Thoughts
on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 127
Michael’s book is
available through:
Abiding Life Ministries
International
Littleton, Colorado
Notice: this email is part of a
BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”. Why a blog? So that many can receive the weekly thoughts
I express on Michael’s writings in an easy manner.
Two
simple words that most are familiar with, but few make the distinction between
what we do with that other person’s heart.
Michael gives us a great life lesson with much to ponder…
Day 18
Attraction
Versus Respect
For all that is in the world, the lust of the
flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the
Father, but is from the world. –I John
2:16
There is a difference between
attraction and respect. When we hold true godly respect for another, it sends
us in praise and gratitude to Jesus, in Whom we can experience more of whatever
attributes we have been seeing and enjoying in the other person. In the
context of respect, we think
only of how we can encourage the other person on in the Lord, and we leave his
or her heart with God. Attraction wants to experience some of that heart for one's self,
and it is a pity that we currently see this often in congregations. The men or
women are listening to a female or male speaker and thinking what a great
experience it would be if married to that “wonderful” person. That is
attraction, not respect. To
look at someone and say, "If I were younger and unattached, there would be
no question about pursuing that person," is attraction. What does
that statement have to do with respect? Respect is gender neutral and, generally, attraction is gender
specific and can grow so far as lust. So what is the point in
understanding the difference between the two? Primarily this: How do we confess if we do not know
what to confess? If
we must admit that we have been dabbling in attraction, the solution is easy:
Confess it and move into respect. The lack of distinction between attraction and respect has
led to much spiritual abuse. Believers are listening too much to men and not to
God; they are following too many men and not Jesus. Respect will never lead us
into the type of situation where attraction allows us to go; respect keeps us
following Jesus. Perhaps this can help us understand why some in the
Church get sidetracked.
Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point Green
– IT, Incredible Truth
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches Pink
– PV, Priceless Victory
Michael leads us to a simple conclusion: Respect is for the betterment
of the other person. Attraction is for
my seeming betterment. To have any lack
of distinction between the two is simply man wanting what is best for himself,
and caring less what is spiritual and what is best for another.
I wonder how many have ever even thought of the magnificent statement
Michael makes regarding: “In context of respect, we think only of how we can
encourage the other person on in the Lord, and we leave his or her heart with
God.” I wonder how many can even
comprehend what Michael is saying in the last part of his statement?
Does someone embracing attraction really understand they want to
experience some of another’s heart for themselves? And what the end result of such is?
We live in a day when even in the church the subtle conversations,
observations, and misinterpretations are indicative of just how far Christians
have fallen from a pure relationship with Jesus. For over 25 years we have seen just how
little the word “relationship” has real meaning to most people. Perhaps this is simply the result of this
lack of distinction between respect and attraction.
To access ALL past weekly
blogs, go to Living
Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com
NOTICE: another blog on
Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the
Wilderness. You can access by logging onto
www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com
Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
leemccm@gmail.com
P. O. Box 633244 Nacogdoches, Tx 75963 936-559-5696
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