Taking the Bull by the Horns

It is a rare thing for Chris to be around while I am having my Priority Time. For one thing, we are not usually in the same place when we are spending time with the Lord. For another, I don’t like distractions. If he is around, I have probably hidden somewhere else in the house. Last week as we were traveling, we had the unusual occasion of sitting next to each other while I was finishing my Priority Time.As I considered Matthew 5:20, I was reminded of Jesus’ straightforward words,“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus does not mince any words and I began asking myself, “Where in my life am I not righteous?” and, “Where do I not obey from a heart of love?” As I wrote the questions in my journal, I looked up and glanced at Chris. Who else knows me better? So, I asked Chris, “Where do you think I am not righteous?”Now let me stop here. I highly encourage you to ask those closest to you to speak into your life. Just make sure you are willing to receive their answer before you ask! What Chris said caught me off guard, but he was exactly on target. He very quickly identified an area where I continually struggle to have a good attitude. This specific point of frustration is so common, I had overlooked it. In my heart of hearts, I think I had resigned to the fact that the dynamics would never get any better and there was nothing I could do about it.As I reflected on his comments and the conversation that followed, I realized that I have spent much time trying to improve many areas of my life, but I had avoided the one area that could actually give me the most freedom and victory. Yes, I can become a little more generous, or memorize more Scripture, but what if I actually committed to doing the hard work in the area that brings me the most disappointment, pain, and frustration?I closed my journal that day and committed to keeping the big battle in front of me. I am going to take the bull by the horns and relentlessly seek the Lord to give me the wisdom and grace to break some old thought patterns. I wonder if you need to join me? Is there an area of your life that constantly serves as a source of discouragement or frustration? Is there that one thing that you think is too hard to change? Is it your marriage? Your finances? Your attitude towards a specific person? Is it your self-image? Is it a lie that you continually believe about yourself?It is one step at a time. It is one day at a time. But the Lord is faithful… and He desires us to be free!