As we go through our journey with Jesus Christ, our human side should begin to mirror Jesus Christ. We can relate, encourage, mentor, counsel, and understand others without changing our speech or behavior. The human side of us and our life with Jesus should always be the same. When we share our feelings and stories with someone we should never take Jesus out of it. I can commiserate and share my disappointments, but I would be doing an injustice to you and my Savior if I end the story there. We can’t minister only to someone through our feelings and emotions, they are what got us into trouble in the first place. Besides, emotions and feelings will not solve our problems or provide us with healing.
Emotions and feelings
There is a time and place to allow our emotions and feelings to lead. Sometimes we can’t relate to someone’s actual circumstance, but we can relate to how they feel. We don’t want to dismiss or minimize real hurts and concerns. Being available to listen and be a friend can be the medicine that starts the process of healing. On the flip side, it has to come to a point where we stop coddling and encourage people to call and rely on Jesus. Don’t be insensitive or harsh, but be firm and truthful because emotions can and will keep us in the pit and give place to the devil to take further advantage of us. Always, always, and always use discernment.
Progress
Sharing our human side shows progress in our lives and encourages others that progress is possible with Jesus Christ. We must share more than how hard, difficult, and challenging the trial was or is. We should not exalt it above what God has done and is doing for us. Sharing is to show how God brought us through the trial and give glory for His mercy and provision. Progress is also about a deeper trust and reliance on Christ, not only that the trial is over. The only way to achieve sustainable progress is by spending daily quality time reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible. Breaking down scripture into tiny bite-size morsels to digest for understanding and application.
Will power
Will power is not sustainable power. How many of us have started strong on a diet, new year’s resolution, or task to find ourselves starting over again in two weeks? We lose interest, boredom sets in, the cake and ice cream become more appealing than the rice cakes. Maybe, we reach a goal, like losing seven pounds to get into a dress and after the event, we gain it back plus some. The temporary adrenaline rush only carries us so far. We may have good intentions and a strong personal desire to go forward, but our human side if not brought under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, will beat out every time. Our focus becomes nearsighted and our commitment is short-term. Instant gratification becomes the driving force because willpower produced a quick fix.
If our anchor is in willpower and our ability when circumstances change, it will produce a break or meltdown in our routines and plans. That causes our dedication to waver because the temporal things we relied upon are not working in tandem or available. Is your source of strength and power Jesus Christ or yourself? If it is the latter, your journey will always be lacking and incomplete.
In conclusion
Remember to maintain being a Christian when sharing your human side. That includes how we speak, behave, and represent Jesus Christ. It’s about relating but not becoming part of the world to connect with someone. We should not change into another character to engage or interact with others. Take heed to the Holy Spirit on when to speak and when to listen. Let God’s word direct and illuminate your steps and journey, Psalm 119:105.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- When sharing your human side do you change into another character thinking that will help you connect? If so, why?
- Do you exalt the challenges more than how Jesus brought you through the trial?
- Do you listen to the Holy Spirit for discernment on how to proceed?
- Are you allowing your emotions and feelings to drive your interactions?
Hi Carol,
Yes this is so true! It is so easy to fall back into the flesh. I have caught myself at times talking about trials and thought I have not given God the glory.
Jesus is the one who pulls us through. How can we witness to a lost world if we do not give Him the glory? People will not ask you about Jesus unless you show Jesus, in fact I know I need to make a concerted effort to do so as people avoid talking “religion”.
Being in His word, meditating and prayer keep us focused.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Carolyn, Thank you so much for your transparency. I know it’s always room for improvement in my own life. Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Carol,
Praise be to God that we have the ultimate example of the “human side” in Christ Jesus. Fully God and fully man.
He is our story!
🙏🏻 Heidi
Heidi, In total agreement. Thank you!
Amen Carol
I agree! It’s easy especially as women to allow “feelings” to creep in and take over. I do believe for myself the enemy likes to use that to mess with me. He knows my weakness and I could quickly loose focus of Jesus if I allow the enemy to use my feelings back what Jesus is trying to do!
I think about my life before salvation!! Every day and everything was off how I was feeling or circumstances around me or I was going through! Before I knew God I did what felt good, said what felt good and didn’t even consider Gods thoughts ! What a sad life it was and a waste saying and doing what I wanted.
I love that God knows what we all go through and feel and he doesn’t say “you’re on you own” rather he gave us an instruction manual how to handle situations and live! The Bible !!
I do need to be careful always room
For improvement!
Ashley, Thank you for sharing your heart. Praise God for salvation and our instruction manual the Bible.
This is another drop the mic blog!! All too often the “modern” believer use the excuse of being human as a reason not to change their speech or behaviors. It is my endeavor to let my life be a reflection of the manifested Glory of God by transforming my entire being to the mold God designed for me!
Transformation is not easy and often times challenging, but I’m in it for a lifetime!!
Lisa, Amen, Amen, and Amen!!! I am in full agreement. Thank you for your commitment to Jesus!!!