Like to Fight? (31)

Not too many people know that I went back to school to complete my Masters degree:  Healthcare Administration.  Now doesn’t that sound like fun?  I must be super smart now.  I think I am, at least, in this focus area, I feel confident in my ability to understand the industry.  But did you know of my other Masters degree?  I’m so good at this I didn’t even have to go to school to complete it.  In fact, my prowess is on par with Charlie Eppes’ expertise in math (Numb3rs), I’m practically a prodigy.  I have a Masters degree in picking a fight.

I come from a big family, the oldest of 6 kids, and many times my "job" was to take on the role model and protector as the big brother.  I talk about this in “Be Perfect” (44). But many times when I felt like I was being wronged or something simply bothered me, and it didn’t matter how small the “offense” was, I loved to call you out on it.  Sure, there were times I spoke with grace – probably more due to not wanting to look like a fool – but I know there were more times I created an argument than I did to resolve one. 

In Ephesians 4, Paul paints a picture of how the body of Christ is supposed to act within the body, full of grace and mercy towards one another.  Sure, we should act this way towards others outside the body.  I’m not suggesting otherwise.  In fact, if you could try to picture all of Jesus’ fights and exhortations, who were they pointed to?  His fight was always with the religious elite who tried to put burdens on others and create mythical rules and regulations for finding appeal with God.  Yet, I would suggest that even in those times he didn’t really go after them.  That still doesn’t negate the likelihood that Jesus put himself in close proximity of the elitists, near their circle of influence, in order to allow a righteous fight to brew.  But in Ephesians, Paul is specifically addressing the behavior of those within the body.  As you read it, do you feel the overwhelming peace that he is expecting us believers to imitate?  How many times have I worshipped God and not forgiven my brother/sister?  How can my worship be of pleasure to God when I cannot find unity with my brother/sister?  It can’t.

I am appalled of my actions, daily I am.  Dying to myself is as difficult and painful as pulling a deep splinter out of hand.  This is something I must do every day. 

I probably will never be able to nullify the latter degree, but with time and much help from Him, I pray that I will make it a habit to walk humbly and with grace.  May He help me forgive others and ask for their forgiveness quickly before expecting the same in return.

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,     just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:22-32

31 days!