This morning as I went before the Lord, one of the things that was
revealed to me concerning sin in my life was the fact that I was harboring
criticism in my heart. Criticism that I had been cloaking as petty issues. I
find that often times when the Lord has revealed to me an area of sin in my
life, if I am not careful, I can easily skip over them as petty and use them as
reasons of excusing myself instead of doing the radical invasive surgery on my
heart that is needed. My natural tendency is to rationalize which often times
leads to excusing myself, which leads to no change and I wonder why nothing
changes. Oh how I pray, that the Lord will help me to be different and not
pretend that nothing is wrong in my heart. For if I do, the old nature in me
will grow stronger and make it harder the next time I want to be real and
transparent with the Lord. I pray that He will open my eyes to see the things
in my heart, that breaks His heart and keeps His grace from overflowing in
mine. I must do the nessacary heart surgery needed to cut out every inkling of
pride that keeps me from total surrender. He is so good and merciful to keep
lingering over me and because of that, I choose to die to my pride and embrace
His life in me. What are you struggling with today my friend? Are you cloaking
deeper issues in your life with petty questions and answers? Is your criticism,
jealousy, bitterness, envy or resentment only a covering for an unforgiving
heart? Things can spill out of us that on a better day, when we are walking
with the Lord and focused on what is right, we would never choose to say, think
or do. However, when we choose to embrace sin in our lives, we are actually
exalting ourselves over others and the Lord. It takes the focus off ourselves
and can give us a false impression that we are right and others are wrong. It
is not wrong when we notice areas in the lives of others where there is room
for growth and their personal dynamics can improve. But if your heart is
humble, loving and willing to look past their personal flaws, you will have a
decidedly different approach in your dealing with and judging their
shortcomings. You will find that through the proper love for them, you will
begin to cover them with prayer and aggressively encourage them with the
kindness that God offers and shows us. Critical words spring from a critical
heart. How’s your heart today? “Get rid of all bitterness, rage
and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you”. Ephesians 4:31-32
Hold Fast,
Bren
No comments:
Post a Comment