Traveling a different terrain of limestone and woody paths with pinecones, briars, and twigs, our dog’s once velvet-soft paws soon toughened. The conditioning was gradual but helpful for him.
New believers in Christ enter a
new home: a new family and a new way of life, traveling different life terrains.
Some are easy-walking; some rocky and steep; some slippery and downhill; some
with well-lit paths, while others in shadows or darkness. Each way carries its type
of “wear and tear” on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—each
toughening us as we journey this life.
The apostle Paul was familiar with traveling challenging
life-roads: “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God;
in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses” (2
Corinthians 6:4). By enduring many hardships, he and his co-workers proved
themselves as faithful ministers of God (v. 5–12).
Occupations like farmers, carpenters, and musicians of stringed instruments welcome hand and finger callouses for protection against the “wear and tear” of everyday activity. But we must stand guard against an internal reaction of building calloused walls of protection around our hearts when facing life’s challenges. A toughness tempered with tenderness helps us be a godly and positive influence. But how do you avoid a calloused heart? As you live and minister tenderly tough, allow your heart to remain moldable and teachable.
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