Positively frustrating

I have noticed lately as I expect you have that even the post that are positive or pro in nature have a hint or back ground of frustration and anger. Even when we are trying to promote good will and peace the color of the post or article is tainted by the amazing hate that is permeating the news and social sites.

Now I wish I had an easy 10 steps to peace and contentedness but to be honest while I have steps to peace and contentedness they are not easy. And that is the problem we face today. Goals that take time and effort are harder to sell or to promote, regardless of their success rate.

The steps to peace and contentedness are easy to write and even discuss but they are not easy to apply. Let me explain, each step takes personal application that is not a once and done step it is an ongoing personal conviction step. Each step takes effort that over time becomes easier but still requires effort. Let me list the steps so you can see what I mean.

1) Have Faith; now please understand this is not just faith is something it is faith in the all powerful creator of heaven and earth. The God who stepped into time to provide a way of escape from sin and death through the sacrifice of Jesus. This essential since without this faith the rest of the steps are not possible.

2) Forgive; forgiveness is the sacrifice of your personal rights, the right to revenge or getting even, the right to expressing your opinion each time you have been slammed or slandered. Indeed forgiveness is the sacrifice of your right to be offended.

3) Love your neighbor; take active steps to build up those who hold opinions that are opposed to you own. Take multiple opportunities to encourage people you encounter intending to improve their day simply because you have the chance.

4) Treat others as more important than yourself; remember that you are not the most important person in the room.

As you have looked at these you probably notice that steps 2-4 are the same, you are correct. Each of these are different sides of the same idea, others matter. Peace and contentedness only are possible when we actively remember and live out not needing to be first place. When we can rejoice in the success of others and not see it as a dig at who we are or our place in life we are content. When we look forward to others receiving due praise we are not enslaved by appearance or the need to have that praise. This freedom is obtained through relying of the power of God to provide our needs and acceptance. Yes we still need to do our best at work and interactions but it removes the demands of personal gratification.

I expect that many of you are more than a little confused by my explanation, which is the result of two things. Firstly my poor writing and inability to explain things well and secondly your confusion is due to the reality that as people we do not think in a way that places us in a stricter where we are completely dependent on something else for our security. That is why Faith is first, only when we are completely dependent on God or our security can we truly be at peace and content able to do our best and still rejoice when another receives the credit for their accomplishments.

When this is true and ongoing then when we write and speak our words can be filled with hope and peace instead of a backdrop of anger and frustration. Anyway I hope this makes sense and provides you some comfort in this world of turmoil.

Blessings