So Efficient...?

My definitely better half helped me to see something about myself this week after much debate on my part. I guess I've always known that I'm this way...I just hated to admit it. The last few weeks have found me a little out of sorts. It seems that I have fallen back into a familiar pattern of dealing with people who I perceive are hurting me or those I love. It seems I have dug out my old filing system - which is oh so efficient if I do say so myself...

I have two major files into which I place the people I come in contact with each day: those who hurt me and those who don't. Seems logical doesn't it? When someone does something that hurts me, I immediately place them in the "hurt me" file. They beome "Joe who hurt me" or "Jane who I can't trust". But the problem is, once someone is in that file, it's hard to ever let them out. In other words, it's hard to forgive.

Darrel helped me to see that I had placed several people in this file, and it was beginning to affect our ministry together. I found out, however, that it is easier to chuck those files than I thought it would be. It was simply a decision. A choice. I chose to forgive and let them go. Now when I see these people, they are simply "Joe, a human being I won't judge" or "Jane who I chose to love anyway". Has it been an easy task? Well, easier than I thought. I have been given many opportunities this week. Some are easier to forgive than others. But, I am going to try to follow the example of my good friend, Brandon, who inspired us during a recent Mosaic to see people the way that Jesus sees them. To see past their humanity into their eternity. To stop running them down in my mind and with my mouth, and begin to build them up instead. To find those gifts and talents that God has given them, even if I don't like them very much.

I think this filing system will be much more efficient. Maybe now it will be "Joe, the encourager" or "Jane, the discerner". Seeing people not for who they are now, but who they are becoming. Seeing their place in the body of Christ. Recognizing that I am full of the same ability to hurt others. Realizing that I want to be seen as more than just my failures and faults. Knowing that we are all destined to bring glory to God.

Yes, I think this new system will be much more efficient...