Day 126 "Love: The Tractor Beam That Resets Our Steps"

If you are a fan of Star Wars or Star Trek you have undoubtedly come across the tractor beam in one of its movies or tv episodes. The “tractor beam” is a science-fiction term that refers to a device capable of pulling in distant objects without any physical contact. There was an inherent element of fear that an enemy ship might grab hold of your ship with its tractor beam and hold you captive, pulling your ship back towards them.

So, what on earth does this have to do with our Christian walk with God? Good question!

Do you ever screw things up? Say the wrong thing that causes hurt? Do something that you later regret? Put your interest before the interest of others? We all do at one time or another. Fortunately, God gave us his Holy Spirit to guide and lead our lives as Christians.

Consider, if you will, the Holy Spirit and the concept of "love" as acting upon your lives like tractor beams drawing you back towards God's way of doing things. The more we seek to do things God's ways, the less need there is for the tractor beam to draw us back.

For example, sometimes my wife, Robyn, and I don't see eye to eye about something. "Shocker" as we would say around our house! Sometimes, it really gets overblown well out of proportion and strains the relationship. But, what I have found so helpful for me is this tractor beam of God's consciousness within me that asks the question, "Mark, what you are doing, are you acting in love?" Now, this may sound a bit pollyannaish to you, but it has done tremendous things for me. Immediately, I begin to take the focus off of myself and begin to consider what's in the best interest of the other person- that's what love does.

"then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in

spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humil- ity consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others." Philippians 2:2-4

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,

always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Grace Corners is wrapped around the concept of seeking to live one's life in each and every moment of the day, and to let love light the way in that moment drawing us back to do things God's way. Like interjecting whispering into a loud argument, love has its way of dismantling the walls that keep us apart through each kind word spoken and each kind act

undertaken. Try it out for yourself. And as it is said in Star Wars lore, "May the force be with you!" In our case as Christians, may you listen for the retracting force of the Holy Spirit prompting and guiding you to live your life in love.

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"Follow the way of love" 1 Corinthians 14:1

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be

strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In his love, see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)