On and off the Wagon

A reminder as we approach the new year that it's easy to feel discouraged when we fall short of our goals. But in the long run, each attempt will take us closer to where we want to be than we were before. Failure isn't a sign that you'll never make it. It's a sign that you're still trying. And you've never fully failed as long as you learn something each time.

Trust in the Lord

There will be times in our lives when God will ask us to do or experience very difficult and even scary things. Sometimes those things may seem to contradict common sense or our best interest. But the Lord knows the end from the beginning. It is very often the difficult road that takes us to where we want to be, and the easy road that leads to distractions and pitfalls. The way we determine which road will ultimately lead us to the most happiness is to seek the Lord's guidance and then trust Him when we receive it.

Without Charity

It doesn't matter how spiritual we are or even how right we are. If we do not exercise charity--that is, the pure love of Christ--when teaching or correcting someone, it amounts to nothing. Coercion may yield immediate compliance, but will not result in long-term repentance or conversion.

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