AAA World Witness

by Ken E Murray

I guess we all sense that we are entering unchartered waters this upcoming 2014. There’s precious little good news.

So …here’s 12 smiling tips for 2014 to consider.

1.    Do Not put Yourself into Trouble

“That’s what you get for horsin’ around!”

It is obvious to any casual observer of the news that the world is in bigger trouble than it has has been for a long time. So, there is no value in putting ourselves in a bigger hole of trouble. With a good sense of humour we can reflect upon and learn from our mistakes. There is a spiritual cause for every good effect …as much as there is for every bad effect. Good spiritual causes begin with our thinking, words and actions being in tune with God, our Creator and Saviour. “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.” (Proverbs 26:2-3)

 
2.    Aim for greater heights

We sometimes limit ourselves unnecessarily, when, with our Saviour Jesus Christ helping us through His Holy Spirit within us, we can rise to greater heights than we could have previously imagined. We need to let go …and let God.

All dogs are created, but some reach for greater heights

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

3.    Stay focussed on your job

True, we should be focussed on giving a genuine day’s work for a genuine day’s pay.

We should be first to arrive at work, and keenly do a diligent job for our employer.

On the ultimate job and focus of our life, we need to keep in mind God’s promise to resurrect us into the Family of God for eternity.

Christ tells us to focus on seeking Christ’s Kingdom to be on this Earth AND set our will in tune with God to develop the mind of Christ with loving faithfulness to God’s laws.   “But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ”  (Matthew 6:33)

Focus eye to eye

4.    Exercise to maintain good health

To be in extra good health involves being healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.

To be healthy spiritually we need to draw close to God in prayer, bible study (letting God talk to us), fasting and living by God’s laws and right way of life.

Loving God and loving all human beings is a great way to have excellent mental health.

We can also benefit ourselves with some physical exercise. “For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”  (1 Timothy 4:8)

Chin up and exercise daily

5.    Practice loving Family teamwork

We have our blood line physical family to love and serve.

Similarly we have our extended family in the Church and we have our wider family in all mankind.

We have the incredible privilege that God regards us as part of His Family.  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)    

 “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16)

practice loving family teamwork

6.    Watch our partner’s back

When trials come we sure find out fast, who our friends are. 

We need to make sure we are the best friend of all.

In good times and bad times, husbands love, respect, and be committed to lovingly caring for our wives tenderly …and wives likewise for your husbands. 

Make sure we tell and show our children how much we love them by loving and encouraging words and actions.

Be a rock of encouragement to our family, fellow Church brethren, and friends.  “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  (John 15:13)  “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) 

guard your friends back

7.   Save for rainy days

Governments are telling people to spend as if there are no tomorrows.

We need to ask ourselves …”who is it that is telling me to spend? 

Is this really sound advice?”

The people that survived the last Great Depression, kept their resources in tact. ‘Cash was king’ …for those who had saved a little of it. 

We need to manage our physical and spiritual resources wisely, making sure that we are keeping “oil in our lamps” (Matthew 25:1-13).   “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.  (Proverbs 6:6-8) 

save to shelter from the rainy days

8.   Rest, relax and be refreshed

God’s people are the richest on the face of the earth. Why?

Because, God gives them a holiday every week …and bonus days and weeks throughout the year! 

Imagine if everyone kept the weekly Sabbath day that God commanded us to keep for our own good. 

Imagine if they kept God’s other holy days, like the joyous Feast of Tabernacles.  Married couples would have quality time with each other and their children, at least one day per week.

The Sabbath is a gift from God for rest, relaxation, time to worship God together, and be refreshed spiritually, mentally and physically.    “Speak you also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My sabbaths you shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am the LORD that does sanctify you.  (Exodus 31:13) 

Notice how the Sabbath is regarded by God as a sign of who God’s people are …the ones who worship the “true God” (1 John 5:20). 

time to rest and refresh

9.    Always give your boss and fellow workers a smile

So many people take their jobs for granted and think their boss owes them a living, when in reality the reverse is true.

If we don’t look after the goose that lays the golden eggs, pretty soon there ain’t no more eggs to collect.

Witness the difficulties in the Governments, bureaucracy, politicians, banks, manufacturing, services and mining industries. 

So many managers and employees have been less than diligent about their work, both in management and on the shop floor, that the whole world is now in serious financial trouble.    “Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.  

For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:23-24).  “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;   Not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;”  (Ephesians 6:5-6) 

If we grasp that we are ambassadors of Christ, working for Christ as our real boss, then it makes it a whole lot easier to be diligent and pleasant to our human boss and those we work with. 

smile and the world smiles with you