Heller Fam! It's "hump day," and the weekend is drawing nearer yehh!
Yesterday I posed this question taken from the Apostle Paul. He said he knew how to abase and how to abound. So my question is "what do you do when you feel abased and abound to the max, do you abase more, or abound more?" I know it sounds really wordy and complicated but it's actually rather simple. Far too many people have been forced to exercise those tactics when it comes to dealing with the people of God. Woow, did you think I was going to say the people of the world? You see, we expect to need an extra grace when dealing with people who do not know Jesus, but neglect to realize those who do know Him can be challenging as well. There are far too many people whom like myself at some point or another experienced what we call "church hurt or affliction," as a result of an incident.
The situation could have occurred with another member OR even the leaders. So what do you do in order to recover from that conflict? Do we just decide to not return to the church and utilize other resources such as books, Cd's, or the internet? Unfortunately, that is the response for many because they were unable to conquer the offense. However, the word of God indicates in multiple places that Christ's goal is for us to join together as a church body in order to render strength and encouragement to one another. One indication is found in Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Paul reveals that first, we will get caught in some form of sin because we are human and secondly, when we do, the burden of prayer and supplication for our deliverance is to be carried by our brothers/sisters in Christ. Our brothers and sisters won't know to carry our burdens if we are out of position. We are to restore in love and gentleness. The enemy loves calamity, which is why he works in overdrive to ensure it exists especially in the church. When there is confusion present, the enemy's desire is for someone to receive enough emotional/physical injury to decide to leave the congregation. Once that individual is lured from those in the faith, the devil then comes in for the kill releasing evil thoughts and cancerous spirits.
The next time you are tempted to engage in unnecessary warfare with a fellow brother or sister in Christ, walk away! Walking away is the best response because the longer you wait to retrieve a clever response, the greater chance your flesh will opt to become the victor. Moreover, the greatest way to ensure the flesh is not penetrated, is to be certain you are suited with the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-17. When you are wearing the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith, there is little opportunity for simple offenses to reach your spirit. The person can speak all malice or deceit and it will bounce off of your shield.
If you have been offended or harmed by a member of the body of Christ, forgive them for your own personal peace, go to that individual in love and a spirit of excellence to make them aware of the offense. If they apologize GREAT, but if not, shake the dust off of your feet and free yourself from the chains around your neck. Isaiah 52:2The same applies if it is a leader, but don't allow offense to cause you to miss your destiny. We must only move when it is in the timing of God. There are some who struggle to move past the offense of a leader particularly because they have idol worshipped and have placed them higher than they should be. The word of the Lord speaks against Idol Worshipping. God destroyed nations as a result. Most recently, we have witnessed examples of this during the death of Michael Jackson. People were committing suicide because they felt as if they could not live without their God. If this is you, realize this instinct that like you, the leader is human and WILL make mistakes. They may/may not intentionally harm you, but if they do, forgive them, remain steadfast and faithful until the Lord releases you from that ministry. Discern the larger plan of the enemy before reacting, and you will cancel his plans everytime! Blessings!
Until FRIDAY
CHALL
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