~ Pay Attention to the P’s in Your Life ~
Many are gardeners, others by necessity must spend time working with the soil—whether preparing the soil, watering, weeding or planting. In our daily lives we should also be consistent about cultivating our thoughts, watering good thoughts, weeding out other thoughts, and planting the Word of God. Consider a pea patch based on what the Word of God tells us.
Pride ~ Pride is a core root of all sin! The first sin in the Garden of Eden had a root of Pride—wanting to be like God—and so has every sin since. Pride easily enters our life regarding Possessions, Position, Power, and Prestige. Pride tends to cause us to be Picky about minor things with others and to become quite Petty. “First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall” (Proverbs 16:18, The Message). “If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind” (Proverbs 8:13, The Living Bible).
Perspective ~ Perspective is critically important for the Christian. “Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude [perspective on life] that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to… He took the humble position… He humbled Himself in obedience to God. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor” (Philippians 2:3-9, New Living Translation).
Prayer ~ Praying on a regular basis is critical to a reduction in Pride, maintaining a Biblical Perspective, and allowing you to abide in Peace. With the Prayer of a righteous person comes Perseverance, Proper Priorities, Patience, a suitable People-orientation, Productivity, and perhaps most important great Passion to know Him better, for our families, and for the lost all around us. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, New International Version). “The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16b, The Living Bible).
Peace ~ Perfect Peace is the result of reduced Pride, a Proper Perspective, and Purposeful Prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, New King James Version). “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3, New King James Version).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
