NO OFFENSE!

"Abrasive things are used to smooth rough places!"

What a tricky little clink in our armor! Actually, there are no “clinks” in the Armor of God, it’s more like we’re not putting it on properly! Jesus mentioned being offended several times, indicating that it’s a formidable snare, and that is an understatement! Self is inherently constructed to guard and protect itself. When any assault comes, whether physical, spiritual, or verbal, we tend to raise the carnal shields of dignity and pride rather than the Shield of Faith! In what appears to be “the last days,” and at the risk of offending, Jesus said it’s only getting started!

When I’m offended, especially justifiably, I step completely out of the spiritual realm where I belong, into the carnal, temporary realm from which I’ve been delivered. Here my abilities to resist the devil and speak Life are rendered impotent! The devil knows this full well, so it’s no surprise he likes to use this technique…often!

“So, where’s my defense? How am I supposed to not feel something that hurts?” What a valid question, and how remarkably appropriate since the answer itself is…offensive! We know that our “natural” persona has and is supposed to have emotions and sensitivities. What we are slow to learn is that most of those senses, and emotions, are literally contrary to the new spiritual existence the Spirit of Christ is teaching!

When Paul was experiencing something (unknown to us) that was most offensive, he begged God to take it away. Rather than sympathizing with Paul and comforting him, Jesus told him it was good for him and that His Grace was sufficient for the situation! How emotionally indifferent!! And yet this apostle, who had given up everything in pursuit of knowing the fullness of Christ, in complete trust, said he would therefore “take pleasure” in being wronged! After all, Jesus, for the Joy set before Him, endured the Cross!

So, the next time something hurts my feelings, opposes my good judgment, or aggravates me, may I recognize that abrasive things are used to smooth rough places! “I will trust in You!”

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Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

~Luke 7:23 KJV

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

~Matthew 24:10 KJV

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

~John 16:1 KJV

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:

~Romans 7:18a KJV