Do Not!

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:25-31 NIV)

"Do not, do not, do not!"  There is nothing like being told not to do something to make you really really want to do it.  You know... the "Wet Paint, do not touch" sign.  Just gotta touch it, don't you?  And any dieter knows that being told you can't eat something makes you want it all the more.

None of the list above is really terribly tempting.  But I find myself doing them on occasion anyway.  I don't think it is really because the bible says, "don't."  I think it is just because I often forget "whose" I am.

When my kids were little, I found that "do nots" didn't work with them any better than they do with me.  So Richard and I tried to work it from the other angle.  We would tell them what they COULD do.  Instead of saying, "Don't fight with your brother," we would give them something fun to do together.  Instead of saying, "Don't go in the road," we made them a fun - and safe - place to play in the backyard.

Paul must have known something of this tactic too, because in the very next chapter of Ephesians he says:

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love (Ephesians 5:1, 2a NKJV)

He gives us something positive to do, instead of something negative to avoid.  That's what we, as Christians should focus on... the positive.  And we should focus on the positive when we look at others as well.  Instead of telling them they shouldn't do this or shouldn't do that, tell them what they are doing right and give the opportunities to do more positive things.

Nobody really WANTS to do the wrong thing.  Sometimes we just use bad judgment or get swept along with worldly ideals.  And nobody likes to be criticized by someone who thinks they have all the right answers.  It only makes them defensive.

Lets focus on the positives in our lives today... in the things we do and in the way we percieve others.

Father,
Help us to see the wonderful freedoms we have in you and all the wonderful, positive things we CAN do.  And help us to see our neighbor in a more positive light.  Amen.

Joys:  Employees in service positions who go the extra mile; Kevin's good interview yesterday (pray for a job!); Chelsea's good doctor appointment news that Emma could come in the next couple of weeks!