Can any of you relate to this?
When I'm presented with an idea from somebody I can't stand, I will do everything possible to not do that thing. The thought could be as logical as "I think the room is on fire and filling with poisonous snakes. We should run!" and I will think "It's not that hot. I think the snakes are harmless. I think I'm going to lay down and take a nap."
All because the person giving me the suggestion rubs me the wrong way or has been an absolute tool bag to me in the past.
The problem with that line of thinking is that I often find myself with 3rd degree burns and bloated with snake venom because of my stubbornness. I dismiss the logic and truth of the idea for the sake of not giving in to the person.
So much of this is birthed out of that nasty word called pride. Pride that says my ideas are the only logical ones. Pride that tells me if I take his or her idea it will only make them more of a tool. Pride that keeps me from learning through someone else and pride that causes me to be less of the person Christ wants me to be.
I see so many Christians and Non-Christians alike fight the teachings of Jesus because deep down they like the Jesus that sits on their dashboard or the tattoo they have on their arm more than actually following what He taught. I've said it before but I liken their relationship with Jesus to that of the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. Great to read about and do holidays with, but don't come near my wallet, my social life, or my sin because that just crosses the line.
There is a saying in athletics that goes, "Don't hate the player, hate the game." In all honesty this phrase should not be said by white people, but all too often we are the only ones that say it. When we pull this line out in conversation it just seems out of place like a World Series Trophy in a Cubs front office. Yep...I went there.
However, if we apply this to our spiritual lives we should really follow that logic. We shouldn't hate the player or in this case the one bringing the message, we should hate the game. The game of this world filled with sin, lies, and destruction whose head coach is none other than Satan himself.
But you and I like to hate the player and not the game. We will dismiss the messenger so we don't have to stop doing what we are doing, being who we are, or pursuing what we are pursuing. And this time the phrase sounds ridiculous said by all colors of the rainbow.
The solution to this dilemma is found through only One means. It is the solution of submission. Submission to the reality that God is God, I am not, and I need to follow His ways of living not mine.
I know that in my life when I submit to what Jesus has calls me to do, I always find out His way was best. I also know that when I put my head down and dismiss the message because of the messenger I end up face down in a pile of my own mess that I created.
So as I type this I have a huge messenger issue in my life that I need to deal with, but only by the Grace of God will I soften my heart. I hope you too will take a step back from your life and see where you have hated the player instead of the game and start to submit to Christ's will for you life.
It will never let you down.
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