Hawaiian Sunrise
“Let our gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5 NIV).
Gentleness is not the way of this world. So many times this world is all about getting your way whatever it takes. Often it takes forcefulness to make our goals. We find this attitude rampant in the corporate arena. In fact, many times workers step on a fellow employee in order to climb the corporate ladder.
Unfortunately this attitude flourishes beyond corporate America. It can even exist within the confines of the organized church. A youth leader may have his or her eyes on a pastoral position. In order to get the attention of the senior pastor and the board, there is competition to ‘outdo’ the other youth leaders. This can lead to dissension within the group.
Whether we are in the corporate world or in an organized church, we often forget that the Lord is near. He is watching everything we do. If we really believed that, and if we really consider that He is watching everything we do, I believe we would live in a gentler world.
As Christians we say we believe everything in the Bible. If we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, He gives us His Holy Spirit. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus tells us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” If we truly want to be like Jesus, we must take on an attitude of gentleness.
Gentleness does not come naturally. A gentle person may be perceived a weakling or indecisive. It takes real strength to be gentle in an unkind world. When I think of gentle people, I think of people who are spiritual giants. I think of the pastor that welcomed me back to college after a fifteen-year absence. I think of a woman who takes the time to visit those who are suffering with illness and are confined to their homes or hospitals.
Gentleness. I think of a couple who ministers to the offenders in the prisons. I think of the father of young children who takes time off work just to be with them. I think of a pastor in Jamaica that faithfully serves a church mostly made up of children. I think of teachers, neighbors, nurses, people in all walks of life who have compassion. Being a gentle soul is commendable. Perhaps you can think of someone who exhibits the attitude of gentleness. You may want to write them a note to tell them how much you appreciate them.
And today it is your turn. Today you can decide to have an attitude of gentleness. The bold promise in this verse is that when you exhibit an attitude of gentleness, the Lord will draw even nearer to you.
My God and King, thank You for Your gentle Spirit. I have much to learn as I draw nearer to the Kingdom and I am grateful that You have chosen to gently teach me. Give me a gentle attitude toward those around me. Amen.
This is an excerpt from the forty-day devotional, “Attitude Matters”. Click here to order.
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