During this holiday season, we should be experiencing the joys of our families and the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.
But the season has become so commercial that we’re usually stressed out and ready for it to end. Fights break out over toys for young children, and we find out on Christmas Day that the child would rather play with the empty box! During the holidays, the crime rate increases to alarming numbers and makes it one of the busiest times of year for our law enforcement officers.
What shall we do?
Just be cool with it. The everyday Christian should be a living example of the word of God displayed throughout the Holy Bible. The initial fruits of the Spirit are love, joy and peace.
The Bible says, in John 8:3, “The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ This they said to test him that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’”
These Scriptures show the character of Jesus Christ and the power of walking in the position of authority. When faced with adversity, Jesus had various ways he could have replied, yet he calmly addressed the situation and continued to write in the ground. We have a choice either to calmly enjoy the blessing of the season or aggressively wear ourselves out trying to keep up with the latest trends. People will try to push our buttons, but we must be the living example of God’s Word.
Let this be a season of love, joy, and peace. Find someone to be a blessing to, enjoy your family and friends, be thankful for what you have and allow the peace of God to confuse the enemy. Situations may arise, drama may be stirred up and messes may get started, but handle it like Jesus did. Lovingly address the situation and continue to do the work of the Lord.
Just be cool with it!
Hayes is president of the United Ministerial Alliance and pastor at New Day Outreach Ministry.