“The world is like a mirror; frown at it, and it frowns at you. Smile, and it smiles, too.” — Herbert Samuel, English political leader (1870-1963).

How does it feel knowing you have that much power over another human being, the power to change their attitude and spirit? Not to mention your own.

As I have often said before, we are not alone in the world. Things we say and do affect others around us. Which in turn affects others they come into contact with. It’s a great responsibility, actually.

For those of us who are older, we need to remember we are a role model for our children (even though it doesn’t seem like it at times) as well as younger members in our society. For the younger generation, it is up to them to decide which traits they would like to emulate as they observe us “older folks” handling all types of different situations, from tragedy to finances, from family to friends, neighbors, co-workers and community.

St. Paul sent this letter to Titus, giving him advice for the teachings of his church. In it, Paul touches on behavior for each gender, young and old. He instructs Titus to:
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:1-8, New International Version)

Even though the words “sober” (which in this case does not mean abstaining from alcohol as much as it means maintaining a calm and temperate disposition) and “self-controlled” are used several times, don’t think that means we as Christians can’t have fun and a sense of humor. Those can be our weapons helping to keep us sober and self-controlled.

When bad things happen or life becomes difficult, choosing to remain at peace (due to God’s unwavering love) and to maintain a positive attitude (due to our faith in God’s love) can make all the difference in how a situation turns out. Not just for us, but for those around us.

As times become tougher during this season of wars and economic strife, remember what is really important. Life, love and showing the spirit of God in all we do.

God bless you all, readers, and I pray for the strength of our nation, our soldiers and those suffering around the world due to the recent disasters.

Debra Robillard can be reached at drobillard@palltimes.com
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