Have you ever had the moment in life in which you have over reacted and later come to realize it? That is pretty frustrating isn’t it? I have one such moment here recently in which I made a snap decision on something only to realize that it is possible some of the facts are being portrayed incorrectly. What makes it is even more frustrating to me is the fact I just recently taught about that sort of moment. I often wonder do any other preachers or teachers have that happen, oh well, it doesn’t really matter. Many times what happens is we will try to encourage each other as Christians (encouragement is good) with a phrase something to the effect of, “we are all human” or my favorite, “Paul talked about the same thing in Romans 7 when he said ‘what I should do I shouldn’t, and what I should do, I don’t do’.” When I hear that I often think about the fundamental difference between Paul and most other Christians. In Romans 7 Paul wasn’t trying to justify his sinful actions, in fact in Romans 7:24 Paul calls himself a “wretched man” and asks the question “who can deliver me from this?” Paul wasn’t justifying his actions whereas most of the time that is exactly what we as Christians are trying to do. I am so grateful that I have a godly wife. I cannot even begin to tell all the ways she is a blessing to me and the children. A simple reminder of “God is in control”, “God knew this was going to happen before it happened”, or “regardless of circumstances and situations we must demonstrate Christ to the world” goes a long way. Then a little time to sit back, pray, and ask God for His perspective goes a long way. And then that light bulb moment in which “I was wrong” regardless of the situation, I was wrong because of how I reacted. I think I could probably write on this particular topic week after week, because that is how often it feels as though I need to be reminded of it. I want to share a verse that helps me (now if I could just remember it before the moment). James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” We may be justified in being upset and frustrated with a situation, but reacting in frustration will never win a person to Christ, and at the end of the day that is what matters. Dear Christians, may we all remember that the world is watching us and we are either influencing them for Christ or influencing them away from Him. We need to “turn the other cheek” not because it is the easy thing to do, but because “a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
By His grace and through His strength may we live for and represent Him!