YOUR DEFAULT SETTINGS OR GOD'S

In our computers, default settings are provided so that each time we turn on our computers, we don't have to re-set everything just to be up and running. The question is: Have the default settings in your life been set by you or by God?

Let's look at a couple of examples of how this works:

Your child or grandchild has a high fever. Yes, a small amount of fear may be good to help you take action to lower the fever. However, if your default setting is utter panic, your actions may be hindered, making you ineffective in the situation. Since we are commanded to have the mind of Christ, we are told in scripture:

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

What is your default setting? Panic or prayer?

Another example: When someone cuts you off in traffic, what is your default setting? Is it anger and rage or the desire for peace? God's default setting for us is clear:

Those who desire life and desire to see good days...let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. I Peter 3:8-11

What is your default setting? Anger or the desire for peace?

One last example: Where do you go when a difficulty enters your life? Do you immediately look on the dark side, expecting the worst? Or:

Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-5

Yes, God's default settings are usually opposite from our human default settings. But if your life belongs to God and you truly love Him, the only default settings should be His, learned and progressively practiced day by day.

Heavenly Father, Help! I am human and will revert to my own ways of thinking and doing things. I need YOU to influence my life in such a way that I have the mind of Christ each day, each moment of each day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.