“For as he thinketh in his heart so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee.” – Proverbs (23:7 KJV)
God requires us to guard our thoughts and maintain a mindset of faith or positivity rather than allowing fear or negativity to dominate.
The mother arrived home early Friday afternoon, only to find her daughter sobbing uncontrollably; she said that her teacher constantly humiliates her in the classroom. As the mother began to console ‘Jane,’ the little girl asked, “If my teacher believes in God, why is she so angry and bitter towards me all the time?” Her mother responded, “It is important to forgive your teacher for the pain and hurt inflicted.” She further counselled that she should ensure she shows the teacher love and respect despite the teacher’s attitude.
Before Jane went to sleep that night, she prayed to God to change her teacher’s heart and attitude so that her teacher would become a better person. Every day, Jane prayed and began to notice small changes in her teacher’s attitude. Friends, God also expects you and me to develop good habits and attitudes as Jesus Christ demonstrated while He walked on earth.
It is important, therefore, that we do not allow our negativity to overpower us to the extent that persons are hurt in the process. However, for you and me to maintain a positive heart, we must seek God daily and pray Psalm 51:10-12 (NKJV), which states, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
We can learn so much from Jane’s response and attitude, and pattern our lives after the Word of God for spiritual growth to take place, so we do not hurt anyone.
Read: Psalm 5:7; Mark 11:25
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 12:8-17; John 9:1-34; Ruth 1; Ruth 2