This morning I asked the Lord to show me a specific lesson as I read Scripture. I didn't have an impression of anything specific when I finished my devotional time. However, I know that during the day the Lord has ways to show me practical lessons. Some times I listen to the radio while I get ready for work. Today Chuck Swindoll 's last comments on his radio Bible study caught my attention. His remarks were not new to me but I took them as a fresh lesson to remind me of how loving relational attitudes start.
Chuck put it simply " What I've learned is that the biggest problem in life is me". The implication - loving relational attitudes (right living) start with right beliefs- If I truly believe that the problem is not my difficult spouse, relatives, friends, neighbour, boss, co-worker, pastor, church people... then with God's grace, I would see these people through God's lenses of truth, mercy, grace, compassion, patience... I would think of them more realistically and relate to them more graciously.
When I am conscious of my unloving thoughts, words or attitudes I cry out, Lord have mercy on me! Other times, I repeat Philippians 2:5-7 "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ, who being in very nature God... he made himself nothing...
Seeing ourselves and people through God's lenses is not easy but possible with His grace. It is about choosing a life of love and truth, it is about learning new habits. We become our habits. Chuck must have been referring to Scripture in the book of James. He spoke about the destructive power of the tongue.
Seeing ourselves and others with clarity (right beliefs) is essential if we want to speak and relate in a truthful, gracious, compassionate, patient, forgiving manner toward those easy to live with and toward those not easy to live with.
Do you believe that others are a problem, not you? The Lord can adjust your (my) lenses. The life, light, and power of God's Word change us from the inside out!
...He enlightens the eyes of our hearts and His mighty strength is at work in us who believe... (Eph. 1:19-20).
About Maya
- Maya
- is a bi-lingual - English-Spanish Christian psychotherapist in private practice in Houston, Texas. For sixteen years, Maya has been counseling individuals, couples, and families seeking answers for personal and interpersonal conflicts. Maya is committed to help her clients focus not only on behavioral modification but character growth. Maya wrote her own book-workbook “Letters from your Father God” in English and Spanish to walk clients through a practical process of mental, emotional, and spiritual maturity. Maya is originally from Ecuador, South America. She graduated from the Catholic University in Quito-Ecuador. She completed all the State of Texas requirements to obtain her license as a LCSW (Licensed clinical Social Worker). She is also a certified TRT (Trauma Resolution Therapist). Maya lives with Tom, her husband of over thirty years. They have a married daughter and two grandchildren.