Is That Your Best?

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
(Philippians 4:5, NRS)

Good Morning!

The other day I walked into a coffee shop for a meeting. Apparently a woman did not like the taste of her purchased coffee. So, she held a caffeine-cranky-crazed-conversation. If you have spent any time in a coffee shop--you have heard this kind of tirade at one time or another. Anyway . . . the caffeine deprived customer repeatedly said, "Is that your best?"

Even after she received her new cup of coffee, she left muttering, "I can't believe that was their best service or coffee."

I do understand crankiness--it is a malady that humanity succumbs to at one time or another. That said, the Apostle Paul supported the gentleness approach, reminding the Philippians the Lord is near. While some have translated this to mean that the second coming of Jesus is near, most likely the words were a reminder that God remains close and hears humanity. Moses spoke of the nearness of God in Deuteronomy 4:7--For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is whenever we call to him? (NRS)

The nearness of God changes our thoughts, words, and behavior. Christ-followers are given the honor to manage life in the best way through the power of the Spirit. The New Testament Greek word for gentleness is praütēs, denoting strength and meekness merging together. In the English language, a gentle individual may be referred to as weak or lacking courage; however, praütēs, refers to an individual humbly aligned to the will of God. Gentleness is produced as the power of the Spirit merges with a surrendered Christ follower.

Be your best.
Choose to manage life through the best Way.
Consciously respond to others with gentleness.
Seek to connect with God.
Experience gentleness through the power of the Spirit.
Manage life with gentleness.
Slowly read today’s scripture.
Let the Word of God settle into your mind and heart.
Center your thoughts on the gentleness of Christ--quiet strength.
Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
Be your best--be gentle.

Learning with you to be gentle,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)