Getting rid of Junk Mail and Junk Thinking….

You would think I would be used to this unusual thought life of mine, but every now and again I am shocked by the crazy way my mind can get off track.

This week I spent some time shredding a stack of receipts and junk mail that had accumulated.

I am paranoid about identity theft so I haul anything that might possibly be tied to our personal information downstairs and run it through the shredder.

It’s time-consuming and somewhat of a pain in the neck.

As I  fed the stash into this paper-eating gizmo, I started thinking about people who just tear this kind of stuff in half and toss it in the trash.

Minutes passed and I became more bored and began to think how totally unfair it would be if our identity got stolen in spite of all this effort, while someone less diligent was kept safe from such a crime.

A few more minutes and my pulse elevated somewhat. I was starting to get really steamed as I considered how unjust that would be.

But as I emptied this pile of confetti into the recycling bin, it dawned on me how often I tie my good behavior to something being owed to me as a right and privilege.

How often do I think I deserve better than what life tosses my way based on my best record?

And all of that line of reasoning is not based on the truth that I claim to believe.

Because when I do that kind of thinking, I have essentially stolen God’s identity…I have allowed myself to step into the seat of Sovereign Judge…a spot reserved only for Him.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that God allows good things to happen in the lives of all people, regardless of the intentions of their hearts toward Him.

Our circumstances – good or bad – aren’t the litmus test for living under His blessing.

The “blessing” comes in choosing to do right because He is righteous.

When troubles do come, in spite of having done the right thing, there is peace in knowing these are part of this world.

He comforts me and teaches me in the midst of any ills that come my way.

If my troubles are due to disobedience, I can ask for forgiveness and strength and then face the consequences; also with His help and guidance.

And THIS is true blessing.

My attitude needs to fall in line with the One I have set my heart to follow so that my identity will always be held safe in Him, no matter what happens to me here on earth.

Or as He puts it….

“But I say to you, love your enemies,

bless those who curse you,

do good to those who hate you,

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;

for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”                 (NKJV Matthew 5:43-45)

so……..

“Grow up!

You’re Kingdom subjects.

Now live like it.

Live out your God-created identity.

Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (The Message Matthew 5:48

May you truly know God’s richest blessings that come from obedience to His Word dwelling in you today <3