The other day I saw a Facebook post involving a man whom I had once considered a close friend. I felt a sense of sadness for him and…a sense of profound relief for myself. During our friendship he had presented himself to me as a devout Christian. I was excited about the possibilities…but our relationship didn’t go any further. At the time, I was truly heartbroken. It wasn’t until much later I learned that during the time we were friends, he had been living a double life. Looking at him now, I see someone trapped in the misery of his choices. I’m sad for him.
I also realize just how close I had been to a relationship that would have led me on a disastrous path away from God. So much of the work God has allowed me to do since our relationship like—music, podcast, and even the devotional you’re reading now—may have never happened.
I’m thankful God saved me from myself.
I realize just how vulnerable we are at all times to being swept away by our feelings and unhealthy emotions. Relationships with the wrong folks are the basis for so many unfruitful Christian lives. I’m not the exception. I can point to definite times—even in the last 12 years which have been the most productive years of my life with Christ—where a relationship distracted me and caused me to miss eternal blessings. It has taught me that I must be constantly renewing my mind and attitude in Christ in order to stay on course!
We must guard the precious territory of our heart and dedicate it to the Lord who gave us HIS entire heart.
The Bible says:
“Set your MIND on things ABOVE, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. But now you yourselves are to put OFF all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put ON the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
Colossians 3:2-3, 5, 8-10
My friend, we are designed with a body, soul and spirit, and our flesh is no better than the day we are born again. Jesus gave us pure attitudes for living which are much different than living by our unhealthy emotions!
Paul went on to write:
“[P]ut on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection. And let the PEACE of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be THANKFUL. Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
2 Responses
God must dominate of every aspect of our lives. If not how can we be blessed.
He is much better at my life than I am. 🙂