Sunday Reflection: Hard Times, Good Reactions

School budget cuts in Missouri have been brutal, and it’s not over.  Funding to educate students—to run a school in general, does not seem to be a high priority on the average legislator’s heart.  Funding education often becomes a tool for selfish gain; school districts (and more importantly students) will suffer.

Adverse times often bring out the best in people, but can also bring out the worst where colleagues bicker and tattle for their own benefit, toss thoughtless words to the wind and hurt each other. Unity becomes extinct. Then there’s the power struggle. Those with the power often seem to divide and conquer. It’s a great strategy and used since the beginning of humankind, but results in fractured relationships and a weakened system.

It may be easier to let the actions of another bring out the worst in us, but responding to our feelings with a reaction that cheapens our soul is harmful. 
Keeping the precepts of God in mind when dealing with hard times is never easy (or is that just me), but in the long run results in a more peaceful soul.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12: 9-17 (NIV)

Blessings on your day,
Teresa

Comments

JoJo said…
School budgets everywhere are being cut and I'm not sure why. Everything used to be free in school when I was growing up in the 70s and early 80s. All the supplies, books, uniforms, equipment, etc. I am shocked when I see the lists of stuff parents have to buy each school year.
Stephanie Faris said…
That is so sad. Education should be a top priority. Without proper education, the future of our country is bleak.
Pat Hatt said…
They'd rather spend on war crap than schools, sad indeed
Jade said…
Well said! It's so important to keep centered in bible truths like these when life is hard and unfair.
Sometimes it's difficult not to respond in kind, but we have to trust God to take care of it.
Mason Canyon said…
When education takes a back seat to politics, we all lose now and so much in the future. Clinging to what is good can be difficult sometimes, but rewarding in the end.
Cheryl @ TFD said…
Good message, Teresa. It is very hard sometimes to do the right thing when dealing with life's challenges or the difficult people in our lives. I do think we have to stand up for what is right, just do it in the right way.
shelly said…
Jolo is right. School budgets everywhere are being cut. Home schooling seems to be the norm where I live.

One day education will no longer be free I'm afraid to say. This will keep a lot of children out of the education arena.

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