^8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

We all have weak areas in our lives.  He wants our weaknesses to remind us how desperately we need Him, and how dependent we are on His Power.  Our struggles help us put into practice making Jesus number one in our lives.  When we try to do it alone, in our own strength, or through anger or depression we will not live in harmony.

As we work with others who display weaknesses in their journey toward becoming more Christ-like, or perhaps the journey to salvation, we must practice extending the same mercy given to us from our Father in our weaknesses.  Not to be a doormat or stumbling block to someone by enabling them, but the internal knowledge and acceptance that they are created by God, and He has a plan for their lives.  Otherwise, a bitter root will grow and you place that person on your mental list of indifference or hate.  We can use our voice and share God’s love.  Or maybe God is calling you to step out of the way so He can do His Work.

Summing it all up, it truly is best to fill our minds with truth–His truth!  Media can help us practice being offended, angry, and “ugly”–it sells in our world.  We are drawn to this sensationalism.  So, we practice, practice, practice…

I read a book in regards to what makes someone an expert in their field or talent.  Through research they found that 10,000 hours of serious, intentional practice makes someone an expert.   (Malcolm Gladwell,  Outliers)

I want to become an expert in this area until it becomes automatic.  The automaticity of being Spirit filled and led by Him.

Let’s get to work!

Here is a good place to start!  Listen to this worshipful song on forgiveness: