spiphywarfare

Tag: life

  • Don’t Be Guided by Emotions

    Years ago, when I was in the 10th grade, I found myself in a situation that would change my life forever. It all started innocently enough in the school cafeteria, where I was having lunch with a friend I had known for eight years. As I finished my meal and got up to leave, I heard a shout, “Hey!” Turning around, I saw a single french fry flying towards me. It hit my shirt, leaving a smear of ketchup.

    Annoyed, I told my friend he would have to clean the ketchup off my shirt. He refused and suggested we take it outside. The next thing I remember is him standing up and turning his back to me. I picked up the chair he had been sitting on and hit him with it. My next memory is of another friend yelling my name while a strong hand gripped my shoulder. Apparently, after hitting my friend with the chair, I grabbed him by the hair and started beating his head against a radiator. In the chaos, I even elbowed a coach who tried to intervene.

    This incident left a lasting impression on me. During the three days of in-school suspension that followed, I had plenty of time to reflect on my actions. I realized that my reaction was driven 95% by personal issues I was dealing with at the time and had only a little to do with my friend’s actions. It dawned on me that if I didn’t learn to control my emotions, I was on a path that could lead to prison or worse.

    Thus began my long journey towards emotional control. It involved a lot of prayer and a humbling realization that I was not nearly as important as I thought I was. This newfound perspective significantly reduced the stress in my life.

    I often see trivial matters causing conflict among professing Christians on social media. Many of these disputes seem like they may stem from personal circumstances and an inflated sense of the importance of one’s own opinion.

    Today, I follow many people online whom I’ve never met and likely never will. At least not this side of eternity. I choose not to engage in battles over minor issues with them, recognizing them as my siblings in Christ. This brings me peace.

  • Sometimes, Life Really Stinks

    I woke up this morning and immediately these thoughts came to me with the incredible urge make a post. Today. This morning. So here it is.

    There are times in life when it really stinks, sucks even. Time when we’re in constant, unbearable pain. Sometimes it is physical pain, sometimes it is emotional pain. People all over the planet are facing the loss of loved ones, in fear of losing their own lives, being abused, and generally having terrible things go on in their lives. Sometimes the trial we face is the result of a sudden tragic event out of the blue while others are long-term difficulties that drag on for years.

    We all know this, yet when were in the midst of our own storm, it doesn’t offer any comfort.

    If you are in one of those seasons right now, I hope with all my heart that you are a believer. If you are not, I hope that you are open to believing. You see, the knowledge of where and what our lives are in light of eternity brings comfort. It doesn’t lessen our suffering. In fact, when you read the Bible it indicates that faithful Christians will suffer more because of their faith.

    But… this life is fleeting, James 4:14 puts it best, “…You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Our trials and tribulations, if we are in Christ, cannot go on forever. An entire life of suffering, on Earth, though tragic, eventually ends. Eternity does not.

    IF you are a brother or sister in Christ I pray our eternal hope and eternal home can bring you comfort in trying times. If you are not, I pray that you would consider Christ, His free gift of life and His love for you. He laid His life down to pay for our sins, and lifted it back to give those who believe in, and confess Him, life eternal.