Small Town News

Be an up person in a down world

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Pastor's Column

I believe we could all agree we are going through some down times. Yes, the housing market is down, jobs are down, the economy is down, (My 40IK has become a 20IK), people are down. I recently read about a man who was on top of a bridge threatening to jump and end his life. A policeman was called to the site and the man for 30 minutes shared his dire, severe crisis and problems. What happened? They both ended up jumping. Well, how can we be up in down times?

First we must Wake Up. Decide each day you are going to have a good day. Abe Lincoln was correct, "You are as happy as you make up your mind to be. Your attitude is a choice, not a chance. "

Secondly, Dress Up. People see you before they hear you. According to a recent study, the way we look has a direct bearing On a paycheck. Researchers analyzed employment data from seven thousand adults. They divided up the group according to looks and then compared what those working similar jobs in each category were paid. Those who were below average in appearance earned less than those rated above average.

Those who rated average earned less than those who were rated above average.

Appearance includes many things. The style and neatness of your clothing, the shine on your shoes, the crease in your shirt, your choice of colors, and a host of other things affect your appearance rating. The way you fix your hair, your makeup, and all the elements of your personal grooming make a contribution. However, the biggest factor is the smile on your face, followed closely by your attitude and sense of humor.

Thirdly, Show Up. If you only go to work on the days you feel good you will miss a lot of work. Yes, you must master mind over mattress! I heard about a guy who left early from work one day to go to his grandmother's funeral. The next morning at work, his boss came up and said, "Do you believe in life after death?" The employee looked puzzled and finally said, "Well yes; I do." The boss said, "Boy that makes me feel a whole lot better." "Why, what are you talking about?" The boss said, "Well, yesterday after you left to attend your grandmother's funeral, she stopped by to visit you."

Fourthly, Lift Up. I encourage you to lift people up. If you treat everyone as if they are hurting you will be treating 90% of the people correctly. When you give flowers to others, if leaves a fragrance in your hands.

Fifthly, Shut Up. One lady running for Governor said to her husband, "I hope to sweep the state Friday." He said, "I wish you would start by sweeping the kitchen." Truly, there is so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst of us it hardly behooves any of us to talk about the rest of us. Look for the best in people.

Sixthly, Grow Up. We are like a rubber band; we are not any good until we are stretched. Keep Growing! God doesn't want to take you out of your gift zone but He does want to take you out of your comfort zone. If you are not living on the edge you are taking up too much space.

Lastly, Look Up! The Animal Kingdom was created to look down but humans were created to look up. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Every time in my life I have gotten my eyes off Jesus and on to something or somebody, I got discouraged. Stay focused on Him, the one who will never disappoint you. I truly believe if we follow these simple truths we can be an up person in a down world.

Dr. Benny Tate is the pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner.



Copyright 2010 The Monroe County Reporter, Forsyth, Georgia. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The Monroe County Reporter Forsyth, Georgia. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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