How do we keep our hearts in tune? If we hear an instrument or a singer who is not in tune, it’s very obvious and unpleasant.
If God moves our heart, in good times or in trials, what kind of melody would be heard?
If an instrument is not in a stable environment at a stable temperature and being handled gently, it can easily go out of tune. Consistency is key.
There’s a certain frequency that an instrument is tuned to to sound pleasant. The tuning of an instrument can be changed to whatever we want, but it won’t be the standard. Choosing our own frequency will put us out of tune with Gods tuning. If everyone in an orchestra is tuned to their own frequency, it won’t sounds good!
The word of God and the Holy Spirit are the tuning. Prayer and connection to the Word and the Spirit will help us create a melody that is pleasant to others and to God.
C- Charity
God may need to tighten and stretch us in this area. Being in tune in this area helps us deal with our children, our spouses, with others, in a way that is pleasing to God.
John 13:34 If we can love like Christ, that’s a lot of love to offer!
Ephesians 5:2 Walk in love daily- that doesn’t leave a portion of the day to have a bad attitude. If you see that as a pattern in our life, allow God to tune that string of Charity in your heart.
1 Corinthians 13:4 This is good definition of the standard of charity that we should be tuned to. Don’t look at others to see how they are tuned. Focus on your own instrument!
1 Peter 4:7 To be fervent is to be earnest- that kind of love will cover/forgive alot
When our charity is being tightened and stretched, let’s pray for fervent charity toward others, to cover what we struggle to understand or forgive.
D- Denying Self
Sometimes, to have charity, you have to deny your own desires
Luke 9:23-24
Denying self does not mean not enjoying your life. But when God requests something of you, or your spouse or child or friend requests something, will you put yourself last and someone else first when it really counts? Connection to the Word and seeking the Spirit's guidance will show us where we need to tighten this string of denying ourselves.
Even Jesus requested that God remove the cup of death from him, but God's answer was no. Jesus denied His entire life for us.
E- Eternal Perspective
It’s easy to think about the material world, the things we want to do- these can be distracting from our ultimate goal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What can I do and say today that God will be pleased with? What can I find in this trial that is good? Trials are real life- but what is the ultimate focus? Life is so short- even the hardest trials will not matter years down the road. Let’s keep our eyes on heavenly eternity. Shift your perspective to the fact that most of the things that are consuming our day to day life are only a blip in the grand scheme of things
Don’t pursue things in the material world that won’t last if it costs you eternity.
