~Let Christ Alone Set the Tone~

Fall is here in Western New York where I live: the crisp, cool, flannel-shirt and jeans, soup-making weather. 🍜

A neighbor was walking a few weeks ago with her two children, her son whizzing by on an electric scooter. He is a young five year old and I commented that he is very coordinated to have mastered that at such a young age. Her response struck me as she replied, “Yes, well I originally saw your son doing it and I thought he should have one too.” We can set the tone for others and their decisions, both big and small.

Davin pointing at YOU to let Jesus set the tone~

Tone in the dictionary states, “the general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.” Some synonyms include mood, air, spirit, feel, attitude, and nature.

This summer I wrote in my blog about anxiety as it was all-consuming for awhile, preventing me from experiencing each day with renewed hope and enjoyment. I set a depressive tone for my days by not confiding and crying out to God first, letting the weight of my responsibilities overwhelm my ability to function in the moment. God made us to reflect His image, and when we are reflecting ourselves more than Him it has to be because we are not WITH Him, connected to His heart. I know how easy it is for me to not spend time with God in prayer and in reading The Bible. If it becomes a habit in my life the tone for my days is no longer set by Jesus. The tone/mood/spirit/attitude of my day can be stamped with God’s purposes and vision for others or with my human tendencies and whims. JESUS can set the TONE if HE is given the chance to overtake our lives with His presence.

Recently as I teach my children, I am constantly reminded at how my character and example is how they interpret the world and how they will learn to react. If mommy is impatient, easily angered and unwilling to show hospitality, my dear little ones won’t have been properly exposed to God’s gentle tone and loving nature. I know I am imperfect, but the more I lean on My Savior the more His spirit takes over (remember spirit is a synonym of that word “tone”)!

Friendships can create a tone in us, uplifting or detracting us from our relationship with God and our service to others as a result. We are who we surround ourselves with, and according to studies done it is true. We can set the tone for other people’s decisions and actions. Let’s be sure our example is pointing them to Our Source: Christ alone.

I was perusing through a website today about positive associations and inspirational quotes and found the following: “Bad company corrupts good character.” They had it listed as “Anonymous” but it is a direct quote from The Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV). Be on guard of the influences you are allowing into your life and your children’s lives. I want to read that verse both ways: on the defensive AND on the offensive. I want to be good company for others, someone who radiates God’s love without bounds and stands firmly on the truth of His Word.

 Take a moment to share below in the comments a time when Jesus set the tone for your day, or if this is a constant struggle for you and how. May YOU be a TREE OF HOPE, letting CHRIST ALONE set the tone! Amen.