Sweeping the staircase, though necessary, isn't a chore I prefer, because it messes with my allergies pretty much all the time. And whenever I stand on the stair beneath the one I'm sweeping, the dust gets transferred from the staircase, directly onto my clothing and any exposed skin.
But yesterday, an idea came to me just before going to work on those front steps. "If I stand one step above the stair I'm sweeping, instead of standing underneath it, I won't get so much dust on me," I realized.
That theory turned out to be exactly right. As long as I remained one step above, I was able to avoid being sullied and irritated by falling dust. Similarly, in life, if we would learn how to "stay above" the things that irritate us, by not stooping to a certain level, we would be much better off.
All too often, however, we find ourselves in a predicament where we end up right in the middle of those things that bother us and set us off, instead of deliberately staying above the fray. You see, there are some things that vex and trouble us, and the enemy will use these things against us if we allow him to. The only way to stop him from being successful in his attempts to disturb and distract us, is to keep him in his place, which is, under our feet.
Today, I admonish you not to allow the enemy to pull you down to his level. Whatever he brings your way, make a decision to rise and stay above it. God wants you to live a life of peace, wholeness, and joy. But you can't do that if you allow your adversary to bring you down, irritate, and sully you.
That's why it is of the utmost importance that you continue to seek God for ways to help you stay above whatever it is that has the potential to pull you to a lower level: Mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. The Lord will show you how to keep all that trash from transferring on to you, so you can be busy fulfilling God's will for your life. So, get your broom out and start cleaning house... and remember, stay a step above while you're doing it.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
