(Re)Setting Normal
Let’s continue our discussion on our topic from last week’s post, Playing By a New Set of Rules. It may seem obvious we are to live in a new way, but that doesn’t mean it is automatic. It reminds me of trying to drive down a well traveled road that has developed deep grooves from past tire tracks. If we don’t keep a steady hand on the wheel, our car will automatically fall into the ruts. The same is true in our lives, as we follow the Lord. He has a different and better way for us to process and make decisions, a better way of how He wants us to respond to crisis, and a better way in how we are to relate to each other.
Let’s talk about friendship with other women. Unfortunately, it isn’t unusual for there to be an unpleasant dynamic between women. It is normal in the workplace, it is normal at school, and most alarming of all, it is normal among christian women. I have even had employers who were unwilling to address the toxic and divisive actions of their employees just because they were women, and they believe that is just the way women are. I don’t know about you, but I am highly offended by that statement. Anyone can be a gossiping, two-faced, trouble-making, manipulative person. I believe it is time we hold ourselves to God’s standard of behavior, and instead of reacting out of our own emotions, we ask God how we are to respond. I have done this when I have been angry, offended and deeply wounded. The Lord directed me to respond in a way that my emotions didn’t want any part of. This is when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, down to the heart of the matter! Do we trust the Lord enough to let it go, and obey what He tells us to do? Nobody said it would be easy! This is what Jesus was talking about when He said we had to pick up our cross and follow Him. It is the action of laying our way down, nailing it to the cross and picking up His way.
Before our adoption into God’s family, we were all on our own and had no other choice but to stand up for ourselves. When we felt someone was being a jerk to us, we would retaliate. When they spread lies about us, we would find creative ways to ruin them. It would push all our buttons and enrage us. But now, we are to stop doing things as we did before. We do not need to stand up for ourselves, when we have Jesus standing for us and fighting our battles. God wants to give us divine revelation in dealing with others, especially our sisters in Christ. Let’s ask Him to give us His perspective and love for one another, like the old song, “they will know we are Christians by our love”.
2 Corinthians 13:11- The Voice
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep rejoicing and repair whatever is broken.
Encourage each other, think as one, and live at peace; and God,
the Author of love and peace, will remain with you.
Blessings, Tami