Greetings,
There is no such thing as bad weather; weather is seasonal and functions accordingly. People can also be classified as having winter, spring, summer, or fall personalities according to their human frailties. Seen in each of these seasonal temperaments brings various degrees of human attitudes. These negative attitudes do not reflect a gracious and loving God. However, illuminate Peter (Jesus's disciple) (discussed below) and others who choose temperamental paths.
God is not a temperamental God, but His people are. God does not operate in grumpy attitudes and supports His children even when they are at a loss. When we belong to God, He looks beyond our weaknesses and failures and forgives us for our trespasses and sin. Revealing God's character as a loving and just God is seen throughout the scriptures as evidenced by these words: "The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death." (Psalms 118:18, New King James Version). God has given the rewards and consequences for obedience or disobedience; through grace and mercy, forgiveness and restoration are available through Jesus. Made plain by these words, "He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. He will not contend forever or nurse His anger for all time." (Psalms 103:7-9, New Living Translation).
The disciple Peter failed God on more than one occasion. Just as believers today, Peter resounded to human interactions when faced with a situation that required God's perspective rather than a human perspective. For instance, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, led many soldiers, high priests, Pharisees, and servants to arrest Jesus. John 18: 10 relates that Peter's human response, which had a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the [high priest], cutting off his right ear… surmised from Peter's response is that Peter was not slow to anger and certainly lacked the patience for compassion and grace in the situation. In other words, Peter responded out of his anger and frustration and acted in haste. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you function on quick actions without the benefit of thinking first? 2. Are you prone to act first or ask questions later? 3. Are you a temperamental person? 4. Do your interactions with others reflect Peter or Jesus?
The scriptures give us many reasons why control over our emotions is paramount to gaining a foothold on our inner self "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice. I found this scripture to be of grave concern because a believer inflicts harm on the self and the Holy Spirit. Emphasized by these words: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:26,30,31 (New International Version). These, of course, are a few of the scriptures that place a great emphasis on the importance of self-control for the believer.
God's perspective is not aligned or dependent on human emotions, situations, or circumstances common to humanity. In other words, one cannot play the blame game of being human and expect God to overlook your behavior. God has written His believers' expectations and what it will take to adjust ungodly attitudes. Are you submitted to an adjusted attitude?
Blessings Abound,
Minister Sylvia Joyner
No comments:
Post a Comment