“When they which were about Him saw what would follow, they said unto Him, “Lord, shall we smite with the sword?” And one of them smote the servant of the High Priest and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, “Suffer ye thus far.” And He touched his ear and healed him.” Luke 22:49-51 (KJV)
I recently had a conversation with a dear friend of mine who began taking the stance to withhold information from me unless I specifically asked. In fact, even when my mind would think I was being specific I needed to ask “more pointed questions”. This stance taken by my friend really annoyed me, so much so that I decided that I would begin doing the very same thing to him when I was asked a question.
In my heart, I began planning on using phrases that would give an answer yet be ambiguous and yes, even mysterious.
Truthfully, these responses started hinging on lying -subty if you may. As I took my shower that evening, plotting and strategizing on implementing this the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks and asked me very pointedly, “Why are you aiming to be like such and such? Shouldn’t your aim be to be like Jesus?”
With these questions my heart had to position itself in a “kneel-like” fashion as I realized that I was not only aiming at rendering an eye for an eyes but I was NOT on the pathway of being like Jesus. I was becoming rebellious and disobedient not realizing that my entire Christian journey hinges on following closely my Father’s footsteps. There I was wanting my friend to feel the way I think they are trying to make me feel and not realizing that ONLY focus in life is to imitate the ways of Jesus.
Father, it is so easy to become sidetracked from the task at hand. It is so easy to lose focus of our mission here on this earth. Help us to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. In fact Lord, make our hearts clean by purging us from sin so that the Holy Spirit can be housed there. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Imago Dei 