I find the process of “keeping away” {cease KJV} (7674) from conflict to be frustrating. It is difficult at times but even more, it is frustrating. This is dealing with one of the core behavior patterns of Jesus. It is one that has gotten in my face ever since I was a child.
(Matthew 5:39 KJV) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.Then Jesus goes on to add other applications of the principle so that we cannot avoid it. I am getting really tired of walking away from personal attacks and insults, but Jesus did not give me the option. He also didn’t add, “if you feel like it”.
I want the personal satisfaction of lashing out. I want to stand up for myself. I want to be a man in the face of accusations. Sometimes that is possible without strife, often not. So I turn the other cheek in obedience. Not always. Sometimes I lose control. I admit it, but I am more concerned about the “honor” that Solomon is talking about than a brief victory.
So? The struggle goes on in my life. I take consolation that God can see my heart even when the person I walk away from doesn’t.
2 comments:
This one command is often one the major reason that my confessions are so "reliable." I'm sort of like my neighbor, who once said, "I can usually turn the other cheek once, but if it happens again, Lord help the guy."
I would suggest that once is still higher than the average.
Grace and peace
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