Where do I point the finger?
I am sure that every person has conflict at times and from a variety of sources. What about you? Are there certain people or situations that seem to be your frequent adversary or problem circumstance?
What is your typical response? Is it what it should be? Over the last few years I have become aware of giving myself over to reactions to some people and circumstances to the point of allowing them to control my emotions, especially, and, too often, my responses. I don’t like being controlled in that way, especially as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ I am to be controlled by His Holy Spirit only. (2 Corinthians 5:14, Ephesians 5:18))
So, here is my question: Could you identify a person or circumstance that has too much negative control or influence over you?
Follow up question: How do you know you should respond rather than reacting wrongly?
The scripture says in James 4:1 that fightings and quarrels come from within us. That is what I meant above when speaking of giving over personal control to God’s Holy Spirit. He, the Holy Spirit, produces in us and therefore through us wonderful qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control.
Self control is actually Holy Spirit control. Have you come to know your need for God’s life to be born in you through faith in Jesus and receive His gift of forgiveness for sin? He promises to give us new life by placing His Spirit within us. That’s why they call it Good News, the Gospel.
After identifying those people and circumstances (environments) that push your buttons, would you ask God in faith believing that He can and will love others inside you, to properly respond through you?
Why is that so important? I am glad you asked!
A. People need to see God’s love in real time and see it clearly communicated.
B. Children and others in our family need a consistent (not perfect) example of what love really looks like.
C. As a leader, others will follow your example and will appreciate it in time, when they too are in places of leadership and responsibility.
My guess is that you remember some folks who were/are loving examples of leadership and who made a profound impact on your life. Or perhaps you can recall places in your life where you wished you’d had someone who lived a loving life for you to see.
Let’s be that “someone”. OK?