My husband is in jail. Often. It’s one of his favorite places to be. With a bit of volunteer training to obtain an
official Pastoral Care business card, he gets to study the Bible with a literal
captive audience. He also has the
privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit open and change hardened hearts.
Talking with prisoners, my husband is learning what it’s like
to exist in an uncomfortable room with little privacy and choices, and with no
window to see the outside world. One inmate of a county jail said he wanted to
go to prison, because, “At least there you get time to go outdoors.”
This morning I had the freedom to walk past fall-colored
trees, feel the bright sun warming my shoulders, and partake in food and
conversations of my own choosing. These blessings
are just a miniscule sampling of what God continually provides. So why do I cling to attitudes that lock out
appreciation? My emotional prison is
apparent in several ways.
My Comparison Cell
To be honest, I did not want to read how the Apostle Paul
includes jealousy in a list of dangerous sins.
He warns, “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of
God.” (Galatians 5:21) A few verses earlier (5:16) he encourages
living by the Spirit to, “not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Thank you Lord, for the Spirit-powered key
that unlocks my attitude’s cell of comparison.
The Prison of Approval-seeking
Being corrected is one of my least-favorite experiences! “Can
I show you what you are doing wrong?” is a question that makes my ego
cringe. Expressing my opinions ("attitude facts”) to someone who blatantly rejects them, puts me on an emotional
fear-coaster ride. Why do I ignore how Christ’s
perfect love drives out fear ( I John 4:18) ?
When concentrating on my feelings I ignore the facts that,
“through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians
3:12) The prison of approval-seeking
robs everyone of confidence and joy.
Proclaiming Freedom
Prioritizing people relationships over discipleship, and social
media over Bible study are two more ways I cripple growth in appreciation and
faith. Busyness and
distractions are not an honest excuse. It takes a commitment to
daily decision-making based on God’s Word that gives me the attitude
transplant I desperately need.
Do you believe Jesus came to earth to proclaim freedom for
prisoners like you and me?
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