I think God is trying to get some deep changes going in my life and along with the "do you want to get well" question He's been showing me that I have some "go to" reactions and behaviors that need to change.
So, I already know that coffee and junk food are "go tos" for me. Stress, tiredness, a bad or busy day....I feel the need for or sometimes a sense of I'm entitled to one or the other. They comfort me. Sometimes I'm just bored or in need of a little pick me up.
But I've been convicted of another "go to" the last couple of weeks. As a matter of fact I fell again in this area last night. Anger. When things don't go my way, when I see things happening that I don't agree with, or when I feel myself or someone I care about is being treated unfairly, my default setting seems to be an angry response. Wow. I didn't realize I had that much of a problem. I mean I knew of course I needed an occasional attitude adjustment, but I never noticed that when I felt upset with a situation, my outward response was more often than not, one of anger instead of calmly thinking about it and dealing with it in a kind way, or better yet, sometimes letting it go all together.
I love when God deals with the deep stuff. Now, I don't mean that I love how it feels, but I love that He loves me enough to want more for me than attitudes and sins that make me unhappy, and keep me from shining for Him. And He is so good, because not only is He sending correction via the Holy Spirit's conviction, He has sent me some new coworkers that are Christians and on the same journey as I am to be all that we can be for Him. What a blessing!
Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Ephesians 4:26 And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 6:7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Philippians 2:3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
How do I change these habitual behaviors? That's the hard part. Especially since they seem so ingrained. But I know if the Lord has brought them to my attention then He will help me rid myself of anything that hinders my walk with Him. Through prayer, repentance, time in the Scripture and practice, I will leave these sins behind. Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. I know He is working and I know He is faithful and I know I am His masterpiece. And so are you!
Lord, thank You for Your correction. You lovingly correct those who are You children. You know our hearts, and how we are made. I also know You realize we want to be like Jesus. Lord, help! Sometimes the process seems so slow. But You are faithful. You are at work even when we can't see the changes we would like, Keep us going forward. Change our "go to" behaviors and make us into Your lights, shining Your love to a dark and dying world. Thank You! I submit my heart to You. I just want to praise You this day for the loving Father that You are. We are so blessed to be called Your children. Amazing grace! What a wonderful God we serve!
Ask God to point out any "go to" habits He wants to work on.
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