Thursday 6 June 2013

Do I have a demanding spirit or one of humility?

Do I have a demanding spirit or one of repentance and humility? Do I feel that God owes me and that I am entitled to the very best or am I understanding that his best and his plan for me may be different than what I want. Do I feel entitled like a person in line to take over their parents company.

Do I have a demanding spirit or one of repentance is a quote I came across in a book entitled Inside Out by Dr. Larry Crabb. The book refers to Job's attitude, that he was going to question God and get his answers. Check out the following 2 passages and note how Jobs position changed.

Job 23:1-7 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
The Message (MSG)
Job’s Defense
I’m Completely in the Dark
23 1-7 Job replied:
“I’m not letting up—I’m standing my ground.
My complaint is legitimate.
God has no right to treat me like this—
it isn’t fair!
If I knew where on earth to find him,
I’d go straight to him.
I’d lay my case before him face-to-face,
give him all my arguments firsthand.
I’d find out exactly what he’s thinking,
discover what’s going on in his head.
Do you think he’d dismiss me or bully me?
No, he’d take me seriously.
He’d see a straight-living man standing before him;
my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.
 
In the end Job had a more repentant frame of mind realising that God is in control.
 
The Message (MSG)
Job Worships God
I Babbled On About Things Far Beyond Me
42 1-6 Job answered God:
“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise!
I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
 
I confess, this has been me at times......how about you?

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