WHEN LIFE IS A "BUR UNDER YOUR SADDLE"

Today's post is more of a confessional of the effect of a "bur under my saddle" than a discussion of something in the news.  It's also a testimony to the power of love and Christian friendship to help us walk the Christian life. Thirdly, it's really the Christian perspective on MY current events.  Since so few are actually reading my posts, unfortunately, very few will likely be impacted by it.  However, I've decided to post anyway.  It might make a difference in ways I'm unaware of.

"Repentance is a change of direction in thought and behavior."  That's a good definition, but godly repentance needs another element.  Godly repentance means to change direction in thought and behavior from all thought and behavior that is contrary to God's to that which is in alignment with God's. 

Having said that, I confess I had a need of repentance last night.  I was on a rant and posted so on Facebook. 

 Let me give you the back story so you'll understand the rant.  I have been accused of being very judgmental because I have sought to proclaim the Word of God.  I have also expected those who call themselves "Christians" (those who tried hard enough to convince me they were that I would and did baptize them) to ACT like Christians.  When their lives and their Facebook posts fell into immorality, debauchery, and foul language, I tried to address it - lovingly, but without compromise.  In response, I have been branded.  That has become a bur under my saddle.  

Last night, I simply got tired of watching more and more of those I've baptized, who have been members of our church or others, watching those people post "pro-God" things on Facebook, and follow that up with profanity, racy photos, or bashing anyone who has hurt them with the most caustic things they can think of.  I lost it, and made two general posts of complaint.  I confess.  I shouldn't have let it get to me the way it did.  

As I said, this post is also a testimony to the help of loving Christian friendship in aiding a Christian who seeks to walk the walk and talk the talk when it gets out of alignment.  Complaining about Christians that don't walk the walk while talking the talk is as out of line as those who have begun to live in immoral relationships, etc.  I have two friends, godly friends, who lovingly posted words of truth to me, showing me a more godly perspective.  My spirit was rebuked, and whether there was truth in my posts or not, I knew I needed to deal with my own spirit.  I want to thank my friends for helping me that way.  And I want to encourage Christians who want to follow the Lord get themselves some friends like that who will lovingly point them in the right direction when needed.

It also showed me the difference between those who seek to follow Christ and those who don't.  Both might have their consciences pricked when they are out of line, but the follower of Christ will repent, pray, and deal with it.  The ungodly will not.

I found that dealing meant repent, pray, and return to the Lord's way of thinking and doing. The issue is still there, but the Christian response is now appropriate.  I do not have a bur under my saddle about it any more.  It's all in the Lord's hands.  And I am glad He can carry it far better than I can.  In my rant, I did not say anything I regret.  But I do regret the way the whole thing got me so worked up. Thank God for Christian who walk alongside me.  May I be that to others.  That's how it is, As I See It.