The Passionate and Persistent Love of God: Day 2

I recently read a blog that helped explain why it's hard for people to take responsibility for their mistakes.  The author wanted to know why some people are quick to admit to their mistakes while others blame the world, their upbringing, or anyone in the near vicinity.  I personally have a hard time being around someone who refuses to admit their mistake.  So, what creates that type of behavior?

The author called it cognitive dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort we experience when faced with two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, opinions, or ideas, and it has a remarkable effect on our behaviors and worldview.

The author went on to explain that many people develop an identity at a young age, and sometimes that identity needs to be challenged.  There will always be situations in life that cause you to reevaluate your identity, and that create cognitive dissonance.  How we handle that dissonance will greatly affect various areas in your life.  For example:

Some children are taught that they can be anything they want when they grow up; even the next president.  As they continue to grow up, their "I can do anything" identity will come into question.  Maybe they find out that they are terrified of public speaking, or struggle with abstract concepts, or were born in a foreign country.  Those challenges will create a conflict in their brain and cause them to reevaluate whether or not they truly are able to do ANYTHING.  Some people will refuse to change their identity; calling the world mean, jealous and unfair.  Other people swing to the opposite extreme and say that they are UNABLE to do anything.  A third group might take a moderate approach and realize that they are able to do anything within REASON.  But how does that relate to this study?

As I was reading this study I saw self-justification in my life.  I typically see myself as a "good guy" who has been a victim of my past, and there is some truth in that statement.  Life is unfair at times, sometimes I have good intentions, and it's not good for people to live in isolation.  But that's only part of the truth.  Sometimes I fail to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to me. Sometimes I'm intentionally mean to others.   Sometimes I reject the advice and assistance of others.

We all have made mistakes, we all have done evil things, and we all have rejected wisdom at times.  When those realities create cognitive dissonance, the best thing we can do is turn to God and ask Him to reset our identity.  Acknowledging our sin and turning to Him is repentance.  It's saying, "God, I trust you to tell me who I really am."  Once we let God reset our identity, we will be able to accept His mission for our lives.

Read about God's purpose for the Church in Ephesians 3:8-13 (NLT)

Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Answer the following questions:

1. What is Paul's assignment, and what does he say about it?
2. What is God's purpose for the Church and what role to do you play in that purpose?
3. What does this passage reveal about Jesus Christ and faith?
4. How do you feel about Paul's statement that we can approach God confidently? Why do you feel the way you do?
5. What is your identity?

Weekly Challenge:

Paul felt privileged about sharing the Good News with other people. Paul believed it was a gracious gift to tell other people that they have endless treasures in Christ. Ask God to help you better understand the “Good News” (asking others for help if you need) and pray for an opportunity to share the good news with others.