Reflections

     On Father's Day, I remained in the church service and listened to the sermon instead of going to the children's service. Isa's mom spoke. The message was very thought provoking. Mama Isabel made a distinction between the attitude the Israelites had in Goshen during slavery and the attitude they had in Susa where they had so lately been slaves in Babylon and were now under the dominion of King Ahasuerus. I just wanted to share some of the message and some of my own musings about it.

     The Israelites who came out of Goshen lead by Moses retained the mindset of slaves, although they saw God's hand at work and He had brought them into freedom. They could not let go of the past. The Jews in Susa, however, were more prosperous. Mordechai, for example, was a leading official. Mordechai was a God-fearing Jew and knew God could deliver them from Haman's plan of anhilation. Though he rent his clothes and put on sackcloth, he didn't despair of God's rescue. Because of the attitude of trust the Jews had, their prayers, and God's use of Esther, the Jews were allowed to defend themselves. Those who had been so recently slaves became warriors-all because God prompted the king to extend the sceptor of grace and favour to Esther.

     Perhaps this warrior attitude is another change brought about by grace. Before salvation and before being recipients of God's grace, we were slaves to sin and slaves to the law. When we put our trust in Christ and accept God's grace, he changes our nature to that of heirs of the promise and we are justified by faith. Our mindset is no longer that of a victim, but a victor.

     I sat in service wondering how much my own attitude had changed and realized so many times, when confronted with a variety of circumstances, I forget the change that God has brought about in my life and respond out of the mentality of a slave. How easy it is to do this! To feel sorry for myself in a difficult situation and grumble about it or to feel that I don't have the ability, the strength, the wisdom, or even the "coolness" to overcome and succeed. The victim mentality is an easy one  to wear because it doesn't require exertion to strike out on a new path and to face the forces seeking to destroy you; the victim mentality just gives in and gives up. Grace-enabled warriors defiantly combats the world's mentality and ways because they know they are found in Christ and that though they were once dead they are now alive and God has given them power and authority. Grace takes away helplessness and hopelessness and brings victory and sure promises. It's all about who's in control. Outside of grace, people try to maintain control and fail miserably. In grace, Christ has control and this brings such freedom and life.

     God has been encouraging me lately to check my attitude. Am I responding out of grace and thankfulness or out of a victim mentality and bitterness? I pray that my attitudes and mentalities will continually be changed and freed by grace as I have been called to champion the Gospel.