“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB)
There are days when I know I am too cognitive, continually thinking, constantly concentrating on things that congregate in the center of my mind. I’m certain you have had days like that too, for one reason or the other. Sometimes it is worry and other times it is work. Sometimes it is our obligations and sometimes it is about sincere concern for others. Sometimes our minds are focused on that which we have no control or final say, rather than looking to the One who is sovereign and control over everything. Yes, we focus, at times, on our will, and never make the quick and quite appropriate transition to, “They will be done.” At times we are like Mary and Martha; the latter, obviously and outwardly concerned about Lazarus, their brother, and sometimes we are like the former, Mary, who sat still at the house. You know the story. I’ll be the first to admit that when we are so cognitive, we communicate the wrong message. And as a result, others around us walk around on tippy toes, wondering what they did to make you mad, or they just avoid you as much as possible. Being cognitive can be misconstrued, so how do we maintain a Christian demeanor? Psychologist may say talk about it and get it out. Preachers will tell you to pray about it. Peers will just ask what is wrong. People that don’t try to understand will wrongly tell you to get over it. Paul, writing under the inspiration of God, for all Scripture is inspired by God and will give us this advice, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Now our concern will not diminish, and our awesome compassion will not abandon us, but at the same time our thoughts will not take over our non-verbal communication of the fact that from a personal perspective, “I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or on the stormy sea.” Let’s try to follow the Scriptural advice today and see how it works out for us, both you and me. Be blessed!
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord cause His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His face to you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6: 24-26 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King