Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Other People Aren't the Problem

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ~ Ephesians 6:12

We so often get frustrated with other people.  (and by "we", I mean me) How often does another person ruin part or all of your day by something they said or did? 

But, maybe other people aren't the problem.  They aren't the enemy to our peace and joy. 

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 The problem is how Satan uses other people to annoy, aggrevate, and anger us into acting in a way which is against God's nature.  He will use their personalities, actions, and habits to trick us into an attitude which is not loving or caring - but selfish.  Or even mean or spriteful.  And we often excuse it all away by thinking "well, they deserve it".

Once the enemy gets this ball rolling - it can quickly become one big snowball.  Flying along, gathering more and more into its trap. 

For, once he manages to annoy and anger us with someone's behaviors or words - then we often pass those emotions on to others. We take those feelings and allow them to cause us to lash out. Be cruel. Speak words which are not encouraging or uplifting.  To sin in how we speak and act towards others.

When we feel someone starting to get on our nerves and make our blood boil - is it possible to take a moment and remember that they are also only human.  To realize that this other person is not the problem.  The problem is the enemy - as he goes about trying to break apart human connections and destroy the pathways of human kindness.  And to recognize we have a choice to make:  We can forgive - and respond in kindness, gentleness, and self-control.  Or we can allow ourselves to be used as just another tool the darkness uses to continue the hurt.

Which do you want to be: someone who spreads darkness and hate - or love and light?



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6 comments:

  1. I agree. Satan has a way of grabbing in, and out, and about. We have to concentrate on how our Lord can protect us or draw us closer and closer to Him when our enemy is seeking to ruin us, if possible. Maybe he knows we're heading to heaven, but he wants us to bug us while here, no matter what, no matter how. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Reminds me of a great quote that basically says - you cannot control how other people act, but you can control how you react. We always have a choice in how we respond/react to others actions and words.

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    1. It's so true Em! And when we just knee-jerk respond we have given them a form of power over us. I am trying to learn to stop - breathe- say a prayer - and then respond (or not)

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  3. Other people haven't been my problem lately - it was my computer, but Robert helped me get control over that. I love your illustrations and it is true, we do not war against flesh and blood but against principalities. Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at 'Tell Me a Story."

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  4. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thanks for sharing and the reminder.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking time to comment!
      It can be difficult not to react to negative people in a negative way. It's not an easy lesson, and I have to admit I still fail at it more often than not. But I am trying. and learning.
      Have a blessed day!

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