At the beginning of each year I try to have a new “motto” for the new year. That seems better for me personally than trying to hold onto a new year’s resolution. If one were to look up what is a motto they could read that it is defined as, “a short sentence or phrase chosen as expressing the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution that encourages a rule for sensible behavior.”
Some of the more “famous” or well known mottos that most have either said or heard are; When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Live everyday like it’s your last. Be the change you would like to see in the world. Always find a reason to laugh. Taking one day at a time and if you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. According to the web every state either has an official or unofficial state motto. Kentucky’s is “united we stand, divided we fall.”
Most people probably have some “saying” that they will often say or live by even if they don’t even realize it. If it is something that you truly believe in, the saying would have to be rooted in your values and the things you hold important. It would need to be something that when thought of or said out loud would inspire you to make better choices in your life.
As the title of this column says, Live Truth. Be Different. This is my motto for this year. To break it down as to what this motto means to me is to put it into action. The word “live” means one is actively and continually doing something, but how do I want to live? Truth is what some may think is relative (subjective, changing, or conditional) whereas absolute truth is not changing and eternal. In John 14:6 Jesus claims, “I am the way, the Truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
I choose to believe this is the truth and to live in that truth as what John 15 explains as abiding in the vine. Truth has been before the beginning of time and actually created time until He returns and time will be no more, but those who believe and abide will live with Truth for eternity. However, as we are choosing to live truth in our daily lives we will not be able to help but “be different’ than those who choose not to abide. This does not make one perfect or untouchable. Life will still happen and sorrows will come, but our perspectives on how we deal with what life dishes out will be different.
We will also hold true to Romans 12:2 which encourages us to “not conform or copy the ways of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It is only then that we will be able to truly know the will of God for our own life that is good, pleasing, and perfect. If the decisions you make and the way you live are like those who have no faith or belief in Truth then you may want to seek Truth and believe the declaration of the Lord, that promises for those who seek Me with all their heart shall find Me. Once He is found you will Live Truth and Be Different.
1-28-24 ~TRS
Rays of Hope 