Cause for Pause

I read a small devotional the other day from Heartlight: "The Corinthians boasted in their wisdom, giftedness, and tolerance. But, no matter how gifted a church, no matter how full of earthly wisdom, no matter how tolerant, if the people of that church are caught up in petty arguments, cliquishness and ugly quarrels, they are immature. Rather than being a place where Christ is known and shown, it is just another gathering of human foibles". 

It led my thoughts to an incident that occurred last week when I got crazy mad cuz someone figuratively stepped on my mother toes.  Oh boy... Lioness time! I choose not to react in anger outloud but took it to the Lord and threw it down at His feet. I was angry just getting it off my chest to Him.  I prayed.... still angry.... prayed some more.... dog gone .... still angry. Determined to wait on the Lords direction before I spoke to this person to give them a piece of my mind. (Humm, a mind is a terrible thing to waste - thought just popped).  You know what the Lord did?  He gave me a clear and perfect set up for dispensing my anger but I did not act on it.  I was flabbergasted that I didn't!  I suddenly saw the deep woundedness of the other person, that "hit dog hollars" kind of thing.  The Lord held my lips shut then pushed them up in a smile and suddenly it wasn't about me anymore. I have to say thank you Lord... I would have done wrong on my own.  Wow pushing 70 and seeing signs of maturity and wondering why it takes so long. 

"You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men"?  (1 Corinthians 3:3) 

A pearl to string:  I've come to an age where I am not tempted so much by the things of this world.  Family, friends and the desire for health hold more eartly value than anything else.  But I find a long life becomes my most difficult temptation when I yield to my own way.  I have to fight being set in my ways - it is definitely a cause for pause so I can let the Lord lead. 

God loved us first

and He loves us now,

                               Lyndi