Tag: Jesus

Filter: I wish everyone would.

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

via Daily Prompt: Filter

One of my favorite filters is golf:golf-saying

Here are a few others to try:

There will be many chapters in your life, don’t get lost in the one you’re in now.
Smile, good things are going to happen.
Follow your heart.
Breathe.
Live in the present, think outside the box.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The next best time is now.

I know, trite right?  Sure, but mix a little of all this trite-ness with some sure-fire spiritual wisdom, and all of a sudden you have a new outlook on life.  Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” If only we all had such a filter.  It might come out, “I know I didn’t vote for him, but I can live my life for God’s glory even if Trump is our president.”  Or, “I can love those democrats, even when I disagree with them, and think they’re acting like babies, for not getting their way.”  Or, “Can’t we all just get along!”

Few people I know really do actually think before they speak.  There are a few times I’ve made this same mistake (he said tongue-in-cheek).  It’s really all about filters;  One for our mind, One for our tongue, One for our hands and feet, One for our hearts.  The One that really does it for me is: Jesus.  You probably thought I would say “golf.” But while that is a good one, it’s not really universal, because not everyone plays golf.  But Jesus is universal.  His model applies to every single individual who has ever lived.  His exemplary  life was based in the concept that every life mattered.  His words, while harsh at times, were meant to bring life and breath as God intended in the beginning.  His love, extreme in its pursuit of others, was demonstrated in His death.

So, allow me one more trite and sometimes overused filter: “What would Jesus do?”  Think what you will, this is still the best One ever.

 

 

Simple Ideals

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

via Daily Prompt: Successful

Simple minded people often are labeled “unsophisticated, foolish, or mentally challenged.” However, for evidence to the contrary, I offer a quote from Jiddu Krishnamurti, “It is a great art to have an abundance of knowledge and experience – to know the richness of life, the beauty of existence, the struggles, the miseries, the laughter, the tears – and yet keep your mind very simple; and you can have a simple mind only when you know how to love.”

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of ancient Corinth, “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  Jesus spoke the message of love simply, “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another.”

I may be labeled “simple-minded,” but I wonder if our Country will ever really be wise enough to implement these simple ideals and just love each other.  I sure hope so, so I pray for it every day.