ss_blog_claim=e85cc228c82f64ff5904fc83c13c7c70

Thursday, November 4, 2010

WWJD

What Would Jesus Do?
Without going into details, I'd love to testify that the Lord really changes people. I'm certainly witnessing how he's changing me -- in my reactions (I've certainly become slower to anger, for one; if you were there to see the war freak youth that was myself all those years ago, you'll realize how MIGHTILY God has worked and is continuing to work in me), in the way I think and reason, in the way I perceive and discern situations, etc. I certainly hope this doesn't sound pompous, as though I was praising my own virtues, because believe me, no credit goes to me. It's all God. Let me also add that I'm also definitely a work in progress here. There's still so much to learn and I'm grateful for each lesson as it comes along.
Honestly, when I opened my heart to correction, it really all became easier. For many years I held on tight to my concept of self, insisting that I be allowed to manifest my nature (that's just who I am, like it or lump it)... Anyway, I was recently involved in a discussion wherein individual personalities figured. My point was that while certain actions are justified because that's just how some people react and deal based on their personalities (and it's perfectly normal in the world setup), there is THE Christian way to go about things... keep in mind What Would Jesus Do and how we should protect our testimonies as Christians. Anyway, I ended up the "wrong" party in the discussion, basically because it's hard arguing with naturally skilled debaters who just refuse to see that you may have a point (just consider it, you know) and my "wrongness" was further reinforced by authorities (I wasn't there anyway to explain my argument). After all, despite my many years in church, I'm really pretty fresh as a Christian. I haven't been filled with the Spirit (if my understanding of it is correct) or spoken in tongues (I belong to a Pentecostal group), so I thought I'd just have to take what these people have told me as right (although at the sake of sounding all judgmental and holier-than-thou, I was thinking, with that special and sacred experience with the Holy Spirit, it should be easier to demonstrate Its fruit, right? I mean, I wouldn't know. It hasn't happened to me yet. I don't even know if it's okay to use "It" as the pronoun for the HS). And then as I was doing my bedtime devotion last night, God showed me that channeling What Would Jesus Do and being protective of your Christian testimony is actually the way to go. That's not open to compromise. We're all of us still imperfect and, like I said, works in progress, but our goal is to become as Christ-like as possible. Now, why am I going on about this? I think the discussion is pretty much over and I lost the "debate", but through that, even in the frustration of "defeat" (something I never take kindly to), God blessed me by making it clear to me that He's doing some powerful things in my life. The reforming of the mind -- that's a huge deal! Because you see, several years ago, I would totally have been arguing for the OTHER side.
I'm sorry if this didn't make sense to you. I really didn't want to give away details, but I so wanted to share realizations as they came to me.

3 comments:

bingkee said...

That is a very wonderful testimony. I agree with you, that holding on to things that make us more miserable---justifying it and making excuses do not make us happier. Insisting that we're like that by nature is not acceptable because we are made in God's likeness because we are His children.
Sometimes, you just have to let go of your being "right" with people and in the eyes of people because people are hard to please. To add, there are so many who are so dumb and foolish out there who will always insist they are right and that it's pointless and useless to discuss with them.
Being a Christian is not keeping rituals and doing what you're supposed to do when it's not your ministry or calling. YOu won't speak in tongues unless that is your gift. Each of us have different gifts that we may use to glorify and serve God.
All of us are works inprogress until we are called by Him in Heaven.

Sharkbytes said...

of course, you don't tell us the issue, but I would say that you are "right" because you are choosing to act in the right manner.

I love how you struggle with these things.

spinninglovelydays said...

@Bingkee: Thanks. I know what you mean. As somebody who used to be so verbally combative, I can easily recognize when people are merely interested in defending their position and not in partaking in a real discussion. :)

@Sharkbytes: Thanks. I just didn't get it for a long time, you know. Now, I feel like every instance of understanding is a "eureka" moment that I just have to share. :D