Thursday, October 25, 2012

31 Days to Seeing Through God's Eyes: Day 24/25 (combined)-Revelation after Revelation

Where to start with this...

Our church service last night was amazing! We talked about being vulnerable and what that looks like to us. The first word that came to mind was "weak". Of course, I didn't shout it out because that would require me to be vulnerable! I mean what if everyone thought that my answer was stupid. Speaking out would mean that I had opened up and everyone would know that I thought being open and honest was a weakness. I also believe it takes a strong person to be open and honest. It takes nerves of steel to be vulnerable and it makes everyone else look strong but it makes ME feel weak. My perception of MYSELF when I am vulnerable is that a weakness is being exposed. It's the craziest thing. However, I am learning that through my weakness (vulnerability) HE makes me strong. My weakness (vulnerability) helps shed light on HIM so HE can encourage someone else. When I share from my heart, the honest stuff, others are able to relate and open up their heart to hear God's voice. For that reason alone, I will stay in this "weak" state of being. Even if it is only for the growing process of others. Isn't that what it's about anyway? Encouraging each other? Hearing God's voice in the growth?


That revelation last night led me to this part. You see, I have been dealing with a real heart issue for a couple of months now. It's not a huge deal to some but for me it has been gigantic. I have noticed it all around me and therefore didn't want to address the issue. After examining my own motives I realized that sometimes the tough stuff just needs to be said. Plus I really have a difficult time relaying my heart in this area so bare with me.

A couple of posts ago I talked about you being a farmer. You don't get to choose if you are a farmer or not. You ARE a farmer. You will reap what you sow.

Think about this:
If I plant a seed in my neighbors yard and go over and water it everyday guess what's gonna grow in their yard?? WHATEVER I PLANTED...




Our words are so powerful. My question is this:

what are we saying about each other?

I know there is a very fine line in this. I know that you can't make someone believe something about themselves. What I am talking about is what you tell others about someone. I am talking about planting seeds ABOUT others.

Example:
Susie and Jane are having lunch. The topic of Rosie, a close friend of them both, comes up. Susie simply says "Jane, how is Rosie?" Jane responds with "Well...Rosie just found out that Bob (her husband) has a gambling problem and she is really struggling (Seed #1) but they are going to counseling (seed #2) so they should be fine. Let's just pray for them."

Innocent enough right?

What happens when that counseling is over? What happens when Bob has recovered from this addiction?

More than likely, Susie will NEVER forget that Bob had an addiction. Susie will have that seed in the back of her mind. Susie may have never see Rosie the same. Depending on Susie's heart she could see Rosie as a failure. You just never know. Maybe Bob tries to get a job with someone Susie knows. Because that seed was planted Susie could very likely tell the hiring employer of Bob's incident. Rosie is now the unfortunate friend that deserves pity and blah, blah, blah.

Do you see where I am going? Let's replay this scenario..."Jane, how is Rosie?" Susie should respond with "Jane, Rosie could really use some prayer. Ask God how you could pray and encourage her today."

How would that change this whole story!!

It just seems in today's world nothing is secret anymore. You hear the saying all the time "Secrets don't make friends". That may be the case but in most cases "Secrets keep friends". By that I mean, protect each other. Don't tell each other's stuff even if you are talking to your very best friend. Even if it seems so innocent. Don't help someone create a judgement about someone else.

One more thing...this goes for people's good stuff too. Another lesson I learned recently is that we can judge something good or bad. But here is the deal...just because WE judge something as good and "Shareable" doesn't mean that the person wants it shared. IT'S THEIRS TO TELL. Don't steal their thunder! Let them share their own good news.

I feel like I am on my soap box now so I will just stop and leave you with this...

Ephesians 4:29 says "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Mark 12:31 says "The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Romans 13:10 says "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. "

Do you get the picture?

Don't go planting seeds in your neighbors yard...I would hate for them to have to reap what YOU sow.

PS. This applies to your kids stuff too. Don't go around and tell all their stuff either :)

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