“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”

I really despise strife.

I think one of the main things that divides friends, families, and the human race is judgements and strife.

It took me four decades to realize I was the cause of many of my problems.

It’s so easy to point the finger at others and tell them how they need to change.

Now we have social media, and you can get a random gang to support points you make. They don’t really know what’s going on, though. They are responding to the fire you are stoking.

No one is perfect. Not even me, or you.

The answer to peace in your home, your relationships, your workplace is right in front of you.

It’s called a mirror.

If you are blaming your life station or current situation on someone else, you are on the wrong track.

Look in the mirror.

No one can make you feel anything. Make you do anything.

If you are reacting to people or situations, you are running on emotions, not logic.

It takes an adult to realize that how we respond to a situation is our choice. Our choice alone.

The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron – we are in relationship to learn and grow, and become more like Christ.

The way this happens is not by focusing on the other person. Pray sincerely for them, in love. Pray for God to make them into the man or woman He wants them to be.

We cannot change anyone but ourselves.

So I get humble. I pray sincerely.

I want peace in my house. In my relationships. In the world.

It’s starts by working on me, by letting God speak to me about how I can change. Grow. Improve. Be kinder.

Is this easy? Often it is very difficult. People hurt people.

I’m accountable to God. I need to keep my focus on being pleasing in His sight.

That is something I must decide to do every single day.

I’m a lot less distracted by what’s going on around me when I’m focused on God.

Let there be peace.