Joyfmfour

We are all at different points along this walk with our Lord. Perhaps, God is expecting those who are further down the road to work with who have started to serve, but feel they need the recognition and reinforcement from having others pat them on the back for what they are doing. I try not to judge others, I try to lead by example, and pray in time God's grace will be all the reinforcement these people will need to continue. I praise God every day for the gifts He has given me. I am often told I am so patient and compassionate, (I work with adults with mental retardation). God has led me into this field and has taught me so much from the people He has chosen for me to serve. He is an awesome God. The greatest gift He has given me is a loving family including seven adorable grandchildren. When I feel the love in my heart for each of them, I can finally begin to understand just how much our Father loves us.

I think we can take this a step further and say that some Christians who claim to have faith but not the deeds also would have you sin with them. I have found many opportunities to witness to people trying to pull me into sinful activities. I am always asked at work to buy raffle tickets or go into pools or join groups buying lottery tickets. When recently asked I decided to use this opportunity. I simply said in a nice way, "I am not buying raffle tickets because I consider it gambling. I have taken a stand against gambling and am praying for people caught up in that struggle. I will, however, give you a small donation, but I don't want any tickets." I know the person that tried to sell the tickets to me was taken back, because she considers herself a Christian. It caused her to think about what she was doing. I also told her my future was in God's hands He would provide for me, not a raffle or lottery. People are really hurting and so immune to sin and what it is doing in their lives, that we need to see this as an opportunity, to remind them of God's love. We must lead by example. God Bless!

I believe the Bible gives us excellent conflict negotiation models. If there is a conflict or injustice I think it is in the book of Matthew, we are told to go one on one with the person you believe has caused the injustice, if that doesn't work bring another individual with you to help solve the problem, then if both of those attempts fail bring it to the whole church. This model has worked for me at home and at work. I am also thankful that my workplace/coworkers are rarely confrontational or unjust. I am amazed at all of the other answers and realize I have so much to learn. I have been a Christian for many years, but still need to grow, and with His help I pray I will. God Bless!

I agree with the other person that said there were some good answers already given. I would like to add and I wish I had adequate words to describe this feeling. I agree that God is Holy and truly amazing, but some of the answers made me feel that God, for some, is more distant like Royalty far removed from us. I feel such a deep connection to God and the role loving Him plays in my life, I can't relate to some of the feelings others shared. I think the way I praise Him is to open my eyes every day and thank Him before I even get out of bed for being in a relationship with me. Then I humbly ask Him to lead me through the day. He has led me into a career of serving mentally ill/mentally retarded adults and I praise Him for this over and over. I try to glorify Him with my actions and to be an example to my children and grandchildren. He is a truly awesome friend and confidant. I will praise Him forever!

Circumstances which refine our faith: A very good friend of mine is fond of the saying, "God has a way of bringing us to our knees." God has brought me to my knees so many times in my life. It took me way too long to realize He was way ahead of me in every instance and had a plan already for me. It is really a miracle that He chose me to be in a relationship with Him. So many people never know that wonderful unconditional love. Praise God for our trials and the strength and insight we gain from them.