March 8, 2004

Doing Its Thing!

A frequent subject in conversation, even amongst those who only engage in brief conversation in passing through the day, is that of the weather. Sometimes the weather is praised. Sometimes it is cursed. Here in Washington State we often say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change.” However, whether the weather is seen as good or bad, all the praising or complaining or fussing does not change it one bit. The weather just goes on being the weather.

Someone has stated, “All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.” [source: bulletin clipping]

Regardless of what we say, the weather does what God created it to do. It doesn’t matter what we want or what our plans might be -- the weather just is. In spite of the criticism of man it rains when it rains and the sun shines when it shines. And even on any given day, there will be those who might think the weather is ideal while others think it stinks. How could the weather ever please everyone at the same time? If CRITICISM could change the weather, what one desired might create havoc for the plans of another. The great kite flying or windsurfing weather for one might ruin the open air wedding planned by others. And the watered garden of one could end up being another’s rained on parade.

Yes, there is a lesson we can take from the weather. What are we to do when we face the CRITICISM of the world? We must realize it is an impossibility to please everyone. As the weather does what God intended it to do, refusing to be influenced by either the praise or CRITICISM of the world, so we must seek to do what God created us to do.

When the apostles were faced with the winds of CRITICISM of their day, how did they respond?
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN.” ( Acts 5:29 ESV)

Peter and the other apostles did not allow the CRITICISM of the Jewish leaders to discourage or stop them. They had a resolve to continue to do what they had been called to do. Paul also made the pleasing of God his goal. (i.e. Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4) And we ought to do the same.

Let us determine that we will do what God has called us to do rather than paying attention to the CRITICISM of a world that only desires to have things their own way. May we always seek to uphold God’s Standard and Way.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD TO REGULATE OUR CLIMATE OF ACTIVITY!
Carl

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Posted by Carl Hanson at March 8, 2004 6:09 PM