Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
3/17/2021
IF I COULD ONLY GO BACK
One of the men in a Bible study this morning remembered how detailed he was in solving client problems and helping them work through the technical and emotional issues of a business relationship. He recalled the creativity that was required, the patience, the discernment of knowing the personalities that were involved, and how to navigate that to a positive conclusion. He talked about the pride that he took in his intentionality, his planning, and his skills in bringing about a positive conclusion for everyone.
And then he spoke about driving home one day when his kids were little, and the driveway was filled with tricycles and wagons and a slew of toys. He remembers how his anger began to rise up that he didn’t even have his own driveway. He said, as I look back on it now, I wished I had those days back. Not just so that I could react in a better way, but the fact was I was so busy and so stressed that I couldn’t fully enjoy being a dad, having children, and letting their exuberance take me to another level of joy and appreciation.
He said, in hindsight, I didn’t use any of my acquired skills of negotiation, diplomacy, patience, and forward-thinking to help everybody feel good about creating a better future. It was like, I came home to find this unhinged person pulling into the driveway without a filter, without patience and my only excuse was I’ve been working all day I’m tired and I expect XYZ when I come home. And if I don’t get it I’m going to throw my own justifiable tantrum.
Wow, that is not the prettiest picture that I’ve ever painted of myself. Personally, there’s a 33-year spread between my oldest child and my youngest child. I got another chance to be more giving and forgiving. Isn’t it far easier to call someone else a hypocrite than it is to admit you're one? But I can honestly say it is work to incorporate all of those wonderful adjectives in creating a positive, happy and joyful environment.
So between wishing, I had another chance to be a better parent, a calmer person, and being a better Christian what is the message here?
We don’t get a chance to go back but we can change the ending.
What did Paul say? Nothing good lives in me. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:18). That could be a life verse for me. Well, actually, it kind of is.
Sanctification is a process that never ends. So what do imperfect Christians do? I mean just deciding you’re not going to make mistakes never keeps you from making mistakes. So what is the answer?
See and treat others better than yourself. That combination of love and humility wins the day every day. Remember that Christ humbly served everyone, even those who were mean to him. Meditate on His humility to help yourself. Realize that every human being alive is created in God's image, so all people have innate value.
Proverbs 11:12: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 1 Peter 5:5: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humility believes that God is able to lead, His word can light the way to victory. God supports a humble person when she is waiting. Humility lives in the presence of the crucified Jesus. In His love, we can create a new ending.
Humility is a fruit of Jesus's love and love to Him.
Will you not stop and pray with us and your family for one hour this week?
He listens!
What happens when god says Move. Do it now.
