Thursday 1-17-08

Greetings Internet Campus,

Today we continue our look at being a "sheep." One more thing that we don't need to fear as a follower of God is friction...fighting.

James 4:1 "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?"

Do you know someone who is prone to fighting? Enjoys uneasiness? Happy when they are combative? I do. Why are people like that?

Today's verse explains exactly why...it's inside them. Something inside is hurting...something within their soul is in pain. The problem comes when that internal pain surfaces to hurt others: both verbally and/or physically. How do we as sheep control this "inner turmoil?"

Easy.

We need to look to the Shepherd's example and trust in His ability to heal. If we are the one struggling with fighting and anger, the first plan of action is to do anything we can to be more like Jesus. Handle situations like Him...treat others like Him...use words like Him... I'm going to warn you, this isn't always easy. Most of us use excuses like "I was just born that way" or "I can't help it...my parents were like that" You can help it. If you are a grown adult, you get to choose your reaction to what goes on all around you. Want to be less angry? Actively seek the Shepherd's behaviors for your life...go after what may seem impossible right now...and keep at it. Pretty soon, your natural reaction to things will be the Godly one.

Also, we have to trust that God can heal that inner pain. What makes us prone to anger CAN be reversed...it can be changed...we can be different than our parents...it just takes a day-by-day commitment to follow the Shepherd's example and course for our lives.

When we find ourselves fearing friction...either as the cause of it...or hurt by its effects...we need to remember that the Shepherd is still in charge...and we, the sheep, aren't finished yet.

Pastor Brian