Myth Buster!

One of the most fun times I have ever had as an adult was about seven or eight years ago. It was December and Christmas celebrations were in full swing. I genuinely LOVE my church family and wanted to rejoice in Christ's birth with them almost as much as with my biological family. With the all clear from Kevin, I started planning and sent the invitation to the young adult department at church. That was a group of about 20 - 25 families. Most of the time you can count on about half being able to attend, right? Isn't that what Emily Post says? Maybe even fewer because the Christmas season is so busy for everyone. Well, almost every single person came with their children who I had also invited because Christmas to me is also a time for families to be together. There were 78 people in our three bedroom house. IT. . .WAS . . . GREAT!!!

It was challenging logistically to say the least. There were people in the floor, people in our bedroom, in our kids bedrooms, and I made the announcement to everyone present that it made my so happy (gloriously happy) to have them all there! Like I said, one of the best memories!  I told you that story to give all of you who do not know me personally a picture of my personality. I am not a bashful or timid type. I speak to almost everyone I see and most likely annoy some with my idle chit chat when standing close to me when waiting in line. 

I have struggled with what it means to have a meek and quiet spirit. What is that supposed to look like? God has given me the ability and desire to touch lives. I have a love for the human soul. He has placed in me the desire to connect with people. This meek and quiet lady I had learned about in church does not cooperate with that personality. I felt like a failure. "Do not let your adornment be merely outward- arranging hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3-4. I thought about this a lot and rolled it around and around in my head. This is talking about how we present ourselves to others, and I am certainly NOT quiet. I beat myself up a lot, I thought I was supposed to be like Jane Bennett. Then I looked a little closer. 

This verse is speaking against vanity and pride. Others are supposed to able to see into our heart. They are should be able to see our true spirit, the Holy Spirit. The word meek in the 1 Peter text comes from the Greek word praus meaning mild or humble. Quiet comes from the Greek word hesuchios meaning still, peaceable, or quiet. So in our spirit, our heart, we are to be humble, still, peaceable. "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" Philippians 4:11. We are not be stirred by every trial, scattered by the least inconvenience, tempted by worldly status, or measuring our life against the lives of others. Our heart is to be still and confidence in our position in Christ. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5. Our lives should be spent bringing glory to Christ, not constantly being in a snit because something hasn't gone our way. We are to be peaceable and steadfast enduring with grace and dignity. It shows the great strength in whom we place our trust. That is a true meek and quiet spirit.

In the Crosshairs

It is fall here in northeast Tennessee and it is beautiful! About half of the gold, orange, and crimson leaves are down, pumpkins are on our porches and in our ovens, and we have entered into the rut. I am not referring to the cycle of life where we feel that all is mundane and routine, but the time of year when deer are mating and hunting season is in full swing. Yes, this is hunting country. That all elusive buck is distracted by the drive to reproduce. He is compelled by his pursuit which often leads him right into the crosshairs of a motionless hunter. You might say, it is his pursuit of the flesh, if you will.

Aren't we all often distracted by the pursuits of our own flesh right into the crosshairs of the one who is seemingly sitting motionless just waiting for the perfect opportunity to destroy us? My friend, Satan may be silent, and he may be perfectly camouflaged, but he is by no means motionless. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. Most of us have heard this verse before but what does it really mean? The word sober here comes from the Greek word nephalios meaning circumspect or to be careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. Vigilant  here comes from the Greek word gregoreuo meaning, to keep awake or to keep watch. So this verse is telling us to consider all circumstances and possible consequences while being awake and keeping watch.

We spend so much time distracted by the minutiae of this life. We are unaware of the spiritual warfare that is going on around us. You may be thinking, "Jill, that spirit stuff was in the old testament." This is not Ouija boards and séances I am talking about. These are real powers and principalities that are in our midst.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

Our "adversary the devil" is actively pursuing us with the ferocity of a lion! We cannot take that lightly. When we, like that buck, are going through our days compelled by what satisfies our desires, or fills our mind with thoughts that amuse or entertain, and are not actively pursuing our Savior in everything we do, we are walking right into the crosshairs of Satan himself. Satan is the master manipulator. We may arrogantly think that we recognize him in all of his beguiling and seductive ways but he has been at his craft for centuries and it is only Christ who is capable of defeating him. The only position that is secure, is our position in Christ. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7.

The only sanctuary we have is drawing closer to Christ; living in His very presence and occupy every thought and action on Him for His glory. That does not mean to spend every productive moment sitting in our prayer closet with no distractions. That does mean praying through every productive moment God has called us to so our focus is sharp and we see our attacker as he lies in wait for us.