What to Do When Words Get Ugly by Dr. Michael D. Sedler

Author:Dr. Michael D. Sedler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The tongue;gossip;godly speech;REL012070;REL012100;SEL031000
ISBN: 9781493405848
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2016-09-07T16:00:00+00:00

Safeguarding against False Alignments

And what about us? The search for commonality can be a natural and healthy experience. Yet when we investigate our motives, do we find pride, selfishness, and a need for recognition?

Take a moment and ask God to expose those areas that conflict with His servant desires for you. Are you prone to identifying with individuals solely on the basis of what you have heard? Can you see the potential for involvement in runaway conversations if this propensity goes unchecked?

Learn to avoid the trap of falling into emotional identification by getting information for yourself. Compare your feelings and thoughts with the Bible’s guidelines. Look for corroboration or contradictions as you assess the situation. And, finally, give a little more weight to the perspective of those who have been faithful, trustworthy, and proven people of integrity than the words of a stranger or “expert” who has no track record of honesty.

I know I am not alone in my tendency to want to align myself with others. There are many times when my confidence is shaken, and I look for some common ground. The problem is that I do not always pray and ask for the Father’s guidance, nor do I always seek out godly counsel. Becoming aware of the pitfalls of false alignments makes it easier to discern when someone is attempting to manipulate and control our thinking.

Let’s make this our prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, please expose those areas of my life that are in contradiction to Your will for me. I release my own selfish desires for personal gain and recognition. It is You, and You alone, who can exalt us in pure ways. My ways are known to You, O Lord, and I ask for You to change my ways to Your ways. For Your ways are truly higher than my ways, just as Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen.

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