Don't Put On Airs....

 

"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. - 1 Peter 5:6 [MSG]

There are a few times this past week where I felt like, "oh mahn, I could have handled things a lot better" in certain circumstances. I could have taken some time out, to think through my response to an offence; especially in moments where I was very much triggered. Perhaps remain silent, and pretend like I didn't even see an offence? But if you can relate, you'd know that it can be difficult to exercise self control in certain situations. God's grace however, is sufficient for us. Have you ever heard that phrase: "Let God show people?" Well welcome to today's episode of "Calm down" LOL..

This bad boy heart, is telling you how you really need to give that person a piece of your mind, so they know you are no push over. Or let them know that you know they are talking about you [oh how so petty]. And with many other things like this, there is the constant need to prove a point, or lash out somehow - especially when what is coming at us makes us feel really weak. And because we hate that we are feeling the way that we feel, we try to get ourselves out of what feels like a pretty oppressive emotional bubble, and toss it's baggage over to what is coming right at us. When people say "they don't care" - actually they do...

So as I pondered and shared with some of the people in my life, I dug dip into my heart, to investigate why these "slip ups" reared thier ugly heads every once in a while. Well apart from the pretty obvious reason- [err my need for a savior in the first place, hello?! lol] -I recognized that my heart was still seeing "weak" the wrong way round and "strength" the wrong way round! sigh. You see, there are many "worldly jargons" these days that disguise themselves as wisdom, when in actual fact they aren't really the "life" that Jesus promises those who love him. Some of these go against the very principles of Christ and Godly living. It can be a pretty difficult thing to confront the "ugly' about our selves and to have to deal with the pain that comes with change. So we would often hide under 'worldly wisdom', to feel good about ourselves in those moments, when what we need to be doing is screaming a very loud "Lord please help me" from the ground floor...

The picture of strength in the world today, would usually mostly be "outward expressions" in the lines of; [i-am-wonder-woman~mess-with-me-first-and-see-what-you-get]. And whilst there is nothing necessarily wrong with "exuding strength" outwardly, it's important that we understand what real strength really looks like. You may feel weak doing the right thing, but it doesn't make you weak. REAL strength is one who surrenders to God in moments where they have every reason to be strong. They choose not to be, because thier trust is in God. They would rather appear weak before men, for the sake of submitting and surrendering to God, knowing fully well that even if he will not reward thier obedience instantly, he would most definitely do so eventually. They trust that whatever is coming at them, is coming at them to make them more like Christ. 

And so where I have said to myself many times; "I hate feeling weak" because I am letting go and letting God. I recognize that actually I am missing the point, and failing to see that I am actually being made STRONG in those moments. And because God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses, then we allow ourselves endure discomfort for a moment, so that we can eventually become free vessels indeed. I am not talking about suffering for doing bad, I am talking about suffering for doing good. Light bulb moment eh?! 

Jesus said in John 14:30 "I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me" - Wow wow wow!

So let me leave you with this portion of scripture, my women's ministry leader shared with me this past week, as you step into a new week. There are lots of "ouch" moments, so please brace yourself ;) And oh by the way if you think "fighting for yourself" and all that jazz is strength, try not fighting for yourself and let me know how that's working out for you in the STRONG department. If you are struggling, then together let's humble out, and let's ask God for the blessings of His gentle & quiet Spirit that is of GREAT worth in His eyes...

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by thier good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure: then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness" - James 3:13-18 NIV

Wosaaaaaa!!!!!

Would you like to study the bible? Hit me up...

Love,

SR