The one disgusting trap for every believer

The one disgusting trap for every believer

In Matthew 6, Jesus begins by warning us not to ‘practice righteousness in front of others to be seen’. That rising feeling in your gut where you want persons to see how much time or money you gave to others in need. The boasting of all that you do for family, church, work, or the community. The desire to let persons know how long you pray, or what a great prayer warrior you are. The display that you put on when you are fasting, exclaiming how long you are fasting and what you are doing without, so persons can look on you with awe.

The greatest sinner

I am the greatest sinner of them all. It has been a trap of pride that I have fallen into so many times. And even though Jesus finishes the warning to say that, “If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 6:1) I find myself still feeling that sensation of pride building within me when an opportunity arises to boast on my ‘righteousness’. As soon as I allowed it to win, I felt miserable, disgusted and sick right after. I knew that I had sinned.

The one disgusting trap for every believer. And even knowing it may not stop you from falling into this trap every time!

That is why religion can never be the answer. I was lost in my religion because I was caught up in making others happy. I was doing things so that others can see what I do. Once, I was in the youth church office wrapping up the finishing pieces for a play the kids were performing that night. My mom rushed in and exploded in anger, asking why I was not helping her on a church mission activity to feed persons in the community.

I tried explaining, reminding her of all the other things I was doing. It didn’t matter – I was not making her happy. After her outburst and departure, I remember collapsing in the office chair and blindly looking at the door. Tears were rolling down my face, and I was exhausted.

Even though my mom apologized later, the incident and exhaustion stayed with me for a very long time. No matter how many things I did, it was never enough to please everyone.

That breaking point

Its seems silly now reflecting how I got so caught up in being religious and a pleaser to men. But as believers of God, it is something that can easily happen. I have seen many believers become burned-out and leave the church altogether.

When I reached my breaking point years later, I realized that my thinking was all wrong. My focus and living were all about MY will and not HIS will. I came to a startingly realization that I was a Christian who had no relationship with God.

I had a great relationship with my pastor and church family, but that didn’t connect with God. I didn’t have a deep and burning relationship. Like the Laodicea church, in Revelation 3:16, I had a very luke-warm relationship with Christ.

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) Be encouraged by this verse. God worked in me and He can definitely work in you as well.

Reflections

Food for thought: The one disgusting trap for every believer is falling into pride. Praise from man is fleeting and prejudice. Focus on Christ – He will give you the strength, discernment, wisdom and power to do His will. Humbly approach Him, and He will reward you.

Prayer: Father, cleanse my heart and mind. In your mercy, I humbly come before you seeking forgiveness. May you fill me up with your good purpose. Grant me thy wisdom, strength and power. In Jesus’ name. Amen


Published by godlywoman911

I became a Christian at a young age and baptized at the age of 13. My journey has been bittersweet. A majority of my life I have been a Christian. But not a Godly Woman. After many failures, tears and tribulation I realized that something in my Christian life had to change. No longer can I profess that I am a Christian but don’t show daily that Christ lives in me! No longer can I claim that I am HIS child when my thoughts, actions and deeds were not overflowing with HIS love. No longer could I live the way I was living and not seek him daily in prayer, scripture and worship. As the Lord blessed me with that knowledge I felt him also calling me to write my journey and share my thoughts, learning and mistakes with others. Hence the reason for 911. Not only was it a crises in my life to become a Godly Woman but as I delved into scripture to understand how to be Godly, I realized that we are living in crazy world where the desire to be Godly was no longer important. Many boast that they are a Christian and weekly attend Church, but lack the Godly qualities that Christ seeks in ALL of his followers. My deepest desire is to serve Christ faithfully, obey HIM joyfully, trust HIM always, seek HIM eternally and become his close friend so that I can share in his truth and knowledge. I pray that this blog blesses you and provide you with the strength, courage and wisdom to be a Godly Man or Woman.

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