Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise….
I want to live a life that honors Christ. Approaching this goal with renewed purpose has given me new eyes, a new perspective. He has made it abundantly clear that I must deal with my anger and bitterness. Those emotions cannot coincide with the peace of Christ, which I want so very much in my life. Yesterday I wondered if pride may not be at the root of my feelings, at least in part. Google defines pride as “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.” What strikes me so with this definition is the utter absence of Christ.
Luke 1:78 …because of the tender mercy of our God, but which the rising sun will come to us from heaven….
Pride is all about me—my achievements, my actions, how I am perceived by others. If I am to truly live a life that honors Christ, I must get the prideful, worldly side of myself in check. Perhaps, as I examine my anger and bitterness, I need to ask myself is the issue about me or Him. If it is about me, that’s pride, and that has to be acknowledged, forgiven, and released. It sounds so simple in theory, but I know the implementation of it will not be as easy.
Luke 1:79 …to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for these verses. Help me to look at the anger and bitterness in my life through Your eyes and Your grace. When I am focused on nursing my own grudges, I do not have the time, energy, or resources to be of use to You. When my pride is the root of my offense, help me to acknowledge, forgive, and release it so that I can be of use to You. Help me to deal with and release this anger and bitterness, Lord, because I know I cannot truly live a life that honors You when I am so consumed by myself. Draw me closer. Give me strength. Amen.
2 Cor 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”…
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.