Perverse

*dictionary.com  If you want to know more about me, all 5 definitions could be applied at various times
Perverse

There. I did it. I wrote the word that kept coming to me.  I didn’t want to, its not the best word. (That is a whole other reflection!)  and there it is.  I was actually doing what the word was for today.  The word that God gives is not only for you, its for me too. 

So I am just sayin’, the Holy Spirit pointed out that I am perverse this morning.  I mean not today, (?? Did i just write that??) but there are times.  Just for clarification I checked the definition: willfully determined or disposed to go counter to what is expected or desired; contrary.*

I think I heard a mike drop somewhere. 

Well, at least I am in good company!  Paul expresses this perverse nature we all struggle with, saying “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15. See how it is – we all have that sin nature that we struggle with.  Some of us may be more capable of refraining from being perverse.  At times we can all be stronger or weaker.  

The first thing is to face into is that we all have an easy time doing what we want.  I have never had a hard time going “my way” about life.  Growing in faith and action, requires intentional reflection, mindfulness, prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will accompany us, revealing, re-directing us, giving us strength to overcome self and become more Christ like in our ways. Whether it is a matter of curbing our anger to show mercy, refraining from judgement and showing grace, or some of those difficult ones like giving up destructive habits and actions that destroy us emotionally and physically, you get the picture.  Being perverse, contrary to what we know God is revealing to us produces outcomes that are harmful to us and to others.

Perversity would have me believe that I am immune to the pandemic, going my way and perhaps catching it or worse spreading the virus.  Perversity would tell me to stock up on essentials (filling our pantry so that it overflows into other spaces and places).  Perversity would have me – oh you know.  You have your own ways.

And I love you in spite of these ways, just as God loves us even though God knows our every thought, motive and plan.  Such grace warrants our attention and our efforts to respond from that same spiritual place of mercy for ourselves and others.  Forgiven for our humanity, God keeps on keeping on loving us into our best self.  As Paul says later in Romans 8: 31b “If God is for us, who is against us?”

Wow. Take that perverse nature!  God says, “I’ve got this!”. Mike drop.

I love you, I am praying for you, and God is our greatest resource in all things.

Pastor Lisa
 
*dictionary.com  If you want to know more about me, all 5 definitions could be applied at various times

https://youtu.be/e37m3I5eH8g

 
Lord, I Need You.Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

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