Jesus calls us to love the unloved and the unlovable. It's definitely easier to love the unloved than the unlovable don't you think? The unlovable? Those who are proud. Loud. Arrogant. Prideful. Opinionated. Loving them? Now that is hard!
When someone is arrogant? Knows it all? Well, you can not tell them anything they don't think they already know. The pride barometer is through the roof. There is not a two way street. Usually a one way highway with their words barreling straight towards you.
We can find passages all throughout scripture warning us of the detriment of a haute spirit. Solomon tells us in Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall". Most of know this. We've experienced it. Arguing with one of our teenagers. A heated discussion about politics. Many times when we are arguing it is more about a battle of the will than the actual issue. Pride becomes the factor as the arguer usually will not back down, even in the wrong, just to be able to say they are right.
In this day and age of social media, politics, and 24 hour news we can't seem to escape the mudslinging. Whether it's on facebook, twitter, XM radio, or the television. Christians are persecuting other Christians with their words. Politicians are crucifying each other for the spotlight. Nations are waging wars on nations. Everyone has something to say about something. All of the time. The noise never stops. We quite simply have become an arrogant people.
Our bible study is doing an amazing David Jeremiah study this semester. One of the things we are looking at is darkness and light. Although elementary it is profound. Wherever there is darkness if there is light it will penetrate every time. Our world is dark. But I believe the light will eventually be the only thing you will see.
I love how the Lord is silent now. In the darkness. He is letting us battle it out here on earth. He's allowing the hurtful words, the misguided opinions, the greed, the arrogance, the gluttony. And yet we are called to do one thing. Let Him fight our battles for us. Love the unlovable. Period.
I love the beach this time of year. Actually I crave it. The crashing of the waves. The seagulls overhead. The sunshine twinkling like diamonds on the ocean. The dead calm winter quiet. I can hear myself think.
I think many of us crave this serenity because He calls all of us to it.
He wants us to reflect not react. Be still. Rest in Him. When we choose not to respond our light brings forth the darkness for all the world to see. We don't have to do anything. Just be still.
He wants us to reflect not react. Be still. Rest in Him. When we choose not to respond our light brings forth the darkness for all the world to see. We don't have to do anything. Just be still.
“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”-Exodus 14:14
