As I was cleaning the kitchen this morning, I felt a very strong tug on my heart to write this blogpost. I didn't want to, as it may offend or be hard for some to hear. However, it is never the easy things in life that help us grow and raise above. I want to be very clear, this is not a rant session. I want to be challenged and sharpened and if you do too, continue to read. It is not my heart to condemn anyone, but instead call us to a higher standard and speak truth into our minds through the power of Jesus Christ. We need to see above all that is around us.
Yes, I know all about Target and their bathroom/changing room policy change. Yes, I know about countless young, young girls being sold for sex RIGHT IN AMERICA! Yes, I know about the drama of the election coming up. The list can go on and on. As Christians we are definitely not called to bury our heads in the sand on these issues, yet we also aren't called to let our emotions get the best of us and then lash out, posting our opinion all over the internet while we still do nothing except debate over social media. I keep asking myself truly, what would Jesus do in these situations if He were still on this earth? I got frustrated trying to think it through and come to an answer. Then the Lord spoke to my heart. Here is what He said...
Don't let this world and the brokenness of it pull you down and get you focused on the sadness, frustration, ridiculousness and so on. Your emotions can lead you to a place you do not want to be and can take your eyes off what truly matters. You then forget that I love EVERYONE, even those making the decisions you don't like. You are called to love them. Speak up for justice sure, but love them. It is a tricky balance and you will not understand how to do this apart from Me. You need to be spending more time with Me to be able to accomplish this. When you state your opinion over and over, most of the time your emotions rise with it. Don't be swayed by these emotions. Surrender your thoughts and emotions to Me first, then ask Me how to walk forward. This will not always be easy because it requires you rely more on Me and less on yourself. People will make their own decisions regardless of how you feel, but your reaction in your emotions will also speak louder to them as they make further decisions. Stop posting and start praying. Let me give you insight which you haven't had and see the hope in these situations. (2 Timothy 2:7... I will give you understanding in everything.) You can only get wrapped up in Me or the world, never both. With me there will understanding, hope, love, freedom, and wisdom; with the world there will be frustration, anger, bitterness, hopelessness and foolishness. You cannot stop these things from happening (2 Timothy 3), but you can change your own outlook and bring hope and change. You need to "avoid worldly and empty chatter, as it will lead to further ungodliness (anger, bitterness, hatred)" (2 Timothy 2:16). This then will lead you to harden your heart to a world who is in desperate need of My love and truth. Don't let Satan sway you by grabbing ahold of your emotions and taking you for a spin. Now that you are aware, come to Me and I will help you. You can do this. You can change the world, on your knees. -God
There it is, a call to a higher standard. Guard your mind and heart today. Focus on the truth of who God still is. Ask Him what it is He wants you to do, and do it. If He is calling you to speak up, speak up. If He is calling you to close your mouth and pray, close your mouth and pray. If He is calling you to bring justice, bring justice. The catch is though, 'if He' in these statements. We need to be in tune with Him like never before so that we do not turn people away from His love, but draw them to Himself because He loves ALL PEOPLE, as should we. Believe me, I am just as challenged by His words as you are. No fingers pointed at anyone, just speaking the truth of Jesus in love and praying for His power to manifest stronger in me that I may do all that He is calling me to do and may you do the same whether regarding human trafficking, the election, suicide, abortion, or the Target drama.
So, in short...
Seek Him (pray)
Surrender (give your emotions to Him, all of them)
Speak up or Stay Silent (do what He is telling you to do)
Serve Him (love those around you, all around you)
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