I have a dear friend that lights up a room just by entering it. From young children to teenagers all the way to the oldest saints her kindness is like a magnet that seems to draw everyone. Quiet strength and an unwavering trust in God radiate from her. She helps me to do better, think better, and speak better.
When times are tough I can find myself in a pit (that I have more than likely actually dug myself) where my focus is locked on the difficulties I am facing. These moments of unconcealed humanity aren’t very endearing. I welcome the conviction that rolled over me as I read these words:
I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Psalm 34:1
Confession time. I do not have this one down! While I find many things to be thankful for and understand that the mercy God shows me continually is undeserved I can still find myself caught up in a cycle of complaining. Complaining to God, complaining about my circumstances, even complaining about the interactions of others.
Complaining seems to be as contagious as the COVID infection. Since no one is perfect, finding flaws that we can shine the spotlight on is rather simple. We would do better to search for the good but nonetheless we often don’t.
It would be shortsighted to completely overlook real issues, especially those that violate Biblical principles. Pointing out a weakness, or suggesting a new approach to something, can be extremely positive if it is handled with the Scriptural mandate:
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head-Christ. Ephesians 4:15
As with everything, our motive often tips the scale to helpful or hurtful. Are we seeking redemption or personal justification? Are we angry or concerned? Are we speaking up for ourselves or God?
Paul warns us that doing this wrong is dangerous and debilitating.
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. Galatians 5:15
What if our corrective and directive action looked more like this:
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I know a few people who can motivate me while offering correction. I walk away determined to pursue godliness at a deeper level. My goal is to one day be one of those people. Offering instruction that reveals a shortcoming in our walk with God while giving not only hope but motivation to get back up and do better is beyond valuation.
I fear too often I am guilty of allowing frustration to turn my praise into protests. Faith can be suffocated when we allow our flesh to have free reign.
The reminder that the lost are always watching is sobering. Are my actions causing them to want to know more or less about Jesus?
Culture tells me to look out for myself. The Holy Spirit tells me to die to myself. The tug of war between God and the world assaults our hearts but Paul provides the cure to this dilemma in the verse that follows:
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Herein lies the foundational necessity of a godly life. The Holy Spirit will not lead us to carry out our own fleshly desires. Are the words we are saying, or thoughts we are thinking, inspired by the Holy Spirit or our own hearts? If you are not sure here is the test:
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Take a look at the reflection. Do you see Jesus in your words and actions? Do others see Jesus? Are the things you are doing and saying transforming you into the glorious image of Christ?
Even as we step into this territory the flesh cries out: “What about me?” And Jesus answers:
If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your own life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:24-25
These shorts years we spend on earth will fade into nothingness in the light of eternity. The comforts, vindication, or even validation scream for our efforts and energy. God tells us to give it all up for Him.
Chose wisely. We cannot un-speak harsh words, we cannot undo fleshly actions. We also can’t honor God and serve our own interests simultaneously.
But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 25:15
Leave a Reply