Christian Living

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When we have nothing to prove: we will not constantly defend ourselves (try to prove we’re right or put emphasize upon a point); we will not avenge our offenders (by being unforgiving \ returning evil for evil); nor will we be concerned about what others will think of us (value their opinions over what The WORD of GOD has said about the matter). These boxes (of our own standards, the stereotypes of society and the verdicts of others) are the very things that prevent us from accomplishing what GOD has originally planned for us. Thus, these boxes are like containers of restraint (which ultimately hinders The WORK of GOD due to our bondage of them).

Today, I dare you to step out of the boat (your comfort zone) and continue to do so until you’ve reached the victory through CHRIST (you’ll no longer have to do so), then you will not be drown (moved) by its’ overwhelming power (by the burden of it). Do you not want to be set free? I remember when I use to put on my cool face at work (exterior: nothing seems to bother me. Interior: rather die in pride than to show my real emotions), deep down I was dying to be free. Since then, GOD has revealed to me how HE has given us our expressions for constructive purposes. For instance, one of my friends had hurt my feelings by being uncaring towards me and the sad part was that she was never going to apologize for offending me. For weeks I tried to avoid her, but GOD always found a way for us to have to work together. Finally, GOD said that I needed to apologize to her and believe me I did not want to (my flesh gave GOD “the hand”). Another week or so went pass and finally I did (with my happy face). To my surprise, I honestly needed it because I had developed a “hardness of heart” (wrong attitude) towards her (I didn’t realize it because my standards had blinded me).

Afterwards, I discovered the actual reason behind my angry and it had nothing to do with her at all. Instead, I expected her to respect me as I had treated her. Later, GOD shown me that it was wrong of me to expect her to be as I am (have the same personality as myself) and to do as I would (become a duplicate of my interests) when HE had created each of us to be individuals (unique). In addition, to holding her hostage of a silly grudge that I held against her for something she could never be (me). Certainly, it wasn’t going to benefit our relationship nor would it have enhanced my relationship with GOD (by disregarding her). Therefore, once the root issue was identified (I confessed, repented and stopped allowing my standrads \feelings to take a vote) immediate relief engulfed me. Thus, our friendship was saved, even though she never knew it was impending dangerous ground.

The point to remember is that “people cannot give you what they do not have” nor should we expect them to (we either keep our "word of oath" in being a friend, business partner, family member, etc. or we should let our words be few, Ecclesiastes 5:2). First The Jew, then The Gentile: we have to be released (freed) of our own narrow-mindedness (Matthew 7:3-4) before we can instruct others of abolishing their bias personalities (Matthew 7:5). We need to accept others as they are, just as JESUS has accepted us where we were at one time. We need to love them as GOD loves us, for The Bible says “you will know them by their fruit, Matthew 12:33”.

Our fruit is what depicts what’s within our hearts, the true character of us (selfish or generous; arrogant or modest; etc). In life, we all have to face The TRUTH about ourselves; this is what sets us free, John 8:32. Just as most of our successes are the result of what we did, many of our unpleasant circumstances are the result of what we did not do! Although others may have instigated havoc in our lives, still the choice of remaining within these messes was ours alone. With that being said, stop blaming others for your unhappiness, stop hiding behind the fig leaves, as our first ancestors (Adam & Eve) did that day they were approached (by GOD) in The Garden of Eden and lied to HIM (GOD wanted them to face The TRUTH about what they did, instead they blamed each other, so HE banished them from The Garden). GOD is not a god of partiality, HE wants us to admit, repent, receive HIS FORGIVENESS and move on (overcome it through HIM). So, be rid of any unbecoming attitudes, which sculpts our behavior (Galatians 5:19-21) by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2 ); begin trusting GOD (by believing HIS WORD) as HE brings (Ezra 9:9) you out of Egypt (your bondage \ Hebrews 11:29), so you will have The VICTORY through JESUS CHRIST (of which HE died for you to have and enjoy); this is ETERNAL LIFE for you that you’ll never return to the vomit (Proverbs 26:11) of these ways (your error) ever again.

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