When Clint Eastwood delivers that line to Gene Hackman at the end of Unforgiven, there is a sense that Clint's character understands what most of us seem to miss. I am not speaking to those who have not found Jesus as their Savior, but rather those who have...
As we move into a new year, new beginning and so on, I challenge you to catch yourself each time you mention to God you deserve something. It's a tricky game to play, but I have some pointers for being good at the challenge:
When you find you are caught in traffic, on the way to do charity work, Bible study, church, or any other service opportunity for God. What do you do when you are cut-off, stuck behind an accident or just delayed? Yes, we all get frustrated, but isn't there a sense that we should have an "open lane" to do God's work? Why would he slow down your progress on doing His work? It's obviously satan trying to test me, because I don't deserve this!
At work, we all have that person we cannot understand. You know the one, they talk about inappropriate things, cuss, annoy, don't fit in, or fit in too much. Why would God put this person in my life? It's obviously satan trying to test me, because I don't deserve this!
My family lost a dear member and in the process left us with an additional household to maintain in his absence. Believe me, I thought he was a saint when he was alive, but now I know after the numerous maintenance issues that he took care of on a regular basis while keeping his business going and taking care of his wife who needed special care. I made a promise to take care of things shortly before he passed and I will keep that promise. Why are there so many issues? It's obviously satan trying to test me, because I don't deserve this!
Before I get into the game, please understand I know no one is perfect and each of us can fall into one of these common pitfalls. The point of this note, is how do we respond to these situations? I read somewhere that we either react or respond to situations. Reaction is emotional and usually attached to inexperience with situations. Response is a calculated action based upon experience. (super over-simplified, but hey, it's me, not Dr. Phil)
When things don't go our way, we usually react versus respond...see items above. In each case, when we react we realize what we are really saying when complaining about the situation; "God, you messed up here!". Then, once we have realized how that sounds, we start our "spin control" by blaming it on satan, or the world, you know the routine. This reaction we have is the "I deserve" reaction. Why would God do this to me? I am doing so much for Him and look at what's happening to me.
Here's the deal, God does not give you more than you can handle and He certainly is not giving us what we deserve. Let's compare:
Wages of sin is death...God gives us His only Son...who got the better of that deal?
So let's put it in perspective:
Traffic or Eternal separation from God?
Tough person to get along with or Eternal separation from God?
Keeping a difficult promise or Eternal separation from God?
When we put it in those terms it's a no-brainer. Super easy to say and read, but it's not going to be that easy. For example, if you are actually trying to read this and your computer crashes, there is a better-than-zero chance you will look up and say "Why!". That is where we get back to response versus react. The more you prepare for the unknown, the more likely you will be to respond rather than react to what God has put before you. Yes, God put before you. Let's look at our scenarios again and respond:
Traffic Jam: Lord, I hope everyone is all right if there is an accident. Maybe I am rushing around too much and God wants me to slow down if I will not do it myself. I was minutes behind that accident, thank you Lord for protecting me.
Person at work: Instead of "God, why did you put this person in my life?", ask, "God, why did you put me in this person's life?"
Tough Promises: Lord, thank you for the time I did have with him to learn how to handle issues without complaining. Never did he complain, or ask for a way out of doing what needed to be done. His example for me and my boys was a blessing. Give me the strength to take care of my family just like he did.
None of this is easy and frankly I get a little nervous when I ask God for strength, because anyone who has worked out to get stronger understands that means more weight on the bar. This note is simply a reminder to keep things in perspective. God sacrificed His only Son that we might not have to get what we truly deserve.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Happy New Year!
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