Daily Reflections, Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

One Christmas Eve, my family was taking food over to my daughter’s house for dinner. My grandson was carrying some pies. He was trying really hard to keep them all together, but one of the pies slid out onto the garage floor. Rather than trying to cover up his mistake or making excuses, my grandson went and told everyone what he had done.

Anyone can live a God-fearing, Christian life when all is well. But throw in some hardships and inconveniences—the dinner burns, you show up late for work, you have a falling out with a friend or family member, your kids have a bad day at school, or you are a victim of injustice. Will your response reflect Christ?

Our character is not built when the good times roll, but in the raging tempests of adversity. Adversity brings out the best and worst in our character. It reveals where we really are spiritually—and it often shows us where we need to grow.

When my grandson confessed his fault, he did something many of us neglect to do when we’re in the wrong—he humbly acknowledged his shortcoming. Many times, we need to simply humble ourselves like a child and accept the fact that we’ve fallen short. Then we can find grace to help in our time of need.

Today's Quote:  It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk. —Francis of Assisi