Friday, April 4, 2008

Unique?

What is it that makes us yearn for what others have and yet claim that we are unique and nobody understands our struggle? Talking with a friend today I completely showed a lack of compassion by suggesting that every woman struggles with _________. (you fill in the blank)

I have been wondering all morning how far off the track I was., so I typed God Created you Unique into Google to see what would pop up. From a quick glance it looks like God created us to uniquely glorify Him not to uniquely have our own personal struggles. Failing to glorify God by not encouraging my sister is obviously one of my own weak points, but I don't suppose I am the only one.

We all want to elevate our own struggle to the point of an idol that prevents us from serving others.
For me it is our low economic status, crazy dog and ill mannered children that keep me from practicing hospitality. I am confident that it is through this hospitality, albeit how extraordinarily uncomfortable it is, that we are able to serve others best and create a community of gospel grace.

I am thankful that I am not alone in these temptations.
1 Corinthians 10:6-14
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
New International Version

3 comments:

Gloria said...

Well I can encourage you that the times I have stopped by your home, the children were well behaved, I don't even remember the dog so he must have behaved as well and I had the best cup of hot chocolate that I have ever tasted.

gideonmommasita said...

thank you M'am

CroppinRobin said...

i must tell you, that some of the best times i have had are at your home. i always leave your home (very late at night because we were having such a wonderful evening) and have thought that you are great at being hospitable.
however, i can certainly identify with your feelings. i, too, have been guilty of the very same thoughts.
CONVICTION....