Reset Your Default Setting

Recently, we purchased a new laptop computer. It replaced one we'd had for a number of years that was on its last leg. Many of the programs and settings are very different than before, so it's taking a while to adjust to it.

All computers have an internal operating system that manages its internal workings. In essence, the system tells the computer how to behave. Within it are thousands of parameters guiding the system. They come preset from the manufacturer. The original settings are able to be modified by the user to better meet his needs. However, the default can be restored should the computer begin to malfunction. This is one of the steps we tried when my original laptop began to give us problems.

Have you ever had days where everything around you affected you in a negative way? The other morning began like any other, but quickly took a turn. During breakfast, I read an article in the newspaper about an unjust situation. It left me irritated. As we were getting dressed, my husband accidentally shut off the light in the room that I was using. This irritated me more. Then on my commute, a slow moving car was blocking the flow of traffic. As I felt my frustration level rising rapidly, my inner voice called out a warning to stop.


What had happened? In a very short period of time, I'd gone from being serene and focused on God to annoyed at everyone. I had allowed my internal default to change to a negative setting. To correct it, I had to intentionally reset it.


I've had to work to control my natural tendency to allow what happens in the morning to impact my attitude the rest of the day. When we were first married, I'd wake up in either a neutral or happy mood. My husband, however, was not a morning person. He could be quite a grouch before his morning coffee. If he was negative towards me, I'd find myself irritated at least half the day. But after his cup, he'd feel good the rest of the day. Over the years, we've both intentionally worked to change our morning setting.


Like computers, we come from our Manufacturer with a preset internal default. God created it to be a Christ-like one. By design, however, this setting too can be modified by the user. At times, we intentionally change it-seduced by the world into believing that a different setting will better suit our needs and serve us better. At others, we allow circumstances to control it. Whatever the cause, when our default changes, we function less fully and effectively then designed.


The good news is that our default setting can always be reset to it's original design parameters. All you need do is:

1. Be cognizant of your attitude. It will clearly show your default setting. If it's not reflecting the fruits of the Spirit, it's not Christ-like.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:5)

2. Decide to make a change. The first step to changing your attitude is a willingness to do so. Ask God to help you replace it with a right one.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. (Ephesians 4:23)

3. Consciously and intentionally reset yourself. Remind yourself that, as a child of God's, you are better than an unhealthy attitude. Focus your thoughts on goodness. You'll have a better day and serve God better.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. (Romans 14:17-18)

Message for the Journey:

When your attitude default shifts to an unhealthy one, intentionally reset it back to the Manufacturer's original specifications. Change your attitude and you'll change your life.

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:8)

©AnnWilds2011

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