It's kind of funny how things work out sometimes- what some would call coincidence, but I call providence. Last week, God was certainly reminding me of a lesson He'd taught me time and time before. But, for whatever reason, I seem to easily forget and need those reminders more often than I should. Through some Scripture I was reading and a couple of songs I was listening to, I was really thinking about the other side of the truth issue: not only are we called to be truthful in what we say/do to others, but also in what we believe and tell ourselves.
So, with all this bouncing around in my head, our pastor basically spoke about some of the same stuff on Saturday night. Hmm... another reminder?
This is something I have struggled with and I really don't think I'm alone in that. It seems like we often are shaped by what happens to us, what we're told, etc. and often allow those messages to stick with us. And, we're often fooled into thinking that the thoughts we have, whether they be negative thoughts about self or others, temptation, or any other untruthful thoughts comes from within ourselves. In truth, they often don't. Sure, we open ourselves up to some of these through what we feed our minds, how we dwell on them, etc., but ultimately these come from Satan, who is in the business of lies.
I've found that the key to fighting against this is twofold: being in the Word to know the truth and fighting to cling to that. When I'm tempted by something the world has to offer, I have to make a point of reminding myself of what I know to be true. Sometimes that literally means leaving a room and saying "It's a lie" out loud. I think this is why the psalmists sometimes make reference to speaking to their souls- their feelings and emotions may deceive them, but they are clinging to what they know to be true. This is what I strive for- to allow the truth stored up in my heart to lead my emotions/feelings/thoughts and keep them in line.
This reminds me of a song (I think by Casting Crowns) with these lyrics:
Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
We've been given access to the voice of truth, so let's focus our ears on that truth as opposed to the lies all around us.
-JRO
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4 comments:
Branson recommended a book on this topic: The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson. I haven't read it yet, but the cover says "Overcoming negative thoughts, irrational feelings and habitual sins. Learn the truth of who you are in Christ and what it means to be a child of God."
Sounds like a good book; maybe yet another to add to my reading list that I might get through if I quit my job and do nothing but read for the next year or two.
I agree completely. As part of my commitment to total honesty, I try really hard to be completely honest with myself. That doesn't mean I only believe positive things though, and ignore all the negative. I try to see myself exactly as I am and be honest about how others see me. I don't think I'm horrible, but I don't go around telling myself how I awesome I am either. Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and trying to step outside of yourself and see how otheres view you isn't easy and I can't say I'm great at it, but I think it's worth trying because, as you said, it's a part of being honest.
Good point- I think it's damaging whether we see ourselves in an excessively negative way or if we become egotistical. Either way we're believing lies about who/what we really are and not seeing ourselves as God does. I guess that's the fine line of being confident in who we are in Christ, but realizing that we are nothing apart from Him and not trying to compare ourselves to others.
As I think I've posted on here before, the point of the gospel isn't self-actualization or self-esteem. Rather, it's about saving us from our sins and reuniting us with Christ. It's only in that restored relationship that we can see a true picture of who we are.
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