Guilt
(definition per dictionary.com)
A
feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offence, crime, wrong, etc.,
whether real or imagined.
I
have felt this for the above mentioned reasons, but also for other reasons.
Over the past many years and through some tough experiences I have often looked
for what does God want me to learn. I believe this is appropriate and even a
biblically backed thinking, however Satan is right there ready to attack. He
wants this desire, this good intention to be one that can never be fulfilled. He wants it to turn
into a feeling of guilt. When we are trying to honour God, he wants us to feel
guilty for not doing enough, not going to church enough, etc. Before we know it
we are chasing our tail. Perhaps if you have had a number of challenging
experiences, you can feel Satan guilting you into feeling you deserve them for
not being obedient. My wife has felt this way at times, like she has been punished for a sin.
Satan is very cunning and he uses our good intentions and
our experiences and very slowly before we know it he has taken that good intention
and spun us into confusion. He makes us feel like we are never good enough. Yes
we should strive as Paul suggests, but we must be careful not to give Satan a
foothold. We should be obedient because we love God. Being obedient out of fear
or guilt won`t last. For example if I guilt or fear my child into obeying, how
long will it last.
Philippians
3:14
New
International Version (NIV)I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians
4:26-27
New
International Version (NIV)“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Enemies of the heart by Andy Stanley is a
great read.
Hold Fast - Mercy Me
Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up
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