Ruffled Feathers

Finally, brothers . . .
whatever is just. . .
dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8b, NRS).


Good Morning!

Several ducks walked slowly across one of our busy city streets. Believe it or not, four lanes of traffic were stopped by the feathered flock. Drivers were mandated by law in our area to stop for the synchronized waddling ducks. Apparently, the ducks were not influenced by the idling vehicles lined up from either direction. They certainly took their time to cross the street. Seriously . . . think about it . . . the ducks actually had the right of the road . . . and the drivers complied . . . there were no . . . hmm . . . ruffled feathers.

In case you have not heard the expression “to ruffle someone’s feathers,” it means to annoy or irritate someone, which comes from the idea that feathers of a bird appear ruffled from excitement and/or fear. Most of us know at least one individual who seems bent on ruffling feathers. Actually, let's get honest . . . you and I have learned through life experiences how to irritate and/or annoy others with a fair amount of expertise. Seriously, we become experts at ruffling feathers.

Conversely, the Apostle Paul wrote about changing our behavior through changing the thought process. Christ-followers are to first focus on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, and then whatever is just. The rarely used word “just” refers to righteous, being right with God and others. “Just” thoughts challenge us to consciously behave in a right way rather than irritating and/or annoying family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or anyone else. Righteous or just conduct is determined by choosing to have a “mindset” produced by the Spirit of Christ: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5, NRS).

Refuse to ruffle someone's feathers.
Surrender to the Spirit of Christ.
Set your mind on whatever is true, honorable, just . . .
Determine to be just or righteous in your attitude and actions.


Learning with you to think and act in a just manner,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)