Daily Journal: 7 May

What Wake Do I Create?

Everybody has off days. Nobody feels great all the time. We can’t live our lives to please other people because there will always be people who are not pleased. But what sort of impression are you leaving behind you as you go? Is it a fragrance or a stink? Is it joy or is it heaviness? Is it positivity or negativity? Is it encouragement or criticism? Is it withholding or is it generosity of spirit?

Acts 20:1 (GNT)

After the uproar died down, Paul called together the believers and with words of encouragement said good-bye to them.

Is what you’re leaving in your wake, good?

There is a verse I have always taken literally. But what if I consider it in light of time spent with people, or the effects of my attitude?

Ephesians 4:28 (NLT)

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

Have we considered how we might be stealing from others, emotionally?

Question: Am I engaging with people in constructive ways or am I stealing their joy or their willingness or their efforts by my criticism? Am I being open or am I being a wall? Do I leave a conversation on a good note or do I dump my feelings and walk away? Have I tried to make sure the work I’ve done will create a positive impact?

I remember sharing my testimony for the first time and a group of ladies invited me out for a coffee afterwards. But instead of encouraging me, they sat in stony silence and didn’t say a thing. There was hardly any conversation at all and my testimony was barely mentioned. It was odd, cold, awkward and hurtful. It was a great example of how people can steal from others emotionally by not being the godly light of hope and encouragement to others that Christ always expects us to be.

Are you an emotional thief or are you using your conversations and opportunities to give generously and leaving lasting goodness?

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Question: What wake do I create each day in my interactions with others?

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

There are so many opportunities in each day to give, to benefit others, and to make a difference. I pray we see them and not withhold good. I pray we are emboldened, strengthened and enabled to use our gifts to serve wherever God gives us an opening.