It began as an attitude of discontentment, rooted in pride that led to a season of, as the Bible would call it, grumbling. In a phenomenon common only to human nature, grumblers attract other grumblers like bees to an open soda can! And it’s amazing how seemingly sweet it all tastes! Even seasoned believers fall prey to the temptations that are common to man.
While I considered myself not at risk for overt acts of sin, my pride of the heart is what put me at odds with the Spirit of Christ in me. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall”, 1 Corinthians 10:12. The scripture also says in James 1:14-16,”But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived my beloved brethren.” Even so I was deceived.
Two years and a heavy Hand wielding a sharp pair of pruning shears later, I say from a much humbler heart, and with praise and thanksgiving, that His cut is really the kindest cut. God warns with His wrath and woos with His mercy. The two worked in tandem to bring me back to fellowship in His presence and fruitfulness in His power!
Lori Thomas
