Transparent Freedom

I was reading through 1 Corinthians this morning and had to stop and ask for forgiveness, give thanks, and ask for transformation after I read how Paul and the people of the early church lived.

In verses 12 and 13, Paul wrote,

“When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.”

The last time I was cursed, I don’t think my reaction could be categorized under anything other than an antonym of “bless”.

The last time I was persecuted, I fell as hard as a runner after a marathon, but I had only reached the 100 yard mark.

The last time I was slandered, I oh so slyly defamed that person underneath a surface level kindness created by a “____ is a great person, but …” with a real concerned fake look on my face.

Ouch.

That hurt this morning.

But then I went to lunch and got real excited about the next time I am cursed, persecuted, or slandered because I will get a chance to respond in love.

Cleansing & growing is not always enjoyable-in fact, most of the time, it hurts.

Remember James 1?

Remember the promise?

So today, I am thankful that God opened my eyes this morning in a real honest way, because even though it hurt, had I not realized these things about myself, I would not be able to change for the better because I would not see anything wrong, and if nothing is wrong, why change?

I am struggling everyday – which is a good thing.

If you aren’t struggling, you are either “there” (wherever that may be) or you are taking a break from trying to get “there”.

My “there” – live like Jesus.

Looks like I’ll be “struggling” to improve until I die, and I’m going to smile all the way.

How are you doing when you look at how the early church responded to life?

What is your “there” today?  Next month?  Next year?  In life?