December 4, 2020
I used to be an extreme “YOU” person. The kind of son that always had a finger out pointing and correcting people with endless “you-statements,” creating that “us and them environment” … like the Pharisees Jesus rebuked who stated, “I am so glad I am not like them.”
When all along, I was the perfect example of the problem…. with many words and deeds I would one day stand against myself.
Who knew that spiritual growth and maturity could bring such amazing realizations and truths about SELF? And with it, an entirely new level of compassion and understanding for others…. and internal forgiveness for my sometimes out of control posture and contributions to the chaos in this world.
Good intention does not make things right or okay. It proves we are flawed and in need of great grace. It affirms how amazing the power of forgiveness really is and how perfect the potter has been with shaping the clay when it’s teachable and pliable.
The thing is: God designed growth this way (like clay) …. making massive room for self correction as well as room for his profound molding. He created people with heart pathways capable of and designed to “be brought low” if they raise themselves “too high.” He shrouded us in love and compassion so thickly that we can look back and be grateful for our progress.
Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
I am satisfied today in the midst of my error because I can see His hand, His mercy. I now know that “pure hunger for righteousness” leads to the breaking of our will so that we can embrace His will. I pray that there is always an unquenchable thirst in us that drowns us in growth that reveals Christ’s mercy.
2 Pet 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Real growth brings SUPERnatural change and supernatural consideration of others.
Phil 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God finishes what HE starts when we cooperate with Him.
The thing is: Our cooperation IS REQUIRED.
It is rare that a man, a person can deliberately work toward changing a problem they cannot see. YOU STATEMENTS can reveal a lot about the person, even when well-intended.
Repetitive and consistent use of them can reveal:
1. A critical nature in a person.
2. A propensity to accuse.
3. Some self-righteous mindsets
4. A lack of compassion and mercy for others
5. An unrelenting, religious view of the world
6. A high thinking of self
7. An ease of being offended and being offending
Just as “I statements” can uncover narcissism and selfishness when used, “you statements” can release blame and accusations if other wording isn’t scaffolded around them in grace.
Hello Theresa…. who walks in a better way now. Hello… Theresa whose word-groove is more deliberate but but still has a journey ahead.
Statements that begin with “those and them” can have negative impact as well.
As long as we choose to exist in a nation that constantly speaks through “us-and-them” phrases framed with accusation from selfish hearts, we will never understand the fundamental principles Christ taught by declaring the removal of the spike from one’s own eye, before trying to remove that of others…. or let the one without sin cast the first stone.
We will never stand at the gate of reconciliation in truth until we can see WHAT WE CONTRIBUTE to the conversation that calls forth reasoning.
Marriage relationship taught me this like no other relationship has in my life. It will be 34 years of making it work in MAY 2021. If this is true for marriage, how does it apply in our Sonship with one another.
Every day is an opportunity to observe just how growth (spiritual and natural) can take the mind and heart on a necessary journey from the natural to the Spirit.
Paul understood this and so can we.
He said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I PUT THE WAYS OF CHILDHOOD BEHIND ME.” 1 Cor 13:11
WE do not need another prayer for growth. We need to put the ways of childhood behind us. We need people willing to decide to do this and then daily choose to do so!
Change never begins with the person across the room. It always begins with the person in the mirror.
And everyday… that should be me, a son of God responding to others the way I want people to respond to me.
Good morning Theresa! Are you growing today or staying the same as yesterday. #chamberofthescribe
