RPM, Volume 11, Number 45, November 8 to November 14 2009

Oh, What an Inspiration!

By Jim Williams



Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.
The singer Pat Boone shared about his marriage experiences on a TV talk show. He said that he got so aggravated with his wife one time that he decided to walk away for a while. His wife shouted after him, telling him "okay go, but remember wherever you go there are five people following you." This was a statement that stuck with him, and led to his return to the marriage.

The lives we lead are observed by other people. The details some people ignore others hang on to. The words we speak are big influences, and are held against us if they are negative. In the world, there is very little, if any, forgiveness of anything. On the other hand, the encouraging words are also never forgotten. They go on to help others find a way to keep on going.

Some people are inspirations by good living, some by bad. The biographies of many an Old Testament king are there in the Scriptures, sins and all. King David lived a life that inspired a lot of what happened after him. Scotland's Deacon Brodie of Edinburgh was another inspiration. Robert Louis Stevenson's book "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is based on the life of the cabinetmaker by day, burglar by night.

The history of our lives is someone else's roadmap.

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!



This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

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