Practicing Bible Principle in the Home

 WE ARE all different personalities.  In some ways that is good.  It makes life more interesting and varied. It can help solve problems.  Some situations are better handled where there is teamwork on the part of those with  different abilities.  That is true in the home. Due to imperfection, however, making opposite results are sometimes obtainede.  Differences in personalities create problems, making teamwork difficult. Of course, problems can arise from causes other than a difference or clash in peraonalities, but the question is absolutely insoluble, or that certain personalities are hopelessly incompatible?

It is not our purpose to lay down a lot of rules. Rather, we wish to encourage you to see possibilities for a solution to the problems where, perhaps, you thought none existed.  Or maybe you see the possibilities, but do not know how put them into effect. Where people are concerned, never forget that situations can change. So can the persons involved. And so can you. In fact, a true Christian has a better opportunity and reason to alter or adjust his personality than anyone else. He is  under obligation to do so. How is that?

The Bible speaks very definitely about changes that must be made in  personalitiy. It gives both encouragement and incentive by explaining why and how it can be done.  In writing to the Christians at Ephesus, Paul said:  "You should put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but . . . you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which  was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."  This makes plain the reason for a new personality.  Surely we each have to admit that our old personality was largely influenced by "deceptive desires," due to  being "in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God."  However, on accepting the truth, "just as the truth is in Jesus," we began to learn how to "get a firm hold on the real life." We've developed a heartfelt new desire, expressed  by our dedication to God to do his wil in steadfast devotion. - EPHESUS 4:17-24; 1 TIMOTHY 6:19.

While agreeing with this, you may wonder how it it possible to carry it our in handling your mind"  (literally, 'the spirit of your mind') is not strong enough.  True, you may  not be strong enough in yourself. But by your dedication you have placed yourself in Jehovah's hand, and he is strong enough. He is both able and willing to guide and strengthen you to do your part.  "For God is the one that, for the sake of his good pleasure, is acting within you in order to for you both to will and to act." (Philippians 2:13) You do not need to rely on the force or spirit of your ow mind. Rather, you learn how to cooperate with God's spirit.  No problem is too great for him, not even that of a dead Christ. Says Paul: "If, now, the spirit of hin that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his spirit that resides in you." - ROMANS 8:11; see also EPHESIANS 1:19, 20.

Next time: Practicing Bible Principles in the Home

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