I've learned that when something bothers me... when a button of mine is pushed... that it is a sure sign that my Ego (Flesh) is involved. I shared a little about this to someone the other day. And of course like clockwork, the next day I had a wonderful character building opportunity.
Yes, something someone did got under my skin. Sure, I'd like to say he "pushed my buttons." But in actuality, no one has that power. You can't make me mad. My wife can't make me mad. My kids can't make me mad. Only my "maker" can "make" me do anything and He made me with free will to choose. So yup, I choose to be mad or angry or offended.
Next time you feel the urge to blurt out "you make me so mad!" remember that you're allotting to them a special power. You give them power over your life. It's not healthy. It's dysfunctional.
When you feel that issue or that moment start to get under your skin, see it as a red flag that there's a flesh issue inside yourself. I certainly see it in me in that situation yesterday. It's a wonderful growth opportunity.
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials. For the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1).
Great post - I get the same way and have no one to blame but myself. It's only when I remember to deny myself and let Christ shine that I am able to let it go quickly! Now I just have to remember that. It's not enough to die daily, but to die minute by minute. That's the challenge!:)
ReplyDelete