Our Give-Away for Today!
"Living in response to the abundance of God..."
Marilyn Meberg
"My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches."
Phil. 4:19
Marilyn Meberg
"My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches."
Phil. 4:19
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Why We G.R.I.P.E.
Continuing our exploration of the 5 goals of complaining+ (via the acronym G.R.I.P.E):
I = Inspire Envy
Complaining is a subtle form of bragging we use to make others want to be more like us, to admire us, to accept us.
When I complain about the driver in front of me, I’m implying that compared to them, I am a highly-skilled driver.
Or I point out a flat note during a church musical number. (Which I noticed because I am such a music aficionado.)
Or I put down a movie that my friends enjoyed. (Which shows that I am a deep thinker.)
Each PURSE-onality does it differently, but we share this tendency to complain as a way to "show off" how good–and even (if we're honest) how much better–we are.
When I complain about the driver in front of me, I’m implying that compared to them, I am a highly-skilled driver.
Or I point out a flat note during a church musical number. (Which I noticed because I am such a music aficionado.)
Or I put down a movie that my friends enjoyed. (Which shows that I am a deep thinker.)
Each PURSE-onality does it differently, but we share this tendency to complain as a way to "show off" how good–and even (if we're honest) how much better–we are.
Bad Behavior
Many e-mails and comments have a similar theme:
- “Ouch.”
- “Convicted!”
- “I’m suddenly realizing how much I complain.”
- “God led me to this study.”
- “I think I’m the exact person you’re trying to reform with this Challenge.”
Behavior Danger
The focus of The PURSE-onality Challenge
is not our bad behavior.
Yes, we’re inviting the Holy Spirit to make us aware of our complaining, criticism, gossip, and sarcasm.
But once aware of our bad habits, I don’t want us to dwell on them.
Because the temptation, at least for me, is that I try to fix my self.
To improve my bad behavior. All by myself. To work harder at complaining less. All by myself.
And the danger is that I may actually succeed, all by myself. Succeed just enough that I feel better. Feel good. Smug, even.
As if I’ve “made up” for my bad behavior...all by myself.
As if I really can get better...all by myself.
Years ago, I heard Bryan Duncan discuss the lies we tell ourselves. This one, especially, hit home for me:
“I don’t deserve to be forgiven and I’m not worthy to be redeemed.
Why the lie?
Because then I might have to be grateful to God for his unmerited favor.
I might just have to appreciate what God has done for me, for what I could not do for myself!
This lie sounds real humble, but turned inside out it is arrogance because I don't want to need salvation at all.
I want to be self-sustained!”
Our greatest need is a Savior.
God forgave (past tense) our sins.
We don’t need to focus on our behavior–bad or better. We need to focus on Jesus.
As we know Jesus better, we'll behave better.
As we know God’s forgiveness better, we'll behave better.
Not all by ourselves. All by His kindness and His grace.
Try this today: Spend time in your favorite gospel, getting to know Jesus better!
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To enter today’s drawing, leave a comment
- responding to today’s blog, and/or
- sharing your Day #1-6 experience of replacing “baditude” with God’s word and gratitude, and/or
- about anything else on your heart!
All drawing winners will be announced in Day #7's blog post!
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(Catch up on any "Warm-Up Week" Blog Posts!)
