The story...
I was driving home from work and saw a boy crash rather badly on the sidewalk. I felt a strong need to stop and help him yet I didn't. Strangely, my conscience stung and my inner-man hurt by not coming to the aide of another person who was hurting. In what other ways might I be unconsciously hurting myself?
When I obsessively think - I hurt myself. When I neglect to do or say what's on my heart to another person - I hurt myself. When I'm so comfortable with what I already know or believe to the point of no longer being curious - I hurt myself. When I ignore a person who looks my way - I hurt myself. When I stay in my La-Z-Boy recliner instead of going and doing - I hurt myself. When I don't listen to understand those who might help my physical or mental health - I hurt myself. When I develop routines and a schedule that doesn't allow for me to care for others - I hurt myself. When I neglect relationships - I hurt myself. When I ask for seconds on a food serving that'll likely contribute to poorer health - I hurt myself. When I'm not thankful and content - I hurt myself. When I don't love me or my neighbor - I hurt myself. When I'm not quiet and listening within my relationship with God in Christ - I hurt myself. When I'm not truthful about me - I hurt myself.
So, why do I hurt myself? It's likely that the cause has something to do with my being a self centered pleasure seeker by nature. Yes, I hurt myself when I indulge in my self-focus promotion and selfishness. The only church in town will share God's solution that promises real freedom from the tyrannical leadership of self - they call it the Gospel truth.
Just for today...
"I cannot hurt others without hurting myself." One Day at a Time (p. 20)
"Anger is the punishment we give ourselves for someone else’s mistake.” Unknown
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
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