"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Romans 12:2a (NLT)
Before blogs, Facebook and Pinterest, we actually used cookbooks. Old-fashioned cookbooks, with pages that you turn, not swipe on an electronic device. I opened one of those folded-down, tattered pages and found an old favorite. I labored throughout the day, creating a magnificent meal featuring one of my grandmother's treasured recipes as the centerpiece.
I couldn't wait for my family to gather around the table that night. My husband usually arrived home at or before 6:30 p.m., so that was our appointed time to eat. The kids and I sat down for dinner at 6:30 ... but no husband.
6:40, still no husband.
6:50 ... no husband and no call. Where was he? How thoughtless. Not even a call.
At 6:55, when the phone finally rang 25 minutes later, I was fuming! So what did I do? I ignored it, and told the kids to eat.
When my husband finally walked in at 7:05, I narrowed my eyes and gave him the silent treatment. Not just for that moment, but for the rest of the evening. I was furious. How could he be so rude? I worked on this meal all day. How hard is it to call?
That night, I allowed my emotions to override any and all rational thoughts. I was frustrated, and just plain mean.
I look back now and think how differently this night would have ended had I prepared my heart for the disappointment, anger and hurt feelings. But I hadn't. I had nothing but my emotions from which to pull ... and they ran wild.
But what if I had more than just my fickle feelings? What if I had God's Word stored in my heart to renew my mind, to speak truth over my emotions, to rein in my tongue, to soften my eyes? What if I acted in accordance with our key verse so that I thought differently and responded differently? "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think" (Romans 12:2a).
What if I got a "do over"?
Let's replay the night, but with a different scenario. In this one, I have readied and renewed my mind with God's Word.
Well, 6:30 arrives, but Monty doesn't. The thoughts creep in: Where is he? Why hasn't he called? He knows we eat at 6:30 every night. He always calls when he is going to be late.
As the minutes tick away, my anger escalates. But suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I see pink sticky notes over the kitchen sink. Three Scriptures that I had not only memorized but also personalized. I walk over and drink in the words:
Wendy, a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
Wendy, a fool gives full vent to her anger, but a wise woman keeps herself under control. (Proverbs 29:11)
Wendy, be kind and compassionate to your family, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(Ephesians 4:32)
In this scenario, I was open to God as He interrupted my angry thoughts and replaced them with fresh thoughts ... with His powerful, life-giving, life-transforming, mind-renewing words. Words that are a gift from the One who only wants the very best for me, my marriage and my family. When I read them, God reminds me of who He is and who He wants me to be. The Holy Spirit softens my heart.
So this time, when the phone rings at 6:50, I answer it. I hear my husband's sincere apology and accept it. He walks in the door at 7:05, after a long day's work, forgiven and ready to enjoy a wonderful meal with his family ... experiencing grace, love, forgiveness and joy.
Which is the better scenario?
Heavenly Father, fill me with the riches of Your Word. Give me a heart that loves and seeks after Your Truth. Guard my heart. Interrupt my thoughts. Renew my mind so that I can live ruled by Your love and Your Word, not by my emotions. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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