“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.” Abraham Lincoln
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44
Latent: “(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed” New Oxford American Dictionary
Don't think for once God doesn't want you to be powerful... Having said that, I grew up struggling with the beatitudes given by Christ in the sermon on the mount. If you're poor, meek, or sad His blessings come as needed support and encouragement, and that's good. But if you have dreams of success it can sound discouraging and instill guilt. But the Bible says that “love conquers all,” it doesn't say love always loses but is the most honorable, it says “those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and mount up on wings as eagles,” it doesn't say believing in God will lead to sorrow and weakness. So what was Christ really saying? Was He actually giving instructions on how to succeed? When Jesus instructs us to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile is He really telling us how to gain power in a powerless situation? Think of it this way, if we're forced to carry a soldiers gear for a mile there is obviously nothing we can do about it, right? But if we volunteer to carry it another mile, that soldier becomes indebted to us, does he not? Not only does it change that persons attitude towards us, it solidifies and publicizes our righteousness in the situation, winning our support from others. Next time we're faced with a humbling situation let's try our best to humble ourselves, let Christ's character shine through our actions and let the power of God do our battling. It may be latent now, but in this life or the next we are sure to earn victory and power beyond explanation.
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone today?
What act of kindness did I perform today?
What did I learn today?
Who did I love today?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading.
Jake
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Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. III
Non-FictionThis is the third in a series of interactive journals designed to help people grow personally, spiritually, and possibly even professionally. There is a daily message that contains a motivational quote, a Bible verse, a vocabulary word, and a messa...
