God always things the best of us. Always. Even in our own deepest, darkest moments, God loves us. He knew we would be in that place. He knows we will come out of it. How can we honor such a great God? By thinking the best of others.
Maybe you’re like me. The other day I was looking for something and I couldn’t find it. My mind instantly went on the search for someone to blame – other than myself, of course. (No, not my wife.) I focused on one member of my family and mentally upbraided her for messing with my stuff. After all, it was supposed to be hanging in the closet. Who gave you the authority to decide what to do with my things anyway? Turns out, I had already taken the item where I had intended and forgot about it. Don’t ya love the joys of aging?
Even if my relative had done what I was imagining, accusing her, of doing, my attitude was all wrong. I certainly wasn’t thinking the best of her. I should have learned this lesson years ago. I had a roommate who kept doing something similar. Of course, I was railing him in my mind. This went on for days until I confronted him about it. His response? He thought he was doing me a favor, taking care of something I’d forgotten. I was putting it where I put it so I could use it again the next day. Was I thinking the best of him? No.
The Lesson I’m Learning
A lesson I’d like to put in the “learned” column: Think the best of others. Always. Now that doesn’t mean one should excuse bad behavior. Forgive? Yes. Excuse? No. Actions still have consequences. What I’m talking about is developing the habit of putting other’s actions in the best light, rather than imagining they are trying to foment evil.
When that dude pulls out in front of your car, who can’t think of several expletives to shout at him? Forgive him. If you must mentally conjure up a reason for his action, maybe he didn’t see you or he could have had something on his mind – or both. You probably will never know what really happened on his end. You don’t need to. Think the good thought and move on to other good thoughts.
God bless,
Andy
P.S. Why is this “Godly Habit #9” if it is the first one I am posting? Bluntly put the #9 is arbitrary. I can think of one better suited for the #1 position. I’ll write about that tomorrow. All the rest are a matter of opinion as to how important they are to you. Besides that, I know there are people out there that have this habit down pat already and thus, they can skip over this one. How you order your godly habits is up to you.