Not “I”

In physics, a moment is about movement. It is the product of the force placed on an object and the distance from a reference point (or fixed point) on that object where force is applied. M=Fd. I like God “moments.” When I have my mind fixed in a certain place, the Lord applies force to my mind (hits me in the head) and moves me to the next place in life. Sometimes, it seems to be the only way to break me free when I’m stuck. Yesterday, I had one of those moments.

My husband and I were having a simple discussion about life in general. It wasn’t anything deep…. just talking. Amid the chatter, the Lord began to show me the word “I.” Each time the word came from mine or my husband’s mouth, He revealed to me how it was being emphasized. One of us would draw it out here and there or sometimes annunciate it really quickly. My mind became consumed by listening for the “I”s. Even writing this, I am so in tune with each time the word appears on the computer screen. Our lives revolve around “I”-self.

Reflecting, I began to ask myself why I do things. What are my real motives for what I do? Am I truly seeking to glorify God, or is there an unseen, underlying “self” in it all? As Christians, we practice selflessness by giving our time, money, love, sound advice, belongings, etc. We call it sacrifice, but sometimes it doesn’t end there. A friend needs some advice; we pour our hearts out with love backed by scripture and testimony, but they don’t apply what we give them. Does it end there? Or do we entertain the nagging question of why didn’t they listen? We loan a belonging out and it comes back unloved. Does it end there, or do we question what happened? We send an encouraging text and never receive a response or just a really late one. Does it end there, or do we look at that person differently now?

In our heads, we hear, “I called,” “I gave,” “I tried,” “I loved.” My husband brought up a good point. He said we should replace the “I’ with “we.” The “we” meaning God and I. It’s not our place to be concerned with why people act the way they do. If we see our actions as a joint effort with the Lord, then we won’t take other’s actions so personally. “What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. It doesn’t matter who is against us, because God is for us. It’s His place to deal with those that sin against Him and His people. “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace,” Exodus 14:14.

When we take the “I” out and trust the Lord to handle matters that are His, bitterness no longer has a hold on us; then, we are free to love. In love we can give advice again. In love we can loan out our belongings again. In love we can speak words of encouragement again. The enemy wants us to hold onto the “I” which brings nothing but pain. Jesus is pressing us to take this moment and break free from the “I.” He wants us to join forces with Him so that we can love like He does. He asked us to “…go and make disciples…” Mathew 28:19. In physics, when the force increases, the moment increases. Disciple making is only possible when we join together with the Lord which increases the force of love. When that force increases, the “moments” that others experience increase as well. Every Jesus moment is a step closer to a new disciple.

Jesus, I accept Your offer to join forces with You and love the world. Show me every time an “I” gets in the way of You receiving glory. Teach me to step aside and let You deal with those who wrong us. Open my eyes to see the moments You use to glorify Yourself and Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name.