Scriptural Foundation:
Jeremiah 17:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Reflection:
Have you ever seen the light go out in someone’s eyes? It is the light that makes them, them. Over the last six months, the Lord has brought across my path two individuals that act outwardly, how I felt like inwardly many moons ago – disenchanted.
Several years back, a co-worker of mine, that has since left my company, but I think was sent by the Lord told me the best adjective to describe me at the time was sullen…me, sullen! Now, the last time I checked that was not a fruit of the Spirit. After much reflecting and soul searching, I realized that I had allowed the light I had in the Lord to go dim. There are certain areas of our lives where human civility has gone out the window. One area that most of us can relate to is the workforce – you are either in it or closely connected to someone navigating through it. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities and circumstances in that mission’s field to become disenchanted.
It is my observation that there have always been ethical and moral issues especially as relates to the workforce. What has masked the complacency of the masses has been professionalism – a set of social norms that regulated manufactured sincerity. With the passing of time, certain things have fallen by the wayside. For example, formal attire is seen as restrictive, while casual Fridays, have become an everyday and every situational dress code. In many cases, not all, one’s job becomes one’s primary source of income and social network. It is when life becomes this transparent, idol worshiping is right around the corner.
No one can serve two masters’ for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. – Matthew 6:24
The Lord placed these two people in my life, unbeknownst to them, as teaching tools for me. Living parables played out before my eyes. Both these individuals look at their jobs as their only source of life and feel trapped. The Lord revealed to me, when you feel trapped, you will start feeling hopeless; when you start feeling hopeless you start feeling anger; when you start being angry you start justifying this anger then the root of bitterness will set in.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. – 1 John 2:15(NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2(NIV)
For a Believer, allowing the root of bitterness to grow, is one of the worst things that can happen. This metamorphosis of the heart in this manner causes you to become a poor witness for the Lord. It is an indication that you have gotten off on the wrong track. Remember friend, we are to be in this world not of this world.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
– 2 Timothy 2:3-5
In all circumstances you must choose to be content. The Lord holds the whole world in His hands. His precepts cannot be shaken or changed.
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14
In this world where “grey” has taken over the truth of the light vs. the darkness…truth vs. fact… morale & ethics vs. perception is reality…we must purpose in our own mind and heart not to be consumed by things that are just not right. Remember David tried on Saul’s armor before going out to face Goliath, but it didn’t fit. The ways of today’s world will not fit us, Saints! Our hope must be in the Lord that despite feeling naked and powerless in front of “giants” that by the world’s standards are above us; your covering and strength is in the Lord. In Him, you can overcome any and every hardship you face.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What area(s) in your life have you allowed your eyes to grow dim?
- Why have you lost your hope in this area?
- Think back when your eyes shined bright?
- Ask the Lord to renew your strengthen. Press the reset button, through prayer and meditation and watch that area change by the power of God.