A little reminder

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12

            “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be bought under the power of any.”

Most people grow up under the guidance and care of their parents, but a person has to walk through the journey of life on his own.  It is essential for a person to understand himself in his growth, for he is fully responsible for what he says and what he does.

When facing this changing world, enormous problems may frustrate a young man’s heart, though he is young and energetic.  Among all, the trouble of career and emotional problems are the most common and of significant influence.  Some youths may stumble or become exhausted when trouble comes.  If not properly counseled, the shadow of old memories may shade a young man’s life with regrets and sorrow for a long period of time.  But in Romans 8:28, it says that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God."  Understanding that trouble is the tester of endurance, Paul also taught a valuable message for Christians to live by: “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:12-13)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29,32

            “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”  “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Corrupt words edify no one.  Knowing that someone could be severely hurt by them with a lifelong scar, why not bridle the tongue, hold our temper, and be considerate to others?  Lest the urge explode like a poison.  Therefore, the children of God should speak edifying words with a loving heart.

A wise judgment helps one grasp a good opportunity.  Yet most people fail to be aware of a blessing when it comes, and regret in vain when it passes.  We may carelessly harm those who love us the most.  Only when we are hurt, then we realize the happiness of being loved.

We learn to love in our maturity through affliction.  The true love is the love that continually gives without asking in return.  An old saying tells us: “Not until a person hold his own baby, will he understand the love of parents.”  May everyone learn how to appreciate the blessings in their daily lives.

Scripture: 1 John 3:18

            “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth”

To love without deed is hypocrisy, and time is its best tester.  It is our duty to love each other and to live peaceably, for all mankind are of thoughts and feelings.  Some ancient sayings teach us how to discern human beings: “Examine his words, observe his behaviors, surely you will know him.”  “A long distance of journey tests a horse's power, but a long period of time tests a person’s mind.”

One's youth is precious yet short.  Youth and beauty do not last forever.  Though the flesh decays, in exchange, the spirit grows stronger.  An old man’s wisdom cannot be neglected for he accumulates his experience and knowledge throughout his life. His experience is a condensed book of Proverbs.  His words will broaden our life and clarify our perspectives, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrew 4:12).  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16).

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

            “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Everyone wishes to have a happy life, yet no one can hold the future.  There are so many variables in life over which we have little control.  What we should do is to do our best; by doing so, it is already self-rewarding no matter if we succeed or not.  For the value of life is determined by what has been done.  It is so important to have a good heart in order to have a good life, for the Bible tells us, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov 4:23).  Only by helping each other with a tender loving heart, can we achieve happiness.  Happy is the person who has a kind heart.  Trouble cannot defeat him as long as he has done his best, for each cloud in his sky has a silver lining.

Scripture: James 1:6-7

            “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

Being brought up under the religious education since I was young, abundantly nourished by the word of God, I know that a Christian must live by His words in daily living to understand God’s will.  The Christian philosophy is to “fear God and love others.”  It may sound simple, but to do it is not easy. This could be your trial.  Youths may live according to ideals in the beginning, but by going through conflicts practicing in their daily lives, they will gradually learn how to solve problems.  Therefore, to live a meaningful and happy life, one must take full responsibility of his own life, continually grow in the spirit, appreciate the blessings of daily life, and most importantly remember and live by God’s words.  By doing so, it will benefit us in all kinds of troubles and trials.