E + R = O

If you hate math, don't panic and don't quit reading. Here's the formula explained:

Events + Response = Outcome

Often the Events in our lives are beyond our control and sometimes they could be the result of our own bad choices. Sometimes the Es in our lives are good but we tend to dwell on the bad Es.  Unless you live under a rock and never come out, Es are going to happen. We can't change the Es.

Our Response, however, rests entirely on our own shoulders. We have complete control over our Rs so it behooves us to concentrate on that rather than our Es. The main reason being that our Rs determine the O (Outcome).

So what should our Rs be? Ephesians 4:31 gives us a list of inappropriate Rs:

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

When you look at this list, it's pretty convicting. I doubt many of us have participated in "brawling" lately but what about the rest? 

Bitterness, rage, anger, slander. 

Who of us has not harbored bitterness and anger against someone who has wronged us in some way? When was the last time someone cut you off in traffic and you had a bit of road rage going on? Anyone guilty of gossiping about someone behind their back? 

Ouch, ouch, ouch and ouch. 

And what is usually the Outcome? Bitterness, anger and rage only hurts us in the long run, especially if the offending party isn't aware that we are upset. And slander brings us down to a level where no one really wants to be. 

Then what should be our R? The very next verse tells us:

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

And what will our O be if we do what this verse tells us?

Romans 8:37 Overwhelming victory; 1 Corinthians 13:12 Clarity; 1 Corinthians 15:57 Victory over sin and death; 1 John 4:4 A greater spirit

E + R = O 

A formula for success if we  allow God to direct our Rs despite our Es.