It takes a mature person to be able to see the good and bad in everyone. It is not mature to hold to a philosophy that we should only always see the good in everyone.
When we choose to only see the good we become undiscerning, lacking good sense that could save us from engaging in foolishness.
The "Pollyanna" attitude makes for a good television story but is not very honest or useful in real life.
Pollyanna was the story of a little girl who only saw the good in everyone. She foolishly lied to people to manipulate them into being nicer people to one another.
Many of us were raised on the saying, "if you can't say anything good don't say anything at all." Sadly, even though that sounds real nice, it taught many people to ignore sin, pretend someone is not evil when they do mean things and excuse every form of mal-adjustment.
When we are taught to only see good, we must pretend a lot, as though the sin or evil we see is something other than what it is. Nothing is fixed when we think like this. There are many problems in the world and there are many problem people, we must see things in truth, rather than fantasizing about how we would like things to be, we can bring solutions to problems, but only as long as we walk in truth.
3 John 1:3-4 "…3 For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Without Confidence
I have recently come to the conclusion that the children that lack confidence the most are those who have been indulged all their lives.
These people cannot seem to function without continual praise and attention. Because they are so used to a preoccupation with self and the applause of those around them, they find it impossible to function alone without recognition.
Those who have been encouraged to operate without acknowledgment on a regular basis are more focused on the tasks than the praise for the task. They are more productive because they are not preoccupied with whether or not someone is watching them.
Those who can operate on their own enjoying their work for it's own sake are happier and more fulfilled than entitled people.
Also, I have noticed that indulged children turn into entitled and selfish adults, who accomplish little in their lives. Without adulation from others there is no incentive for them to accomplish a task all on their own without notice from others. They often do not develop personalities unique to themselves, often they mimic others and think less for themselves.
There is far greater value in fostering the individual personality God gave us. The ability to think for oneself, affords many adventures that are not possible when one follows the crowd.
Impressing others has little value, it doesn't bring much in terms of self gratification except for the few moments of glory from others. Satisfaction in doing a job well for the Lord brings deeper and longer lasting joy.
Colossians 3:23 "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
Psalm 90:17 "17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands."
Proverbs 12:11 "11 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."
Fantasies are of no value at all in a believers life, they distract and can be fulfilling only as long as we engage in them. Our minds must continually fabricate new fantasies to keep the excitement alive.
Fantasies are the wind, but hard work and diligence is the substance through which real purpose is derived and long lasting effects. The more one engages in fantasy the lazier they become.
Proverbs 13:4 "4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Bottom line: Those whose focus is self are less happy and more unfulfilled, however, those who are less self focused and whose mind is stayed on God, enjoy lasting and permanent joy.
John 15:11 ""These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
Colossians 3:24 "24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
These people cannot seem to function without continual praise and attention. Because they are so used to a preoccupation with self and the applause of those around them, they find it impossible to function alone without recognition.
Those who have been encouraged to operate without acknowledgment on a regular basis are more focused on the tasks than the praise for the task. They are more productive because they are not preoccupied with whether or not someone is watching them.
Those who can operate on their own enjoying their work for it's own sake are happier and more fulfilled than entitled people.
Also, I have noticed that indulged children turn into entitled and selfish adults, who accomplish little in their lives. Without adulation from others there is no incentive for them to accomplish a task all on their own without notice from others. They often do not develop personalities unique to themselves, often they mimic others and think less for themselves.
There is far greater value in fostering the individual personality God gave us. The ability to think for oneself, affords many adventures that are not possible when one follows the crowd.
Impressing others has little value, it doesn't bring much in terms of self gratification except for the few moments of glory from others. Satisfaction in doing a job well for the Lord brings deeper and longer lasting joy.
Colossians 3:23 "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
Psalm 90:17 "17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands."
Proverbs 12:11 "11 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."
Fantasies are of no value at all in a believers life, they distract and can be fulfilling only as long as we engage in them. Our minds must continually fabricate new fantasies to keep the excitement alive.
Fantasies are the wind, but hard work and diligence is the substance through which real purpose is derived and long lasting effects. The more one engages in fantasy the lazier they become.
Proverbs 13:4 "4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Bottom line: Those whose focus is self are less happy and more unfulfilled, however, those who are less self focused and whose mind is stayed on God, enjoy lasting and permanent joy.
John 15:11 ""These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
Colossians 3:24 "24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
The Reward Comes Later
Two narcissists once told me they didn't respect me, even though they never gave any reasons for their contempt. I believe it's because they think withholding respect is the worst thing that can happen to them, so they do it to others to hurt them the most they can.
It saddens me that so many are cranky and mean, expecting others to prop them up with praise and validation, when this does not happen they become angry and vengeful.
When we are secure in Christ we have no need of continual praise or adulation. Our worth is not based on controlling others or our appearances, it is based on our relationship with Christ.
The self esteem teaching in our generation has destroyed relationships and families. Individualism is not the way of Christ, it is a ploy of the devil to ruin mankind.
When we accomplish things together, everyone having their job and gift, no one needs to be special or better than anyone else. We may award those who do good jobs, but we do not treat others with less respect because they do not measure up to others.
We don't all need a prize, we can wait until heaven to be rewarded for those things we did in obedience to the Lord.
Matthew 6:1 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven."
It saddens me that so many are cranky and mean, expecting others to prop them up with praise and validation, when this does not happen they become angry and vengeful.
When we are secure in Christ we have no need of continual praise or adulation. Our worth is not based on controlling others or our appearances, it is based on our relationship with Christ.
The self esteem teaching in our generation has destroyed relationships and families. Individualism is not the way of Christ, it is a ploy of the devil to ruin mankind.
When we accomplish things together, everyone having their job and gift, no one needs to be special or better than anyone else. We may award those who do good jobs, but we do not treat others with less respect because they do not measure up to others.
We don't all need a prize, we can wait until heaven to be rewarded for those things we did in obedience to the Lord.
Matthew 6:1 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven."
Wait for the Prize
Two narcissists told me they don't respect me, even though they never gave any reasons for their contempt. I believe it's because they think withholding respect is the worst thing that can happen to them, so they do it to others to hurt them the most they can.
It saddens me that so many are cranky and mean, expecting others to prop them up with praise and validation, when this does not happen they become angry and vengeful.
When we are secure in Christ we have no need of continual praise or adulation. Our worth is not based on controlling others or our appearances, it is based on our relationships with Christ.
The self esteem teaching in our generation has destroyed relationships and families. Individualism is not the way of Christ, it is a ploy of the devil to ruin mankind.
When we accomplish things together, everyone having their job and gift, no one needs to be special or better than anyone else. We may award those who do good jobs, but we not treat others with less respect because they do not measure up to others.
We don't all need a prize, we can wait until heaven to be rewarded for those things we did in obedience to the Lord.
Matthew 6:1 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven."
It saddens me that so many are cranky and mean, expecting others to prop them up with praise and validation, when this does not happen they become angry and vengeful.
When we are secure in Christ we have no need of continual praise or adulation. Our worth is not based on controlling others or our appearances, it is based on our relationships with Christ.
The self esteem teaching in our generation has destroyed relationships and families. Individualism is not the way of Christ, it is a ploy of the devil to ruin mankind.
When we accomplish things together, everyone having their job and gift, no one needs to be special or better than anyone else. We may award those who do good jobs, but we not treat others with less respect because they do not measure up to others.
We don't all need a prize, we can wait until heaven to be rewarded for those things we did in obedience to the Lord.
Matthew 6:1 "6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven."
We Were Changed Forever
Once we have been changed into a new creation by Christ we do not walk away. The smallest sin keeps a person out of heaven, so our sinfulness had to be covered in the blood of the Perfect Lamb.
We are not sinless after we are born again, our bodies are still sinful, we fail, the reason we know we do is because God told believers this:
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
He also told us that He disciplines His children, why discipline, because we sin.
Hebrews 12:5-7 6 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…
Sin does not lose us our salvation anymore than good works gains us salvation. It's all about what Christ did on that cross.
Matthew 26:28
"For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
That saying that Christ never leaves us but we can walk away is nonsense. When Christ changes us we stay changed.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
We are not sinless after we are born again, our bodies are still sinful, we fail, the reason we know we do is because God told believers this:
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
He also told us that He disciplines His children, why discipline, because we sin.
Hebrews 12:5-7 6 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…
Sin does not lose us our salvation anymore than good works gains us salvation. It's all about what Christ did on that cross.
Matthew 26:28
"For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
That saying that Christ never leaves us but we can walk away is nonsense. When Christ changes us we stay changed.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
Human Effort Does Not Save
Our free will is for salvation, then Christ gives us what we want and that is to be changed into a new creation by Him.
His blood had to be shed to save us, our works to keep salvation could never measure up to that, since God called them filthy rags to begin with.
The words "filthy rags" has to do with the woman's menstrual cycle. Human blood or effort is worth nothing in the covering of sin.
God equates our human works to the filthy blood of a woman's cycle, it is only Christ's blood that could cover sin.
His blood had to be shed to save us, our works to keep salvation could never measure up to that, since God called them filthy rags to begin with.
The words "filthy rags" has to do with the woman's menstrual cycle. Human blood or effort is worth nothing in the covering of sin.
God equates our human works to the filthy blood of a woman's cycle, it is only Christ's blood that could cover sin.
The Bible Has the Answers
I once sat in a church gathering many years ago when I was a baby Christian and my husband was newly saved.
The preacher held the Bible above his head and said these words;
"The answers to all of life's problems are not in this book and the answers to all of life's problems are not Jesus Christ."
There had been an argument about the use of psychology in the church, he was answering that charge with his answer.
This foolish man was saying that man can know better than God about the answers to life.
We walked away from that church and never returned. Even as new believers we know that was heresy.
So many preachers are not saying what that preacher said, but they are living as though they believe it.
When someone negates the truth of the Bible, as well as explains away it's passages so as to promote disobedience against it, then they might as well have said the words; "I don't believe the Bible."
It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us, He is our guide not human wisdom.
John 16:13 "However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak from Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come."
1 John 2:27 "27 And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Psalm 119:1-5 "Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path."
James 1:22 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever."
Luke 11:28 "But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Matthew 7:24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Psalm 18:30 "This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him."
The preacher held the Bible above his head and said these words;
"The answers to all of life's problems are not in this book and the answers to all of life's problems are not Jesus Christ."
There had been an argument about the use of psychology in the church, he was answering that charge with his answer.
This foolish man was saying that man can know better than God about the answers to life.
We walked away from that church and never returned. Even as new believers we know that was heresy.
So many preachers are not saying what that preacher said, but they are living as though they believe it.
When someone negates the truth of the Bible, as well as explains away it's passages so as to promote disobedience against it, then they might as well have said the words; "I don't believe the Bible."
It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us, He is our guide not human wisdom.
John 16:13 "However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak from Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come."
1 John 2:27 "27 And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Psalm 119:1-5 "Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path."
James 1:22 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever."
Luke 11:28 "But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Matthew 7:24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Psalm 18:30 "This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him."
It May Not Be An Attack
Often when we feel hurt by someone's truth to us, it feels like an attack when it was not at all. I have said things in the mildest terms sometimes to people but they interpret the exchange as mean spirited when they feel bad about it.
Sometimes they interpret how I said it in terms of their own way of communicating. They see an attack because they would have been attacking if they had corrected someone.
I was once chastised by an older woman when I was very young. I thought I would die of embarrassment, but when I thought about it, she was right, I made a change and realized she didn't say it in a mean or harsh way, it was my reaction to it that led me to think so.
I noticed too in my own life, that the more mature I become in the Lord the less I see correction as an attack. I see it now as a challenge to go and find the truth or to explain what I already know.
Sometimes they interpret how I said it in terms of their own way of communicating. They see an attack because they would have been attacking if they had corrected someone.
I was once chastised by an older woman when I was very young. I thought I would die of embarrassment, but when I thought about it, she was right, I made a change and realized she didn't say it in a mean or harsh way, it was my reaction to it that led me to think so.
I noticed too in my own life, that the more mature I become in the Lord the less I see correction as an attack. I see it now as a challenge to go and find the truth or to explain what I already know.
What Are We Whining About?
The Jews were slaves for 400 years before God did miracles and led them out.
They were in the wilderness for 40 years before God did miracles and led them out and their sandals didn't even wear out, they didn't have to hunt for food while all their other needs were taken care of.
So what are we whining about?
They were in the wilderness for 40 years before God did miracles and led them out and their sandals didn't even wear out, they didn't have to hunt for food while all their other needs were taken care of.
So what are we whining about?
Born Again Believer Remain on the Path
We cannot leave the narrow path once we are born again. We can stagnate and even regress in our walk but we cannot lose that salvation that was paid for so dearly with the blood of the Most Holy One, Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 3:14-15 "…14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one being snatched from the fire. 16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…"
And, if we choose to disobey God as one of His children, then He will be sure to discipline us to return to obedience.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
If there is someone you know who believes hardship is a sign that God is not with you, please remind them of this passage:
Hebrews 12:7-8 "…7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
Recap:
If we are born again we will be disciplined, given challenges to grow us and our walk with Christ.
If we falter in sin, Christ in us will spank us to bring us back to obedience.
Those who are not in sin and dealing with hardship are being trained to be more dependent on Christ in them. Every child of God WILL experience difficulties, either for sin to return to obedience or because they are walking closely with Him and are being refined. After the refining is a place of abundance, but not that of this world, an abundance of spiritual and eternal blessing.
Malachi 3:3 "3"He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness."
Isaiah 1:25
"I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye And will remove all your alloy."
Psalm 66:10-12
"For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance."
Ephesians 1:2-3 "2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms."
1 Corinthians 3:14-15 "…14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as one being snatched from the fire. 16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…"
And, if we choose to disobey God as one of His children, then He will be sure to discipline us to return to obedience.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
If there is someone you know who believes hardship is a sign that God is not with you, please remind them of this passage:
Hebrews 12:7-8 "…7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
Recap:
If we are born again we will be disciplined, given challenges to grow us and our walk with Christ.
If we falter in sin, Christ in us will spank us to bring us back to obedience.
Those who are not in sin and dealing with hardship are being trained to be more dependent on Christ in them. Every child of God WILL experience difficulties, either for sin to return to obedience or because they are walking closely with Him and are being refined. After the refining is a place of abundance, but not that of this world, an abundance of spiritual and eternal blessing.
Malachi 3:3 "3"He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness."
Isaiah 1:25
"I will also turn My hand against you, And will smelt away your dross as with lye And will remove all your alloy."
Psalm 66:10-12
"For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance."
Ephesians 1:2-3 "2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms."
The Symbol of Submission to God
Most women have abandoned the practice of the head covering because they have been told by Bible school and seminary grads that it was "for back then" and that "it was the hair." Both of which are not true.
Paul spent an entire chapter explaining the need for the covering for women in 1 Corinthians 11, but not only that the lack of covering for men. SO....why does our culture still have the men uncovered but do not adhere to the command for the women to be covered?
Paul made it clear in the Word that there was no such custom of being contentious about the covering, all the churches were doing it.
The words of the Bible have been twisted in a time when Christian women will talk of being submissive to their husbands and very proud of it, but are not submitted to God. Their husbands are telling them they "don't have to wear it", so rather than go with God these women are treating their husbands as authorities over God.
Acts 5:29
"29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."
When our husbands do not obey God, we are to obey God anyway.
Almost all other countries of the world where there are believers, the women wear a covering during the worship and prayer. What is different about America? The difference is that America is more concerned about fitting into the culture than they are about obeying Christ.
I notice that the one garment that is representative of submission is the one that has been demeaned, mocked and excluded from American thinking. Perhaps that is a sign of the rebellion of our nation.
Paul spent an entire chapter explaining the need for the covering for women in 1 Corinthians 11, but not only that the lack of covering for men. SO....why does our culture still have the men uncovered but do not adhere to the command for the women to be covered?
Paul made it clear in the Word that there was no such custom of being contentious about the covering, all the churches were doing it.
The words of the Bible have been twisted in a time when Christian women will talk of being submissive to their husbands and very proud of it, but are not submitted to God. Their husbands are telling them they "don't have to wear it", so rather than go with God these women are treating their husbands as authorities over God.
Acts 5:29
"29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."
When our husbands do not obey God, we are to obey God anyway.
Almost all other countries of the world where there are believers, the women wear a covering during the worship and prayer. What is different about America? The difference is that America is more concerned about fitting into the culture than they are about obeying Christ.
I notice that the one garment that is representative of submission is the one that has been demeaned, mocked and excluded from American thinking. Perhaps that is a sign of the rebellion of our nation.
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