Reflection
Several years ago, I was talking with a group of Christ followers and shared with them that accepting Jesus would save their souls but would not save them from being “stupid.” I got a mixed response to that statement, and I could tell I had provoked some thought and reflection.
How many Christians do you know that still do stupid things? I don’t have to look too far to answer that question…as the guy typing this blog has done some unbelievably stupid things while professing to be a Christian.
I’m not saying Christians will be perfect, as we will always have a “stupid” moment here and there, but as followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to love God and to love others in all we do, and that is impossible for me unless I let Christ run the show for me.
As Christians, the fruit we receive from the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control-Galatians 5:22) is not for us to keep, but it is for us to give to others in the representation of what a life run by Christ looks like.
There is a tremendous amount of freedom gained, and stupidity lost once we decide to die to ourselves and have Christ live through us.
Dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us is a step-by-step process that does not happen overnight. It takes daily prayer and scripture reading, which is best done first thing in the morning…the days I put it off until noon are days I play “stupid” for the first 3 or 4 hours of my day.
It takes interaction with other people who are trying to do the same thing. It takes boundaries to avoid the old spaces, faces, and places that take us back to “stupid.”
For many people, it takes the 12 Steps to clear away the wreckage of the past to make room and replace “stupid” with Christ. NONE OF THIS IS ONE AND DONE…it is a daily walk.
Who lives inside you today, and what kind of fruit are you producing? Is the fruit attractive or representative of stupid thoughts and behavior?
As is always the case, this writing was more for me than it was for you. 🙂
Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…”
Proverbs 4:10-12 “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” (NIV)
P.E.A.C.E.
