Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday February 7, 2007

I watched in amazement the other day as a very gifted man wasted years of training in trying to joust a windmill. He is so possessed with the emotion of vengeance that he cannot think straight. Was he done wrong? Certainly. Did he ask for this wrong through his obsessive behavior? Probably. Is there hope of redemption, of getting his life on a positive track? Of course.

Several factors must come together for a positive outcome in this person's life, but one that must become predominant is stated well by David Sarnoff:

"A life that hasn't a definite plan is likely to become driftwood."

Over long years I have witnessed vast numbers of people whom I considered vastly superior to me in many ways, literally destroy themselves in some bitter war with another, a spouse, former spouse, a cross town preacher, or….

While I was in the midst of what I hope was the darkest part of my life a friend asked, "Larry, how are you able to bear this with little or no bitterness?" I gave the best answer I had or have and it is simple, "The Lord deals the cards, it's up to me to play them to the best of my ability." I cannot find a verse for the 'playing of the cards' but I can't count the times Mom would say, "Oh, Larry quit whining and deal." Good advice.

When you have a clearly defined purpose in your life, it becomes rather simple to stay on track by first of all gaining assurance from God through His word that your goal and your step by step plans to reach the goal are in His plan for you and then make sure that the actions you take are in harmony with the reaching of this peak, this goal. If I wanted to go to China, I would not spend much time in South America. I would decide how to get to China as soon as possible. The same principle is true in life. Know where you want to go and figure out through study, prayer, a little expert advice (advice from someone who has climbed their own mountain) and stay in a frame of mind to climb.

I find no lessons in the Bible that extol the benefits of bitterness or vengeance. So bitterness about the way life or people are treating you, must be tossed off, as baggage that seriously hinders your journey.

You know the story of Jacob and Esau. You know that Jacob cheated Esau and was able to cheat his brother because of his brother's greed. The book of Hebrews lets us know right out of the shute that Esau wasted most of his life and talent and became a very immoral man due to the 'root' of bitterness in his heart. Late in life he got over this tragic root, but think of all that he missed along the way.

We cannot have a successful plan that involves a bitter, get even spirit, and expect the Lord to bless us. Set out to accomplish something worthwhile in life and as you run with patience the course laid out for you, throw off all unnecessary baggage.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit

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