The story...
A friend of mine shared regrets for how he's behaved in certain group situations. He wills to behave differently; yet, repeatedly returns to his frustrating patterns. He believes the behaviors are triggered by something inside him. Trying to behave differently doesn't seem to work. Then he often reasonably concludes: "It's just the way I'm wired."
Are we inherently selfish? Some counter that we're instinctively cooperative. Are our responses shaped by our genes, environment or related experiences?
I do know that my nature, and related behaviors, are different when I'm walking humbly with God in Christ. When I drift towards an unfruitful search for "self" satisfaction then I agree with Mick Jagger: "I can't get no satisfaction."
I hope that the only church in town would be filled with more realistic people who view and accept themselves and others as they are: honest about themselves; thankful for what they have; walking humbly with God... People may think that they oughta be a more satisfied version of themselves - one that they feel a need to act out and claim to be true.
In a more realistic view of life, I might acknowledge the truth that I don't want to invite people to church community when my focus is on me. If I put my trust in God, might I open up the opportunity for God to invite people to church through me?
Just for today...
"I am the sum total of all that has gone before, both painful and pleasurable, so everything I've experienced has value . . . Certain events had to occur before changes could be made . . . If situations had gone my way, I would not be enjoying the things that bring me pleasure today." Hope for Today (p. 98)
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