If there is a most important word in the previous blog it’s the word “you.”
23 “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it–not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James1:23-25 (NIV)
The only person that can truly put the problems and bad memories of the past behind you is YOU. Counseling, reaching out for help are all positives, but it is you and you alone that have to make the choice to move forward and to move with a new purpose and attitude adjustment. No one can do this for you.
5” For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter1:5-8 (NIV)
The old saying of “actions speak louder than words” is certainly applicable when you are trying to make changes in your life. It is one thing to talk about it, or even to decide that change is necessary, but until you put action to your words, they are nothing more than words and promises.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9 (NIV)
Again, this is where the word “you” comes in. No one can do this for you. They can tell you their opinion, they can tell you what they think you should do, but it is up to YOU to take action. The first step may be the hardest, but you have to take that first step before you can get to the second step of a new Springtime and a new beginning.
14 “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (NIV)