Monday, June 22, 2009

A Confession

While reading a good post at Women Taking a Stand: Post title: Changing our World I was hit with a realization. I can be such a hypocrite at times and not even realize it. This was another wake up call. I felt that my confessing one of my more serious short comings, it may help others that may have the same problem.

Laurie made a good point about how our actions affect those around us. This is so true. It doesn't matter if we are out in public, driving, shopping, at work, or at home for example. If we act or react in a negative manner, it affects those witnessing our behavior. It's just like the commercial where it shows someone doing a good deed, someone else sees it and then goes on to do a good deed, and it keeps going, sometimes coming back full circle. We don't do it for recognition, we do it because it's right, because we are being a Godly person.

Now for my confession. I deal with road rage. Now mind you, it's gotten much, much better. But it's still no excuse. Once re-uniting in the Lord, I tried to curb it, but sometimes it still rears it's ugly little head. Sad, but true, I'll admit it. I don't honk my horn, flip someone off, or scream at them, but I do talk to them, raise my hands, glare at them when given the chance, and give them a dirty look while shaking my head.

Now what makes me better than them? I'm not, just hot headed at times. I let the enemy in way too easy at times. Yes, I'm ashamed of this behavior, and do need to pray about it a whole lot more. I need to confess to the Lord, repent, and do everything I can to end this sinful habit.

I've gotten bad with those that just have to get that one or two cars ahead. They are in a bigger hurry than anyone else. Or those that like to zip in and out, expecting people to get out of their way. (Which I can hear Pastor Ken saying, "You never know what their hurry may be for. Perhaps it's an emergency of some type.") Those that have to ride your bumper (which I know I'm going to end up regretting the reaction to this one someday), those that have to be putting on their make up, or shaving (yes, I've seen it), or talking to the person next to them not watching. And the list goes on. It drives me nuts, mainly when I have the kids in the car with me. I'll yell at them as if they can hear me under my breath most the time, but out loud sometimes with the windows up mind you. "What do you think you are doing you idiot!" "Hey, pay attention before you hurt someone." "Okay, that's it, I'm not letting you ahead of me. You should have left early enough." "If you want to take chances with your life, go do it with a tree or a brick wall. But don't do it with my grand kids life! And think of the poor people that have to respond to clean up your mess."

How pathetic is that? Very pathetic when I think about it. At the time it feels good to release that frustration. I am getting better though and instead of getting angry, I pray for the Lord to put some sense in their heads, make them safer drivers before someone gets hurt. To come into their lives if they have not accepted Him, and so forth. But I'll admit it, I still have my moments. I guess I had better get my act together and set a good example. I'm not helping that person none by getting upset, okay, angry. Anger is a bad thing to possess. Oh, and my other bad--the one that is going to get me in trouble yet--if you are riding my bumper, I like to hit the brakes (tap them) enough to let you know you are way to close and pissing me off. Grrrrr, what a horrible habit to have. I haven't done that in a while though. The last time I had done that in fact, it even scared me, as I was very upset for some dumb reason and hit the brakes a little harder than I had thought I was and scared everyone. Think the Lord was trying to get my attention? Oh I believe so. There's no doubt in my mind. So thank you Father for that warning.

The next time you get upset, try to stop yourself, ask how it will affect the people around you and what you can do differently. How can you divert that negative energy into something positive? Believe me, I know that is easier said than done, but after all, we are trying to be more like Jesus. We do want to set an example to others around us. We do want to lead others to Him. Will we accomplish that through negative behavior? No way, no how.

Wooo, thank you Lord for leading me in this post! You talked directly to my heart, and what a lesson you have given. Boy do I have some work to do. Yup, time to hit the Bible and hit it hard. Perhaps if I used that negative energy to spend more time in the Word, I would improve!

Job 5:2
For anger kills a fool,
And jealousy slays the gullible.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man holds it in check.

Joel 2:13
Tear your hearts,
not just your clothes,
and return to the Lord your God.
For He is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger, rich in faithful love,
and He relents from sending disaster. (italicized to show the significance of how we should follow His example.)

I just love this one:
Ephesians 4:26-32
26 Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger.
27 and don't give the Devil an opportunity.
28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.
29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.
30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption.
31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you , along with all wickedness.
32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgives you in Christ.

Is that awesome or what. It says a lot. We should be worrying about helping others in need. While typing Ephesians, I could hear our Pastor speaking, as he reminds us often, "Remember, you reap what you sow. We must learn to control our tongues." It's so true, you sow negativity, it's going to come right back at you. You start setting that negative wheel in motion. But sow gladness and love, and wow! the results are amazing.

May you all have a blessed week filled with happiness, love, prosperity, good health, and a positive atmosphere!

7 comments:

Denise said...

Bless you my dear friend.

rcubes said...

I had posted about this one time. I just couldn't understand why people who drive slow are on the fastest lane. So, one night, I was getting pissed off as the car in front of me was so slow on the fastest lane. It was getting late and I surely wanted to be home. As I sped up and got so close to his rear, Highway Patrol's blinking lights lit up and spotlights were directed on my back. As he asked for my license and registration, my backpack Bible was sticking out. I was sooo convicted by the Lord after this. We are His ambassadors so our actions should reflect His character. I've been patient since and the Lord told me, "that's why I want you to be like Me:slow to anger". Thank you Lord. Thank you for your honest post. You bless me.
P.S. Thank God I didn't get a ticket :)

Morning Glory Coffee Break said...

I love the scriptures you posted. I myself needed to read those. I think we all feel like this at times. We are only human, but we do have Jesus to look to for help. Love your blog.


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Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I loved this post because it is an easy truth to forget. I would love it if you would read my latest post. Thanks! Have a blessed week my friend!! love you!

Omah's Helping Hands said...

Thank you Denise, and Bless you.

Thank you RCUBEs for sharing. I think I remember reading that too. It's amazing how He gets our attention. I am sitting her giggling right now picturing that. Thank you Lord for not giving her a ticket. He knew your heart sweetie. He knew you had already convicted yourself through Him. God Bless

Thank you Mary. Thank heavens we have Jesus to help us. I'll be by to visit! Thanks for commenting.

Thank you Smile. I will be by to read it. I love visiting your blog. Finally finding more time to try and catch up. Love you to.

kim said...

Hello,

i would like to thank you for helping me out with the questions i've raised.

I really appreciate the time and your energy to see what you can do to help me answer the question.

It really help!

I just read your last comment on that post...please do not worry about it. Im into my journey to knowing God's truth...so it means all help ( as i know, the wisdom came from the Most High), is appreciated.

Chill. God is with us.

Love you and thank you once again.

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Another really great post with so much food for thought.