No More "Pinning the Tail" on Satan, Tiredness, Pain or Any Other Circumstance!
What types of words characterize you?
If your spouse were to take a quiz about how and what you speak how would you score? Even more importantly, how do your words measure up to the ultimate standard? The ultimate standard is God's Word, by which all of your words will be judged (Eph 4:29; 5:4, Col 3:8; 4:6, 1 Thess 5:11, Matt 12:36-37).
It is tempting to rationalize sinful words and actions isn't it? Think about it. How often have you heard someone say something like, "He made me so angry that I..." or "I was so tired after a long day of moving for this PCS, and when she said that, it was the last straw..." Each of these examples seeks to focus the blame onto outward circumstances or another person. In effect, when we respond like this we are recreating that pivotal scene in the Garden where Adam and Eve pointed fingers at everyone else except themselves (Gen 3:8-13).
However, the living, sharp and penetrating Word of God exposes what is really going on in the heart (Heb 4:12). The reality is that circumstances are not the cause of our responses, but rather circumstances are the context in which our true hearts are revealed. Difficult people, hard days, chronic pain, being tired, nor Satan himself is to blame for what we say and do. In Luke 6:45 Jesus tells us that we speak and act out of the overflow or abundance of our heart. What you and I say and do give evidence as to what is truly in our hearts and what or whom we are ultimately worshipping and serving at any given moment.
What are your actions and words revealing today?
Ways to reflect, change and grow in light of Luke 6:45 truth...
Thank God that as a believer, you are no longer a slave to sin! You can say no to any and all fleshly desires, no matter how difficult the circumstance because of what Christ accomplished and because of the indwelling Spirit (Rom 6:17-18, 2 Tim 1:7, Gal 5:16).
Repent of the ways in which you've blamed other people or difficult circumstances for your speech and actions. Confess and recognize that what you say and do is a reflection of what is in your own heart (Luke 6:45, 1 John 1:5-10).
Specifically and humbly seek the forgiveness of those you sinned against with your speech or actions (Matt 5:23-24).
By God's grace and in prayer, identify the situations and circumstances where you are most tempted to sinful speech or action. When the temptation rises again be prepared to do and say that which God requires of you out of love, gratitude and adoration to him (Prov 27:12, 1 Cor 10:13).
Comments