The "Satan" Basket

On occasions I've thought that I was going through trials or suffering for the sake of the Lord. It's possible (actually, it's factual) that I was quite wrong on many of those occasions. I'm able to look back and see that God used the results, and even the process, of various situations to teach me more about Him and His character as revealed in the Word -- to make those things I'd read and studied come to life.

However, much of the "tribulation" I've been through has been the direct result of my own moronic choices. I'd even venture to say that most of it is of that variety. Not just the comparatively big situations, either. I'm speaking of carelessness, self-centeredness (which actually has negative by-products in almost every area of life), rebellion, and stubbornness.

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." (Matthew 5:11-12, NLT)

Jesus didn't say here that any of us would be blessed for enduring persecution or slander or taunting because of our pig-headedness. (Hey, haven't I posted something about this before?)

"Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you." (1 Peter 2:20, NLT)

"If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" (1 Peter 4:15-16, NLT)

"Making trouble" and "prying into other people's affairs" are things that we might consider small, but Peter placed them in a sentence with murder and theft. While those crimes are universally recognized as evil, trouble-making and gossip have far-reaching and long-enduring consequences that directly impact the lives of other people. I believe we consider the latter two things to be small because they are already practiced widely in daily living.

Before lumping your troubles into the "Satan" basket, ask yourself the "why" question and be honest with your answers: "How did I get here? Is this situation of my own making?" If you're at the bottom of a hole that you can claim as your own, stop digging!

(Tip of the brainstorming hat to Once-Frequent-Commenter-But-Now-Behind-a-Firewall Leroy)

Posted in: Life, Trials