is at an all time high. Our society has all kinds of directional devices but not one for living a good life. We need a societal directional system. Today I put together wisdom I found in 2 Timothy 3 and 4. I hope it will help you understand the times we live in and give you strength to stand firm.
“People will be lovers of themselves. Boastful, proud, abusive. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. To suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers saying what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth. But you, keep your head in all situations. Endure hardship–Discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 3 & 4
By committing your life to Christ and spending time in his love letters to us, life will have purpose and meaning. “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.
Ah yes Dr. Spock… The alleged parental guidebook of the 60’s but however true the Bible is the Best book of all and you nailed it well. Wonderful reading and many blessings to a life well directed by God as Larry and you are a Treasure of His love!
Thank you for the encouragement and beautiful words. Hope you start your own blog.
Great post, thanks! “But you, keep your head in all situations.” Wow, this where I’m struggling. As an engineer, I make a living on worst case thinking. At work it’s an asset, in my personal life it’s a liability. But, God asks me to do opposite – best case thinking and trust Him. I need all His strength in tough situations to put my long term hope in Him, despite the discouraging short term evidence.
Thanks for sharing Rick. You have been an inspiration to us all. Continue sharing your many gifts at work and in your personal life—God will bless you.
You love Him and you love his word. Each day he is conforming you to His image. It’s not easy when he is chipping away at our character. He is the potter and you are the clay. I see a great work being formed. Continue to use your many gifts—especially your ability to sing and write music. That gift will influence many.