What Are You Made Of?

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Little Girls – Sugar and Spice and everything nice

Little Boys – Snips and snails and puppy dogs’ tails

At 67 years old and I do not often feel like sugar and spice and everything nice! That would require a stretch of the imagination. Gentlemen, identifying with that description might be tough for some, but inside (if you’re honest) you may render a smile at your boyhood antics.

What happened? When did we change? What changed us?

LIFE!

We grew up and had to fend for ourselves. Our moms didn’t buy us any frilly dresses and our dads told us to bait our own hooks and take our own fish off the line. We learned to study for our grades and we worked hard at our first jobs. We remember our first car and took pride in it.

Our identity lost that “cutesy” or “yucky” childhood nursery rhyme feeling. We developed our own individuality. Some became leaders, some followers; some became popular, some unaccepted; some became positive, some negative; some became superstars, some remained unknown; some became courageous, some cowards; some became godly and some ungodly.

What are you made of? Try this!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

The sugar and spice have long since dissolved and snails and puppy dogs’ tails are not in vogue with the animal activists. Our attendance at the School of Hard Knocks has taught us some unforgettable lessons. If you are reading this, you have survived some difficult and even horrific situations and while you may have scars, you are not done yet. Try these!

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Now if you cannot find at least one attribute in this long list, perhaps it is time for a spiritual overhaul. Ask Him to show you your strengths and talents.

Father, thank You for bringing me to today! I have some left heel marks in the dirt and had tantrums along the way, but I am grateful to stand tall during difficult times. You have given me courage and strength for today. AMEN.