Starting to Quit

This article is written by Tom Norvell and used with permission.  The Norvell Note is a weekly inspirational article you may receive via email by visiting www.anorvellnote.com . - Lori

Starting To Quit

I recently read, 25 Things You Must Quit Doing by Scott Couchenour. The article reminded me of the words of Jesus, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, NIV) And, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.” (Matthew 25:29, New Living Translation) The article reminded me of Paul’s words in Philippians, and in particular this passage. “I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.” (Philippians 3:12-14, The Message)

The article reminded me of some things I need to quit doing, so, I am adding a few things to Couchenour’s list.

            I am starting to quit wishing my life away. All the “What if…” and “If only…” and “I wish…” thoughts must go. Actually it is more than just the thoughts, it is when thoughts become journeys into fantasyland that waste time and energy. Today is all that I have. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. I am living today.  

            I am starting to quit allowing what other people do, say, or think; or what they do not do, say or think dictate what I do, say, or think. My words need to be God’s words. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV) My attitude needs to be that of Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:5, NIV) My actions need to be God’s actions. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV)

            I am starting to quit waiting on forgiveness. I know God forgives me. I know that once I ask another person to forgive me and done what I can to reconcile I have done all I can do. When someone does me wrong if I do not forgive and forgive quickly I only do more harm to myself, and harboring a grudge may create an opening for the Enemy to enter my heart. “Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:11-13, NIV)

            I am starting to quit moving in such a hurry. When I move too quickly I miss things, I miss people, and I forget what is important. When I slow down I can see God more clearly, I can love God more dearly, and I can follow God more nearly (Go ahead and sing if you want). “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

            I am starting to quit believing that I am stronger than I really am. I am weak. He is strong. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, NIV)

            What needs to go on your Starting To Quit list? It is probably either time to quit, about time to quit, or well past time for you doing something. Why wait?

Tom

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