Sometimes the irony God likes to use in my life is almost laughable. Other times it cuts to the quick. And still other times it's just plain confusing...sometimes all at the same time.
Today I read this:
Today I read this:
Colosians 3: 5-17
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Only to be reminded later of a few times when my talk was not pure in the company I was keeping. It hurt so much to know I had wounded the herat of God *and* my friends. I want to hop in my magic sin remover and go back and undo it. This is what happens when I am not on guard and I have to ask myself, "Am I letting stuff in that I shouldn't be or was it simply a lack of judgement?"
And harder still I have to ask God to shine a light into all the corners and do some housekeeping. I don't always like the housekeeping...finding something long forgotten or allowed to grow in darkness. I don't like to see the ugly parts as they are revealed. It makes me shudder to see those things revealed.
And it doesn't have to be something "big", just not what I want to reveal to My Glorious God. It's humbling and uncomfortable at the least.
Yet, I am so greatful to my Jesus, who just cleans it up with me and looks at me with love and peace and joy, not revulsion or pity. He doesn't change in His love for me... and when the work is through there is cleanliness where the dirt was. It shines like a freshly cleaned sink, with those little sparkles and all.
And that was just a small part of what God's word spoke directly to my heart today.
It seemed that every line, every word, was for me. Even the ones I am not sure how to apply... I know I was meant to read them today. To etch them on my heart. To adjust my thoughts and patterns to His. That as each step before me is revealed to be ready to take them.
Thank you for sharing this passage. I need to work on this as well.
Thank you for sharing that... it really convicted and encouraged my heart this morning!!
What an Awesome and amazing God we serve, that He would even work in me or any of us... is beyond me!
In Him,
Trina