Using people for what we want
Many of us stand accused of disregarding family and friends who stood by our side during times of need. After being consoled and invigorated back to life, we toss them away like a used rag; they become after thoughts.
I have a friend who had a heart wrenching experience so tragic life became unbearable he was unable to sleep, eat, or desired to live. The storm had his mind rambling and speaking confused statements of life; in short trying to make sense of a bad situation. I became a soundboard, the voice of reason; someone he could confide in during the darkest hours of the night.
In our personal lives, we groan and cry out woe is me, the storm is too strong the night too dark and the pain is unbearable. Where are you Lord? I don’t feel your presence, weeping has been endured for more than a night and morning seems like it will never come. Nevertheless, when sunny days finally arrive, God now becomes an after thought.
After Thought - feeling good
Today, my friend’s turmoil has ended, life is back to normal. He has moved out of state, frequently visits home and enjoying life. On occasion he calls, typically when departing home. I’ve become the person who keeps him awake during a long journey. In spite of his happy ending I have become the after thought.
Question 1: how does one deal with this situation? Do I allow the flesh to curse and loose a friend? Or do I confront my friend and forgive him?
Question 2: Do I stop helping people because in the end I will be hurt or does one continue being the voice of reason by providing words of encouragement to others in pain?
Question 3: Reflecting back over your life, have you treated Christ or friends as after thoughts? Only calling when needed or do you reach out to Christ and friends during all times thanking them for being in your life?
So, what is the closing statement? What should I do, loose or regain a friend? Call on Christ when needed or all times? I’m seeking advice from you! Let me know your thoughts.
Tigner
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Very good question however I just though will sahre this devotion from Pastor Joseph Prince with you.
ReplyDeleteLeviticus 2:11
"No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord made by fire."
Imagine yourself walking past the prodigal son sitting in the pigpen. (Luke 15:11–24) You look at him and see him salivating for the pigs’ food. Believing that it is good to show kindness, you give him money to buy food for himself.
That is human kindness which says, “I am a Christian. I should be kind, good and forgiving.” Such human sweetness or kindness may be likened to honey. Interestingly, while we elevate it, God tells His people not to bring Him a grain offering with honey in it.
The grain offering speaks of Jesus’ life on earth. Not mixing honey in the grain offering speaks of how the compassion and goodness we see in Jesus during His earthly ministry were all divine. There was no “honey” of human goodness that is tainted with human weakness.
In retrospect, the worst thing one could do for the prodigal son was to give him money when he was in the pigpen. Not only would he not have gone home, but what the Lord was doing in his heart would also have been spoiled. This is what happens when we go by the goodness of our human hearts instead of the goodness of God in our hearts, which is directed by His love, wisdom and perfect timing.
My friend, God does not want you to be moved by what you see but by His Spirit. There were many needy folks surrounding Jesus during His time on earth. But He did not heal every sick person around Him, feed every hungry stomach he passed or raise all who were dead. Isaiah 11:2–3 tells us that the Lord was not moved by what He saw or heard. He was moved only by the Spirit.
You too have the Spirit in you. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Be moved by Him. Follow the peace that He puts within your spirit to do or refrain from doing something. That peace is the peace of God. Acting on that peace will cause God to be exalted, and His divine goodness and kindness to really be a blessing to you and others!
My thought on this is, we should always recognise that fact that it is the spirit of God will grants ut the strength to will and to do what we do for our friends, family and even the strangers we meet in our daily journey's. Once we are clear on that, we will not be offended when friends tose us aside when the going gets good for something or someone better. Remember, we do this to Jesus everyday ourselves in various subtle ways without knowing because we are after all human but for His grace and for the cross we are made righteous through Christ Jesus. You should just be Jesus to this friend and let the Spirit of God fill your heart with His unconditional love, mercy and compassion just as Christ has been for you especially during the times you tossed Him aside for greener pastures else where.
You are blessed my brother,
Shalom!!!