Peace Stealers

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:30 NLT)

This post comes on the heels of another attempt by the enemy to get me off track doing things that are not mine to do at this time. 

How did I know it was an attempt to sidetrack me? My burden became heavy and my peace was gradually stolen. The enemy is truly trying to derail us from our missions in life. 

How does the enemy sidetrack us? He uses lies, exaggeration, self-entitlement, self-promotion, false identities, dysfunctional relationships, insecurities, and the list goes on and on. In summation, he uses deception, as he is the father of lies. 

Peace does not mean lack of discomfort or difficulty. Peace comes from knowing exactly what The Lord has made us to do  in general and in season. 

Practical indicators of your peace being stolen: agitation, frustration, strife, making things happen on your own accord, forcing yourself into things, lack of patience, prematurely attempting to persuade others, and so on. 

Can you think of anything that may be stealing your peace?

Jay

The Performance Trap

Have you ever noticed that many Christians are still attempting to earn God's grace? The head-knowledge isn't moving/being realized in the heart: "I know God saved me through His Son, but I keep trying to seek approval, affirmation, fulfillment by proving that I'm good/worthy of being saved."

Objectively observed, this behavior communicates some deficiencies in us knowing our worth/value/position/standing (Identity in Christ). You can easily identify them, because they are identifying with a false identity, and that shows up in so many ways: striving to always have to do more, always have to be perfect, always need man's approval, exhausted, stretched-thin, irritable, jockeying for positional leadership, et al.

Read the first chapter of Ephesians. Know that this chapter defines your identity. Pray that the true identity gets realized in your heart.

I have personally struggled with this one.

I highly recommend that you purchase the book listed below, as it is a game-changer. Dispels lies that create false identities and helps get you on the track to your true identity. You won't be disappointed.

Freedom From The Performance Trip
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0896939863/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360960914&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Cease Fire

His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! (Psalms 55:21 NLT)

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NLT)

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (Ephesians 4:3 NLT)

Enough said.

Jay

Humble Thyself

The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11, 12 NLT)

The proud will insist on their understanding, ways, views, dogma, to the point of hurting/destroying a relationship.

The humble will bring peace, healing, reconciliation with them wherever they go. The focus is not being "right", but being in union/harmony/love above all else.

May we ask for humility every day we wake up.

Jay

Nurturer

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. (Psalms 144:12 NLT)

May we constantly remind ourselves to nurture our children/family/friends.

Word,
Jay

Reconciler

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT)

Obviously, God in/through Jesus reconciled with us. I believe reconciliation is a most vital/paramount biblical principle that Christians need to value/practice (Spirit of Reconciliation).

(Jesus speaking): So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. (Matthew 5:23, 24 NLT)

A Reconciler has the following attributes: peace-making, forgiving, gracious, confessing, patient, repenting, and keeps no record of wrongs. There are more, but you get the picture.

With all that is in me, do I reconcile with anyone/everyone where a beef/problem exists?

Do I hide behind a wall of pride that insists that I'm right and THEY should be initiating the reconciliation?

Am I so prideful that I can't
/won't admit I've wronged someone and ask for their forgiveness?

Do I hold a grudge that I won't let go of, so that I won't forgive?

Am I willing to lose peace/harmony/family/friends/coworkers because of my pride?

"I'm afraid that if I reconcile and/or forgive , that the wrong will be swept under the rug and all things will become falsely good again."

Are you a Reconciler or a Divider?

Let's discuss this.


P.S. Though I've presented this in a black and white manner, I completely understand how extenuating circumstances don't always allow for a mutual reconciliation and/or even a way to approach certain people.

Jay

It's been awhile.

Feels good to be writing again. I got swept up in a tornado that put me out of town a lot. Looks like I'll be local for awhile and am already enjoying the rest.

I look forward to interacting with you. If you have any topics you'd like to discuss, please feel free to ask me.

Word,
Jay