starting from yourself..

actually deep down inside us.. we have the very behaviour that we dislike or even to the extent of hate, in the people around us.. especially our family.. precisely because we know we are like them to a certain extent that's why we dislike that action, behaviour or attitude that they portray.. we are not willing to face up to the fact that we did exhibit that very same kind of action, behaviour or attitude to people.. but we have to know that that isn't the way to solve things..

so how?

we need to face up with it.. we need to know why we dislike certain behaviours, actions or attitudes in people.. if we know that it is because we exhibit them in one way or another.. then we need to know when did we learn it and why did we it..

• it may be a culture in the family, having everyone behaving in similar manner so you think it is fine to do so..
• it may be something you learned subconsciously even though you know it isn't something good to start with..
• it may be because you notice that it helps you to get your way or what you want..

there are many more other reasons to go about but you need to know your own reasons.. then can you move on to the next step.. which is to recognise that the kind of damage it has done to your life and others' lives.. then repent to God asking for forgiveness for how much you have hurt Him in seeing you hurting yourself and the people around you.. if you are truly repentant, you will know that you will have to apologise to the people that you might have hurt along the way.. not expecting anything in return.. then we are to learn the ways of Jesus and not to turn back again..

we have to realise that as human beings, we are made to learn by mimicking the people around us.. we learn behaviours, actions and even attitudes from people who have influence in our lives.. whether the influence is positive or negative.. we never fail to pick them up subconciously or consciously..

at the same time, as believers, we need to realise also that we have the power to change.. because Jesus has given us the power to overcome anything even death when He gave us the Holy Spirit that dwells in us.. He should also be the greatest influence in our lives.. that we should only learn from His attitudes, behaviours and actions.. but first we need to unlearn what we have learned and thought to be correct before we received salvation..

Mohammad Ghandi might not be a Christian but he said something that Jesus would totally agree with..

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

that's the point that Jesus is trying to say when He wants us to be a salt and light.. only by living a consistent and credible life then can you make a difference in the lives of the people around you.. that is precisely why so many people were drawn to Christ when He was on earth..

"¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

~Matthew 5:16~

Be the change you want to see around you..


Love,
Naomi