THE ROOT OF THE MATTER IS WITHIN US! Over the years I noticed people would become exceedingly angry in meetings or group settings when something was stated, suggested, discussed, or implemented. There could be 10, 15 or dozens of people involved, yet only one or two would react. It is as though each of us has a panel of buttons inside us and at various times and in various circumstances those buttons are pushed creating a reaction. That reaction can be either good or bad, but the bottom line is that the ‘root of the matter’ is within us. We point our finger at this one or that one who pushed the button and set us off, but we need to work on disabling the button. We need to remove the cause of the problem so that next time someone pushes that button there will be no reaction. Of course, I am speaking of ‘negative, angry, violent, destructive’ reactions which cause damage to us and others. In reality, we actually ‘allow’ people control over our lives. Often relatives, especially parents and siblings, use this control on a regular basis. They know every button to push to get the reaction they want, and each of us play along year after year. Later on it will be a boss, Christian leader, brother or sister in Christ or co-worker who is now pushing that same button. It is very likely they don’t know that button exists, so they just accidently ‘bump’ the button and off you go. You may have gained some outward control, but inside you are exploding. The good news is that you can keep the good buttons, and you can even maintain them and assure the work all the time. These are buttons that bring tears to your eyes at weddings, births, victories and joyous occasions. Buttons that bring spontaneous reactions of excitement when wonderful things happen like ‘the San Francisco 49ers scoring a touchdown’. Pardon me, but this is my post and I can be a little self-indulgent! So, what is the point? Take some time and think about what is lighting your fuse. If everyone, or most people are reacting the same way, it is probably a button that is ‘normal’ and one that is supposed to be there, but if you discover you are alone in your reaction it is time for a checkup. There are rare occasions when you might be in the minority, or alone, in reacting to something that offends God and violates His Word. This was the case with most of the prophets, but in everyday life these reactions are more likely due to foundational problems that need to be resolved. Every counter-productive button you remove will improve your quality of life and raise your joy and happiness meter. Luke 6:43-45 A good tree doesnt produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesnt produce good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs arent gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. A good man produces good out of the good storeroom of his heart. An evil man produces evil out of the evil storeroom, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. James 3: 7-12 For every creature-animal or bird, reptile or fish-is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in Gods likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. James 4:1-3 “What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Dont they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and dont receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure.”
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 08:28:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015