The things in life that drive us crazy, especially when committed by the people in our lives, are most often opportunities for our own growth in developing the humble heart of a servant.
This is where the living presence of Christ in us leads.
As Paul said, “You must have the same attitude as Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:5)
It is easy to become consumed with frustration, anger, resentment, and bitterness without this attitude towards our circumstances.
We all have what I call “sandpaper” people who rub us the wrong way. They are in our lives not for us to change them but for God to use them to change us. He wants to help us become more like Christ and He uses the sandpaper people in our lives to achieve it. We must yield to His desires and plans for our lives and tap into the power of His Spirit so we are able to bear His fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control) regardless of our circumstances.
Very true. I don’t think people in “first-world” cultures understand the value of raising, cultivating, and harvesting fruit (unless you’re a farmer). We just go to the store any time we want, and ta-da, there’s ripe fruit. In reality it takes lots of hard work, patience, and perseverence, to produce that fruit, just as those friction-inducing friends help us produce spiritual fruit.
Amen! Thank the Lord for the choice to see beyond those things to HIm and not be bounded by those circumstances. Thanks for the reminder brother!
Yes, we can learn Him in all things!