Tuesday, September 9th, 2024
I love all the creative ways that Holy Spirit uses to communicate to us. One of my favorites is when it comes through the words of my children. It gives me an opportunity to share a real-life example of how God speaks to us and why it’s important to be listening for Him everywhere. The most recent instance had to do with a little disagreement between three of my children. One was crying because in her words, the other two “were not playing the game correctly.” Instantly, in my spirit I heard, “That’s a good life lesson for all of us.” We are all born with a little bit of pride that wants everyone to do what we say when we say it. We want them to follow the rules, and we think our getting upset when they don’t is justified.
There is only one problem with this, we cannot control other people. In the last few years, we have seen people become more fearful, tell more lies and get angrier than ever before. As far as we are concerned, they are not playing by the rules. So how do we handle this? Does it stir up unwanted emotions? Does it keep us awake at night? Do we try to come up with a perfect comeback to prove our point and convince them of the truth? The Bible is clear on people that don’t like to follow the rules. Romans 16:17-18 says:
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 says:
1But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Final Thoughts…
Hear me out for a minute. Yes, it’s true we are supposed to love everyone, pray for the people God asks us to pray for and hope that they receive the grace we were given. However, there will be some people who still refuse all that God offers them. We cannot let these people turn us way or distract us from the work that God needs us to do in this time. The enemy would love to get us to use up all of our energy on fruitless causes. He wants us to think we have to convert everyone, and we are a failure if we cannot. If someone isn’t ready for the gospel of grace, there is nothing we can do to get them there. Submit them into God’s hands and trust that if there is something He wants us to do He will show us. Like I told my child, if people don’t want to play the game correctly, then don’t play the game with them. It’s just as effective for life as it is for playing dolls.