Do you bend or break?
In the weeks after Hurricane Michael, I made a comment in one of my entries about bending and breaking. Today I came across a journal entry where I expanded on that thought. Oaks, pines and other hardwoods (even those with great root systems) blew over from the hours of strong winds in our yard. Four of these were well-established, hundred-year-old trees. As I watched the men with heavy equipment deal with them from my window recently, I considered how through the years I’ve seen well-established Christians allow one serious long-lasting storm (a church problem, a devastating illness or a marriage indiscretion) to bowl them over so that they ceased to function in God’s army.
What causes that? I think it comes from hardness. Unlike cypress, crepe myrtle, and palms, hard woods present a hardened outer bark against the onslaught of the wind. As a Christian, I cannot afford to become hardened. I have to stay sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I have to continue to allow God’s word to speak to me personally. I have heard so much of the Word throughout my life, it’s easy to let the sentences flow right through my ears, and not reach my heart or my mind. I heard one preacher say, it’s easy to listen to a sermon on the scripture and shovel the message over your shoulder to the fellow sitting behind you. I’ve done it. Not me, God, him. I can attend services and read my Bible and still ignore what God wants me to do. What a shame.
The world is filled with a hardness brought on by anger at circumstances, other people, the government or even toward God. Paul said, “Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy. We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. Don’t get so angry that you sin” (Ephesians 4: 23-26 CEV).
We lie to the brothers and sisters we mentor by omission when we don’t admit our struggles in faith. We lie to ourselves when we say we’re right with God when He’s convicting us about an issue in our lives that needs to change. I’ll admit I don’t understand why the Hurricane Michael had to come at all. I’ll admit I’m still a little disappointed (even angry) with God that my dad was taken so young. I cannot allow the wrongs I believe others worked toward me to accumulate like left-overs in my refrigerator. I can’t allow that anger to harden me. Ephesians also says,” Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others…instead be kind and merciful and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (31-32 CEV). These scriptures imply that even as believers we constantly have choices to make about words and behaviors. But the good news is that when we willfully choose well, the Holy Spirit within us comes alongside to strengthen us. We don’t have to do it alone.
Help me Lord to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. Keep me pliable to your will. “Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me; melt me, mold me, fill me, use me” (Iverson).
Very true, Luwana; we need to let His Word sink in to our hearts. I have had times where I have been angry at God, but I need to let go of that anger.
Good Word Luwana. Many times I have not understood why God moved (or did not move) but I trust Him enough to know His ways are higher than mine. I’m glad that He is still working on me. (Laurie)