You're Not the Boss of Me!

Maybe you've heard your kids or grandkids say "You're not the boss of me!" to a sibling or someone else. But have we ever made that statement to ourselves? We can, and we should.

How often do we yield to temptations -- big and small? Instead of eating a few chips, we eat the whole bag; instead of just a piece of chocolate cake, we go in for a second slice; instead of walking away from listening to an obscene joke, we laugh with them all; instead of changing the channel or walking out of a movie when the content is questionable and almost every other word is profane, we just sit there and take it in; instead of eating nutritionally and getting exercise, we talk ourselves out of it. We then justify it all by saying "I just can't help myself!" But, in reality...we can. It's about letting our flesh be in control of us instead of choosing what Holy Spirit knows what is best for us. Flesh vs Spirit.

I enjoy being on the side of God and His Spirit -- trying to conquer things and not let the enemy rule me. In fact, I think the most exciting journey in life is simply saying, "God, I want to change. I want to please You. I want to be more like you."

And the good news -- it's not a process we have to conquer on our own. God's Spirit is our Helper, our Confidant, our Guide, our Comforter and great partner in accomplishing whatever it is we may face. When we think this way, we can break free from those things that have kept us from God's best. Very soon, we'll start to realize that we have some real authority in Christ. When that happens, every time our flesh tempts us, all we have to do is speak Bryson's words to our flesh "You're not the boss of me!"

Galatians 5:16–18 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would."

Secret to Marriage Success

Day 21 in this Month of Love -- Secret to Marriage Success
Last week I attended the funeral of a dear man who lived a full and blessed life.  Just two months ago, he and his wife celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Now, that's what I call "stick-to-it-tivness" and "only till death did they part".

What makes for a marriage that stands the test of time -- through thick and thin, ups and downs, highs and lows, tough times and sweet times, smooth and rocky roads?  I'd say listening to those whose marriages have lasted through it all is the first place to go for advice.

A good friend of mine was meeting with some of his clients.  He asked them "What is the secret to your 68 years of marriage?"   The wife went to her refrigerator, removed this handwritten note from its magnet and gave it to my friend to read.  This is what it said:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people that I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can – and the wisdom to know it’s me."

Such wisdom, that if used in marriages and other relationships -- the years, the love, the respect, the joys and the blessings would last a lifetime.

Perhaps this little note could be the wisdom we need to create longevity for the relationships in our lives.  I'm praying "Change ME, Lord!"  How about you?