There are three powerful keys to Live LIGHT. Each make a huge difference in our life. Gratitude, grace and generosity are game changing decisions to make daily.
Three Power Keys - Gratitude, Grace and Generosity are choices I make today.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
2 Corinthians 9:11
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. James 3:17
Why three powerful keys?
I can show you all kinds of scientific research around gratitude and generosity. Everyone recognizes the benefit these are to our view of the world and our place in it. But what if we understand the Biblical word “Grace” as empathy? Then we have a slew of scientific research to go along with these three keys to Live LIGHT.
In my coaching, classes and books I spend a lot of time going through what the Bible says about these three and I’ve developed tools to help you work them into the day to day of your everyday. I don’t have time in this blog post to cover all I could tell you. So let’s look at how gratitude helps us overcome complaining.
Gratitude is the first of the the three powerful keys we need
Gratitude - among many other benefits - helps us stop complaining.
Complaining comes naturally for us - the fallen “us” - don’t forget we’re made new in Christ. In Genesis 3:12 our first father had the first complaint, “…the women you put here with me”.
What does complaining do?
When we complain, our brains release stress hormones that harm neural connections in areas used for problem solving and other cognitive functions. This also happens when we listen to someone else moan and groan. It’s as bad as secondhand smoke. It’s secondhand complaining.
Why are we told not to complain in Philippians 2:14 - 18?
v.15 - So we can shine in a dark world.
“How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me. Numbers 14:27
v.16 - So we can have an effective testimony
but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
v. 16b - So we honour our leaders
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
v.18 - So we can be joyful in all circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
6 practical steps have more gratitude and to stop complaining
1. Define what a complaint is.
Observations are not complaints. You can tell a complaint by how it makes you feel. Does your energy drop? It’s a complaint.
Psalms 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
2. Track what you complain about and how often.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
3. Separate yourself - as much as possible - from chronic complainers.
1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord
4. Turn your complaints into solutions.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
5. Use the “but, I’m thankful for” technique.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
6. Change “I have to” to “I get to”.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Change your thinking, rewire your brain if you think you have a right to complain.
You have been redeemed from the curse. Quit toiling like you’re under it.
If you want help with any of the three powerful tools - gratitude, grace or generosity - I do offer coaching to help you work it into the day to day of your everyday https://revtrev.com/coaching
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