And, just like that.....

I'm very much trying these days to put my money where my mouth is as a believer.  And, like all things, when your life gets all messed up, it's sometimes easy to default to the "factory settings".  I've found that out over the last couple of weeks and it's something I'm working on fixing.  The message to me the last couple of days has kind of been about thinking.  Our thoughts matter and when you're alone your thought can run to any number of places.

Mine, not so much any number, but a couple of places I don't want to be.  That stuff got left in the past, but the past sometime has a way of trying to suck you back down the black hole.  I think Jesus knew that when He said in Luke 9:62:  Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." 

In my case, that means that going back to old behaviors, old ways of doing things, or reverting to said "factory settings" can't happen.  I'm moving forward.  But in moving forward, that means I still have to change some things.  Mostly that involves changing the way I think about things.  

I found a church to attend today and I'll be going back.  The message, I suppose, would have been the very message a pastor would have given me if it were him and me talking in his office.  I'm blessed to have a chance to start over in a place where nobody really knows me.  That is a great thing.  But too, I'm in a place where I don't know anybody else either, and in that, it's really easy to start judging people.  

I caught myself doing this, so I asked God to help me by changing me, and He's doing that.  He's reminding me that my political views are my own.  If I remain a-political, then loving my neighbors will be an easier task because I won't pin labels or judgments on them for their own.  It's something I really had to deal with quickly because one of the first people I met in the neighborhood is unashamed of his political views and it's not going to do either of us any good if his and mine clash, so I'll let him do him, and I'll be me.  

Me however, is obligated to speak out in defense of the republic and/or the Constitution upon which it's founded.  That's not a political statement, it's in direct response to an oath I took to support and defend the Constitution.  Past that, a-political is the way to go, at least for me.

Because Jesus didn't call me to argue with my neighbor.  In fact, the Apostle Paul reminded us that we're to pray for those in Government and to live peaceably with everyone, as much as it's in our power.  If start tossing around judgments against my neighbor across the street, what's to prevent me from tossing around judgments against the neighbor two doors down with the Black Lives Matter poster in the window (haven't met them yet), or to judge my neighbors by outward appearances without even having the benefit of meeting them.

Those are some of the factory defaults I come built in with.  One of them is arguing against stupidity.  Fortunately the book of Proverbs talks about arguing with fools.  One has to use one's own judgment about that and one would be wise to not think too highly of themselves and mindful that the same measure we judge with will be used against us.  So both neighbors stand on equal footing with me and I'll leave judging to God and loving my neighbors to me, and leave that factory setting gone with a better upgraded software version.

Another factory default setting is the "me" setting.  That one is slowly being replaced but it's a default that I'm all too guilty of going back to.  As in poor me, why me, and I want.  I want has gotten me into more trouble than I'd ever care to admit.  I don't do pity parties.  Sometimes God will give me a few hours to feel one way or another about something, but with the admonition that I'd better get over it quick because we have stuff to do.

The software upgrade for the me setting is serving others.  Putting others first.  And changing what you think about.  That one is probably the best thing I need to understand from the start of this season of my life in North Bend.  It's easy to go back to factory default thought settings.  And it's something I fight with a bit.  But I'm getting better, with God's help, and with some very pointed reminders from devotions during the week this week.  

I'm excited I found a place to worship.  I think it's too early to say it's going to be a church home, but for now, it's the right place to be.  I'm not much of a church hopper (which came up in today's sermon as well) but their congregation has lost members who recently moved to Utah so maybe my being there is a plus.  Only time and the Holy Spirit's leading will help me know for sure.

That's it for Sunday.  The coast is beautiful.  Windy, but beautiful!