Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Putting Away Childish Things

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. (1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT)

We don't like to think that we think/behave like children as adults. We're always telling people to grow up and if you're a Christian, the meaning of "grow up" is drastically different.

To the world, they think they're grown up by aging and being "successful" in life. They also think that behaving like an adult requires no showing of emotion or weakness.

Here's what "growing up" means to Christians (in no certain order):
1. Humility
2. Pursuit of Wisdom (seek, receive, and live)
3. Know God intimately
4. Addressing and putting away (always room for grace) things like: jealousy, comparisons, covetous, pride, envy, hatred, grudges, vindictiveness, rage, fear, worry, etc.......

It's not easy to grow up the Christian way, but it's the only way to deeper levels of understanding and freedom.

JayBird

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Peace and Dissociation

I have spent the last 6 months pondering if a person can accurately identify the difference between peace and dissociation--given that the mind protects itself from traumatic/hurting/stressful events by dissociating (the splitting off of a group of mental processes from the main body of consciousness).

If any reality be perceived as "too much to handle," a checking/zoning-out occurs. At the core we know it exists, but will place the reality/truth into a compartment/box that is placed out of sight and acknowledgement.

After awhile of denial-produced "peace," we start to receive insights that kindly remind us of reality/truth that needs addressing. At this point, as free humans with free will, must be responsible for an area of hurt that needs Jesus' healing.

By no means is blank staring, zoning-out, denial, apathy, complacency, or any other faux form of ignoring the truth , going to heal the hurt on its own with time. Time is not our friend when spiritual infection has begun.

This question crossed my mind several times during this process: "Are you claiming peace when you're simply checked-out?"

Ever feel numb and void of creative thoughts/ideas? For that matter, ever feel so apathetic that you feel you may have lost your ability to care/give a damn?

I'm currently addressing any area/reality that I want to avoid and/or any behavior that stinks of dismissive judgement on others.

Your thoughts or questions are welcome.

Jay