Revelation 2:10b – Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

Recently, I moved to a seniors' residence. I am trying to make the adjustment to living in a different setting without my wife of over 60 years and with daily mingling among people that I never knew previously.

Drawing on my personal experiences, I have tried to be friendly and helpful. On January 20, 2018, the PresbyCan Daily Devotional published Choose To Be Positive. I shared that devotional with several of my new neighbours, and I received many comments stating that this approach had been helpful.

On February 23, 2018, the Daily Devotional published Can You Be Kind To Someone? This was the story of someone being kind to my grandmother. Again, I shared the devotional with residents and staff in my new home.

I was surprised to receive an e-mail from a staff member saying, "What a wonderful story and thank you so much for sharing. Your grandmother has left behind quite a legacy, and no doubt, you will, too. Vince, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for always being you!"

Suddenly, I realized that the "inspiration" was "always being you". As that thought sunk in, I began to realize that if the Holy Spirit is working through us, nothing more is needed.

God expects us to do our very best with the talents that we have been given, whether they be many or few. The best thing that we can do in gratitude to Him for His salvation in Christ is to faithfully obey the guidance that God gives us. However, the enemy also subtly encourages us to keep trying to do better and thus be viewed by others more positively. This seems to be a good idea, but this can amount to encouraging us to follow our own will and not God's will. The temptation to try to please others is difficult to resist.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to continually guide us. I always find comfort in this Scripture: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12b-13 NKJV)

I am very fond of this chorus:

Channels only, blessed Master,
But with all thy wondrous power
Flowing through us, thou canst use us
Every day and every hour.
       – Mary E. Maxwell

And so, dear reader, I share with you the challenge that I face. Can I live so close to Jesus that the Holy Spirit can work through me to help others? If you can answer positively, then I can safely say, "Just be you!"

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to enable us to continually understand the great love that You demonstrated through Jesus. May we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance as we react to others. May we constantly demonstrate Your great love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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