"Ancient Words, ever true Changing me and changing you We have come with open hearts O let the ancient words impart."~ Lynn DeShazo~
I grabbed my Bible and stomped up the stairs.
I fumed and fussed, all the way. I was angry, I was hurt and I was going to TELL.
Funny how that drive to "tell on others" never really abates. It just takes more mature forms. Like prayer.
I plopped my self righteous- butt on the chair in my bedroom. I closed my eyes and started to tattle... I mean pray.... "Oh God...he is so....why can't they... don't they know they should... I just can't ......." The words poured out along with my tears.
After a few minutes of good old fashioned tattling, I opened my Bible, hoping God would console me with vindication or at least affirmation. I went back to my bible study.
It happened to be on the Fruits of the Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
The first few words, seemed fuel for my self-righteous tattling fire. "See- this is how THEY should be......" That response lasted about 1.4 seconds. Until I got to the word crucified. Then....even worse....conceited..provoking....
This wasn't affirming or vindicating, it was convicting. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature...." The truth is- when I grabbed my Bible and stomped upstairs..I was angry and looking for company in my "righteous anger". I wasn't, the one in the wrong...well- with the exception of my RESPONSE to the situation. My heart wanted a kind of revenge. I wanted to tattle and get someone in trouble. With God. Is that living in the Spirit?
Ouch. I wasn't expecting that.
I coud have slammed the Bible shut. (I have in the past) I could have decided it had no application for ME... (I wasn't the one in the wrong, afterall!) Instead....I allowed the words to wash over me- not with condemnation but conviction.... that I need more of HIM. My prayer changed.....
"Oh Jesus, I need more of you.. I want to love other like you did- in the Spirit- with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Oh God- empty me of ME and fill me with You....forgive me and change me- I love you Lord- amen"
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
For more experiences with God's word changing hearts.... see Todays Christian Women Online "In Other Words" posts-
Today is also Tuesday- so you can find my post titled "And Then...." over at Laced With Grace!
Labels: in other words, Laced with Grace
