We are now in the year 2013 and things have changed so much over the past two decades.  Technology has most certainly advanced and the way we go about our everyday life has just been transformed all together.  Right now, for a brief moment, I want to go back to the basics.  Not knocking technology because I think it is great to advance and move forward.  Certain things however, seem to have gotten away from us.  I can remember as a child not having to worry about issues such as obesity.  We played outside literally all day long.  Our parents would have to make us come inside in the evening time.  Now, children, teenagers and even adults are on the computer all the time or playing video games.  They have no concept of what it means to go out and play.  Another issue I’ve noticed and seems to get worse all the time is a matter of respect.  There was a time in my life where I could never imagine anyone asking for something and not saying please or thank you.  Unfortunately, that is not the case in today’s society.    People just seem to feel as though they are entitled and that the world owes them something.  It is sad because first of all, that is not true.  No one owes you anything.  Secondly, whatever happened to the golden rule?  You treat others as you would want to be treated.  Self-reflection is a good measuring tool.  Always consider how you would feel if another person acted the way you act.  Would you be happy with their behavior or would it make you angry.  If it makes you angry then that means that something is wrong.

As adults, we should be role models.  Not only teaching those younger than us proper conduct through our words, but by exemplifying proper conduct in our actions.  It is a known fact that our children will mimic us whether our actions are good or bad.  The same is true of grown-ups.  We should model good behavior by doing kind things for others.  And not allow the actions of other people to cause us to distort the example that we set.  What I mean is, if someone else is being rude or mean instead of copying their behavior you set the example and behave in a manner that is more becoming.

Manners are in our heart.  Interpersonal skills such as listening, opening doors, saying please, thank you, you’re welcome, and sharing with others reveal the good manners in our heart.  These also correspond with the fruits of the spirit.  Manners cost nothing and are priceless.  True indeed, we all have super busy lives, but there is always time for courtesy.  Be polite, say hello, offer help, smile, pay a compliment and use please and thank you.  We have to get back to the basics, so we can be the example that Jesus Christ wants us to be.   #iDeclare #backtothebasics

Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I thank you for taking me back to the basics.  I repent and ask for your forgiveness in times when I have not displayed pleasant behavior.  I decree and declare that I will operate in love at all times.  I will say please and thank you.  I will be a good example for others.  And I will not allow the behavior of others to prevent me from doing so.  I will purpose in my heart to be the example that Jesus wants me to be.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture:

Luke 6:31 NIV “Do to others as you would have them do to you”

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”