What Love is Not - Getting to the Root

     Christians and non-believers alike are all keenly familiar with 1 Corinthians 13. The LOVE chapter. Usually gracing the middle of wedding ceremonies, the list scrolls: "Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres". There are so many lessons in this text! What is this envy which challenges Love? What is this boasting which damages love? What does a protecting love look like? How can we persevere in Love? How do we do it all?!

 

    

     Recently, I have been mulling over the five words "Love is not self seeking". What does it mean to be self seeking? Is it really just selfishness...wanting your own way all the time? As believers (and hopefully mature adults...;)), it is kind of understood that we won't be going "gimme, gimme, gimme" all the time. We should not be hearing of major tantrums when someone takes something we wanted. We shouldn't be irate when someone gets a position we wanted -- whether it is on the Worship team or a position at our job. Where the Spirit of Christ is working, there should be an offering of preference extended to others. We SHOULD be going out of our way to show graciousness, mercy and generosity. 

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     BUT. What I HAVE been thinking on are the sneaky little self-seeking thoughts that so often tiptoe their way into our minds. The thoughts that unconsciously can take root and grow into a stubborn weed. When someone says something with a "tone". When someone wears something we deem 'inappropriate' to church. When we see someone who seems to be better friends than we are with people. When we compare ourselves, our relationship with Christ, our physical appearance, our ANYTHING with others. When we get our feelings hurt. When someone makes a mistake which we think "foolish". When we see others with SO many more gifting than we see within ourselves. Note that I said WHEN....not IF. We are going to encounter each of these things. Someone WILL offend us (just go get on Facebook..aheh...). Someone WILL have a 'tone'--whether intentional or because of life stress spilling over into our conversation. Someone WILL be more "gifted" than us. We WILL get our feelings hurt. (We're human! and we aren't in Heaven yet!) ;)

     I, personally, am realizing more and more how sensitive *I* am. I am a conflict avoider, which makes me even MORE aware when there are undertones in voices or in situations  (I'm talking beyond "natural introverted quietness"). When this happens, I fold. I curl up in a ball inside and try to hide. I shut down because I feel helpless to fix things or I assume major guilt for problems I am not a part of. I don't want to get my heart hurt and so I put up a protection of silence. I have found that sometimes I withhold my opinion or my thoughts because someone might be hurt by the Truth...or they might reject ME. Jesus, in His INCREDIBLE kindness, has deemed it quite time to weed this out of my heart. PRAISE THE LORD! I never realized what it fully looks like until we recently had a series of several conflicts. I felt like my eyes were opened up to the way that I respond--which may seem harmless to the outside, but it is actually quite painful to those around me. I was putting myself first by intentionally shutting others out. "I won't let you hurt me" was the foundation I laid, brick by brick. Word by poorly timed word. I was seeking myself first.

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     As the Lord has been healing my heart of some past wounds, I feel like He is re-teaching me the foundations of Love. Jesus Himself is LOVE---complete surrender to the Fathers will, ultimate giving of His entire life, and choosing to continue caring for us even while we were (and ARE) so unable to repay our debt. His love...His LIFE never was self-seeking. He never shut down when others hurt Him. He knew the Father. He knew where He stood in the Father's affections. He knew His Father's heart. He knew the Scripture. He poured out. He prayed. He walked in the Spirit. He healed, He encouraged, He challenged, and He never STOPPED. 

   So....I've been working on two new lists. I'm calling them "Lists of the Heart". Lists that we, especially as proclaiming Christians, need to fully grasp. If we want the World to actually SEE Jesus, WE have to get out of the way. We have to stop tearing one another down. WE have to make a decision--we have to stand against this. Self-centeredness has no place in the body of Christ. 

"Love is Not"

-Love is not defensive. 

-Love is not suspicious. 

-Love does not assume. 

-Love does not intentionally withhold affection. 

-Love does not withhold Truth. 

-Love does not accept a "defeated mindset" because it is not focused on winning. 

-Love is not self-centered. 

-Love does not build walls. 

-Love does not shut out or down.

-Love does not show partiality. 

-Love does not doubt. 

-Love does not rejoice in other's failures...or missed opportunities. 

-Love does not challenge harshly. 

-Love does not mock. 

-Love does not "lord" over another person. 

-Love is not vindictive (revengeful). 

-Love does not lash out in anger.

-Love doesn't harm. 

-Love does not gossip (speaking ill of another's character, even if "it's true")

"Love IS"

-Love is a defender -- a defender against the lies of the Enemy.

-Love seeks to address conflict without tearing another down.

-Love encourages -- when someone is struggling, Love comes alongside and says "lean on me".

-Love THINKS WELL of others -- even if evidence may suggest otherwise, Love CHOOSES to believe well

-Love GIVES affection without counting the cost. 

-Love generously shares the Truth, in kindness.

-Love shares the burden. 

-Love is Christ-conscious, eyes fixed upward instead of on self. 

-Love tears down walls and opens the door to all who would come in. 

-Love chooses to accept, unbiased. 

-Love rejoices in other's success!

-Love builds up others -- in courage, peace, hope and FAITH. 

-Love serves. 

-Love CHOOSES to forgive...not because they FEEL like it.

-Love pours out. 

-Love does not keep tally on favors. 

-Love speaks well of others. 

     What I want, what I REALLY want, is to fully grasp this. I want all of us to grasp this. What would it look like if we weren't satisfied with addressing only the outward signs of selfishness? What if we actually humbled ourselves enough to stare that weed in the face, and then have the Lord begin to remove it? I want to live out Corinthians. I want to shine the love of Christ--by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the thing is, we CAN'T do any of the above without the help of the Spirit. There is no physical way we can choose selflessness when selfishness comes naturally! But the most amazing thing is that "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). God has shown us incredible, selfless Love. In turn, He has given us the Holy Spirit, not only that we might walk in righteousness and LOVE, but so that we might also show HIS love to others. We love because He loved us first (1 John 4:19). It is not just a check list. "oops. I need to work on my patience today". The fruit of the Spirit--or the "evidence" of the Spirit at work--is something that comes as we grow in Christ...as we put to death selfishness and self-centeredness. The Spirit at work within us is shown as we are earnestly pursuing Christ, listening to His voice, reading His Word, and seeking to love others as Christ does. We can't conjure up (and maintain) a life like Corinthians on our own strength. But that's the beauty of Christ. He knows that. :) It is the reason Christ died for us--because we can't save ourselves and we can't make ourselves perfect. But we can believe Him at His word, putting our trust, our hope, our life, and our salvation in the hands of Christ. 

So, friends, pursue Christ. Walk by the Spirit. Choose love--real, selfless love. Even when it's uncomfortable. Even when it seems like that person is unable to love you. And on the days where you stumble, look to Christ. Because "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" ( Phil. 1:6). By the power of His Spirit and for His glory!

In Christ, 

Prepare Yourself

One of the things that never ceases to amaze is how I can read a portion of scripture over and over, yet every time I read it, God instructs me in something brand new. Recently, the Holy Spirit directed me to the story of David and Goliath. I cannot tell you how many times I have read this story, yet this time was the sweetest so far!

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In the chapter before this story, David had just been anointed by the prophet Samuel to become the next King of Israel. The Spirit of God was strong with this young man, and was already shaping him into a true soldier of the Lord. David was traveling back and forth between his father's home and King Saul's household (for he had found favor as a musician in Saul's household), tending to his obligations at home as well as his obligations in the King's household. The story between David and the giant begins in 1 Samuel 17. At this time, the Philistines were gathered together for war against the Israelites and had brought forth an enormous man as a challenger. David, being sent with provisions for his brothers who had gone up to fight, arrived as the man Goliath came out to give his daily challenge. As the giant came out, slandering the name of the Lord as well as the people of Israel, David became enraged that Goliath would dare to "taunt the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26). Everywhere he looked, though, the Israelites were afraid and not one of the trained soldiers were able to bring themselves to go out to face the giant.

David then went before King Saul, declaring that he himself would go out to face this giant. At first, Saul attempted to discourage him. "You are too young" as well as "You are not skillfully trained as a warrior" were the Kings fears for this Young man of Israel. Yet David took confidence in the Lord and trusted the training as a shepherd (fighting off bears and lions by himself) he received just by working in his father's fields.  Saul reluctantly agreed, but tried to prepare David by suiting him up in a robe and full armor (17:38). As David moved around, he knew the armor to be too cumbersome--therefore more of a hindrance than a help. It was not fitted for David. Even a man with no training in warfare will realize the risk of going out to battle in armor that does not fit. David then took the armor off--the only physical protection he would be able to have--and picked up 5 smooth stones. These 5 stones, though simple, would have been a familiar feel in his hands. In those long days defending the sheep, David became skilled in using his slingshot. It was a weapon he had known all his days as a shepherd--a weapon he had tested and found true. David then went out and, in the powerful name of the Lord God, was victorious over his adversary--much to everyone's disbelief. The name of the Lord was exalted in a courageous, young, faithful heart.

Although you could branch off on so many aspects of this incredible story, the thing that God really impressed upon my heart was the scene between Saul and David. Saul, after taking David into his household, was concerned for the young man. Saul was a trained warrior. He knew the physical and impossible odds of sending a man which had little (or no) combat training against a man who had been trained his entire life. He wanted to equip David in the best way he could, which was to offer him protection and at least some sort of defense. However, when David took up the armor given, he found it would only become a hindrance. It was too big, preventing him from free movement. He removed the armor with the confidence that the Lord Himself would take care of him. David knew that his hands were equipped for the task and that the Lord was with him--despite appearances. (Such remarkable Faith. Whew.)

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The Lord really showed me a simple trutht: this is exactly how it is for us. In our lives, we have people that want the best for us--to see us succeed and to accomplish great things. We will have those that offer good advice, healthy tips, child training advice or even financial help--all given out of hearts wanting to protect and help us. Yet, just as David tried on the armor, it feels cumbersome and it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. David was not out to glorify his own name, to become wealthy, popular or even as a jab to family that rebuked him. David was out to defend the name of God, for David loved the Lord his God. Just in this way, we must test the armor others offer to gird us with. I keep thinking about everyone graduating this spring (Congratulations!) and for those who are uncertain of what is next, they might very well face a downpour of "helpful advice" about what to do next. Let me just encourage you...God knows you. He knows you personally. His call for your life is the ultimate call, because He Himself made you. If you are willing to follow Him, asking for His purpose and plan to be done--brace yourself. You're in for the ride of a lifetime! :) And as everyone begins to offer different types of armor to suit you up with, take it to the foot of the Cross. Pour out your heart before a gentle and compassionate God, a God who is not intimidated by ANYTHING, much-less all of your unknown questions! He knows.

For those of us who are not graduating, I urge you to take all the latest "best tips" (whether it's the "cure-all" vinegar tips, or even how to discipline your children in a godly manner)--all the things that people tell us is "the best answer for a better you" (in other words, armor)--to the foot of the One who Created your fingerprints and who knows every fiber of your DNA. Ask the Lord His opinion on things, because He actually cares about you. Truly. Remember, anything that is not of God--not specifically fitted to you by the Ultimate Craftsman--will only become a hindrance to you walking in Victory over a very real enemy. Look to the Lord to fit you for battle, and take up HIS armor!


Looking to Him,

"Put on the full Armor of God" ~Eph. 6:10-18~

Obedience In Faith

So, I'm back in the Old Testament--Deuteronomy to be exact. What can I say? I really actually love it.

Yesterday and today I have been reading in the first 4 chapters, and to give you a quick summary, it is a recapping of Gods deeds for the children of Israel. If you haven't read Deuteronomy, I would actually encourage you to take a look. It is a very rich book. I was reading in the same room with my friend (who was working on an email) and I basically stopped every 3 minutes to read her a verse. *teehee*

I just get excited, ok? ;)

I was reading today of the victories God did----and I mean things GOD clearly did----through the Children of Israel. It is remarkable. If you think about it "logically", this group of people were formerly making bricks and used to doing manual labor! Yet God used them to completely wipe out cities "fortified with high walls, gates, and bars [...] and we utterly destroyed them" (Deut. 3:5,6). Just stop and think about it for a minute..............a people who were mostly builders defeating armies.

Pretty crazy,huh? 

But in all actuality, what I really have been blown away with is in chapter 1. The chapter is describing how the people of Israel moved God to anger because of their unbelief. Even after all He had fulfilled, answered, rescued, and preserved, they allowed themselves to forget his goodness. They forgot his favor, his tenderness, his mighty hand, and his victorious right arm. As a result, that entire generation was prohibited in seeing a promise fulfilled. Because they did not believe God would actually follow through in His word, they missed out on seeing yet another incredible miracle. When God sent them to scout out the land he promised that they would inherit, most of the scouts allowed their fear to creep in. They only saw (and found) reasons why they should not obey God--why it would be wise to rethink directions directly from Jehovah. 

Except 2 men.

2 men who believed God.

 And they were not forgotten by their Master.

Nope. 

And He called them out---by name.

"Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land which I swore to give to your fathers except Caleb the son of Jephun'neh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I will give the land upon which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed The Lord! [...] Joshua the son of Nun,who stands before you, he shall enter; encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."

-Deuteronomy 1:35,36,38-

My heart even now quickens at the thought of being singled out of an entire generation---to be singled out by I AM? To be chosen from a generation of faithlessness because of true belief?  The boldness that Caleb and Joshua took in seeking out the goodness of Gods commands, and how they
sought to find the joy of following Gods commands. They sought to urge the people to obedience, to pursue righteousness, and believed God despite what their peers urged them to believe.

  But, if you pause to think about it, God has given us (as followers) the same opportunity. Jesus has proved himself over and over to us, yet how quickly we forget his blessings, his favor, his protection and when he intervenes on our behalf! We have the opportunity to step out into situations where it may seem daunting or difficult--I am kind of in a situation like that currently, as a matter of fact.  Situations where God has asked us to step out in bold faith, not clearly seeing the end result, but having the opportunity to take God fully at his word! 

The question is how will we respond? 

In bold, faithful (joyful) obedience like Caleb, or will we forfeit our opportunity to see the full glory of God revealed?

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I cannot express how much I want to be like Caleb and Joshua. To be bold, zealous for my God, and earnestly believing my Lord at His every word! All I know is that my Jesus is still working on me--I am a bit timid of heart and feeble of strength. 

Yet I trust Him.

I believe he is fully able to take this little heart, 

and make me as courageous as Caleb!

Praise God!

In Him,

Anna