I've been thinking about the question - if we actually believed everything in the bible was absolutely true, how would that change how we act today and going forward?
I had a horrible day yesterday, primarily due to a couple confrontations I had with one of my customers. This person seems to take great pleasure in making me look foolish, especially with an audience. Regretably, I stewed over this all day and most of the night, angrily imagining ways I could get back at her. Of course, none of those scenarios will ever happen because she's my customer. I kept thinking though, what about what we learned the other night could change how I view her? Could I really see her as one "shackled" to a lie? Do I even want to consider her a victim of this sinful world, rather than just an evil person? Does she deserve any grace from me? Of course, we know the correct answer is yes -- if only out of gratitude for the eternal grace God has shown me. But, how? For now, I'll swallow my pride and begin to pray for her. We'll see what happens...
What about you? Are there people in your life that seem to take pleasure in your demise? What are the shackles that make them miserable? Is it possible to sincerely pray for these people?
Comments?
Okay...well...I just typed something really profound (at least to me) and vulnerable in response to this post. And then I lost it! I'm new to this blogging thing and just might lose some hair over it! Arghhhhhhh!
ReplyDeleteThe gist of my lost post suggested this: that my attitude and behavior, fears and priorities about finances would be different if I truly understood Truth about such matters and BELIEVED that Truth. I tend to be someone who needs to feel a lot of security in that area. I've learned a lot about surrendering that need yet then I sometimes feel irresponsible or like I'm in denial. It confuses and confounds me. I think there are some scales on my eyes so I'm praying for insight, trust, and fruitfulness.
Boy, can I relate. I find myself in similar situations. My thoughts can take of on all kinds of destructive detours. I find that on these detours my mind off goes into a “spin” of how come? What if? What’s wrong with them? What’s wrong with me? How do I protect myself, my image, reputation, and livelihood? What will others think of me because of what that person said or did? How do I get even? All this leads to worry anxiety and sometimes panic. I feel a shroud of darkness coming over me as if a large leaden blanket is being laid over me. I feel bound by my thoughts as if they were ropes entangling me holding me captive. Then I am set on a merry-go-round to spin in darkness and solitude. In these situations, in that moment, I have come to realize that I am the “captive” who first needs to be set free. As I start to realize the situation for what it is and that I can’t free, or even love, the other captive as long as I am a captive. I must stop listening to the lies and turn to the truth. The truth of Jesus and that he came to testify to the truth and set the captive free—me. The truth of scripture which tells me that I have an enemy, an enemy, who only comes to steal my life by binding me up and taking me captive. The truth that Jesus came to set me free that I might have an abundant life not lived in captivity. The truth that his shed blood, death and resurrection along with the Holy Spirit gives me the power to say, “NO” to the lies and captivity. I humble myself and submit to his truth. I start the freeing process by the truth of prayer, taking my thoughts captive, bringing them under the authority of Jesus, reciting the truth of scripture and rebuking the lies of the enemy. (this process may happen several times a day for me) As I free myself from the thoughts (ropes) that are binding me, work by the power of the Spirit to lift the leaden blanket smothering me, the truth of the situation comes into the light. My perspective starts to change. I experience his truth and it becomes real. As I remove the plank in my own eye. I am more confident that Jesus will protect my reputation, my image and provide for me, and that I can be secure in him who loves me. I become less focused on my feelings and become more compassionate and loving towards the person in the situation. It becomes easier to pray for that person and forgive them. When I realize that I, too, can be held captive unless I put God’s truths into action, first in my own life, then extend his truth, grace and love to this person. It is then that I have the proper motive and ability to live a healthy life and love my brother as Jesus commanded.
ReplyDeleteI heard something on the radio today that fits great with the idea that we have to "take our thoughts captive" and make them "obedient to Christ." The Bible teacher (can't remember who) explained that when we are trying to make decisions about something, we need to gather all our facts. When we fully know all or many of the TRUE facts of a situation, then God's will becomes clear in it. That is so true! Often, I try to move ahead or I even rush ahead making a decision without taking time to look, really examine, ALL the TRUE facts. I just sit stagnant...or move too quickly...based on incomplete information or even lies that I am taking forgranted. This idea of gathering all the true facts really helps keep my mind CAPTIVE to Christ. I love it!
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