Dragons

created with Ai

Have you ever noticed that conflict shines a bright light on the dark corners of your soul? Gulp. My reaction to that person just showed what’s lurking in the shadows of my heart. Scary. I was hoping I had made more progress in my character than that. Yikes! That ugliness jumped right up as soon as my territory was challenged. Who was she to question what I had worked hard on? Uh, oh. Time to examine myself. And while I’m at it, it’s time to consider what Jesus wants in this situation. And, yep, it’s time to see what Satan wants because once we know his scheme, it’s easier to fight it.
What I want
I want ‘me’ to be looked after. I found that my human nature is selfishly focused. “I, me, mine,” was heard waaay too often in my brain.

created with Ai

I want to be right. I want to defend myself. “I did it according to the rules. I have training. I got a consensus. I have experience. I … I …I” Pride is the enemy of love.
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” Proverbs 13:10

I want to look good, that is, I want to be admired. Ouch. I thought I outgrew that one. I don’t want to be wrong because others will think less of me.

I want to control. Oh, dear, that ancient malady since Eve! I want to determine the outcome. I have a better idea, so I will convince or manipulate until I get it.
“Then he [God] said to the woman,
“I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy,
and in pain you will give birth.
And you will desire to control your husband…”. Genesis 3:16

What Satan wants
Satan wants Division– he hates unity because we’re effective when we’re united. He wants to splinter, isolate, and encourage bitterness. He doesn’t want us to have each other’s backs. He knows when we’re separated from others, we’re an easy target just as lions prey on the ones separated from the herd.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

created with Ai

Satan wants Distraction– he doesn’t want us focused on the important matters of caring for others. Instead, he wants us focused on ourselves. If I’m playing a tape in my head of what I should say to ‘put her in her place’, then I’m not thinking of who needs a phone call to let them know they matter to me. And I’m not following Jesus’s example.
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted …. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” Peter remembering Jesus’ responses in1 Peter 2:3

Satan wants Distress – He wants our attention diverted to our hurt feelings, replaying how wrong they were. He wants us in the corner, licking our wounds.
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Jesus in John 10:10

Satan wants Discouragement– “Well, if that’s the way it’s going to be, count me out. I give up.” This is exactly what Satan delights in! He wants to take us out of the game. He doesn’t want us to contribute to the well-being of others. He wants us to be beat down and alone.

What Jesus wants
Jesus wants Love– what does the other person need in this situation? Do they need to feel valued? Do they need to be included? Do they need to learn to work respectfully with others? They are God’s child just like me, someone Jesus died for and valued by him. They are on a faith journey just like me.
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Jesus in John 15:12

created with Ai

Jesus wants Humility– he wants me to be willing to learn, willing to see the other person’s viewpoint, willing to defer, willing to relinquish, willing to serve, willing to be in the background.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8

Jesus wants Grace– he wants me to give them the benefit of the doubt, and treat them like I want to be treated
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Jesus in Matthew 7:12

created with Ai

Jesus wants Unity– he wants me to value peace so much that I overlook their annoying traits and desire their best. He wants me to lean into the sweet relationships he has given me, gaining strength and perspective from those who love me.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

So, I can choose.  I can be self-centered and play into Satan’s scheme for stealing, killing, and destroying.  Or I can choose to serve like Jesus did and enjoy a rich and satisfying life.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  Jesus in John 10:10

 

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6 Comments

  1. Joy says:

    It’s hard to always be humble and grateful. I certainly admire your strength and wisdom. Thank you so much forthis much needed reminder❤️

    1. Grandma Grace says:

      Dear friend, we all need to be reminded all the time to care about others like we care about ourselves. It doesn’t come naturally to any of us. Thank you for always being a friend to me. Hugs

  2. Sue Townsend says:

    Ouch. Very well written—an important and Godly reminder

    1. Grandma Grace says:

      Wish it were easy to be nice! Ha! The Lord isn’t done with any of us. We’re all on the journey with him, and we just have to keep helping each other along. Thanks for your encouragement.

  3. Anita Eller says:

    May my daily, moment by moment, choice be Jesus.

    1. Grandma Grace says:

      Yes! Moment by moment. So grateful we get to choose.

Comments are closed.