I am a piece of work. Let's get that out on the table right away. I was having a discussion with my wife the other day. It doesn't really matter what it was about. We didn't agree. It wasn't a disagreement where one of us did something to the other. It was a legitimate difference in opinion. I was surprised she didn't agree with me. I have over the years evidently adopted a fairly high view of my thinking process because it always seems like it surprises me when someone doesn't agree with me. This time I did not seem able to persuade her. She really thought she was right. I know, it seems mind boggling. Just think how I felt. Anyway, I found as we moved on through the day there was something inside of me that didn't feel the same. It was like something deep inside of me had been hit or bumped and now I was feeling the impact of a bruise. We talk about our feelings being hurt. But feelings don't have nerve endings or broken blood vessels. Feelings don't get charlie horses. So, what is it? I remember hearing a pastor say that whenever your feelings get hurt it is not your feelings but your pride. Pride is one of sins in the Bible that is listed among the most heinous. It is listed in the 7 deadly sins and in my opinion the most deadly. Pride is a movement away from God. Always. The good news is that pride is so sensitive it bruises very easily. If it didn't bruise so easily I might be able to convince myself that I don't have it or have finally gotten the best of pride. I could convince myself that I finally believe the Gospel at such a deep level that I am living completely on the love and grace of God my Father. But I was bruised just a couple of days ago by as gentle a woman as I know. I ended up having to tell her about the pride. It is the only way to deal with it. So, today if you have hurt feelings, now you know what is really wrong. It stinks doesn't it? But bruises are a gift in themselves and the good news is Jesus calls himself the great physician. We can take our bruised self to him and he can make us whole. Such is the wonder of grace and the power of the love of God
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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6 comments:
Joe,
I'm bleeding to death.
Scott
The Potter's hands and his work is never done in we that belong to Him until we are molded into the image of his Son. This is an ongoing process as we yield to His will and prepare for the coming of our Lord. Sometimes that requires us to feel the fire of the kiln as our sin is brought to light and we are reshapened once again. We are then taken off the shelf washed clean by the never ending flow of His love and grace ... refined more beautiful in His sight. It takes a repentive willing spirit allowing ourselves to be accountable always before God and man surrendering all and giving God his rightful place in our hearts to reign in all areas of our lives. Can anyone else love us more than this. Grace to love us more.
I know from experience from which I write.
Thanks for your openness about this. It's nice to know that you are human, too. And that your marriage is normal. Welcome to the club.
This was something I really needed to hear today. Thank you for your words and wisdom and humility.
Joe,
Speaking of disagreeing reminded me of something you said during a message. First, you said that we are spiritually dead if we do not belong to one of the groups at church. I've thought about that statement but still can't distinguish the difference between belonging to a HCC group and being in fellowship (bible study, etc.) with Christians from other churches. People, including Christians, are most accepting of people who are like them. Those who are different, in some way, are usually not accepted and held up to scrutiny. Expressing those differences, even to the churched, is risky at best. Finally, while you are physically unable to "be there" for all of the members, you are our Pastor. There may be times when the sheep need the shepherd rather than another sheep. I continue to learn and grow under your leadership.
If I said people are "spiritually dead" if they don't join a group in our church i didn't mean to. I wanted to say that you won't really grow as a Christian unless you are a part of a community of fellow christians. I probably assumed that for most people that meant becoming a part of the people around them. I think it is wonderful if you are a part of a group of people who don't happen to go to our church but are followers of Christ. I don't see a difference either.
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