Spilling Outside!

I remember enjoying watching old westerns on television while growing up. Quite often there would be a fight scene in a saloon and it was a little amusing how the punches didn't seem to really connect, but those fighting would go crashing about, breaking tables and chairs and creating quite a mess. Often those fights that began within, soon spilled out into the street, sometimes impacting others outside. Filming now makes these fights look more realistic. However, today, in real life, there have been brawls that have broken out in bars or clubs that have spilled out into parking lots and other places where bystanders have been shot or injured. Due to a lack of SELF-CONTROL actions have brought tragedy to innocent bystanders; seriously impacting by something that began within.

James stated. . .
"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that YOUR PASSIONS ARE AT WAR WITHIN YOU?" ( James 4:1 ESV)

WHAT GOES ON WITHIN us needs to be closely guarded because of the
ultimate possibility of spilling out into actions that impact those around us. James went on to address the desire to have and coveting and what it does to relationships. James traced the problem to A WAR RAGING WITHIN. Our desires need to be brought under the control of the Will of God. We need to guard against self-centeredness. We also need to guard against anger being allowed to fester and build until it explodes.

May we keep our passions UNDER CONTROL, for they can even wage war against our own soul. ( 1 Peter 2:11) Following God's Will and keeping peace within ourselves will safeguard our own life and bring potential blessing to those around us. May it be goodness and loving-kindness that spills out to impact others.

Have a great day MINDING THE INSIDE TO BRING BLESSING OUTSIDE!
Carl

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