Am I Blind?

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Am I blind?

A question that rattled round my head when recalling a certain situation that had surfaced in one of my most intimate relationships. I kept asking over and over "Why?", discontent to not know the answer; or rather to get an answer I didn't want. I took this question to one of my friends "Why?". He said, "Hm" after a moment of quiet thoughtfulness he said ,"Maybe because this has become an idol for you"... ((WHOA!)) "maybe you're prioritizing this... Over God". Now looking back I can see how prideful I was > Me? An Idol? Immediately, in my holy little mind w/ a glowing halo above my head just knew, that simply couldn't be the answer. That was weeks and weeks ago, and to my shame, I simply shrugged that suggestion off. Although after a convicting sermon I recently had the privilege of hearing, this question sowed seeds of wonder. Am I blind.... to my idols?

Idolatry

It sounds like such a heinous and filthy sin, yet so often overlooked! After all it is so easy to fall victim to. In fact by the time you realize that you've been storing up idols in your heart... it's too late, you are already so invested. It's difficult and seems so unnecessary to constantly ask, "Who or What am I allowing to take God's place in my heart?" (so let me ask you) Friend, Who or What are you allowing that place to be filled by? Have you asked yourself that lately? I hadn't!

One example of idolatry is at the foot of Mt. Sinai. This is one of my favorite stories of the human condition. We get saved from tyrannical rulers and rejoice over our salvation, but when we get too comfortable we fold our hands and bow down to a golden calf. This truly is a fine representation of how fickle our hearts are. One moment we are grateful and worshiping the Lord for his faithfulness; the next we are bowing down to our golden calves. Neglecting prayer or quiet devotion and instead, are worshiping something, at times, anything other than God. But what happened right after that? (Exodus 32:11-13) Moses spoke with the Lord and God gave them a second chance.

Second Chances

Despite our failures to be true and faithful to God we may rest assured, knowing through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross we are given a second chance!! We are imperfect and unholy creatures conceived in sin and we live in a calloused state. But according to his word and for his glory we are given this new life, this second chance. So when you give your idols your undivided attention, remember you must never be too proud to repent. Constantly examine what you're doing and why. Ask yourself,"Am I using this second chance to glorify God or Am I running back to all of the things I have given my heart over to?" Because real love is never afraid to make right what it has made wrong. Real love is not afraid to bleed.

Real Love is NOT Afraid to Bleed

On the car ride home in somewhat rainy weather a few simple words caught my ear. I've heard them probably 1,000 times before. Yet in that moment they were a resounding gong, loud and potent, they simply had to be written down. Real love is not afraid to bleed of course the first thing this statement brings to mind is Jesus. Familiar with the famous John 3:16> he so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life > We know that Jesus bled. He bled bright red blood to save an ungrateful world, an ignorant and unloving race. Are you afraid to bleed? If I'm honest, I am. C.S. Lewis once said,"To love is to be vulnerable". In order to truly love someone you must be willing to be vulnerable, you must be willing to bleed. And that type of love can only come from an UNBLINDED reverence for an all merciful and holy God. Cast aside your idols! Cast aside all of your golden calves or whatever you are placing above God. Is it a family member, new job position, earthly possession, potential relationship, hurtful past, maybe it's something that is much darker and harder to share. Whatever you are letting fill your heart, whatever you are giving ground to, friend find the strength to pray. Ask for the will to overcome your struggles.

In Conclusion

Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask yourself if you're blind. (Go ahead and ask yourself rn) Then realize that if you're a regenerate Christian, you've been given a second chance. What are you doing with this second chance? And remember real love is not afraid to bleed. It's hard to put aside our pride, to see how defiled we truly are. But if we are to be imitators of Christ then we will put ourselves aside and learn to love... the way he does!

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p.s. Ta-Da! I did it> if you have enjoyed this (my very first blog post) plz share! And constructive criticism is always welcome, so get in touch!! Thank youuu and until next time

Jade anjalee