DUCK—don’t get hit! The enemy will use people to throw a bunch of insults, lies, innuendoes, and other offenses hoping at least one will stick. He doesn’t care what’s thrown at us, as long as something—sticks. The ones that stick will probably cause some sort of retaliation, or feelings of hopelessness. Perfect for his evil agenda.
- If you are hot-tempered, he’ll get a flame thrower to set you on fire.
- If you have a guilt-complex, he’ll get a faultfinder to throw accusations.
- If you are overly sensitive, he’ll get a critic to throw criticisms left and right.
Sidestep and keep on going.
Mature Christian can spot the spirit that is controlling these ill-willed throwers. Instead of thinking of ways to strike back at people, these die-hards think: What is the devil up to now? Does he want me to fly off the handle so I’ll lose my job? Is he trying to break-up my marriage? Is he trying to draw a wedge between my children? Does he want me to leave the church? Does he want to me slap that joker upside the head?
What is the enemy really after?
There’s more at stake than getting our feelings hurt when we are offended. We have to look at the bigger picture because we can dodge what’s being thrown.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b NIV)
We have to weigh the offense against what we could lose if the situation isn’t handled according to the way God would want it handled. This is when our faith is tested to see if we believe what we profess as Christians.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
We don’t have control over another person’s actions towards us. However, we do have control over our reactions towards them.
The next time you are thrown an offense—
Be a nonstick surface!
© 2018
See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.