“Physician, heal yourself!” Luke 4:23
Have you ever been going along spiritually, humbly and holily, just minding your own business, when a voice inside says, “Teacher, teach yourself!” or, in other words, “Practice what you preach.”? Ouch!
I had just finished a conversation with my daughter, Katherine, when I heard that sentiment.
I’m fortunate to have a daughter who speaks into my life like a close friend. She probably knows me best, next to her father. ๐ I’d made a comment and she gently corrected me. She was referring to a very humble and holy point I’d made; valuable spiritual insight and wisdom concerning a friend. Honestly, my point had truth; it wasn’t devoid of wisdom. But it’s not my job to point out other people’s potential mistakes. Right after she made her comment, Katherine arrived at the site for her photo shoot. And we abruptly ended our chat.
The phone went quiet and I instantly heard that still small voice telling me in so many words, “You were speaking under the guise of “helping and teaching” but really you wanted to appear better than the other character in the story. You wanted to make sure your daughter knows you’re the #1 spiritually mature woman in her life.
How did I reply? “Yes, Lord! Thank you so much!” “This stuff really DOES work!” I can rejoice over His correction because I know He loves me. Not only was I glad; I also laughed. It’s good to have a sense of humor and see the irony. I’m nothing if not a life-long student. I know there will never come a day when I finish learning and graduate from “God School”.
I recently had the privilege of speaking at a couple of women’s events. I’m still slowly shaking my head as to why those people trusted me. Actually, they trusted God.
Anyway, among the points I made was this one, more or less: Jesus left the Holy Spirit to His disciples as a compensation for His departure. The good news for us is that we Christ followers have that same Holy Spirit living in us; the same power who raised Jesus from the dead! The Holy Spirit, among comforting, teaching and all the other benefits, also convicts us of sin and enables us to live victoriously!
So there I was; finding out again how Christ- following works! HE IS IN ME. He showed me my heart. It goes a lot deeper than my lovely sounding words. He not only showed me my heart, but He’s already giving me ideas as to how I can alter my thoughts, pray and act redemptively towards someone I love whom I don’t always agree with.
Remember that young shepherd boy, David? The prophet, Samuel was sent by God to Bethlehem, to a man named Jesse. Samuel’s task was to find and anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be the future king. Samuel observed the “tall, dark, handsome” sons, thinking that one of those must be the chosen one. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Finally, the youngest son, David came in from tending the sheep. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 1 Samuel 16:12
After all, what matters most is what’s in our hearts. That’s what God sees; not our outer shell. God looks on the heart.
7 Comments
So good once again. I know I’d have been defensive at first and eventually said, “yup – you’re right!” That’s something that’s still a work in progress in me. I love that photo of you, too!
Thank you as always, Ruth! We’ll always be in progress! “in school” ๐
Wow! Such a timely word from God. Just last night I was speaking with a young woman, encouraging her to include her mother in her faith walk, sharing with her the times God has spoken to me through the Holy Spirit by revealing the scriptural way to deal with my ‘hurt feelings,’ and I had to smile at myself as well. Love you Myra!
Love this! True words! I have to pray not only for my eyes to be open for the Holy Spirit to guide me but pray that I will just get out of the way! The Lord doesnโt need me, he honors me to be used if I can let him in. This is a real struggle for me. Not me, but you Lord.
Yes, that’s good! I agree! Thanks sweet Nancy!
Love this. You are after Gods heart, my friend.
Thanks Tiff; Love you!