Sustainability - Emily

Ok, this is a difficult chapter for me to digest. Because of my poor choices prior to marriage and having recently "lost" two friends due to (what I think was) communication issues, I've struggled with an overwhelming negative 'cloud' regarding this stuff. BUT Praise Jesus, He is good and He already knows everything that has happened and is yet to happen in my life - so I trust He is still interested in working His good purposes in me.

I have often wondered where material like this was back when I was so susceptible to the call of my flesh and the world. But then, would I have even listened? I didn't have a relationship with Jesus then and really no regard or respect for God's laws. I knew right from wrong in my head but the passions that guided my choices were entirely selfish. - So I certainly walked in disrespect towards God. I am grieved by those wrong choices and haunted by the statistics stacked against me because of them BUT I can praise Him all the more for Christ's sacrifice which covers each and every sin with his pure and perfect blood. I really want to give Him more and more of me each new day, to completely lose myself in Him.

And am I respectful towards others? Hmm... I'd like to think so but I imagine there are times when I am not. When I stop and think about it, I am shocked at how completely selfish I can be. It's terrible. Sure things might look nice and pretty from the outside but how often am I seeking an ulterior motive? Mary says "Women, don't forget that when you hurt your husband, you hurt yourself.... A Girl-Gone-Wise does not tear down. She is a builder, not a destroyer. She demonstrates respect." Wowzers. I'd be afraid to see my encouragement weighed out next to my criticism. Afraid it would tip in the wrong way :-(  Sadly I can be quick to critique the one whom God gave me as my best friend for now and forever, rather than seeing the bigger picture and purposefully building him up each day. And I confess even with my friends, sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in "talking" about someone, something, some issue etc. but if it isn't edifying it's better left unsaid right?! Am I bold enough to stop myself or pointedly redirect a conversation? Phil 4:8 comes to mind here "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think (talk) about such things.

I can honestly say that I think I need a good dose of work in this area. Being willing to reach out, listen and connect with those who matter to me; not letting too much time pass between. Really letting people know that they matter to me.

Lord I pray that Your truths would resonate in our hearts this week. How you see us, and how you desire us to walk out our relationships modeling Your love. Help us to lay ourselves down so that Your love can flow through us. I pray that we are willing to put effort into growing and nurturing our relationships this week. And as Your Spirit leads could you keep our eyes open to others who may need a good solid friendship.