So, being a believer doesn’t mean I don’t get angry or feel insulted or want to tell someone off. I try to keep it all in my mind, take a breath, and try to respond in a calm manner or sometimes not at all even though my mind keeps thinking about what I really wanted to say or how good it would feel to just point back with my finger in that shame, shame, shame, on you. Take that! Maybe give that stank eye too so they know I mean business.
All joking aside, recently I had to take my anger to God and pray on how to conduct myself in a situation where I felt I should be combative and point out the faults of others to just make myself look better and feel like I won whatever trophy I thought I needed on my mantle. I left this post below as is because I want to share that I too struggle in so many areas so here it goes!
You know why unbelievers do not want anything to do with Christians because their arrogance can be so palpable, lectures pour out, they throw out insults or reprimands, and use scripture to make them feel better about their self-righteous attitude. Then they expect no response because Christians aren’t supposed to be oppositional. I am not sure who these people think they are and it is very clear there is no self-reflection as they chastise and then throw in your shaming the Lord. So you know what the Lord is thinking of me right now. Your channel to God is so much more special than mine that I need to be told how disappointing I am to God. Then throw out a random scripture.
I made a decision and that is that. I didn’t disparage anyone or talk negatively about anyone. I just decided to make a change that I needed to do and instead of hey thanks go with God and I am sure He will get you on the path you are looking for I get I am the loathsome person in this scenario with these words:
“I'll not have any further discussions, as this would be demeaning to all of us and to the Lord.
I'll end with this scripture verse:
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10"31
Here is an excellent scripture as well:
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1: 26).
I do not need anyone’s permission to make a decision in my life. I choose where and with whom I share my time. No one gets to decide my options. I am accountable to myself, my family, and to my God. Then I can spread my time around and if I choose not to spend time in an area then so be it.
Defending myself is not my purpose here. I am pretty sure you can tell that I am angry more than anything. I just want people to understand that if people around you try to blame or shame you when you have done nothing to deserve it then it is okay to step away. I do not agree with condemning people when I am not their jury or judge. If you are around believers who do this to you then find other believers. There is no room in your life for people who want to belittle, ignore, or are destructive to your mind, heart, or spirit.
There are plenty of believers whose hearts just want you to find the Jesus they know. To help lead you to believe in Him. To have a relationship with Him. It is just difficult when the humans around you get in the way. That heart tug you feel or that whisper in your ear is so much more embracing than is imaginable. The support, strength, and courage can be yours daily if you choose Him over the people who have a negative influence over you. Sometimes it is best to just “let go, let God” or to coin a song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
I really needed this one as I needed to remind myself of how to conduct myself when I do get angry. I am not perfect in any way, so I too need to swallow words I would like to say but it is not worth it. Doesn’t change anything.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1: 19-20).
As I continued to grumble in my mind, I wasn’t in the mood to start my day off with a worship song or two. I grumbled a bit more until God said no more and I got a headache. LoL, the headache came because I had been gritting my teeth all day and allowed this incident to get to me. Great way to punish myself by allowing this to take away my joy.
CeCe Winan’s song “Come Jesus Come” words should remind us all our time is limited on the Earth, so let it all go and let Jesus come into your life to save you from yourself.
Come, Jesus, come
We've been waiting so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt and right every wrong
We need You right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know this world isn't home
Come, Jesus, come
Blessings,
dreamsdontfade.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq4PXLxTuVU&list=RDLq4PXLxTuVU&start_radio=1