What I love about these verses is that embracing life has nothing to do with our current circumstances and it has nothing to do with the behavior of others. Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that so much of life is about what we sow into it.
Say Nothing Evil or Hurtful...
To speak evil of someone or say something that is hurtful means that our minds are consumed with the negative. This reminds me of the age old saying "If you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all." If we are determined to speak critical and judgmental things over the lives of others, then we get to live in that environment. That is why it's so important to learn how to speak life over people, see the best in them, and seek to restore rather than ruin.
Snub Evil and Cultivate Good...
Most of you know that I don't live with a sin consciousness. In other words, sin isn't my focus. The righteousness of Christ in me is. I seek out those things that produce life rather than death. When we choose to live with this type of attitude then staying away from evil & cultivating the good is a natural bi-product. Choose to live out your identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit is committed to seeing you conformed to the image of the Son. Focus on cultivating the good in every situation and relationship. It's all about being intentional. Don't let life happen to you. Make life happen.
Run After Peace For All You're Worth...
Other translations of this verse read: "Seek peace & Pursue it." What beautiful imagery. To seek something means to look for it. Ever consider that in every situation there is peace to be had? To pursue it means to run swiftly in order to catch. What if we were not quick to anger? Imagine the changes that will occur in life when we are quick to peace. Give it everything you've got. The Holy Spirit has ensured that you have His Peace within you. Let it out. As a carrier of peace, you are contagious.
I hear so many people who are so negative about their lives. They live with the "If only(s)"
"If only this were to happen..."
"If only I would have..."
"If only I could go back and..."
This creates a mindset that says life could be good if only _________________. Rather than embracing life, these folks are missing out the good that could be. I realize that there are decision that many of us could have made through the years but the reality is that we are in the here and now. What can you do now in your current season? What could change now that would make a difference? Stop living with regret. Stop allowing the past to steal from your present. Stop thinking that life could be better "if only." Make life better. Embracing your life doesn't mean that you settle for the status quo. It means acknowledging who you are, whose in your life, and understanding your role in all of it. Embracing life is all about the discovery of where you are in the journey and seeing the Lord with you. There is no reason to run & hide. You will never be disappointed that you rose to the occasion. However, if you choose to escape...that is a different story. Opportunity is often disguised as adversity. It's the great ones who recognize this truth.
Embracing Life is all about Enjoying the Journey. Live with Expectancy!!!
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