We control our actions to do right

Much of our struggles have to do with things we cannot control. The events and sometimes accidents that befall us. The actions of people around us. One of my sons fell from his bike and badly hurt his toe when he was younger. He had the ability to control his bike somewhat, but not completely. Most times it is things that we don't control that hurt us. Paul as he writes to Philemon encourages us to focus on what we do control. That is our person through Christ.

Philemon 1:4-7
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Everything is to done in accordance with His ways as directed by the Holy Spirit. Our guidance is Him. Philemon is acknowledged as having love and faith in Jesus, and towards other followers of Jesus Christ. Paul seeks Philemon to receive back someone who may have done wrong in the past and he appeals to his kind nature in Christ to receive him.

Philemon 1:14
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

There are many things we cannot control, but our own selves is in our hands. With Christ in this vessel we can do it right. We can make decisions to do right. As followers of Jesus Christ we share in His love and faith to be able to do what is right.

Father, help me to do right even when no one is looking.

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