Problem: Many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
How many people do you know that can't stand on their own two
feet spiritually, that seem to be sick the entire winter every
year, or that haven't shouted, "Amen!" since 1958?
Cure: If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, I Co.
11:30-31.
All our righteousness is as filthy rags, in comparison to
God's way of thinking. His ways are higher than ours are.
Understanding that, it seems odd when people go into a state of
shock, being offended that another would even think they weren't
perfect, when all God wanted to do was to set them free.
It takes a person maturing in their walk to be able to
consider thoughts that might not be lined up with God's, without
their pride or low self-esteem kicking into overtime.
When we allow ourselves to be introspective with ourselves,
to see if any part might be in error, we accomplish what the
Bible said. If people judge themselves, they shouldn't be
judged.
When our insides begin to go haywire, instead of pointing to
a person or circumstance, we can look inward and upward, asking
God, "What is it about me that crumbles whenever this happens?
Where does this feeling come from when I get angry over such
little things? Why do I always fall apart in like circumstances?
Why can't I trust You with my needs instead of taking matters
into my own hands? Why do I expect the worst and get offended at
people when I only presume to think I've seen their heart?"
Spiritual and literal healing is promised for those who are
willing to examine themselves. It is a process of restoration,
becoming free from ways of thinking that Satan planted.
When our thinking doesn't line up with God's, it isn't our
thinking at all - but SatanÆs lies. For, we wrestle not against
flesh and blood ... and if we do, we're going to become weak,
sickly, or asleep (missing God's blessings), I Co. 11:30.
Once we get a glimpse into that, whenever anything makes us
feel anxious, worried, insecure, or any other negative feeling -
we can continue to take those things to God so we can find our
way to more areas of inner healing.
Learn to protect your mind. Take Satan by force (cleaning
the inside of the cup) and the outside will take care of itself.
God is very pleased when His people consider that there is
more to knowing Him. For those who dare take the journey through
the refiner's fire, no doubt, God has some special purpose for
you. Doing so makes one a purified vessel that God can both
teach and use.
® by Joyce C. Lock
.................................................................
About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.