Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
I can be a very stubborn person. Most people probably don't realize that. Usually I am a pretty easygoing type of person but if you bruise my pride, or offend my sensibilities I will dig my heels in and react to the situation in a way that oftentimes is not Christ-like.
For example: If I'm not on top of my game when I have to discipline one of my kids I tend to be harsh. Then if my lovely wife says something about my method I will dig in my heels and defend my actions. In recent years I have been trying the "guardrail method" of discipline. A guardrail doesn’t push back when a car strikes it; rather, it remains stationary, keeping it within the intended borders. I have found that the steadier I remain, the better the disciplining seems to go. Conversely, when I just react to a situation, the lesson I’m trying to teach is usually missed, resulting in an argument—not at all productive. I have concluded that the main cause of spiritual growth is pain.
The Apostle Paul embraced his "thorn" and allowed God to use it for His glory. I must do my best to live every minute submitted to the Holy Spirit so that God can use the painful or challenging or difficult situations in my life to further change me into the immaculate bride of Christ.
Prayer: Help me today to live with my will surrendered to Yours so that in every circumstance I walk through You will receive the glory and honor due Your Name by the actions I take and the decisions that I make. I love You.
I can be a very stubborn person. Most people probably don't realize that. Usually I am a pretty easygoing type of person but if you bruise my pride, or offend my sensibilities I will dig my heels in and react to the situation in a way that oftentimes is not Christ-like.
For example: If I'm not on top of my game when I have to discipline one of my kids I tend to be harsh. Then if my lovely wife says something about my method I will dig in my heels and defend my actions. In recent years I have been trying the "guardrail method" of discipline. A guardrail doesn’t push back when a car strikes it; rather, it remains stationary, keeping it within the intended borders. I have found that the steadier I remain, the better the disciplining seems to go. Conversely, when I just react to a situation, the lesson I’m trying to teach is usually missed, resulting in an argument—not at all productive. I have concluded that the main cause of spiritual growth is pain.
The Apostle Paul embraced his "thorn" and allowed God to use it for His glory. I must do my best to live every minute submitted to the Holy Spirit so that God can use the painful or challenging or difficult situations in my life to further change me into the immaculate bride of Christ.
Prayer: Help me today to live with my will surrendered to Yours so that in every circumstance I walk through You will receive the glory and honor due Your Name by the actions I take and the decisions that I make. I love You.
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