In this process of sanctification, sometimes our motivations have to be selfish...before...they can be Christ-like. Example: my initial reason for studying The Word of God was simply to obtain Freedom from addiction. There was no intent of ministry or, to be completely honest, of even Following Him. My reasoning now...IS...to Follow Him, to become more like Him and to be of Greater use to Him. With that in mind, lets look at a Biblical concept that is difficult, and at times, dang near impossible...Praying for our enemies and Loving those who dont, wont or cant Love us back.(Mt 5:43-48). I know how to hate. If they gave out degrees in revenge and retaliation, Id have a PHD. I was always of the mindset that if you hit me, Bueno pues. I hit you harder, faster and more frequently! It was my intent to make you physically ill at the sound of my name, and that in doing so I proved I was the stronger one. However, in Following Christ, Ive learned the exact opposite to be True. It takes absolutely no strength, no courage, no discipline, no effort, or even any thought, really, to hate. Its almost an instinct...a natural reaction. Love...Love on the other hand, well THAT takes Strength. THAT takes Courage. THAT takes Discipline. THAT takes effort. THAT takes thought. THAT....is NOT in my nature. So how do we display a Christ-like Love to those whom wed rather just punch in the throat? We get selfish about it. If we cannot muster up a sincere Prayer, or an act of Love, motivated, simply, by The Love of Christ within us, why then, we Pray for them and Love them so that we do not...become...them. The more we fake it till we make it, the more well actually begin to make it.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 16:29:58 +0000