Reaction!

Reaction! 

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28 NIV

The world has its own standards and practices, and it will support and defend all who align with its standards. The world teaches those who follow it that you get what you give out. The result is usually always tinted with malice and revenge. The world does not understand or promote turning the other cheek; it does not believe in loving the enemy or seeking the good of anyone who does not first seek its own good. The first and natural affection of the people of the world is selfishness or self-centredness. That is the language the world speaks, and anyone who does not speak it will be its enemy.

What language do I speak? Do I follow the standard of the world or the Word? Am I affected in any way by the principles and practices of the world? Before I answer, I must check the audience to which these words were spoken. Jesus was speaking to his disciples: men who had made a decision to leave the familiar and follow him wherever he led. The instructions of Jesus really are not for everyone, but for those who know what they have been called into. This call will demand so many things from you; it will cure you of selfishness and pride, and will seek to instill in you a heart that puts other people first. This is not easy for those who are under the control and influence of the world. 

Who is in charge of my heart? When God is in charge, today's extract is settled. If God is in my heart, he is in control of the fruits of my life. I cannot produce anything that does not look like the seed in me. How can a life under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit produce curses? Even in the face of curses, my life should produce blessings. When I am mistreated, I cannot produce anything else except praying for those who mistreat me. The fruit is not the kind that can be hidden; it must manifest in the presence of people and impact their lives. Can I truly say, with the evidence of the fruit of my life, that God is in total control? Remember, it is not what I say but how I live. God's time of favour is here.