Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Trust the eternal Footman

Friday, March 26, 2010

John 10:31-42
The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?

... "Believe what I have done, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him, but he escaped from their power.

Jeremiah 20:10-11
I hear the whisperings of many: "Terror on every side! Denounce! Let us denounce him!" All those who were my friends are on the watch for anything I do wrong ... But the Lord is with me ..."

And one of the first things God says (credit also goes to Napoleon Bonaparte and my wife Margaret) is: "Never attribute to malice that which can adequately be explained by incompetence."

So wise. God's position on these things is always about love. "OK, bad things are going on for you. How can you love your enemy right here, right now? What can you think, what can you say, what can you do to get to a place of compassion, forgiveness and grace?"

My "enemy" might well be my partner or my parent or my child. What kind of "enemy" is that? What keeps me from remembering their good intentions? We aren't trying to destroy each other's self-esteem, but it might be hard to tell that from our words.

Too often I get angry when Margaret gets angry with me. I get angry, I get defensive and self-protective, I stop editing my words, and I try to get the last word. Yuck. To quote T.S. Eliot, "In short, I was afraid." *

Patiently, God reminds me, "Do not be afraid. Believe me when I tell you I'm in charge here, and nothing will change that. I want you to assume the best." And here it comes again, "David, never attribute to malice that which can adequately explained by incompetence."

Assume the best
Prepare for the best
Expect the best
Be the best

This does not just change my perspective; it changes results. Things happen differently ... one more swipe against Satan ... the gates of Eden crack just a bit more open.

Lord, my mind is a hotbed for fear and trembling. So "incompetent" I am, but your patience sustains me and brings me back home to you. There your arms are wide, your smile is broad, and you are really glad to see me. What joy to know your hearth, Lord, and to trust the fire that you never let go out.

* Great poem about faith and doubt, among other things - check it out:

http://www.bartleby.com/198/1.html

Devotions Archive

Trust the eternal Footman

Friday, March 26, 2010