Wolves Come in Sheeps Clothing

Did you ever wonder why other Christians sometimes say things to you that hurt your feelings? Did you ever step back and think about where those "things" come from? Or better yet, did you ever try to get to the root cause of why the person said it in the first place?

Everyone on earth has a motive and no one does anything without thinking about how it would be a gain for them or better them in some way. Of course, sometimes we jump in and make a rash decision from time to time, but that is not what I am talking about. I am talking about the well thought out, premeditated, calculated actions of others. We all do it and are wired by God to be thinking and planning organisms. For instance, when was the last time you refinanced your house because it would help you out financially? I'm sure before you did it, you went through a process of weighing the options, checking different rates, and checking your budgetary needs. Then, you crunched the numbers and made a decision either yea or nay.

This is how we do a business transaction but what about decisions on the personal and/or spiritual playing field, namely in our relationships with others? First things first, we have to realize that as Christians we are in a daily struggle between the Spirit that lives within us and the flesh nature that we inherited from Adam and Eve. Our flesh wants us to be first in everything including ahead of God, while the Spirit desires God to be first so that you do everything to glorify him. The flesh and the Spirit are polar opposites and fight it out daily. This is why Paul wrote about how we must crucify the flesh daily and ask to be filled with the Spirit. But, then comes the Enemy, you know, Satan. Satan is out to do three things: Steal, Kill, and Destroy. There is nothing good or holy about him and he seeks to divide all people and keep them in a constant state of turmoil. He is always there whispering in ears and giving people thoughts of condemnation against others.

So, What do we do when another Christian says something that hurts are feelings? My first instinct is to get mad and maybe not speak to them ever again. Well, thats my flesh at it's best! So what should we do? Here's what I prayerfully advise: The next time a Christian comes to you and says something that hurts your feelings, first we have to love them and next we have to pray for them. ......I know it sounds like I am saying that if someone hurts you, you must simply roll over and take it and start praying for them????? I never said roll over and take it, by all means stand up for yourself. Now, don't punch them in the nose or spit in there face, but it's fine to rebuke their argument if you disagree with them. That's how Jesus operated when faced with an agument. But how do we pray for them? Obviously they are under attack and are having some spiritual problems. So, first we should pray that they realize they are in a war, second we should ask the Spirit to convict them, then ask God to strengthen our compassion for them, and last pray for the completion of these things.

I struggle with this alot and I am the first to admit that I need more help in this area. But by writing it down, now I have a Standard Operating Procedure to follow. Because I know that wolves come in sheeps clothing.......and.......the Enemy prowls like a roaring lion. Armor up!