We, fellow Christians, are described in scripture in many ways. Which description used is based upon the relationship under consideration. We are described as growing together as family, serving together as soldiers, living together as citizens, and maturing together as Saints. All these terms are collective, describing our functional Christian relationship as we live toward God.

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Without Love you cannot be the person that God created you to be.

God is Love! We are designed in God’s image. Which means, we are to BE LOVE as God is Love!

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Paul writes in Ephesians 4:20-32 about the changes that should have taken place in the lives of those who “learned Christ.” He enumerates both positive and negative statements regarding aspects of conduct and character, even stating the reason, “and give no opportunity to the devil.” Read this short section of Scripture before proceeding.

I am sure you have driven on roads passing damaged guardrails. You wonder, “What happened there? How would someone hit a guardrail there?” I met a fellow years ago who told me he was very happy for guardrails. He told me his story of driving in the Colorado Rockies during the late evening hours, right at sunset. The twisting road was snaking its way through steep terrain. He said he took his eyes off the road for just a moment when bang! He hit a guardrail.

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What does it mean to be toxic?

To be toxic means to be harmful, malicious, or poisonous, causing distress and damage to others' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Toxic behaviors are often characterized by self-centeredness, manipulation, a lack of boundaries or empathy, and a consistent disregard for others' feelings and needs. These actions can leave individuals feeling drained, insecure, controlled, or traumatized

If we’re going to use the word “toxic”…

Who is it that is actually toxic?

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I’m picky when it comes to my tools. I keep them clean, lubricated and organized. I wash my shovels, rakes and hand tools after every use. I lubricate them with oil, check for wear and make needed repairs. I winterize my lawn equipment so that when the spring comes, everything starts easily and runs well. Twice a year I unbolt my lawnmower blade and sharpen it. It is truly amazing looking at the hardened steel blade. I mow grass, just grass. Not rocks or gravel, not tree stumps. Yet that blade is worn down and blunt, even has irregular edges with curves in it. Is grass that tough? Is Bermuda grass so hard it wears down steel? It must be, for the blade shows the evidence.

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“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now before I go further, we all do it, including myself, and we have to be mindful of it, but…

Why do people complain?

• Things don’t happen the way we want
• People that know better or a better way
• Not getting what you want
• Dissatisfaction
• Seeking things like
• attention
• validation
• sympathy
• Maybe they just need to vent
• Wanting control

I guess my main question is… why all the complaints, why so much complaining?

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I planted a Wax Myrtle in the front yard. I thought it would be great evergreen to shelter a bedroom window that was in front of the fence. I hated that Myrtle! Don’t ever plant Wax Myrtle. You must trim them four or five times a year just to keep them looking okay. They grow aggressively, invading everything around them. Even if you kill it with Roundup, dig out the root ball (if you can), there are lateral roots that run out from the base in every direction and grow more Myrtle! Ah! What a mess.

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I heard a quote from a visiting preacher once that went…

“God doesn’t want you to send him a thank you note. He wants you to be the thank you note!” ~ Mark Roberts

There’s nothing wrong with sending thank you notes. It’s a kind and thoughtful gesture and it does convey thanks for whatever the occasion.

However, we are called to live lives separate, holy, sanctified, and transformed. Live the thanks you give!

So, what are ways you can live a life where you are the thank you note? …

1 - I think we need to eliminate complaints.

2 - Find peace in the day to day

3 - Let your actions show gratitude

Lastly - recognize that you don’t have it in you to direct your own steps and that you need God.

#christjesus #love #gaintheworld #jesus #church #christ #newepisode #churchofchrist #TheOneTrueGod #willard #chroniclesofwillard