In the past couple of weeks, as the time for me to leave the USA draws ever closer, I’ve had some difficulty with waiting for my departure date, staying present in the here and now, and general negativity. In an effort to combat this, I decided to make a list of ten choices I can make before I even get out of bed in the morning. I’ve found it’s easier to make the right decisions, when I’ve already decided how to act beforehand. This has been so helpful to me, that I have decided to use this while I’m on the World Race too, and I thought I’d share with you all too. Hope you enjoy!
1. I choose a positive attitude.
So many times, I have let the circumstances of my day determine my mood. This “go with the flow” attitude toward my attitude basically guarantees that as soon as something goes wrong, my day is ruined. From the moment I wake up, I choose to have a positive attitude, regardless of what circumstances I encounter.
2. I choose to love everyone.
The God I follow loves everyone, and I need to also! So from my close friends whom I already love dearly, to the lady in my lane driving ten under the speed limit, to the guy who mocks my faith and my God, to the suspected murderer on the evening news, God loves you. And I choose to do the same.
3. I choose to go the extra mile.
It’s so easy for me to get caught up in my own selfishness. It’s so easy for me to try to get away with putting in the minimum possible effort. But Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” So whatever situation I find myself in, and whatever I find myself doing, I choose to give it my all, and to exceed what’s expected of me.
4. I choose to be radically kind.
Sometimes, people just don’t deserve my kindness. Or sometimes, I think people have earned a certain amount of kindness, but once they reach a certain point, they shouldn’t get anymore. I find I naturally get absorbed in what is fair, and just. But it was neither fair nor just when Jesus died on a cross for my sake, in the ultimate act of radical kindness. He wasn’t concerned with who deserved His kindness, or had earned it. He gave it freely. I choose to emulate Him in that.
5. I choose to be a vessel of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit dwells inside of me, but I don’t always do a great job of listening to His promptings, or even acknowledging His presence. He gives me the ability to do things beyond what I’m capable of on my own. I choose to allow Him to work in me and through me.
6. I choose to use uplifting words.
Words are powerful, and when I’m not careful, I find myself using them to complain, and to tear others down. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” I choose to use my words in a way that honors both God and other people.
7. I choose a spirit of worship.
I’ve noticed a natural tendency in myself to take credit for things when they go well. But the truth is, all good things originate from God, and He gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). And when things go wrong, He’s still good in those situations too. I choose to recognize and be grateful for everything God does for me.
8. I choose to pray without ceasing.
I love talking with God throughout my day, but sometimes I get busy and either forget, or just determine that I don’t have time. But this is something really important that I realized I really want to prioritize. So, I choose to be intentional about staying in constant contact with my Father.
9. I choose to live on mission.
I have a mission in life, and that is to show and share God’s love with whoever I can, whenever I can, wherever I can, however I can. But I’m also quite prone to distraction, and it’s not hard for me to let the mission slip my mind. For that reason, I choose to be intentional in keeping the mission at the forefront of my interactions with people.
10. I choose to reflect Christ.
No pressure with this one, right? Ultimately, this one sums up the other nine. I love Jesus, and I want to do my best to be just like Him. I want to show people the most accurate possible picture of what Jesus is like, and how He loves them. I fail at this daily, but it’s still definitely worth the attempt. I choose to renew myself in this effort every day.
So there it is. An inside look into some of my spiritual preparation for everyday life, and my plan for how I will act on the mission field. I’m far from perfect, and I will doubtless fail at every single one of these at some point, but it has been so refreshing bringing this mindset into each day.
