God's Direction vs. Instinct
Jude 1:10 sets straight the idea that because it is natural or instinctive that one should do it. I hear that a lot. I hear "it's natural for people to have sex, so have it as often as you like with whomever you like." I think that is a very one-sided view that teeters on a lack of self control and real life consequences for your actions. In this current time, many who wanted to have sex, but didn't want to have a child had to come to a conclusion about keeping or aborting a child they didn't want. It is not of God to do with your body as you wish as what was once your is now under God's direction and is to obey God.
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Condemnation, Heirs, Problems, Attacks
One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:1 which tells us that if we are in Jesus Christ (following Christ and being submissive to God's will) we are not going to be condemned. People can try to condemn, but it cannot stick. The law will try to condemn you for missteps or mess ups, but God is not condemning you. Yes, there are earthly consequences for our actions, we are not getting off scot- free on earth, but God is not holding everything against us as people do.That is so freeing. We can beat ourselves up for the bad decisions we make, but when we go to God and seek to do better with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and truly repent, He isn't holding it against us. Isn't that great news?!?!
Romans 8:14 tells us that if we are led by the Spirit of God then we are sons (children) of God. The English Standard Version uses "sons" but as we say mankind, we do not only mean men, but women as well. So, whether you are male or female, if you are led by the Holy Spirit, then consider yourself a member of God's family.We are not associates, or friends or buddies with God, but children of God. There are many out there who do not have strong family units and with the understanding that if you submit to God's will and are led by God you are apart of His family.
And when things seem down right horrible and never ending, we must remember that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I have been dealing with this thinking recently as things I am experiencing are not turning out favorably at the time in which they occur. I am learning to trust in God and remember that His will is working in my life as I am led to follow Him and seek His will. It is hard to remember because there are painful things that happen or are said, but in His will those things can work for His purposes. The results may not be now and I may never see them, but that is not my focus. I do what the BOSS says.
And finally, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? No matter what people say or do to me or whatever circumstances come my way, I am empowered to know that being led by the Holy Spirit will not do me wrong as I am in Christ.
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What's On Your Mind?
Have you ever been through a really, really hard time in life? Maybe it was a broken heart from an ex or the death of a loved one. Maybe it was a traumatic experience like a house fire, car accident or some kind of abuse. When we experience these things, does it help us to always talk about them and bring them up over and over again? Or are we doing damage to ourselves, God's children (for those who believe in Him- John 1:12)?
Personally I have been through some of the things I have mentioned and by the grace of God, He put people around me that could help me through those times during and after. But, after it is over says a lot about me. For instance, if I am going to keep referring to and replaying something that hurts me time and time again, I'm probably not going to be a very happy person. I don't know anyone who dwells in hurts that has a joyful demeanor about them. God wants us to be joyful for it is good for the heart (Proverbs 17:22), not be in pain whether it be physical, emotional or otherwise. So how do we get to the point of being more joyful?
We have to give our hurts to God. Have you prayed about how God can use you through it as much as you have talked about how painful it was? Through God there is power to turn the horrible into something wonderful. David and Bathsheba's story in 2 Samuel 11 shows how adultery can end up producing one of the wisest and richest godly men in Solomon. It takes a turning toward God. That takes a choice. The choices others make are not your fault, but what you do with what happens to you is up to you. Proverbs 19:21 tells us that no matter what we think and plan will only stand if it is unison with God's purpose. Deep!
It's one thing to have a hurt and turn that into a lesson to learn from and teach others. But, it is another to keep bringing up something that still brings you pain when you remember it. What good does that do to you? It probably upsets you or brings you to tears. The bad can be used to do good. Isaiah 26:3 tells us to keep our minds on God and what is godly as it bring us peace. Thinking of pain does not bring peace. Seek God's peace and love for you by turning over your hurts to Him.
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