Down with the Bad; Up with the Good

One of the predicaments of tendinitis and a tender right knee is reminding myself of the best way to go up and down stairs or curbs.  Since my weaker side is now having to perform as the stronger side, I have to think through the process when encountering these challenges.  Figuring out that it is best to step down with the hurt foot and up with the good has made it much easier to walk or step without as much discomfort.  I catch myself saying, “Down with the bad; up with the good” before taking the step.  This experience has reminded me that these are beneficial sayings/lessons for life as well.

* Sometimes the weaker needs to step up and carry the load.

* It’s good to take time to figure out the best ways to proceed and carry out plans.

* Reminders are beneficial when needing to make progress.

* I need to be conscientious about stepping down/away from the bad in life that causes me to be less than my best.

* When one gets rid of the bad, you make room for the good to grow and bloom.

* It takes effort and concentration to set one’s mind’s attention and heart’s affection on embracing and stepping up to the good.

* Keep moving.

The Bible lists specific traits we are to get rid of as well as virtues to embrace.

GET RID OF:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Ephesians 4:31

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:3-4

ADD ON AND EMBRACE:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

            And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

            and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

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

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore, as chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8