Too easily offended
Does anyone else feel like everyone is offended these days? Holy smokes, ya’ll! It’s exhausting tiptoeing around everyone and over thinking everything – wondering if you have all ready blown it by just breathing. I want to get away to some Utopian place where everyone gets along. (I’ll google it and keep you posted.) The thing about Utopian living is, no time in history has that ever happened. People come together with different ideals, morals, thoughts, feelings, passions, backgrounds and a host of other things that create a person. How do you blend all that peacefully?
While I don’t believe we will have that kind of Utopian peaceful existence until we reach Heaven, I believe it can be so much better than it is currently. I also believe it starts with us as Christians. Without Christ, we live by every whim and hearts desire but when we are being Spirit led we live a life bringing glory and honor to God alone. Now, I believe we can’t accomplish that perfect thought while on Earth but as we seek God we should begin to see improvement in our communities.
It starts with us friends. We cannot let every spoken word or every action cause us to be filled with offense. Offense is selfishness wrapped up in some opinion. My name, my way, me first. We have to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Our enemy, Satan wants to distract us from reality. If we allow offense to rule our lives, we cease to see those around us as ones God loves and is calling to new life. How can I bring the gospel to people in my community if I have spewed anger at them when they disagreed with me or when they believed in a cause I disagree with? We are called to be Children of the Light. We aren’t to behave like those who live in darkness. We bring the Light into the dark places. Jesus is the Light we bring!
Ephesians 5:1-20 NIV Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friends and Marcee (because this is for me too), when we choose to be offended, we place ourselves up as an idol. I put my preference, my desire, my way, above God’s word. Eph 5: 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. I become greedy for the attention and the acknowledgment that I am right and you are wrong. That is not a Godly characteristic. Eph 8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord. What pleases the lord you ask? Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. God says to please Him, we need to have fruit that consists of goodness, righteousness, truth, justice, mercy and humility.
Now, you know that isn’t in me! I write what God is dealing with me about so this post is what I struggle with too. I don’t naturally produce these traits. O but wait! My friend, I know the One who does!! And don’t you know, He is waiting for me to confess my sin of pride, arrogance and selfishness and ask Him to fill me with fruit of the Light. He is so good! He loves to forgive me. 1 John 1:9 NIV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Yes! He wants to forgive me. He also loves giving good gifts to His children. He wants to give me gifts that will not only bless me but bless those around me.
Lastly, Being children of the Light, it should be our love that speaks the loudest. We can be honest. We can be bold. We can have a differing opinion. But what should be spoken louder than anything, is my love for Christ Jesus and Him crucified. John 13:35 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love shares the Light far better than my opinion, or rage, or hate.
When we allow the enemy and our desire to be right to distract us, we fail to let the Light shine in us. Our task as children of the Light is to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. (see above verse 15-16) We miss the opportunity to let Christ shine when we get offended and react. Let’s look at the big picture and see the distraction for what it is. If that mean we say “Not today Satan” or “Not today Marcee” out loud so that we can get a grip on reality – let’s do it! Let’s be people who speak love, exude goodness, love truth, act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.
Abba, I am broken. I love my own way. I love being right and having my opinion be the loudest regardless of the cost. I fail to share your love as much as I share my opinion. Change me. Create in me a clean heart. Forgive me for walking my selfish way. Place in me the fruit you desire. Let me shine your love for all to see. And let me make the most of every opportunity to share the freedom you bring each and every day. Thank you that you forgive and you love giving me good gifts. Teach me to use them well.
