Have you ever talked with people and they totally change the conversation from what you are talking about onto another premise or foundation and leave out the important facts? It’s a form of spiritual blindness and manipulation. Now this is the reverse from how Jesus did it. Jesus would talk to people about Spiritual things over people’s heads, provoking them to come up higher. He was never condescending. But what I am talking about are the people who act like the conversation originated from them (when it didn't) and they cannot “hear” any other way, and so have to lie to lay their foundation of communication. This is especially frustrating when you are dealing with people in authority. Now granted, we have to see both sides to this, and consider that maybe it's possible that we are not communicating effectively, but it’s pretty obvious when the basic facts get changed. I have become convinced that most of these people don’t even realize they are doing it, they are so blinded and manipulated by Satan. (If you don't understand the importance of authorities, you may miss what I am saying here.) Another sure sign of this, too, is when the people you are trying to communicate with don’t rejoice over Spiritual victories. I have a dear elderly friend who got in trouble with me one time for being too excited about good pledges coming in at a praise-athon in the early days of Houston's Christian television, when it was getting launched. The managers thought we were "too excited" but it was sincere. Those managers are now gone, into another business, but he and I have rejoiced at many more years of a lot more victories there. We still laugh about it. Now to be fair, some people can make excessive scenes and worry you with incessant conversation on such subjects. And some cannot hear past their victory testimonies to hear what the others are saying and hear others, too, and see past NOW to go on to the next level. In this area, all we as Christians, need to seek to become compassionate and sensitive with others. There are seasons given by God for such celebrations but they don't last forever! Some are just babies, some are teenagers, and none of it is overnight maturity, but with no discipline, there is no growth. The compassion and judgment we mete will be measured to us, and I know of none not still learning and growing up in Him. But we need to be able to discern when things are deceptive. We often make too many excuses for sin, hoping some will repent, when the chances are not likely without confrontation and discipline. Most, I think, would rather avoid confrontation, but there is a certain level of it required for every person. Some of the worst sins are the sins of omission and they are ones most easily excused by one’s self. Only when we confront the evil that lies within us will we grow. Our goodness does not just “manifest” for all to see and admire. Most of it has to be cultivated. Some parents offer their children a good start, but you have to know that God knows there are a whole lot in the Body who do not start off that way. It can APPEAR that there are the Christian “haves” and “have nots” but it’s the devil that wants you to believe that lie. First of all, God is fair. You just need to get that in your system. And you need to try to reason beyond your natural mindset to realize that while some may have had a more structured and disciplined upbringing, they are also the ones who usually allow others to lead the way. And there are two reasons for that -- one because they have found it to be easier, and two, they have been conditioned that those in authority know better, when they don't always. So what seems to be not such a big thing to one who has had to fight their way through, is a really big deal for one who is used to being structured. God will still judge them both fairly! The biggest thing to fear is no changes. The relationship between young David and Prince Jonathan is a great example of this working the way it should. David was rugged and tough who came up as the runt in his family full of older brothers. Prince Jonathan was disciplined and softer, with a sister, yet they both had a heart for the Truth. They saw past themselves to the other’s struggles and committed themselves in unity and helps and devotion to the common good. So much so, that they pledged their lives and goods to one another, even to their children and the throne. It was a great wholesome love. Some just will not reason. Perhaps they can’t because there is such a stronghold working against them. They will find their little spot of right and usually stay there. And there is not, sad to say, much you can do about it! It may help if you bind the evil forces at work against them, but we can’t be God and manipulate their lives for Truth. We can only pray for God to reach them and He will hear that prayer. It’s said that actions speak louder than words and in situations like this it is so true. Sometimes it will be humorous at what irritates others, but we are not to provoke people to anger, but rather to goodness and righteousness. Then we will be like children of the Father who sends good rain on the just and unjust alike. But it is a sin on our part if we do not stand up for truth when it’s in our abilities to do so! “Let not your good be evil spoken of.” This can be a challenge! God exhorted the young prophet Jeremiah to not let his age be a hindrance to him proclaiming the declarations of God. He was able to do much in the strength of his youth for obeying that. Some people hate it when you praise the Lord. Now we don’t want to be guilty of being obnoxious to others, but He is worthy to be praised and God will defend His praise! Consider Michal, David’s wife, who thought “protocol” was more important than God's celebration. She lost her fruitfulness in the Kingdom. Just because others don’t go on, should we stay behind? Of course not! Sometimes a reasoning of God is going on that we just cannot see. And many others times, know it or not, and like it or not, God is using us to reach them! God needs leaders who will press forward. It’s easy to analyze after the fact. The Kingdom is growing and increasing and it should. We are all required to be productive in it. When the Body of Christ can learn to love its many membered parts in all their uniqueness, we will be a lot closer to the glory and victories that God wants to rain down and bring up within His Church. So Hallelujah!!! What’s it to you? I hope a lot!!!
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