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In Genesis 6:5, the Lord saw that every not just some but every thought that the people had imagined was consistently and totally evil. Wow! But Noah in verse 8 found favor with the Lord (amen church!!). I love the story of Noah because it brings me hope. It reminds me that if we are faithful to God, no matter the choices that those around us make, God will make a way and be faithful to us.

As I have been reading, I find that in Noah’s time the people had been corrupted in their morals, their manners, and their actions due to their generation's behavioral influence. They no longer had respect for what God had created and given to them, the earth, human life or animal life.

But Noah's grandfather, Enoch, only lived 365 years and clearly loved God. Enoch was a godly man who walked in close companionship with God. I have to believe that grandpa Enoch had a big influence on Noah’s life. Noah most likely observed and paid close attention to his grandpa's contentment, how Enoch treated others and animals, how he was able to stay pure and loving - a product no doubt of his thought life. I am challenged to keep my thoughts loving and grateful each day.

I have to purposely choose to be polite and not rude since in our generation it is acceptable and even encouraged to be unkind and disrespectful. It is easy to become numb to the disregard and incivility often showed to our neighbors and community members despite Christ's charge for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. It jams our senses, captures our thoughts, and even fills the story lines of entertainment. We laugh at it on display in television programs. I allowed watching someone else's pain, misfortune, and/or humiliation amuse me and not in a sympathetic type of way. I had to challenge myself and be very thoughtful asking myself, do I want to watch someone get cussed out? Will this impact the way I respond to people in similar situations in real life? Will I be compassionate to those that may need my help or support?

It may seem like I am going a bit overboard, and I may be. But that's the beauty of our relationships with God. They are personal, which means my beliefs and standards are how I choose to live. Although God sets clear instruction in His Word, it is our responsibility to interpret them in a way that pleases Him, regardless of what others say or do. In Noah’s time the people laughed and made fun of him while he built the Ark at God's command. As Christians, why would we expect anything different? Noah and his right relationship with God saved his family and him. Can I challenge you to find that right relationship with God? It may not look the same as mine, but God is leaving the door open for you to start. His steadfast love never ceases  and its new every day on purpose. Amen.

-Robin Cheatham