It is easy to see what you care about. Just look at where you spend your time and money. Your most valuable commodity is your time. Spin your time in the best possible way. Invest in the only thing that has value in the universe: people. Without people life has no meaning. No matter what you have it’s no good without someone to share it with. If you had all the money in the world it would blow through the streets like trash without people to share it with–or people to help with it! Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let him who steals steal no longer. But rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.” You have something to share! Even if it is only your time. Which turns out is the most valuable thing you can give. There comes a point in everyone’s life where they realize their most valuable commodity is there time. Give of yourself today. “Be the change you want to see” – Mahatma Gandhi.
Building relationships is the first step in encouraging someone. This takes time. When Jesus was developing relationships with his disciples they broke bread with each other. This is one of the things we do. We eat with our brothers. Listen to their stories. Building trust and relationships, then we are able to speak to them from a position of trust as a friend because we have become their friend. Everyone says if you want to help someone on the street do you need to give them a job and a home. I never met a homeless man or woman that has never had a job or a home. Homelessness is not the problem. It is a symptom of the problem, whether abuse, neglect, drugs, and alcohol addiction, or sometimes just bad luck. Making lasting change in someone’s life starts in the heart and mind. They must find themselves worthy–worthy to be loved by God. We all need encouragement. Life is quick to beat you down. We all need someone to talk to. Rich people have therapists. Someone who will listen. Sometimes just telling your story can put you on the road to recovery. This is what we do. Talents and abilities does not equal success. It takes character. Faith. Following the principles of Jesus Christ will put you on the path of love, forgiveness, happiness, and salvation. No matter who you are or where you live or where you don’t live, God‘s principles will never let you down. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Our circumstances in life do not define who we are. But our thoughts do! This Scripture teaches us if we put God’s principles first, and seek his righteousness he is sure to guide our path! And He will help us make great decisions that ultimately will lead to our happiness and fulfillment.
Talents or abilities does not equal success. It takes character. This is the message of Jesus Christ. Don’t lie, cheat, steal, instead love and forgive. Forgiveness is the only way forward. This life is tough. We need forgiveness! Just as God has forgiven us! If we cannot forgive our abuser or our transgressors or ourselves. We are powerless! As a victim you are powerless! Forgiveness is not about letting our abuser or neglector get away with their crime. Instead, it is about us no longer allowing ourselves to be a victim. As we seek God and his righteousness we are sure to find forgiveness and fulfillment in life. If a man fears God he will fear nothing else. If a man does not fear God he will fear everything else!
