Fear brings along several others to join my self-initiated party; anxiety, procrastination, guilt to mention a few. They aren't dressed well and kinda stink when they enter my head. But they are always ready to entertain with crushing perversity. Here is what they whisper.
"You'll never be good enough."
"Just quit. Nobody would be interested to read it anyway."
"Who do you think you are, Miss Smarty-pants?"
"Do it tomorrow, honey, you have plenty of time."
"I told you its not in you to be (fill in the blank)."
I told you they stink. So why do I give them the space to hold that party from hell in my head? Fear and her companions feed on the lies I believe about myself. I've believed them long enough and deeply enough that they become like truth that I act on causing a host of problems in my relationships.
I had a short discussion with a girlfriend about the difference between legalistic behavior modification and God's transforming process through the Truth of His Word. A large majority of our Christian communities erroneously teach and practice behavior modification in the name of discipleship. Behavior modification corrects the outside behavior to conform you to a suitable moral standard. 'I don't drink, smoke or cuss or go with girls that do' is the old adage.
Do-this-but-don't-do-that legalism gives you a list of guidelines that seem clear and uncomplicated but don't work to effect lasting change. (Read Matthew 23!)
Here is a word picture that may help. Behavior modification is like trying to change the color of the leaves by taking them off the tree, painting them different colors by hand, then gluing them back on. Doing this just masks the problems we deal with and issues we have with others and doesn't get to the root of our issues. The roots of the tree representing your belief system determine the color, shape, size and health of your leaves, i.e.,behavior. 'Get to the heart/root of the matter', a friend used to tell me.
If you are a follower of Jesus, He clearly teaches change from the inside out, from the roots up.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean." Matthew 23:25 & 26
"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8: 31 & 36
One prayer method to help uncover the lies we believe and hear God's Truth is Transformation Prayer Ministry developed and authored by Dr. Ed Smith and now joined by his son, Joshua. This life-changing prayer process is another blog for another day.
Take hope that change is possible, lasting change.
Faithfully serving my King by grace,
Nancy
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