Better Not Bitter

Ever experienced disappointment, hope deferred, betrayal, abandonment, rejection, been gossiped about, criticism, envy, or a broken heart? That should cover most of us at least on some level. In these times, there can be a temptation to stew and allow bitterness to seep into your heart. But bitterness is a dangerous poison that will drain joy from your life.

It's in the tough times that we understand more deeply what we base our core being on. There is nothing wrong with grief and it can actually be a good thing in a healthy context. In these moments and/or seasons, allow yourself to express frustration but do it with people that can help you process it in a healthy way and keep your heart fixed on God.

By seeking Him even in the hardest parts of life you can focus on becoming a better you and not a bitter you. He says that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Life's A Team Sport

You are uniquely gifted and people need you to do the things that you're best at. There can be a temptation to retreat into yourself when you hit bumps in life and not live out the things you're best at. Don't deprive the world of the awesomeness of you.

Life is going to throw you curveballs. Sometimes you'll hit them and sometimes you'll strikeout. Even when you strikeout, keep your head up and don't stay stuck in discouragement. Find a friend who can encourage you in the rough spots. Seek out happy places whether that be at a coffee shop, your living room, a baseball game, church, in the woods, at the beach, the mountains, or anything that brings a sparkle to your eye and a skip in your step.

There's a temptation to ask why and question what God's purpose is in the tough stuff. If we let them though, these can be some of the most intimacy building times with God. He created you with a purpose and knew you before the world began. Let Him love you and encourage you and spur you on in the things He's called you to. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -Ephesians 2:10

Life's a team sport and we need you playing at the top of your game. So get back in there and do the things that you're so good at.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Seek First

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." -Matthew 6:33

Have you tried to fill yourself with things you think you want but not pursued God with all your heart? This will leave you discontent with where you are in life. He wants more for you and will give you all your heart desires if you seek Him first. The first to know your name, to see you, to delight in you. You are His child.

The enemy has stolen from you and attacked your heart and who the Father has made you to be. This is not His best for you. You were made for joy, to listen to His voice, and walk by His side. Nothing can compare to or separate you from His love, child of the King. Listen to His voice and rest in the goodness of His love.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Being You

"Today you are you, that’s truer than true. There’s no one alive who’s youer than you.” –Dr. Seuss

Do you ever look around and compare yourself to others? It can be tempting to evaluate your current life stage in comparison with friends, peers, neighbors, or family. This can lead to feeling less than, inadequate, behind, frustrated, or whatever other negative emotion that might be associated with the comparison trap.

There’s also a temptation in the other direction if you see someone that might be “behind” you to begin to feel smug, superior to, or better than. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus gives a warning about this.

Rather than taking your queues from those around you, it’s far better to define yourself by how God sees you. Instead of comparing yourself to a neighbor or friend’s professional, social, family, physical, emotional, or spiritual life, celebrate their successes with them and keep pressing in to God’s identity and plans for you. He tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God gives each person unique giftings and abilities and opportunities to use them.

There is of course the practical side of evaluating areas of your life to identify things that need to change in a healthy way. But this should be done by prayerfully seeking what God would have for your life rather than done in comparison to someone else.

The world needs you to be the best you possible so step up in the areas that you thrive in. Don’t let unmet past hopes for present circumstances dominate your current attitude and future steps. Live fully where you’re at, always keeping your eyes on God’s best in each season.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Prepare the Way

Prepare the Way
By: Charlie Hall

Prepare the way
Prepare the way
Prepare the way of the Lord

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You If it's the only thing I do
If it's the only thing I do

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

You are the King of the earth
You are the King of the earth
You are the King of the earth, Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

The Friendship Hierarchy

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Everyone that you interact with falls somewhere within six levels of what is known as the friendship hierarchy. Understanding these levels helps in knowing what normal interactions will be with people in your life and to set appropriate expectations for the depth of the friendship.

Level 6: Strangers

 

These are people who are basically strangers to you. You don’t know their name and they don’t know yours. If you’ve ever crossed paths, it’s only in passing with virtually no conversation or interaction. From a depth of friendship perspective, people you dislike could fall in this category even if familiarity is greater.

Level 5: Acquaintances 

 In level 5, the person is an acquaintance but the depth of the friendship is primarily surface level. You both recognize each other and may or may not know each other's name. At social or professional events if you see each other you may talk but it will probably be very generally without delving into many details. If there are level 4 or higher people at the event, it’s more likely that you would seek them out.

Level 4: Casual Friends

A level 4 friend is someone that you know a bit beyond the surface. You may know details about their work, family, hobbies, interests, or other activities they’re involved in. Most co-workers will not move above this level though a few may be at level 3 or higher. At a social or professional event you would likely seek out their company to catch up on the latest in their life or work. It’s unlikely though that the two of you set up time with each other or connect outside of common events or activities.

Level 3: Good Friends

At level 3, things go deeper and as trust develops you may share more personal details with the friend whether that be dreams, goals, hopes, challenges, struggles, fears, doubts, etc. This is also a friend that you intentionally try to connect with. It could be via phone calls, text messages, emails, setting up lunch or dinner, playing sports together, doing hobbies, Bible study, or anything where you’re purposefully spending time with them. In the dating world, this would be a common level for someone that you’ve been going out with for a little while. People at this level and above are the most likely to pray for you especially if you specifically ask for prayer.

The desire to know and be known is inherent. Consequently, someone who lacks friends at level 3 and above will normally desire deeper community and connection in their life.

Level 2: Close Friends

Level 2 is similar to level 3 but these people have greater access to your life and know you at a fairly deep level. They know you well enough to give advice on major life decisions and will call you out if needed. When you need help or someone to have your back, these are the people that show up. If they’re not family by blood, they’re at a minimum the people that you do life with and may be even closer than some family members. More than likely you’ll be friends with them for a number of years.

Level 1: Intimate Friends 

Level 1 in the friendship hierarchy is the most intimate level. This person knows you inside and out. The good, bad, and ugly. They’ve seen you at your best and worst and have stuck with you through it all. You call them first when major life events occur whether to celebrate in successes or to provide support in difficulty. Most people will have no more than two or three level 1 people in their life. It could be a spouse, a parent, sibling, or a best friend. They will be trusted confidants for many years.

People will naturally move through the friendship hierarchy during your life and someone who’s currently a level 4 friend might move up the hierarchy if one or both of you intentionally seek the other out and pursue opportunities to spend time with each other.  Likewise, a level 2 or 3 friend could move back to a lower level. This doesn’t necessarily reflect negatively on the friendship; life has natural ebbs and flows that result in spending more or less time with people.

Understanding these levels allows you to evaluate if there are people you want to be more or less involved in your life and intentionally take steps toward that goal. It may be a professional relationship you’d like to grow, possibly an acquaintance you connected with and want to grow into something deeper, or even seeking out mentoring relationships whether being mentored or mentoring someone else.

Pray about people in your life and see if God wants you to pursue deeper levels of friendship with some or to set boundaries and limit access with others. On a spiritual level, intentionally pursue a deep relationship with Jesus. If you’ll let him, He’ll be your most intimate friend.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Lord of the Dance

As I've thought about life with God, it can be in many ways like a dance. I've only been on the guy side of a dance so don't have experience with the following side. From a leading perspective, it's evident when a girl knows how to follow. As a queue is given to make the next move, a good follower will flow seamlessly to the next step.

In contrast, someone who is not a good follower sometimes tries to do her own thing which results in awkwardness on the dance floor. If she’ll allow herself to be led rather than making independent decisions, it's a much smoother experience for both. (This of course assumes the guy is a good leader)

Another aspect is that the more you dance with a person, the better you function and move together as a team. The various parts of the dance become more and more natural.

Similarly, in the dance of life, if we follow and allow God to lead us, it can be very natural and beautiful. You may not know what’s coming next but He will direct and lead you at just the right time into the next turn, step, or change in direction. The more you dance with Him, the more you’ll learn His queues and what He’d like you to do next.

When we try to make our own decisions, the dance becomes awkward. He will still dance with us but it results in a much different experience than He might have designed and can miss some of the beauty and mystery.

Throughout the dance of life, let the Lord of the dance lead and guide you in something beautiful.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Honor Your Father and Mother

"Honor your father and mother and mother which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." -Ephesians 6:2-3

My mom is a great mama by any measure. She raised my brother and I during a 22 year maternity leave from her work as a school teacher. She's made thousands of meals, drove us to countless sports practices, music lessons, and church events. She celebrates when we have successes and helps talk through the tough stuff in life. Most of all she's our biggest prayer warrior and spends time talking with God on our behalf on a daily basis.

Something that has impressed me in addition to all of this is her honoring of her own parents. In their advanced years, health concerns have necessitated more assistance and she spends time with them multiple days a week, cooking for them, taking them to hair, dental, and doctor's appointments, filling prescriptions, helping with managing their house, and just sitting with them.

While she wants to spend time with and help them, it is certainly a sacrifice of time and energy. Retirement affords her the flexibility to do this but sometimes an elderly family member gets put in a nursing home without receiving visits very often and can be set to the side in their later years.

My mom's commitment to honoring her parents has been a great example of living out this passage from the Bible. She doesn't do it to receive recognition or accolades but I believe it pleases God when we honor our parents like she does. As we honor mamas around the world today, what's a way you can honor your parents?

As you think about that, listen to a song I wrote a couple years ago about mamas and share it with yours!


In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Path of Righteousness

©Andrew Allen Photography

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” –Proverbs 21:21

Righteousness is a path that is not easily walked. There are all kinds of things that can pull you down, cause you to stumble, or slip. Though it’s not always an easy path, it’s the best one resulting in greater joy, fewer regrets, and deeper fulfillment.

People may not understand why you’re seeking righteousness when it doesn’t make sense from a human perspective. That’s the reason recruiting others to journey with you is hugely beneficial. Mutual support and encouragement with fellow believers will help keep you on the path. 

The irony in pursuing the path of righteousness is that the enemy tries to bring you down even more and will attack you with intensity. 

It may be mostly on a spiritual level with increased temptation or negative thoughts entering your mind from seemingly out of the blue. Or it could be discouragement from others whether those that you don’t get along with or even people that you love and care for. Increased distractions from general busyness, media consumption, hobbies, social endeavors, and even church activities can pull you away from where God is leading you on the path.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” -I Corinthians 10:12-13

Don’t be discouraged if you experience increased attacks, it probably means you are doing some great things for the kingdom of God. Preemptively pray and thank God for leading you in the path of righteousness and ask Him to strengthen you in the face of temptation. Be sure to put on your spiritual armor each day (Ephesians 6:11) and stay constantly vigilant. Memorizing scripture and singing or listening to worship music are great tools to guard against the arrows the enemy will fire at you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

By My Side

By My Side by: Daniel Bashta
Though I walk through the valley for a time
You are there by my side
Though I am weak and there is no song to find
You are there by my side

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

For a time though the trials they surround
You are there by my side
In the storms through the chaos I have found
You are here by my side

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

I will not be shaken
I will not be moved

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

The Father Cares for Me

The Father Cares for Me
By: Andrew Allen

Jesus ever present friend
Faithful Savior to the end
when trouble comes you hold my hand
and carry me again

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Fill me up renew my soul
Heal my heart and make me whole
Give me strength whatever comes
and help me carry on

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Lord I don't know where
you're gonna take me
but I know You're good

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Snowpocalypse Samaritans

Parking lot covered in snow and ice

"A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” -Luke 10:33-37

With Atlanta now undergoing round 2 of Snowpocalypse, I was reminded of round 1 a couple weeks back and the stories of people helping strangers whether through giving food, water, a place to stay, a ride back to their car, or other neighborly activities. Though many people went through some very difficult scenarios, as a whole, the Atlanta community really stepped up to the challenge. I hesitate to call it a natural disaster but there were similarities to what happens during a natural disaster. People dropped their protective personal bubble and helped others without expectation of anything in return.

In a way, it would be cool if things were more like that in every day life. Safety is always top of mind and bad apples in society unfortunately have sown distrust in strangers as a category. But at least for a couple days it was neat to see how people genuinely cared for each other and lived out the Good Samaritan parable in real life.

Always be careful and keep safety in mind but be conscious of the Holy Spirit if He prompts you to say something to or do something for a stranger. Sometimes He uses us to meet needs and be the hands and feet that answer people's prayers.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Worship as a Way of Life

from the movie Chariots of Fire

For me, thinking of worship as a way of life is helpful. This goes beyond music in formal church settings or times of prayer. While those are absolutely environments where encountering God can happen, it shouldn't be limited to that.

I believe that God makes each of us unique and gives us talents and abilities with which to serve and glorify Him. There's a quote from the movie Chariots of Fire that captures this well. Eric Liddell is an Olympic runner who went on to be a missionary in China. He says, "God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure." I also am a runner and experience the pleasure of God when I run.

In doing what He's designed us to do, we glorify Him and experience pure worship. This could look different for every person; someone may be a great artist, mountain climber, dancer, cook, writer, an inventor, handyman, nurse, teacher, or any number of other areas of gifting. When we use these gifts, we tap into the God given abilities and can encounter Him in the day to day things.

In living worship as a way of life, it's so critical to have times when the door is closed with no one around and it's just you and God. There's no expectation of perfection or worrying about what others think. When you're able to present your heart to Him in pure worship by yourself, He can talk with you and share His desires for you as His child.

Life can get crazy with work, school, friends, family, and other activities so that it becomes critical to slow down and take time with just you and Him.  You can only go for so long on technical ability. Without a heart that's immersed in His love, you'll eventually reach the end of yourself and fall flat at some point. Continuously coming back to the well to drink of His love will refresh and revive your soul and result in greater joy and effectiveness for Him.

Are you experiencing God in worship today?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Joy In Your Circumstance

It is with great joy that my friend Greg and I (The Outstanding Gentlemen) announce the release of our music video for Joy In Your Circumstance. We wrote, recorded, and produced the song and video over the past year and are excited for you to see it. Check it out!

If you like the song, we'd be thrilled for you to download it on iTunes for future joy. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joy-in-your-circumstance/id739993412?i=739993545

Joy In Your Circumstance (click for video link)
by The Outstanding Gentlemen

When you're feeling down been knocked to the ground get up
back on your feet again
When it's two steps forward and ten steps back cheer up
there's more to life than this

Who said life was easy, with nothing in the way
Trials and tribulations will lead to brighter days
Well you gotta find...

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Shoulda, coulda, woulda don't have no place
so turn that frown around and put a smile upon your face
Like the sun shining through on a cloudy day
flowers popping up in the month of May
Like the colors of fall and the summer breeze
snow capped mountains in their majesty
Like a warm winter coat and a fireside chat
a cup of hot chocolate and things like that

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Words and Music by: Andrew Allen, Greg Mead
Vocals: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Acoustic, Electric, Bass Guitars: Andrew Allen
Keyboards: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Percussion: Andrew Allen
Glockenspiel: Andrew Allen
Music Production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Andrew Allen

Video Production and Editing: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Technical Assistance: Ben Jones www.angeldownstudios.com
Cameras: Wes McCulley & Dominick Racano www.dominickracano.com

Aim Your Influence

Influence is a little like gasoline. When you leverage your influence, it causes things to really kick in gear. It will accelerate the causes, goals, and tasks it’s used for so be sure you’re pouring gas on the right thing and are pointed in the right direction.

Others will ask you to use your influence for their benefit. Sometimes this will line up with your mission and sometimes it won’t. That’s why it’s so important to know your calling and how God wants to use you. Once you’ve figured out calling, leverage your influence for that purpose but be cautious of who and what you align with to avoid getting caught up in something that is not on mission. (See Nehemiah 6 for a great example of doing this well)

When used wisely, influence can increase but can just as easily be lost if not carefully stewarded. Don’t give away your influence to something that’s not on target.

Aiming your influence can be a little like a hound dog chasing a rabbit. If he keeps at it, he’s got a shot at eventually catching the rabbit. But, if he starts trying to chase two or three rabbits, he’s just going to wear himself out and probably not catch anything. Know your rabbit and stay on track.

You may strongly disagree with someone’s views on a topic but it’s important to consider whether arguing with them will serve God’s purpose for your life. Holding back from response does not equate to apathy, it’s a matter of choosing where to use your influence. By not getting pulled into a heated off-mission debate, you maintain the ability to speak into the other person’s life and engage in a way that will lead them closer to Jesus.

How will you use your influence today?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pray for Leaders

Everyone follows a leader at some point in their life whether parents, a boss, a coach, teacher, pastor, government officials, military officer, volunteer coordinator, or some other person in leadership. It is important to pray for those who lead us that God will give them wisdom and direction as they make decisions. Whether you personally agree with them or not, pray that they will seek God’s direction and wisdom.

I Timothy 2: 1-2 says, “I urge then first of all that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The weight of leadership can lead to loneliness in the very ones who are responsible for large numbers of other people. Sometimes a leader just needs a friend to share their burdens with and to encourage them. If you’re not in direct leadership, you can still have great influence by praying with, speaking truth and encouragement into a leader’s life.

When you have the opportunity to lead others, don’t feel that you have to bear the full weight of responsibility alone. Pray like crazy and seek out others for counsel and support. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Pray for your boss, coach, teacher, government leaders, pastor, and anyone who has a position of oversight and influence. When appropriate, let them know about it too. Knowing that someone is lifting you up in prayer can be encouraging in the midst of a stressful situation.

Take a moment right now to pray for your leaders that God will guide and give them wisdom.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Timeless Love

Both of my grandparents have deeply invested in people throughout their lives. My granddad is one of the most positive people I know. His love for Jesus and others is unparalleled. My grandmother is a quiet prayer warrior, has cooked tens of thousands of meals, and baked armies of gingerbread men among countless other cookies, cakes, and delicious deserts.

At a recent family event, I saw one of the most timeless expressions of love that I’ve ever seen. Due to some health conditions, my granddad is temporarily in a nursing home while my grandmother is homebound and they don’t get to see each other. They’ve both been in wheelchairs for mobility recently and saw each other for the first time in 3 weeks. 

The emotion and joy in their faces at seeing each other was like a groom and bride seeing each other on their wedding day. With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face indeed my granddad said, “That’s my bride, isn’t she pretty” as they wheeled her towards him. The beauty and emotion in that moment was priceless.

After 65 years of marriage, their relationship is deeper than ever. What an awesome example of two people’s love for each other. I certainly hope for this depth of love in my own life someday.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Experiencing the Creator in Creation

Photo by Andrew Allen Photography

Since the dawn of time, God has given us beautiful waterfalls, mountains, sunrises and sunsets, forests, streams, stars, moon, flowers, animals, and ocean waves.  As a mother or father creates environments for their children to learn, grow, and have fun in, so too God has created environments for each of His children and invites us into His creation.

We will always be attracted to and seek out beautiful things. Rather than settling for cheap imitations or counterfeit beauty, choose to experience the authentic beauty of God’s creation.

You are special to Him and He wants to you to experience all that He has planned for you. No matter where you live, there's always some part of nature you can enjoy. If you haven't intentionally gone outside to enjoy nature recently, unplug the technology, turn off the noise and get out in the Father's world. That might mean a hike in the forest, checking out a starlit night, a trip to the lake, waking up early to see a sunrise, sitting on the beach and watching the tide roll in, or some other beauty of creation.

Take a Bible and maybe a journal and just spend time enjoying nature and talking with God. Some of the best times of connection with Him can come in those moments of experiencing the beauty of His creation.

This happened for me recently when I hiked to the top of Stone Mountain to watch the sunrise. Part of my reading for that morning was Psalm 65 which talks throughout the chapter about creation and God’s blessing. One verse particularly struck a chord as I watched the sunrise: “...where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.” -Psalm 65:8

You are the pinnacle of the Creator's creation; take hold of His blessings and experience His creation fully.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Wisdom for Baseball...and Life

Don't be so afraid of striking out that you never take an at bat. When you're in the batter's box you may swing and miss but at least you're at the plate. Dust yourself off, learn from the misses, and improve. In time, the hits will come. 

Ask out the girl, sing at the open mic night, go on the interview, have children, make the sales call, get out on the dance floor, speak in public, write the book, audition for the role, ship the product. Whatever you do, don't let fear hold you hostage.

The pursuit of God's best doesn't mean perfection the first time or that you won't get hurt or make mistakes. It does mean getting off the sideline, getting in the game, and seeking after His best in your life.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Wisdom Filter

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” –James 3:17

When your emotions rise to the level of righteous indignation over something you feel strongly about, it can be easy to act or respond without fully thinking through the implications. If not handled with wisdom and tact, the result may be hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and a loss of influence.

Taking a step back allows the emotions to calm down with a clearer head and a more reasoned response. You may be fully justified in your knee jerk response and correct in your logic but the method or tone of communication could result in winning the argument but losing the other person’s trust or even willingness to engage with you.

Likewise, checking the intended course of action or response with a wise friend prior to doing anything provides perspective from someone without the same emotional investment in the situation. As you think through a response, read over James 3:17 and see if your response would pass the wisdom filter laid out in the passage.

Would your words or actions qualify as pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and sincere? If not, there’s probably cause for reflection and re-evaluating before further steps are taken.

It should go without saying, of course, that prayer plays an instrumental role in walking wisely. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him.” Take time to pray about the situation and what God would have you do.

Even though logically and practically the way you plan to respond may leave you in the right, He can guide you towards a more effective response that preserves a relationship and leaves open the opportunity for future interaction. Be cautious of allowing righteous indignation to take you down a path that results in regret. Let wisdom and grace filter everything you say and do and lead you to God's best.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew