“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8 NLT
For all the joy and peace Christ came into the world to give, many are nevertheless preoccupied striving to meet holiday expectations and chasing the promise of a good deal.
This week, as we count down the days until we commemorate the birth of the Prince of Peace—I want to challenge you to keep the peace He came to give.
“My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 NKJV
The opposite of peace is trouble and fear—disorder and confusion.
Jesus as “the light of the world” (John 8:12) has come into each of our lives to bring the alignment and order that enables us to experience peace.
So whatever is going on around you, in your life or your workplace—regardless of what is happening in the news—get in step with God and you will have peace.
“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Matthew 11:29 MSG
There is always another force at work battling for your thoughts and attention—vying for your focus—especially during this particular season.
So today I want to remind you to “carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life” (Proverbs 4:23 CEV).
Just as your energy follows your attention, what you focus on increases.
This is why it’s so very important during these hustle & bustle times—as we race and often tumble toward the end of the year—to keep our minds fixed on the true reason for the season.
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
You have the power to calm the seas of strife and turn the tides of trouble by giving attention to what is good and right.
The apostle Paul understood the power of gratitude and joy to turn up the light in our hearts and our lives. How often did he write about giving thanks, praising God, never losing hope, and always believing the best?
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NIV
The simple act of being joyful glorifies God—while complaining and magnifying the woes of our lives only serves to glorify the enemy.
The media has been focusing almost exclusively on all that’s wrong since its inception…and in doing so plays right into the hands of the enemy to make the world feel even darker than it already is.
While the world appears to be getting darker, we have a light that never fails!
You and I are not only the carriers of that light—that “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27)—but we are also called to manifest that light in the world around us.
We are called to see the good and beauty in God’s creation, most especially His people, and shine a spotlight on “things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:8) instead of the problems and mishaps the media showcases.
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.”
Matthew 5:14 MSG
Let me ask you: What can you do to “be the light” and light the world this Christmas Season?
In the next few weeks as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, explore how you might bring out the “God-colors” in the world around you.
You might need to begin by adjusting your sight—”correcting your vision” so to speak—or simply waking up to the wonder all around you…
“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!”
Matthew 6:22-23 MSG
Open the blinds on your life! And then help someone else to see in wide-eyed wonder.
This is the season to light up the world around you by first seeing the light in the world around you!
Put the spotlight on good for a change.
Or should I say…
“To create a positive change, put the spotlight on something good!”
In my new book History Maker, I write about how common people can create the uncommon changes that ultimately shape history.
Learn to tap into your own divine potential to dispel darkness and bring out the God-colors in the world. Order your copy now…and one for whomever you want to give history-making hope!
Be the peace keeper God created you to be: “That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family” (Matthew 5:9 MSG).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 NIV