1 Peter 4:10
New English Translation
... serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
If the reader has perused the previous post, then you know that I am a self-confessed "all in or all out", "black and white" sort of person. I identify this as a human struggle because the basic result of this is some intolerance and, lets just admit it, sometimes stubbornness.
Well, not surprisingly, God has once again spoken to me in a clear and special way. As I was chit-chatting with a friend recently, I was explaining my struggle with the "black and white" perspective on life, and bemoaning the fact that it is hard for me to see the "grey area". I recognized that it is basic human nature and ultimately, I want to see things more the way God sees them....and that was when God helped me out.
The words came out of my mouth almost before I had time to think about it. Grace area. If I replace the "grey area" with a "grace area", it makes so much more sense to my spirit. My heart leaped for joy a little as I realized that God had shown me what the problem was. Right is still right and wrong is still wrong. I still have my opinions about things (and people), but grace can replace the grey and that causes the discomfort of differences to fade significantly.
So, I think I will no longer claim to be a "black or white", "all in or all out" sort of person. I think I will work on just being a "grace area" sort of person.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Psalm 51:10
Psalm 51:10
KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
God has been dealing with me regarding the idea of myself having a clean and right heart and spirit. You see, I'm no different than anyone else. I struggle with situations and circumstances that don't measure up to what I think they should. On top of that my personality is such that I tend to see things in black and white, not a whole lot of grey areas. And I'm either all in or all out. Not much middle ground.
When I do some self-reflecting, I realize my struggle is basic human nature. Human nature is to look out for "número uno." We deal with people and things according to how we think. Because, obviously, that is what makes the most sense.
Until we remember that once given to God, our life is not our own. His way is very much different than mine. So, if I sincerely pray this Psalm, I have to also let go of my own ideas and assessments, and let His Word guide my thoughts and actions.
Honestly, some days it seems too hard. It is literally taking one's own personality and letting it be shaped by someone else...it can certainly be uncomfortable, if not painful, at times. But the peace that comes with surrendering one's own will to His, is indescribable....it's worth it.
KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
God has been dealing with me regarding the idea of myself having a clean and right heart and spirit. You see, I'm no different than anyone else. I struggle with situations and circumstances that don't measure up to what I think they should. On top of that my personality is such that I tend to see things in black and white, not a whole lot of grey areas. And I'm either all in or all out. Not much middle ground.
When I do some self-reflecting, I realize my struggle is basic human nature. Human nature is to look out for "número uno." We deal with people and things according to how we think. Because, obviously, that is what makes the most sense.
Until we remember that once given to God, our life is not our own. His way is very much different than mine. So, if I sincerely pray this Psalm, I have to also let go of my own ideas and assessments, and let His Word guide my thoughts and actions.
Honestly, some days it seems too hard. It is literally taking one's own personality and letting it be shaped by someone else...it can certainly be uncomfortable, if not painful, at times. But the peace that comes with surrendering one's own will to His, is indescribable....it's worth it.
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