NCarolinian

                    Why can't we all just get along? That has been a question asked throughout the ages. But this question goes beyond just mere difference of opinion. All of us, from the first human beings, have varying opinions on things, but the choice of how we act on those opinions is what matters. Throughout most of our history we think and/or allow emotions to drive violence to the forefront of our responses.           The nature of this beast can be detected in a toddler as selfish behavior. The "I" statements are plentiful at this age. And unfortunately, sometimes, some individuals do not outgrow this stage. However, the beginning of this nature or programming can be found all the way back in The Garden of Eden.           The root of it all is three-fold - (1) a deceiver, (2) the deception and (3) the deceived. The Deceiver being Satan, deceived the parents of...

        Be careful how much focus you place on your  skills, talents and gifts in life. The Blesser is always going to be greater than the blessing. James reminds us that - " Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)            This flow-perspective is a mindset Christians must have in order to cultivate the kind of Christ-like character that needs to be displayed daily in each believer through the Fruits of the Spirit. In other words, if we acknowledge The Blesser and where our blessings come from, keeping a thankful and grateful heart for all our blessings, then the remaining Fruits of the Spirit have a wonderful chance to develop and shine for God.          The reverse of this thinking is a shift of focus away from The Blesser onto the accumulation of gifts and/or quality of gift(s) to the po...