Something that I've struggled with for a long time, and felt convicted about lately, are my reflexive violent responses to what I perceive as aggressors. Reflexive because it's such an ingrained, not even thought about response: you kick and I automatically have a body part responding to block and give it back. Instinctual protection. Spiritually undermining.
These words have been whispering to my heart lately as I've been seeking God about having more of His nature and less of my carnal one:
1 Corinthians 4:12
12 "And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:"
He didn't challenge us to do anything that He didn't teach by example:
1 Peter 2:23
23 "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"
The only way this is possible is through internal transformation. .
Romans 12:2
2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
On my own I am a desperately wicked, terribly selfish, extremely violent and fear-filled human. This is not God's finished plan. He provides grace for my learning, strength and knowledge through His Word for transformation and His example and spirit to guide me. I have this goal:
Galatians 5:22-25
22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
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