“I’m so happy to see you”… (not!)
Have you ever said those words to someone while you were cringing inside at the prospect of actually having a conversation with them? The first words out of their mouths are usually a complaint about the weather which quickly moves to a complaint about everyone else around them. Then, there is always the “doom and gloomer”; ‘life is the pits and let me pull you right down in this black hole with me”. And… the most obnoxious, “It’s all about me”!
Years ago, an associate walked into my office where I was having a conversation with my boss. We both looked up when we saw him standing there and quickly stopped what we were doing to say hello and have a brief chat. He left after a few moments and as we turned back to our work, I commented on what a great person he was. My boss smiled and said “Yes, he really is. He is one of those rare people that you are always glad came into the room when they leave”.
That has really stuck with me over the years. What impression or thoughts do I leave people with as I pass through their lives? Do they see in me what I would desire; or, do they see the things that surface quickly during my hurried and stressful days? OK… as much as the “whiners”, “doomers” and “all about me” people make me cringe; at one time or another I am sure that I have been just like one or all of them. Hopefully, time and spiritual maturity have made me “less” and the presence of the Holy Spirit in me “greater”.
Changing our words, responses and relationships is difficult (if not impossible) when we are trying to follow “rules of behavior”. The truth of the matter is that in a transformed life, the words or reactions that come from any Godly person should be a “Holy Spirit Spontaneous Response” as opposed to a “Fleshly Self-controlled Reaction”. If you have times like these or battle with the “why did I say or do that” guilt syndrome, there is hope:
Galatians 5:16-22
The Spirit versus the Flesh
16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
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