I’ve been contemplating something I heard last night. I was in the car waiting for Scott to join me and I heard the radio preacher talking about symptoms. He used phrases like “I’ve got a drug problem ~ no, you have a drug symptom” “I’ve got a alcohol problem ~ no, it’s a symptom” “I’ve got a depression problem” And so on . . .I was hooked enough to turn up the radio.
According to this biblical scholar, these things are only symptoms of our actual problem: the decisions and choices we make to justify and convince ourselves to do those choices. I completely agreed with him. I cannot tell you why even. He went on to explain himself further, but by then everyone else was in the car and life took over.
Let’s take one of my many “problems” as a case study. I have a laziness problem; I am a procrastinator. Even as I type this, I feel slightly hypocritical. I understand that it’s my choice to “put off ‘til tomorrow what could easily be done today”. It’s truly a heart attitude. Astonishingly, everything comes back to this principle ”It’s what’s inside that counts”. I wish it were as easy to throw this heart into the wash as it is my favorite blouse – even then, the blouse isn’t as white as it was when I bought it. However, God washes me and makes me whiter then snow.
I realize there is no real point or conclusion to this post – I am still contemplating what I heard. Trying to hear what the Holy Spirit wants to do in my heart. I will, however, wrap it up with this verse from James “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (4:8)
Citizens of Chagrin Falls! In case you weren’t aware, two well-known superheroes have taken residence at our house. On any given day you may just spot these caped crusaders (and no, I don’t mean batman) running through the lawn putting bad guys in their places and keeping the yard safe from evil.
Truth, Justice and the American Way!
This summer I have run into so much pettiness. It is truly unbelievable how nit-picky we all can be. I suppose this has become a soapbox of mine which could very well be why I am noticing it continually. Everything from bosses finding fault in completed work to spouses complaining about their better half incessantly. Where does the pettiness come from? Why do people feel so entitled to carry this grudge against other people?
I think a better question is how can I keep from being petty! How can I guard my own heart against this basest of ugly qualities? I think when I allow my feelings to be hurt too easily or keep looking at a situation through my own eyes I will become petty. Who can really take a situation and honestly try to see it through another’s eyes? Honestly, we can really only see things from our own perspective and life-experience. Keeping that in mind, it makes it much harder to judge someone else.
How much better to love my neighbor as myself. Oh if I could only do that and so fulfill the law of Christ! Love is not self-seeking nor is it easily angered. Love always protects and always perseveres.
Oh Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, my rock and my Redeemer.
