"Fly Off the Handle"

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Romans 12:18

I could end this post here as that definitely, without explanation, reminds me I have much work to do in this sanctification process.  Thankfully, it doesn't depend on me but on the greater Power, and He has given explicit instructions.

However, I was thinking about a situation this morning and another verse that says something similar: "When a person's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him." Proverbs 16:7  I'm sure there are more jewels from the "living and active" Word of God regarding our attitude toward struggles with other people.  But those two verses alone cause much reflection and gratitude for God's loving discipline.

As I thought through the "situation", I found myself counseling me about my face, my tone, my response, my Biblically conditioned heart and all the shoulda, woulda, couldas of life.  I prayed that God will help me think before I respond.  That starts with the heart, then the face (that needs to be reflecting the joy and gratitude of salvation all the time) and then a slow wise response that has God's glory in view.  Easy words, hard job.

As I prayed and reflected on these issues of life, my thought ran to an old phrase: "fly off the handle".  How many times I've done that, I don't like to think about.  I began wondering what the phrase meant.  My first thought was bicycle handles.  And we all know what happens when you fly off those handles!  I found out it wasn't about bicycles, but the imagery is definitely a deterrent, so I'll stay with it.  In reality, and I'm sad to say, through experience, I have "wrecked" many a relationship by "flying off the handles"!

God's Declaration of The Greatest Man

 Recently, a friend at a bible study I attend announced to the group that "sighing" was a sign of discontent. Ever since he said that, I can't sigh without asking God to forgive me.  Now, while that might sound a bit harsh to some, and maybe it does go too far, it's still a good reminder of the need for us to be so God-minded that we are constantly keeping our every thought in check.  Actually, this is not a new thought; I do know that.  It's called "sanctification".  And the friend is just part of the "iron sharpening iron" beauty of community around the Word of God.

And on a more intense note, I realize more and more that the beauty of holiness is not a nice neat little package in this world.  And while studying the book of Mark, John MacArthur brings out such amazing details about God's Word that excites me and brings me so much closer to understanding how far I am from truly understanding!  More sanctification.

As I studied about the greatest man last week in a chapter in MacArthur's commentary called, "The Murder of the Greatest Prophet", I gained new insight to sighing.  Think about John the Baptist.  His whole life was purposed for one great work: preparing the way for Jesus.  He "lived his entire life in the open expanses of the Judean wilderness, and ended his days in the isolation of an intolerable dungeon.  The fortress was on a high hilltop, offering dramatic views of the country...however, deep in the earth below, the dank dungeon offered no natural light or fresh air."  For about a year, John stayed here.  What was he to think?  Is this it?  Have I missed something?  "His only respite were the visits he received from his disciples. (Luke 7:18)"

"He was a faithful prophet of God and fearless in his willingness to confront sin.  His responses to Herod were characterized by holy boldness, born out of the conviction to speak for God rather than please men." And here he sits his last days in a stinking dungeon.  Yet, we are encouraged by Jesus declaration: "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!"  (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28)  

I need reminders like this of the reality of Christian living: what it is and what it is not.  I want to get this right.  In order to do that, I "study to show myself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  It is the Truth and I am responsible to know it.