It’s a matter of degree

Let’s admit it - we all are people pleasers to some degree. Is that so bad? It can be… depending on the degree. I believe that the degree is dependent on our belonging need, unmet need, and how/if/we value our belonging. Where is your comfort level (and we all have different points at which we are 'comfortable'.

Sooo... what constitutes a met need in this area? Do you even know? Should you care is a given 'yes' answer. If you are the type that agrees with whomever you last spoke to then you are at one end of the continuum. At the other end is the person that plunges on ahead without any regard to the consequences that could occur to others. Quite honestly, there's a wide tightrope of considerable length in between. So where do you fall? Do you care? 

On one hand 'people pleasers' really get a bad rap because they are seen as wishy washy. They are seen as trying to be all things to all people - and that's not just a flawed philosophy, it's totally impossible to sustain. But is that really the definition of a people pleaser? Is there no saving grace to this position? OK, maybe that last sentence was a bit overboard, but sometimes one has to do this in order to get others' attention.

Bottom line is that I do think we all are people pleasers to some degree. Most of us want the best for that other person, even when it's not reciprocated. If you're a Christian, we're kinda meant to be this was. However, I've always seen a slight caveat.

   "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one."  [Matthew 5:37]

This unmistakably means - you don't say 'yes' to one person and then to the next person you speak with on the same subject, you say 'no'. Doing this reinforces the realization by others that you are untrustworthy, because your reputation will precede you when you are seen in this light. I tend to think these people who act this way are trying to avoid conflict at any cost - even of their own reputation. Would you ask the opinion of such a person because you will never know their true thinking and acting? As a support they linger at the very back of the group so they don't have to acknowledge anything. But this is the extreme.

If you want to consider a different definition then look to scripture as to how we are to treat others. There are many verses speaking to this, I'm going to share 4:

   "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."  [Philippians 2:3-4]

   " Treat others the same way you want them to treat you."  [Luke 6:31, 

Matthew 7:12]

   "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you."

[Ephesians 4:31-32]

You could possibly make an argument or redefinition of the first 3, but this last one puts a period.

   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another."  [John 13:34]

When we try to follow Jesus' command we really are fulfilling those first 3 scriptures. This can probably be looked at as the pinnacle of direction and definition of being a 'people pleaser'. 

Create and Renew

   "Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit."  [Psalms 51: 9-12]

Sometimes we take the kernel out without realizing the significance of the verses pre and post the kernel. I chose only 1 before and 2 after the verse 10 but see how it expands the thought. Hide and blot begin the plea. We know that God knows when we have transgressed His law and purposes. He knew it before (?) or at least during our act. It's impossible to hide what we did/said or didn't do/say. So we come to ask that He hide and blot out our sins and iniquities. As a Christian I rely heavily on 1 John 1:9. But again... look at the verses before the answer in verse 9.

   " If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us." [1 John 1:6 -10]

It's like the verses book end. Verses 6-8, punctuated by 10 tell us probably what we already know. But 9 reveals what we receive when we act according to His principles. I doubt seriously that He ever expects perfection out of us, I don't believe He is surprised when we slip, fall, believe the lie, purposely lash out, SIN. But I do believe He is disappointed when we don't seek restoration and forgiveness from our wrongs. The Father has provided for EVERY situation and continues to provide how we can restore the gift we received when we made Jesus our Lord - we receive relationship.

Do we really want the Lord to 'create' a new heart in us?  How about 'renewing' a right and steadfast spirit within me? Are we willing to pay the price for this to occur. For that matter, are we willing to pay the price if we don't? Is relationship important to us? 

Are we a willing spirit? We have free will, we were born with it just like the sin nature. I sometimes think that we have free will because the Father wanted us to make our decision, our choices freely - not coerced or tricked or misled. He wanted us to want Him, to choose Him freely. The devil, on the other hand only uses deceit and trickery remember the scripture that defines this: 

   "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]" [1 Peter 5: 7-8]

Why anyone would ever follow someone/something that there only object was to place you in harm defies understanding... yet there are those that do. Our choice is to follow such as that or follow the one that says:

   "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep." [John 10:10b-11]

No wonder that the Psalmist wrote, "Create in me a clean heart..." We can't do it alone nor do we have to because we have one that walks with us who is more than able.

Balance people... Balance.

I've used the title - But what about meeee? - before, and though this isn't the title of this post... it really will seem like I'm just using different words for the same message. Perhaps, but I believe that sometimes a title/focus has more than one application. 

Regardless, what about you? First... does everything in your life HAVE to be about you? And when you find out what it's all about you... what are you going to do with that information? Primarily - why? Why? Why do you need to be the center of attention - especially when the 'issue' is outside of you, in areas that you've not become a part? A case of sidelines coaching (typically without all the information)?

The other part of that title is: 'What's in it for me?' Many people don't want to be involved with (fill in the blank) unless they get something from their involvement. As a Christian, where are you on this continuum of 'what about me' and selflessness? That question, in case you wondered - IS important.

When I talk about 'balance', this post reflects this dichotomy we sometimes find ourselves facing. Balance doesn't mean to be mindless of yourself. You need to see you as the Lord sees you... not as man sees, or even yourself. But if you never see a 'bigger' view of you, from the Lord's standpoint - what do you see? Where are you heading? What are you learning? Who are you, precisely, do you see you as the Lord does? What do you do, precisely, that brings honor and glory to Him? Do you know?

Simple example: Matthew 8: 19-22

   "Then [on His way to board the boat] a scribe [who was a respected and authoritative interpreter of the Law] came and said to Him, 'Master, I will accompany You [as Your student] wherever You go.' Jesus replied to him, 'Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.' Another of the disciples said to Him, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father (collect my inheritance).' But Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me [believing in Me as Master and Teacher], and allow the [spiritually] dead to bury their own dead.'” 

We sometimes misunderstand what scripture is saying. It wasn't until I read this passage in the Amplified version that I saw a different teaching, a different perspective which made all the difference. (It's the underlining that begins to provide a different perspective.)

When I talk about 'balance', I'm speaking to this apparent oxymoron or opposing understanding of an issue. When you find a scripture that appears to be at odds with other teachings - since scripture confirms itself, it never is contrary or opposite to other scriptures - stop and reassess. Read the 'opposing' scriptures in various versions to get a fuller understanding.

Too often it is the first scripture we've read that appears contrary to what is being read now. Always remember they aren't different... now becomes the time of discovery of what actually is being said/taught. Also, if it is someone that is quoting the differing scripture - don't attack them, jointly discover the truth. It really isn't being hidden.

Do you seek balance in your life? Do you experience balance? Is it important? I would add the caveat that balance is never compromise. Compromise will only hurt you in the end because too often it's a form of deception and confusion.

The Power of Listening

to yourself? Do you? Are you surprised by what you hear? Do you believe what you are saying? Those are only the obvious questions that spring to mind when you think about, focus on what it is YOU hear from what you say. Not a new thought and maybe not as important as I think it is or as unimportant as you might practice.

I know I've caught myself saying to myself - did I really say that!?! But did the listener(s) hear what I meant? The answer to this last question is probably a big - not. Part of the problem is we use words expecting the listener to understand our definition regardless of how it may be understood. I've watched others in a heated discussion (argument) and realizing that what's being discussed is really the same thing just using different words but no one is stopping long enough to listen to both themselves and the other person.

Another side to this is not realizing, even when understood, that the other person could be deeply hurt by the words when that wasn't the intent. Especially in heated 'discussions' we need to take the time to listen to ourselves, to the other person (s) and to how the words may affect them and your relationship. Even we who think we are good listeners may not spend any time listening to ourselves.

   "He who answers before he hears [the facts]— It is folly and shame to him." [Proverbs 18:13]

And Proverbs 18:2 says: 

   "A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity]."

If ever there was the suggestion that we stop before responding these 2 verses give us 2 different but supporting reasons. I would suggest that the stopping gives us a moment to reflect on what we actually heard. It may be a difference in definitions... it may be precisely what we heard but the point is - have we heard what was said (whether that was us speaking or the other person). It is also a time to verify - to ask a question to determine if we have in fact heard what was said (we or the other's words). 

We can take as our guide Proverbs 4:23 because this is the foundation for all our words. Will we see the power of listening - to ourselves as well as the other person? Will we understand the basis for our communication? 

   "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life."

Never let your words flow from haste, from assumptions and this begins in our listening.

Thy will be done...

Do we really mean that? Are we really asking that the Lord's will be done? This question is asked to Christians, especially praying Christians. Regardless of the need in the prayer... do we ask that His will be done? Or do we mean ours?

Actually, I was brought up a bit short today when I realize that the need I was praying about, I really had my preferred response in mind. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing 'wrong' about having a preference and asking for what you really want. 

   " Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." [Hebrews 4:16]

Let's look at what the Father has invited us into... we have privilege! Did you ever consider that when we come it's because Jesus provided our way to come. We certainly didn't earn it or deserve it - we come because Jesus and the Father provided the opportunity. Then it tells us that we should come confident and without fear! Why? So that WE may find mercy and grace in our need(s). 

Now remember what James taught:

   "You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [c]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires." [James 4:2-3]

Do you look at your motives? Granted this is for one's personal wants. But when you are interceding for the need of someone else... do you know your why, your motives? More to the point - do you ask 'Thy will be done'? 

   "This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him." [1 John 5:14-15]

It takes our faith and trust to pray, ask in this way. Perhaps, we should be praying more for His will to be manifested in the situation/need? And this does not mean that we shouldn't lift the need up to Him nor stop interceding. This is simply a different view, perspective leading to a different foundation for how we pray, how we intercede. The Lord's answer may not be what we want or expect but it really isn't according to our will. We can ask, and keep asking but as pray-ers, we come alongside the person in need and seek.

Will we ask that His will be done...?

Writer musings

Every once in awhile I tend to stop and assess. The focus of this particular assessment is the Blog's activity. 

Most all of my writing has take place in the context of this blog. Books were birthed here, other devotional opportunities were birthed here, etc. At this point I'm moving toward 2000 separate posts - I'm actually at 1991. That's a lot of posts. Yes, sometimes the topic was written about more than once. That's because my understanding grew or I discovered a different perspective or my focus was slightly different. 

I really do love to write. I tend to think that I'm not the writer, the Lord just invited me into this fantastic journey and has allowed me to put into my words a message for all. I like that. Probably this is based in my all consuming desire to make a difference, to provide ways for people to grow as Christians regardless of the path they're on - as long as they want to grow into the person the Lord's always seen.

Initially I had post daily... when that got a bit much, I switched to every other day... when that also got to be a bit much, I switched to every 3rd day... which is how it has continued - until today. From now on I will write and post a post when I have something to say that I need to share. And I should warn you... I'm a devotee to discovering. And then comes the fun to see how it can be incorporated into my mindset, my personal person. 

Knowledge apart from application is just knowledge. And yes, knowledge is the foundation to wisdom. But wisdom comes from applying. At least that's my frame of reference. Trust me, I've got a lot of miscellaneous pieces of 'knowledge' floating around my head ... I'm beginning to think that's a given. I do tend to try and see if it (the new 'knowledge') 'fits', improves, expands, or contradicts my current standard.

The point in all this is - 'regular' has ceased to be the primary motivator in my blog posting. I just hope that challenge, pondering, interacting with what is written isn't jeopardized. I did feel you needed to be apprised of this latest change in 'publication'. Also... recognize that I enjoy dialogue (iron sharpening iron) and welcome your thoughts, agreements, disagreements, discoveries too.

Come... let us dialogue and discover...... and apply.

Blessings

A Solitary Life

We do live in a time that we seem to be separated from each other. When I was in college the word that was used was 'anomie'. Familiar with it?

   "In sociology, anomie or anomy (/ˈænəmi/) is a social condition defined by an uprooting or breakdown of any moral values, standards or guidance for individuals to follow. Anomie is believed to possibly evolve from conflict of belief systems and causes breakdown of social bonds between an individual and the community (both economic and primary socialization). The term, commonly understood to mean normlessness, is believed to have been popularized by French sociologist Émile Durkheim..."

Has this term been re-released in some way? Or has it always been hovering around the edges of society? Do we live solitary lives? ... even in our families? Do we want to? Simple example: have you ever dined out and as you walked to your table, you saw more people engaged with their phones than with the people they were sitting with? If it is true that we live solitary lives... is this bad? 

The answer to that question is a resounding - YES! Having time that is just you, is not a solitary life. We all need those times of taking the time to be 'alone' with the Lord. It's the hermit style of lifestyle that is 'wrong'. 

   "Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him."  [Genesis 2:18]

And yet we see countless examples of people isolating themselves. 

   "“So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord,

“And do not touch what is unclean; And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor]," [2 Corinthians 6:17]

But I think their application of this verse is in error. We are NOT of this world, but we ARE in it. What and how is our role in being about our Father's business? If we never are in relationship or never interact with others, then how can we bring our brothers and sisters to the Lord to be saved? Isn't our 'separate-ness' in our faith, how we relate to others?

How is the Lord leading you? Are you supposed to be in isolation, solitary?

OVERdesire

Is that actually a word? You have to admit that it is descriptive... So, do you? Actually, do you understand what this means? In my world it's that last step before full blown coveting. This is supposedly a 'lesser' sin.
(rabbit trail: can sins be considered in stages - are there really lesser sins? Perhaps of lesser strength or impact on the aggressor and/or agressee but are there any unimportant sins? Isn't a sin... a sin?)

Perhaps this is related to:

   "Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever." [1 John 2: 15-17] 

When you look at the sin of coveting - isn't all of that related to those 3 - flesh, eyes, life? And now look at the behavior that is often associated with following those desires. When someone covets (over desires) how do they react - are they consumed by their own desires? Sometimes. But it's the behavior that is also at issue - time is wasted by thinking on it. But it can also lead to  worse behavior.  You know if you are 'over desiring' or not and what it leads to. Do you want this for yourself? Remember... this is self analysis. You also have the power to change and no longer have wrong desires controlling you. Remember what James says:

   "What leads to [the unending] quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? You are jealous and covet [what others have] and [your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]. You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, [hedonistic] desires." [James 2: 1-3]

Reread verse 2. Doesn't this speak to coveting? The reasons, answers to why you don't have what you think you want/need is found in verse 3. Do you honestly know WHY you want what you think you want? Is it a 'keeping up with the Joneses'? Do you pray for those things to the Lord that really aren't needs so you don't receive?

   "And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. So do not be like them [praying as they do]; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." [Matthew 8:7-8]

He knows and He is the source of every good gift (James 1:17) but He does expect us to ask (Matthew 7: 7-8) just not ask incorrectly.

 

Near...

 "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

How much plainer can the Father make it clear to us all that He loves us and wants to walk with us? The other side to this is how we answer His call. Do we draw near? Do we keep Him at arms length? Why do we do either?

Bottom line is 'in our court' - what kind of relationship are we seeking to build? Just as in any relationship - it's as you spend time with and get to know the other person you begin to build on what you know. Have you ever stopped a relationship from growing? Or been the recipient of another person's stopping the relationship a kind of line in sand which says this far but no further? When you've been stopped, how does that make you feel? Let me use another analogy... have you ever loved someone but it isn't reciprocated? Or maybe they've stopped spending time with you or whatever happened - there no longer is that closeness that once characterized your relationship.

You can see where I'm going - yes? Do we do this to our Triune God? Have we stopped growing together? But does God really want to be in relationship with His creation? Scripture says:

Revelation 3:20  

   "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."

Zephaniah 3:17   

   "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing."

Matthew 11:28-29  

   "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

John 3:16-17  

   “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him."

Romans 5:8   

   "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

And that is only a small smattering of verses that tell of the Lord's desire to be in relationship with us. For me, John 3 and Romans 5 are the strongest statements about what God wants. And yes, it is always our choice. If we only turn to the Lord when we want something or are in crisis what message are we sending to Him? Is it - 'I only want you when I want you'? It certainly sounds like that.

If you only turn to the Lord with your hand out, wanting or needing something, that's a 'user' relationship. Do you really want to say that? You have so much waiting for you when you ask for and seek a deeper relationship... you will be astounded. All you really need do is to - draw near. He is always waiting for us to turn to Him, because of, for just Him.

Perfect, Perfection

Do you know what you mean when you use the word? Is it a vague, ‘universal’- everyone knows the definition - approach? Because I can guarantee you that the varieties of uses and expressions are innumerable. We have a vast array of 'everyone knows' words that are far from having the same definition and application. If you aren't careful you may find yourself far from where you intended or even wanted simply because you acted on a 'universal' definition. Perfect, Perfection falls into that category. 

Read how Paul views this:

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3: 12-15]

Did you know/realize that there are those who will not attempt a (challenge, opportunity, growth, etc.) because they know they can't do it perfectly!? Does that make sense? Do you think that God is waiting for us to get to this undefined, unknown level of perfection before we act? Does that make any sense? Just as a newborn baby doesn't act, speak as an adult the day of birth - so are we. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we do not have everything together and understood. We too are in a process.

   "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." — Isaiah 43:19

Now... questions. Do we see a way in our wilderness or deserts? If we feel we've gain the 'perfect' status - how would we view this? Or if our eyes are only on becoming our definition of perfect, will we understand the 'new thing' the Lord's doing? To drum my drum - becoming is the point. Perfection is not possible, especially apart from the Lord. 

Matthew 5:48 RSV

 

   "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

But in the Amplified it says:

   "You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The Message says it a bit more blunt:

   “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

I would argue that the 'must be' in the RSV (and most versions) is misunderstood as a 'you better be' or 'this is now who you are and this better be how you act' - both wrong. Perfection can be a goal but it definitely is a process. Fortunately we have the Amplified and Message that gives us greater understanding about how our Triune God looks at perfect and perfection.

If, after every failure to actually be perfect, you feel you've once again failed the Lord. Begin to look at those times as object lessons, learning about what does and isn't who you are and what 'perfect' is. Which leads to... how do you think the Lord defines - perfect, perfection?

Fought the good fight?

Paul tells us:

   "I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing." [2 Timothy 4: 7-8]

Have any of us fought the good/worthy/noble fight? Have we finished our race? Have we kept the faith? Don't look at what awaits us if we do, look at what is expected of us. Similar to the above, Paul in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 says:

   "But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses."

Obviously this was very important to Paul. And I believe it should be for us too. HOWEVER, do not compare! Do I need say that again? Are each of our battles the same? Maybe the same topic but with the same ferociousness, the same intensity? Are all of our battles handled in exactly the same way? I don't think so because I don't believe that God creates us as clones. Again, the issues may be the same but the how of getting there and getting out... is that really the same?

Look at how Paul phrases this same thought in Philippians 3: 12-15

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you."

The only problem with that last sentence is that WE have to listen. Relationship is never one-sided! Relationship means both involved. Now look at all the Father has done for you... even to the extreme point of sending His only Son to be your/our propitiation so that we can be reconciled. 

Look at that word - reconciled. Do you think you could be reconciled without the Father initiating it? I sometimes think that some of the fights we face are with ourselves. I appreciate that all of the gifts the Father bestows on us is sometimes overwhelming but in these cases... why fight? There is enough we have to fight (not the least of which is ourselves) that we should focus on what - and who - we are fighting.

When you consider everything you have: armor, weapons, God... why do we hesitate? Aaaa the the fight for ourselves? But if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, then you have everything you need to fight for yourself. If you have the old man still in charge, remember the scripture that tells us take off the old and put on the new (Ephesians 2:22-24). If we couldn't put on the new, then we wouldn't be told to do this. I'm not saying this is easy... the old is ingrained. So that's why we need to renew our minds - this is part of the fight.

   "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground..." [Ephesians 6: 12-14a]

We do struggle, we sometimes fail, but we can once again stand and take the fight to the right enemy.

 

A Changed Life

Have you met the Lord? Do you know Him? Have you allowed Him into your life so that you do live a changed life? Let's be honest with ourselves, not many of us have the ability to change... at least not graciously. I know people who will studiously avoid change - even when it's to their benefit. It's almost like the old phrase, 'the devil you know'. Never made much sense, then again if change is something to be 'feared' then the easiest path is to maintain rather than change.

When it comes to us, our lives, especially our spiritual life - change is the way we grow. Remember the suggestions of WE put off the old man and put on the new... WE renew our minds... WE become transformed, changed. BUT, this is not done TO us, it's something we are involved in, embrace

   "... that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]." [Ephesians 4:22-24]

That's the exchange. And it never done apart from our choosing this. A changed life is a demonstration, witness of a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - with Jesus who willingly died and rose again so that He is the first among many brethren (Romans 8:29) that in our acceptance of His free gift of salvation/born again/new life we can become part of the Father's family. Apart from accepting Jesus' gift we are lost, we can never be good enough - it took a spotless lamb, a man who chose to be our substitute. 

On the face of it, it would seem that a belief in the Savior of the world would be a no-brainer. Yet it is. Our atonement as a gift for eternal life with the Creator of the world will always be astonishing. Perhaps it's fear of what we'd have to give up? Giving up what Solomon called vanities, things that have no meaning in exchange for everything that does. 

A changed life isn't something that's thrust upon us, being saved doesn't mean we become robots. We were created with a mind and free will which would seem to debunk the idea that we become mindless nothings. We are invited into the Father's Business (2 Timothy 4:2). We don't do the saving, we do the prep work of demonstrating how our lives changed because of our acceptance of a gift. We use both words and actions that give 'proof'. 

Also, a changed life doesn't occur overnight. It takes time, study, activities, growth... it means applying ourselves, it means putting off the old and putting on the new (BOTH need to occur). But this isn't an alone and arduous journey. With you constantly is our Triune God - helping, directing, leading, teaching - but it is always up to us to take the time to let the Lord's hand rest upon us. In all this remember Paul's words:

   " I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you." [Philippians 3:14-15]

Be pleased about but never complacent about your changed life. If it took Paul all the time he needed... we'll need time too. Besides... it's more of a process than a destination.