Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:23). In the last post, I wrote regarding our position as believers, resting in the truth of knowing peace with God. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). Therefore, as His child, I must take on characteristics so that I may look like Him. God is a God of Peace, Righteousness, Justice, Grace, Mercy, and Love. When I in my speech or actions fail to represent my Father, I bring shame to His name. The Beatitudes are like large spikes piercing this sometimes-rebellious heart. There are moments when I throw off the righteous robes I so graciously have been given, revealing the filthy rags of my own heart.
Yesterday was such a day. I could say that it was a righteous indignation that began the downfall. However, that is the excuse we Christians feebly give for our own anger or lack of grace. Once allowing those thoughts to enter, they grew much like a rapid growing cancer. I could say the stress of everything overwhelmed me. After all I am about to make a major move. I worked very diligently to have everything in place before I left. Yet, bureaucracy moves slowly and hence I fear for those I have for 5 years overseen and protected with a mothering love, until my replacement begins. But if I have allowed fear in, have I not pushed aside faith? For it has not been I who protected them these 5 years, it has been God and He will continue to do so.
One Failed Peacemaker
And so, it is, with heavy heart, I have poured out my heart in repentance before God. Much like David, I must cry out to God, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight” (Psalm 51:4). It is not my place to condemn another’s actions. My place is to represent my Father by living an example of His Purity and His Grace, by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill my mind, heart, and spirit. I cannot convict or transform another’s heart, only God can. So, mine is to live and lead by example, not through harsh condemning words. I am to pray for the other’s salvation and growth in Christ, leaving the work to God. Furthermore, I am to humbly bow before God, recognizing my own wicked heart that lead me to such anger and harshness of spirit.
Days like yesterday cause my heart to groan, longing for that day that I will look like Jesus. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:19-23).
One day I will look like Him when God has completed His work in me.
Kneeling Before a Gracious God
So, now what am I to do?
- Repent
- Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guard my mind, my heart and my words.
- Live my life in such a manner that God’s Righteousness and His Mercy shine through.
- Lead by example which can only be accomplished when I die to self that He might live through me. Let this be my prayer every morning before I arise.
- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:8). Remembering that the Holy Spirit does indwell me, if only I allow Him, I can accomplish what would otherwise be impossible. It is possible, if I allow God to remain on the throne of my life.
Concluding thought
I recognize that in my case, Satan is working overtime before I leave to destroy any portrait of Christ I may have presented here. It is with diligence I humbly pray that God shine through. Let me die to self, that He might shine brightest this last week and a half that I am here. Let my prayer be as this excerpt from a poem I wrote some time ago.
Teach me to love my family, friends
With Greater Love as truth ascends
To reach beyond this human heart
Your Joy and hope I might impart
So, let my life-song sing Your praise
Throughout the surplus of my days
And let my love flow forth Your Grace
To guide the lost to seek your face
And when my final word is said
With epitaph above my head
Let all who came to know my name
Your Glory find—Your love proclaim!
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts to Consider
In a World Divided How Can One Find Peace?
The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy
Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?
Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?
Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?
How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?
What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?
How to Discern the Voice of God from Yours?
POEMS
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Portrait by RoninRon Custom Art, the inscription I added.