Do it?

(09.28.21– Works of the Heart –Ephesians 4: 25-32)

My friend, may I ask you a question? Motivation to do or not do something is a curious thing. Are there factors that influence how a heart is motivated?

My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.

I'm M. Clifford Brunner.

Some time ago I remember reading a story about a museum in England that was having a particularly tough time keeping patrons from touching priceless pieces of furniture and art. They tried putting up numerous signs and warning symbols but just couldn't keep people from their curious touching. Additional security guards were engaged to warn people personally. Never-theless, the minute the guards were out of view or distracted people went back to their usual habit of touching everything. Finally a museum janitor suggested: "Why don't you just put up signs that say: "Caution: Wash Your Hands After Touching!'" Problem solved! The drive for self-preservation was highly motivational.

Motivation to do or not do something is a curious thing. There are many factors that influence how a heart is motivated.

Here's a story: "On a flight to San Francisco, fried chicken tycoon Col. Harland Sanders, 89, had made himself agreeable to staff and fellow passengers, then dropped his chin to his narrow black tie and closed his eyes. Somewhere in the back of the plane a child had been shrieking for some time. One stewardess told another helplessly, "I've tried candy, books and games, but nothing seems to make any difference.' "I've got to speak to that child,' said the colonel. He rose to his feet and, with the aid of his cane, made his way back. The staff watched and shrugged, as if to say, "What can he do?’ When the colonel came back, not long afterward, his charm had produced a minor miracle. There was only the sound of chatter, newspapers and china. The stewardess came up to him and said, "Thank you for helping us, Colonel.' "I didn't do it for you,' he replied. "I did it for the child.' And he closed his eyes again and settled down." (Helen Dewar, Reader's Digest.)

When we're intent upon improving our communication skills, one with another, there is one very important factor to consider. What is the motivating factor? Is it merely to make life easier for us, or something much more meaningful? God wants us to be better communicators so that we can please Him and serve others. That's the object of improved communication whether that be spouse, child, coworker, employee or friend. We aim to getter better because we want to serve others better; to build them up and "edify" them. The benefit of communicating better is primarily one that is focused on our God and others. When this is our focus we will undoubtedly share in that benefit through improved relationships that confer to others as well as ourselves more happiness. When we focus on self-improvement, our words become weapons that serve us and may provide little benefit for those at whom they are aimed. When our motives are godly and others are our focus, we will soon find that our words secure peace and edify both others and us.

We pray. Heavenly Father, we aim to getter better because we want to serve others better; to build them up and "edify" them. Thank You for reminding us in Your Word that the benefit of communicating better is primarily one that is focused on You and others. When this is our focus we will undoubtedly share in that benefit through improved relationships that confer to others as well as ourselves more happiness. When we focus on self-improvement, our words become weapons that serve us and may provide little benefit for those at whom they are aimed. Forgive us Lord when our motives are not godly and others are not our focus. Help us to find that our words secure peace and edify both others and us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.

If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to ”This Passing Day!”

<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.

Do it?

(09.28.21– Works of the Heart –Ephesians 4: 25-32)

My friend, may I ask you a question? Motivation to do or not do something is a curious thing. Are there factors that influence how a heart is motivated?

My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.

I'm M. Clifford Brunner.

Some time ago I remember reading a story about a museum in England that was having a particularly tough time keeping patrons from touching priceless pieces of furniture and art. They tried putting up numerous signs and warning symbols but just couldn't keep people from their curious touching. Additional security guards were engaged to warn people personally. Never-theless, the minute the guards were out of view or distracted people went back to their usual habit of touching everything. Finally a museum janitor suggested: "Why don't you just put up signs that say: "Caution: Wash Your Hands After Touching!'" Problem solved! The drive for self-preservation was highly motivational.

Motivation to do or not do something is a curious thing. There are many factors that influence how a heart is motivated.

Here's a story: "On a flight to San Francisco, fried chicken tycoon Col. Harland Sanders, 89, had made himself agreeable to staff and fellow passengers, then dropped his chin to his narrow black tie and closed his eyes. Somewhere in the back of the plane a child had been shrieking for some time. One stewardess told another helplessly, "I've tried candy, books and games, but nothing seems to make any difference.' "I've got to speak to that child,' said the colonel. He rose to his feet and, with the aid of his cane, made his way back. The staff watched and shrugged, as if to say, "What can he do?’ When the colonel came back, not long afterward, his charm had produced a minor miracle. There was only the sound of chatter, newspapers and china. The stewardess came up to him and said, "Thank you for helping us, Colonel.' "I didn't do it for you,' he replied. "I did it for the child.' And he closed his eyes again and settled down." (Helen Dewar, Reader's Digest.)

When we're intent upon improving our communication skills, one with another, there is one very important factor to consider. What is the motivating factor? Is it merely to make life easier for us, or something much more meaningful? God wants us to be better communicators so that we can please Him and serve others. That's the object of improved communication whether that be spouse, child, coworker, employee or friend. We aim to getter better because we want to serve others better; to build them up and "edify" them. The benefit of communicating better is primarily one that is focused on our God and others. When this is our focus we will undoubtedly share in that benefit through improved relationships that confer to others as well as ourselves more happiness. When we focus on self-improvement, our words become weapons that serve us and may provide little benefit for those at whom they are aimed. When our motives are godly and others are our focus, we will soon find that our words secure peace and edify both others and us.

We pray. Heavenly Father, we aim to getter better because we want to serve others better; to build them up and "edify" them. Thank You for reminding us in Your Word that the benefit of communicating better is primarily one that is focused on You and others. When this is our focus we will undoubtedly share in that benefit through improved relationships that confer to others as well as ourselves more happiness. When we focus on self-improvement, our words become weapons that serve us and may provide little benefit for those at whom they are aimed. Forgive us Lord when our motives are not godly and others are not our focus. Help us to find that our words secure peace and edify both others and us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.

If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to ”This Passing Day!”

<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.