For most of my conscious memory, I have hated cold weather. Shivers do not warm me. Toboggans are useless. Gloves are for fashion, and scarfs just decoration. Snow is pretty on postcards! I have heard the Norwegian saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” The Norwegians may be happy with good clothing, but I’m a Southern boy. Give me 95 degrees and I am happy.
Cold weather for me is just another grumpy person, not attempting, but making my life miserable. I’m convinced if I end up in hell, the cold day will finally come.
A Christian’s life seeks an equilibrium in ease. When ease does not come, fault finds its home in others. Too often we are quick to use the crutch of self-justification. “Then a reasoning arose among them as to which would be the greatest” (Luke 9:46). Reason is a means to reject our brethren through pride, just another pat on the back. Inequality is an earthly reality for those who deny their sin. Before God, sinners are equal.
Bearing others’ faults, oddities, idiosyncrasies and failings tests this spiritual equilibrium. If true, I have been off balance most of my life, my pride quick. Is not my visceral reaction to my brother’s failing more about me than my brother?
But God does not leave me alone. Still far from the Cross, I am closer today than yesterday because he claims my heart daily. Does he not claim my odd brother’s heart, also?
I ask, will I love enough to allow God to work his perfection in others as he does in me? Is not my prayer sufficient before him or must I bend my brother to my will? Will God bring me to the day when I see myself as the sinner I am, shedding all pious pretense?
The days are full. In our time, as all time, the day pleads for the happy bridge builder to come with hammer and nail. In our attempt to affect God through prayer and supplication, we become the effected. This change we seek on the outside begins when we allow God on the inside.
This column almost did not get written. Life and irritation kept interfering, or it may have been God reminding me to trust him just a little more. I am a wary follower.
My prayer reminds me.
Dear Lord, when I prophesy, time convicts me. When I boast, life exposes me. When I judge, men deny me. Lord, grant me, through life’s trials, simplicity and sufficiency in wisdom and truth. Compel me never to be arrogant or boastful, ever judging. Fill me with thy spirit and presence, thy servant’s touch. Avail my ears and eyes and hands and feet. Lead me to humility’s end, forsaking not your commandment for my neighbor’s need. Teach me your ways that I may know you. Lord, awaken me to thine everlasting peace placed within my soul.
“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15).
Is not my visceral reaction to my brother’s failing more about me than my brother?
This sentence reminds me of a friend who used to say, “spot it, got it.” That meant many times when one finds fault with another, its root is found in themselves, as well. Much like the plank in one’s eye…
Well stated…as you always do!
Blessings!