So how do I maintain it? God is showing me the key is to not take the bait of offense. This is only logical that God would have me work on this; most of what offends us roots out of our own insecurities. I just finished reading the book, "The Bait of Satan". I highly recommend reading this; it was recommended by my pastor to our church. It has changed how I look at most of my daily interactions with people and helped me to realize how much Satan uses this tool. Once my eyes were opened to how frequently he tries to get us to swallow little morsels of offense on a daily basis, I couldn't help but remember the childhood story of Hansel and Gretel. Okay, stay with me! This is about to make sense.
If you remember Hansel and Gretel have legitimate fears, caused by their parents. Can I get an amen?! Because of their fears they wander in the forest and eventually stumble across a house made of candy, cake, and gingerbread. They gobble down all the delicious morsels only to eventually discover that the wicked homeowner has built the house to lure them inside into eventual captivity and their demise. Her intention is to fatten them up so she can ultimately devour them.
This is exactly what our enemy does. However, he baits us with a tiny morsel called "offense". Something happens, or someone says something and your thought it is...that offends me. Why? Because I have the right not to be treated that way. And you are probably right...you shouldn't have been treated that way. But this is where we have a choice...swallow or spit it out. Because if you take the bait of offense, that tiny bite will swell inside you into something far more dangerous to your faith...pride. Pride says, "You have the right to be both offended and to protect yourself." Pride causes us to not believe what God says is true in any situation. That is why insecurities that feed our offenses and affect our behavior towards others are really a lack of faith. If you really believe that God is in control in any situation, you won't feel like you need to protect your own rights. (Think of Joseph and his brothers) This is imperative because self protection ultimately leads to un-forgiveness. Put frankly, un-forgiveness hinders your spiritual growth. The bible is very clear about God withholding forgiveness to us when we refuse to forgive others.
Further, I will never achieve the abundant life God has in store for me if I harbor un-forgiveness in my heart. Why? Two very important reasons: 1) I won't be positioned to receive God's grace. If you read the fourth chapter of James, the author basically sums it up. We fight with each other because of the battles within our own hearts. God gives us the grace and tools needed to deal with others who are difficult because "God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble." 2) Your love will grow cold. Have you ever been given the 'cold shoulder' by someone? This physical and emotional response is the direct result of being offended. This is what God's word says will happen as the return of Christ draws nearer. "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matt 24:11-13) Jesus was not talking about non-believers in this scripture. He was talking about the church! He didn't say a few, or many, or some. He said "the love of most"; that is a scary thought to me. It is essential as Christians that we are constantly on guard to protect our hearts (Prov 4:23) so that our love does not grow cold; I've discovered vital to this is not taking the bait of offense. It might taste sweet on the lips, but ultimately it could be the death of your faith. Our enemy is very crafty. He knows what happens if he can get you to take the first bite. Un-forgiveness can lead to bitterness and hatred which ultimately will consume you. Hatred leads to revenge or taking things "into our own hands" because you don't think God is going to come through in this particular situation. Not letting others offend you, keeps you in God's will. If you allow yourself to become offended, you will ultimately be taken captive (just like Hansel and Gretel) by the enemy to fulfill his own purposes.
Now I didn't say this is easy! In fact it has been a daily challenge for me ever since I finished the book; there are particular people in my life who I could say offend me frequently or at least like to drop crumbs in my path. Sometimes I've swallowed and had to exercise a little spiritual bulemia by repenting the morsel I injested; painful and not fulfilling! But Paul told us in the book of Acts that this will take a lot of practice to get it right. "And herein do I exercise myself, to have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men." For exercise to be of any value, especially as it pertains to godliness, it takes work. Maybe this period of peace I'm experiencing is actually some training for the next big race that God and I are getting ready to tackle.
