Abrasive Battle with Relational Conflict
I wish to encourage each of us who are followers of The Master, to willfully and collectively submit to the nobility of the high calling of our Heavenly Father, in His on-going effort in transforming us from the seduction of the conformity of this current world, to that of His progressive soul liberation that is founded only in the Kingdom of God.
For me personally, never before in my many years of being a follower of The Messiah, have I experienced such a blatant dishonor if not evil contempt toward anything substantially related to God; His Kingdom, His plan of redemption and His on-going role in regenerating our troubled and unstable hearts. For all around us, in every area of our current secular culture, humanism is in “full effect” in this ever-growing spiritual clash between secularism [evil] and The Kingdom of God [good].
For those who are called into the Kingdom of God, there is a most wonderful hidden positive regenerative result in the life of a follower. From within this abrasive, warring conflict of two opposing worldviews is the most effective impetus of the means I believe God communicates to the moral conscience of all humanity. It thus becomes an effective manner in His method of discerning just who is willfully motivated to Love Him with all of their heart, mind, and strength. [Deuteronomy 6:5]
I have been boldly challenged by my Heavenly Father this week during my prayer and solace to HEAL THYSELF in the wake of the sober reality that the battlegrounds line are drawn in the sand for the end game battle for the heart, mind, souls of humanity. Will you join me!
Soul-care and healthcare professionals all agree that relational conflict is very difficult when we regardless of our various level maturity, must face it. Everything about relational conflict makes many of us uncomfortable in that something intrinsic happens to us in direct confrontations, our daily flow is affected and unsettling.
The rash of conflicts that I have faced for some time is at the level whereas God is challenging me to look deeply inwardly in an effort on His part to further refine my current character by drawing me closer to Him and His Righteous for no other reason but for Him to glorify Himself in my life.
I hope to invite you to join in with me in my quest at responding to this wonderful #HealThySelfChallenge. Let us discover some very useful steps that we can learn in our battle against evil.
Looking Inwardly
Please consider the following quote by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, [Soviet dissident and Christian,] “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human heart, and through all human hearts.” [Taken from the book, Dark Agenda: The War to Destroy Christian America, by David Horowitz] https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-agenda-david-horowitz/1128961955#/
It is quite obvious where our very first step is in our journey toward healing our selves, it is our Heart!
Revisiting Roman 12:2 where God righteousness states that we are to not be any longer conformed to the patterns this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. What practical steps can I take toward me actually experiencing this direct command of God? What are the lasting consequences of me remaining conformed to this world’s system?
Just looking at the definition of the two terms conform and transform, one can see the relational conflict in the very essence of this variation in the meanings and descriptions each word represent. Our troubled and unstable hearts are forever held captive by the strong pull of influence of both realities throughout our wilderness experience on earth.
As we now look at these two words, let consider this ongoing question, what is it about our collective human heart condition that has God and this secular humanistic world fighting over its devotion, servitude, and honor?
Conform
To give the same shape, outline or contour to bring into harmony or accord. To be similar or identical, to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs.
Transform
To change a thing into a different thing, a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. Transforming into a higher element or thing.
The very nature of our covenant relationship with God is eternally based upon our active faith and willing participation in His promises and faithfulness. The on-going miracle of spiritual regeneration of our heart is the headquarters of the battleground for God’s Love as opposed to the love of the world.
[If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. John 15:9; James 4:4, 1 John 2:15, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:20, Romans 8:7].
H E A L T H Y S E L F
Below is the specific spiritual subject content or steps that were given to me for this blog post as a useful guide for those who wish to become committed with me on this journey.
Each letter represents a discipline and is somewhat an acronym for Heal Thyself [H is for Heart, E is for Exploration, A is for Acceptance, L is for Life, T is for Transformed, H is for Health, Y is for Yearning, S is for Salvation, L is for Love and F is for Forgiveness.
Heart
The human heart, in its natural condition, is evil, treacherous and deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
In other words, the Fall has affected us at the deepest level; our mind, emotions, and desires have been tainted by sin—and we are blind to just how pervasive the problem is.
We may not understand our own hearts, but God does. He “knows the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:21; see also 1 Corinthians 14:25). Jesus “knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25).
Based on His knowledge of the heart, God can judge righteously: “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10).
Jesus pointed out the fallen condition of our hearts in Mark 7:21-23: “From within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.
All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.” Our biggest problem is not external but internal; all of us have a heart problem.
In order for a person to be able to follow God and become a faithful disciple of The Master, the heart must be changed. This only happens by the power of God in response to faith and a moment by moment relationship to please and glorify His Name in the earth.
“With the heart, one believes unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). In His grace, God can create a new heart within us (Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26). He promises to “revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).
God’s work of creating a new heart within us involves testing our hearts (Psalm 17:3; Deuteronomy 8:2) and filling our hearts with new ideas, new wisdom, and new desires (Nehemiah 7:5; 1 Kings 10:24; 2 Corinthians 8:16)[ the following was gleaned from https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-heart.html ].
Exploration
The next step communicates very clearly about our need at self-sufficient maturity in all of our coming and going as servants of the Most High. There really is no need for further explanation of Galatians 6:4-14.
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.
5Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience.
7 Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest.
Acceptable
Our next step expresses the primary blessedness of why God transforms each of us from the inside [our heart], in an effort that we may present ourselves as [I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
As much as we all have witnessed the impotency and moral failure of culturally driven institutional religion systems, God has ordained His “called out ones to be His [ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Peter 1:2-5.]
Life
Due to all of humanities disposition to the inclination of sin at birth, our lives on earth are but three score and ten due to the mercy of God. [10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. ] Psalm 90:10 KJV
Since the initial fall, each of us was denied the “Tree of Life” due to our sinful condition. [ 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. Genesis 3:22-23
To really know and experience the essence of Life our next step at healing ourselves pertains to abiding in The Messiah until the end of this dark and “evil age!” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
Transformed
Our ever need for God’s love and compassion throughout our wilderness exodus on earth are all so important for His people! In our current evil age, who is it that has the power of fighting our battles?
Our next step in healing ourselves is for each of us to make our newly transformed heart daily made ready to the will and purpose of God in service! Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13
Health
The writer of Psalms 139 states “that I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” yet from the womb to the tomb, each of us will suffer trials, tribulation, temptations, and testings in every level of our earthly existence.
Our quest toward God, in essence, grants all followers that His promises in granting healing to us in our struggles demand that we step toward optimum health as it pertains to His word and will for our lives.
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” ~ Psalms 107:19-21
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” ~ Psalms 34:17-22
Yearn
When each of us eventually faces some of the most important realities about this present life, this secular culture, and its humanistic worldview, as well as about ourselves and our human limitations, those of us who are honest, will confess that without God, there is no hope and or purpose in this life.
Yearning after the things of the Kingdom of God is the next step toward healing thyself. Consider this singular Biblical reference:
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips, my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:1-8).
Salvation
Beloved of God, just where does one find confidence as it pertains to the importance of soul salvation? For me, the only earthly love that has the greatest transformation impact upon my heart is the Love of God! Without His Love and Grace extended to me [and my constant acceptance of this Love] is the only Love that I know.
This reality is the very basis for my battle toward remaining humble in all ways. There is nothing that any of us are able to do to earn that salvation that comes from Heaven, Nothing!
Just what are we willing to give up in an effort toward healing ourselves to the ultimate degree while we still have a life? Our next step toward healing thyself is the life-long practice of humility in the light of Salvation as a free love offering toward us based upon God’s grace and mercy.
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:4-11
Evolve
It is because of God’s unfailing Love that all of His creation is destined to manifest into just what His plan and will intended prior to sin and death. Everything about Him stands forever regardless of failed nations and stony hearts of humanity
The eternal benefits of our heart spiritual regeneration entitle each follower the assurance to become what it is that our Heavenly Father plans and delight on our behalf.
Our next heal thyself step evolve is all about each of proving that God is right and just in selecting us as His people with a Kingdom heart and mindset in this current culture.
Please consider this passage of Scripture: 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:4-11
Love
God is the progenitor of “Unconditional Love”-agape! Agape is used to describe the love that is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God does not merely love; He is love itself. Everything God does flows from His love.
Agape is also used to describe our love for God (Luke 10:27), a servant’s faithful respect to his master (Matthew 6:24), and a man’s attachment to things (John 3:19).
Our steps toward healing thyself focus on God’s love toward us and what now is our spiritual responsibilities in the earth as His children. Without this spiritual transformation of our hearts, natural humanity is devoid of the ability to know God intimately and loving themselves or others.
Agape love does not come naturally to us. Because of our fallen nature, we are incapable of producing such love. If we are to love as God loves, that love—that agape—can only come from its Source.
This is the love that “has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” when we became His children (Romans 5:5; cf. Galatians 5:22).
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16). Because of God’s love toward us, we are able to love one another.
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
’d 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’e 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Forgiveness
Our final step toward healing thyself is forgiveness. This last Scripture verse does not need any elaboration, it speaks to the very heart of the power of God’s grace and mercy toward His Children:
Psalm 103:10-14 – He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence him. For he knows we are but dust.
I pray that somehow this blog post will be an inspiration as well as a motivation for each of us throughout this coming week. Please provide comments if you would, and feel free to share this post with others.
In closing,
May The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 RSV)
Grace and Peace