“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’” (Isaiah 45:9 NLT))
In yesterday’s post we began to look at some of the deeper feelings that are aroused, often over seeming small things that trigger arguments or disagreements between people. Things that, at least in our minds, challenge some very core issues. Things like our value as a human being, our self-esteem, our ability to contribute meaningfully and in a manner that’s worthy of respect and/or recognition.
What’s at stake when two people disagree about almost anything, but especially over things which trigger a strong emotional response – i.e. politics and religion? If I lose a single chess match, I can chalk it up to I wasn’t paying close enough attention. But if I lose thirty straight times to the same person, might I conclude they’re just a better chess player? It doesn’t always have to be about me!
So, if the towel’s left on the floor, or my wife thinks I should get my own drink, are those really challenges to my worth as a person? Maybe not in my mind, but possibly in someone else’s. So, why is that even important?
Foremost, because as Jesus followers, our behavior should never bring into question the worth or value of another human being’s life. We should never intentionally belittle or negate another person’s self-image as if they aren’t also made in the image of their Creator, just the same as we are. If anything, we should heighten a person’s view of themselves while explaining why they are so valuable to God.
But the sad reality is, too often we devalue our Savior by treating Him as though He is OUR servant, rather than we being HIS. We need to listen to our own prayers: “Lord, I’m sick, heal me.” “I’m poor, make me rich.” “I need _______, please provide it.”
Yes, of course, the Lord invites us to ask Him for “anything,” and His desire is that we grow in our relationship with Him so we can rely on Him and trust Him to provide everything we need to be everything He desires us to be. Yet, we’re too often greedy, not for what we “need,” but for the things we want and shouldn’t have; things that would actually be detrimental to our walk with Jesus. How so?
When we ask God for more provision so we can waste it on ourselves, when we haven’t yet learned the lesson He’s seeking to teach us in our current state. Or when we seek wellness when we haven’t learned what He wants to show us in our illness. Or when we desire a different job or different spouse or different _________ (you fill in the blank), when He’s put us in the exact place we’re in for a very specific purpose. But rather than learning and being grateful for the opportunity He’s provided, we whine and complain that it’s too hard or we’re just not strong enough.
Of course, we’re not! That’s the whole reason we’re in the position we’re in that’s so difficult. The issue is rarely the obvious “towel on the floor.” It’s the feelings of discomfort, devaluation, or rage that rises within us, that triggers those memories or fears or reservations we have about ourselves that we can’t face or with which we don’t know how to deal. And please hear me! There’s no shame in feeling those negative emotions.
The shame is not bringing them to the Lord and allowing Him to heal and restore you. As a Jesus follower, you’re a treasured and cherished child of God who has infinite worth, not simply because of who you are, but because of who your Father is. Bask in that sacred position and smile as you pick up that “towel.”
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 